Tools!

[Oswego]

I always liked Bosch routers. They used to be rated #1 - not sure anymore. I borrowed a buddy's when I started fixing this place up 16 years ago for all my trim and window openings. it was a beast.

I have this guy .. mine has a case though
Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2.25 HP Combination Plunge and Fixed-Base Router Kit

And this little guy
Bosch GKF125CEPK Colt 7 Amp 1.25 HP Variable-Speed Palm Router Combo Kit

Their pricing is great. Sadly I am going cordless for everything for now. No clue where Ill be next, but having a power outlet is not in the plans till I build the outlet.

The small 10% I can get at Home Depot is enough for me.

Ill take what I can get right now being on a fixed income of $0.00. Save about $70 on sale and thats no small potatoes. Thats a large steak and potatoes

 

[Silverback]

Yeah when I bought my Bosch stuff (all corded) I was researching the shit out of it and Bosch was coming out on top (or near the top) every time. But that was 12-14 years ago. Its still good but their is probably better now.

 

[Oswego]

Funny how times change. I never used battery operated tools or liked them as a teen. I used to avoid them at all costs and would run cords everywhere.

Only time I liked them was maintenance on the docks. Running hundreds of feet of cord to fix a single board sucked.

Even for my guys at work I didn't start buying cordless hammer drills until maybe a couple years ago if that.

Now the tech so so good you have to be crazy to not consider them.

 

[Silverback]

Exactly! My dad had an AEG cordless drill back when I was just out of high school. Thing was pretty awesome but it was also very $$$. To compare it to the drills they have today is a joke... but it did drill holes and put in screws.

 

[CowboyTaco]

Thinking about picking up a pressure washer. Space in the garage is limited, so I'm looking at electric ones. I'm kind of figuring that if I can keep on top of it and not let the concrete get too bad, I don't need a 3000+ psi gas powered unit.

Looking at some of the 2000 psi electric ones. There are, of course, a multitude of no-name chineseium options on Amazon. Not sure I trust those. Kind of thinking of getting one of the Ryobi that HD offers. But I'll open the can of worms. Any recommendations?

I like that this one comes with the concrete disc cleaner and a foam cannon, but it's only 1600 psi so I think I would regret this one: Karcher K2 CHK 1,600 PSI 1.25 GPM Water Electric Pressure Washer-1.602-317.0 - The Home Depot

This WEN has the best price for a 2k psi unit, but the cord and hose are kind of short. Bonus: comes with foam cannon. WEN 2000 PSI 1.6 GPM 13 Amp Variable Flow Electric Pressure Washer-PW19 - The Home Depot

This WEN seems like a decent option, but doesn't come with any accessories: WEN 2100 PSI 1.3 GPM 13.5 Amp Electric Pressure Washer with Variable Flow Power and Hose Reel-PW22 - The Home Depot

Some other potentially safe options:
Stanley 2150 psi 1.4 GPM Electric Pressure Washer with Included Soap Foam Cannon, 25 ft. Hose, Spray Gun, Nozzles and More-SHP2150 - The Home Depot

Westinghouse ePX 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM Electric Pressure Washer with Anti-Tipping Technology-ePX3000 - The Home Depot

RYOBI 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer-RY141900 - The Home Depot

(Note: I have $200 in HD gift cards. Trying to keep it under that. Foam cannon and concrete disk are about $30 each if bought individually)

 

[Oswego]

Just know your electric PW will be disposable (super low hrs usage) and more than likely made by a government who's dictator just told their troops to get ready for war with us (China).

I'm done buying disposable China goods ~ Tired of supporting the enemy.

Ive also learned from my past mistakes. We used to buy the disposable gas ones from the big box stores. They would lats a year or two before blowing up and being trashed because the 'fix' costs more than a new one.

All that BS rant said you need to look into GPM more than pressure. The PSI is useless unless you have the GPM to carry it away. Anything with less than 2gpm I would avoid.

If you only need it yearly - just go rent a good one once a year. Save time, save money, save space, avoid filling landfills, and avoid supporting commies. Win win win win



Also if you are not sealing your concrete after you clean it - you should be. It will help it extend the time between cleanings needed by at least 100%.

I avoid all the foam cannons and concrete disks. Everyone Ive looked into thats offered at a big box store breaks on use #1 or 2. Pure garbage. Ive not seen one good concrete disk that will last that costs less than $200.

