On 7 Jun 2004 17:53:55 -0700, (cisco kid)
wrote:

Hi All - My problems with power tools is that the manufacturers seems
to have redefined the enginnering term power and do not quote torque
or impact values very often. I mean brake horse power - which I
believe should mean the actual delivered power at the tool bit when
when all the other losses such as bad internal design limitations,
gearing, friction etc have been taken into account. So if my Bosch is
delivering 500 watts bhp then with the same drill piece it should be
worse than a 1000 watt NU tool. Of course it is'nt!! So maybe the
trades description boys should get in here. Or redefine a proper unit
of power tool measurement.

I completely agree. Input power is largely irrelevant, with motors
ranging from good and decent in quality tools to diabolical at the
bottom end.

It's relatively easy to measure input power and can also mean that
seemingly impressive specs can be written. The Precision Performance
Power Pro (or whatever they are called this week) routers from B&Q are
the epitome of this, with a 2000W input power (allegedly) but with a
performance equivalent to about half that at best.

There would need to be some standards for this, and probably to be
useful, a measurement method for each type of tool under standard
conditions - i.e. a cutter of a certain size on a router etc.

I don't see that happening any time soon, so in the meantime it's
necessary to be guided by manufacturer, price, and ideally trying out
the tool.


As far as quality of build well there
another story.

Yes indeed, but generally the same principle applies.


..andy

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