The pump on my PW costs me about the same as a new disposable one and will last another 20 years vs a year or two. I can also work about 2x as fast as those smaller ones because it's a beast.

Buy once cry once IMHO. If you plan on living in houses for the rest of your life and doing your own maintenance it's something you are going to need for a looooooong time.

 

[Silverback]

^^ Spot on... GPM is where its at.

 

[CowboyTaco]

So you're saying don't be "green" and go with a lower GPM to save water....

 

[Silverback]

bingo... drain the lakes with your GPM usage.

 

[tx_shooter]

My Ryobi electric power washer has held up okay for the last three years. I use it maybe 5-7 times a year to wash a vehicle, concrete, and the house in the spring.

 

[CowboyTaco]

I borrowed one from a neighbor a year ago and it did a good job. Before that it was 3k psi or bust.

 

[AlienXtx]

Got a new mobile press. We have to use this to press the king pins in/out on my HD buses. Shit was $10k

 

[Silverback]

How many lbs of pressure is that bad boy!

 

[AlienXtx]

How many lbs of pressure is that bad boy!

I'll have to look tomorrow, but it's hell for stout. Build in Germany by MANN axles I suppose. I know it originated in Germany. I have MANN axles on my buses.

 

[Silverback]

Very cool... MANN makes some amazing rigs!!

 

[Anathollo]

I'll have to look tomorrow, but it's hell for stout. Build in Germany by MANN axles I suppose. I know it originated in Germany. I have MANN axles on my buses.

It's just MAN. In German, you pronounce the name "Mmm...Aaa...N" saying each letter by itself. Only reason I know this is because my Opa worked for MAN in Germany his whole career of 30+ as a machinist assistant.

 

[Oswego]

So you're saying don't be "green" and go with a lower GPM to save water....

Low GPM is like taking a shower w/just soap and no water. Sure you can scrub all day, but there is nothing to take the bubbles and dirt away?

I think it's the industries way of blowing smoke up your rear. They can make the fitting super small like a pencil beam and increase pressure. In the end you've got essentially a water jet. You really want a good mix of pressure and water.

Do not think in terms of green for the water usage - If you want to be green buy a machine that will last a lifetime and you can keep out of the dump

My Ryobi electric power washer has held up okay for the last three years. I use it maybe 5-7 times a year to wash a vehicle, concrete, and the house in the spring.

I borrowed one from a neighbor a year ago and it did a good job. Before that it was 3k psi or bust.

My mom & sister have little electric ones. Ive used them as well. Just nothing can beat the power of a good gas unit for me. After all the issues Ive had over the years + trying to turn a new leaf this year (no China - no disposable items) I'm highly biased.

Trying to spend my limited funds on stuff that can last a lifetime with me maintaining it. Even though I didn't rebuild the old pump out of cost - I only have $300 into it over the years and that things pressure washed just about all my friends houses, my house multiple times, and it's primary use - miles of docks were pressure washed so people wouldn't slide as easily off them

 

[Oswego]

Got a new mobile press. We have to use this to press the king pins in/out on my HD buses. Shit was $10k
View attachment 32034

thats pretty awesome.

reminds me of a core drilling rig for coring through building slabs

 

[Anathollo]

Low GPM is like taking a shower w/just soap and no water. Sure you can scrub all day, but there is nothing to take the bubbles and dirt away?

I think it's the industries way of blowing smoke up your rear. They can make the fitting super small like a pencil beam and increase pressure. In the end you've got essentially a water jet. You really want a good mix of pressure and water.

Do not think in terms of green for the water usage - If you want to be green buy a machine that will last a lifetime and you can keep out of the dump





My mom & sister have little electric ones. Ive used them as well. Just nothing can beat the power of a good gas unit for me. After all the issues Ive had over the years + trying to turn a new leaf this year (no China - no disposable items) I'm highly biased.

Trying to spend my limited funds on stuff that can last a lifetime with me maintaining it. Even though I didn't rebuild the old pump out of cost - I only have $300 into it over the years and that things pressure washed just about all my friends houses, my house multiple times, and it's primary use - miles of docks were pressure washed so people wouldn't slide as easily off them

The only reason I would own an electric powerwasher right now is for washing cars. That way I wouldn't have to worry as much when washing cars about taking the paint off. However, just like electric tools, I'm sure the electric power washers are going to get more powerful in the future and be badass with less maintenance.

 

[Oswego]

Milwaukee will prob have a $5k battery operated version out next year that does 10,000psi and you can dig to China