Finally ground the teeth of my 117mm dry diamond core drill right down to
nothing, my 52mm is missing 2 of its 5 teeth, and I could do with a 127mm
as well, so I guess it's time to shell out on some new ones. Buying a set
seems to be better VFM than buying all the bits individually, but which
one to go for?

There's this 'Faithfull' set:
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp...ill-Kit-+-Case
or at
http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/P...roductID=33871
Who are Faithfull? Are they any good?

A makita set:
http://www.hobuk.co.uk/acatalog/P64185.html
but suspiciously cheap for Makita - are they just allowing someone else to
use their name on their own products (like JCB)?

A rather expensive set from Toolstation
http://www.toolstation.com/search.html?searchstr=49348

And of course various cheap'n'cheerful Rolson etc sets on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-piece-Diamo...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11pc-Diamond-C...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-SDS-HEX-DIAM...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-Pc-DIAMOND-...QQcmdZViewItem

I could buy 2 or 3 sets of the cheapies for the price of one of the more
mainstream sets, and I don't do that much core drilling that I'd wear out
bits at an inconvenient rate if they're not the longest lasting. However
if there's a big difference in how well they cut that would make it worth
while going for a more expensive set.

Anyone got experience of using different sets to share on this one?

On Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:30:45 GMT, John Stumbles
wrote:

Finally ground the teeth of my 117mm dry diamond core drill right down to
nothing, my 52mm is missing 2 of its 5 teeth, and I could do with a 127mm
as well, so I guess it's time to shell out on some new ones. Buying a set
seems to be better VFM than buying all the bits individually, but which
one to go for?

There's this 'Faithfull' set:
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp...ill-Kit-+-Case
or at
http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/P...roductID=33871
Who are Faithfull? Are they any good?

A makita set:
http://www.hobuk.co.uk/acatalog/P64185.html
but suspiciously cheap for Makita - are they just allowing someone else to
use their name on their own products (like JCB)?

A rather expensive set from Toolstation
http://www.toolstation.com/search.html?searchstr=49348

And of course various cheap'n'cheerful Rolson etc sets on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-piece-Diamo...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11pc-Diamond-C...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-SDS-HEX-DIAM...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-Pc-DIAMOND-...QQcmdZViewItem

I could buy 2 or 3 sets of the cheapies for the price of one of the more
mainstream sets, and I don't do that much core drilling that I'd wear out
bits at an inconvenient rate if they're not the longest lasting. However
if there's a big difference in how well they cut that would make it worth
while going for a more expensive set.

Anyone got experience of using different sets to share on this one?

I've done a couple of dozen holes (28mm/38mm and 107mm) in a mixture
of materials - limestone, thermalite blocks, concrete and engineering
brick, and have been happy with the individual blue coloured ones
Toolstation sell (I think they are the same as the sets you mentioned
above) They are made by Marcrist in Yorkshire with a local helpline
rather than being bought in from China. Since I bought mine I've seen
a couple of local builders and plumbers using the same make.


--

"Matt" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:30:45 GMT, John Stumbles
wrote:

Finally ground the teeth of my 117mm dry diamond core drill right down to
nothing, my 52mm is missing 2 of its 5 teeth, and I could do with a 127mm
as well, so I guess it's time to shell out on some new ones. Buying a set
seems to be better VFM than buying all the bits individually, but which
one to go for?

There's this 'Faithfull' set:
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp...ill-Kit-+-Case
or at
http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/P...roductID=33871
Who are Faithfull? Are they any good?

A makita set:
http://www.hobuk.co.uk/acatalog/P64185.html
but suspiciously cheap for Makita - are they just allowing someone else to
use their name on their own products (like JCB)?

A rather expensive set from Toolstation
http://www.toolstation.com/search.html?searchstr=49348

And of course various cheap'n'cheerful Rolson etc sets on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-piece-Diamo...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11pc-Diamond-C...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-SDS-HEX-DIAM...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-Pc-DIAMOND-...QQcmdZViewItem

I could buy 2 or 3 sets of the cheapies for the price of one of the more
mainstream sets, and I don't do that much core drilling that I'd wear out
bits at an inconvenient rate if they're not the longest lasting. However
if there's a big difference in how well they cut that would make it worth
while going for a more expensive set.

Anyone got experience of using different sets to share on this one?

I've done a couple of dozen holes (28mm/38mm and 107mm) in a mixture
of materials - limestone, thermalite blocks, concrete and engineering
brick, and have been happy with the individual blue coloured ones
Toolstation sell (I think they are the same as the sets you mentioned
above) They are made by Marcrist in Yorkshire with a local helpline
rather than being bought in from China. Since I bought mine I've seen
a couple of local builders and plumbers using the same make.


--

With out question I would go for the Marcrist kit from Toolstation. I used
to used Marcrist all the time, but because of the amount of coring we do we
upgraded our whole system to Hilti.

Regards

Steve

Interestingly I spoke to PDP this week.

http://www.premierdiamondproducts.co.uk/

They told me that core bit wear was significantly affected
by the power tool used. I had been using a Bosch Multidrill.
This is OK for the smaller bits but evidently a drill specifically
designed for Diamond Core bit drilling is necessary for the
larger sizes... also better for the smaller sizes...

They recommended something like the Makita 8406.

But you probably already know this... :-)

Roy

On Sat, 22 Jul 2006 20:22:44 +0100, RzB wrote:

Interestingly I spoke to PDP this week.

http://www.premierdiamondproducts.co.uk/

Do you know much about this company and their products? They have a
'Schere' kit at a reasonable price (compared to the Marcrist from
Toolstation, at least). Given tha they claim to be diamond cutting
specialists is their stocking of this line likely to be a useful guide to
its quality?

They told me that core bit wear was significantly affected
by the power tool used. I had been using a Bosch Multidrill.
This is OK for the smaller bits but evidently a drill specifically
designed for Diamond Core bit drilling is necessary for the
larger sizes... also better for the smaller sizes...

They recommended something like the Makita 8406.

But you probably already know this... :-)

I'm still looking for the ideal core drilling machine.
Or at least a decent one I can afford :-)

What makes something like the Makita suitable when other machines of
similar power rating (it's only 850 W) and speed (1500 rpm) aren't?
My 2Kg Makita which is not much lower powered at 780W and presumably
lower geared at 1100 rpm failed miserably to drive any size core drill and
even a 22mm SDS twist drills (though that's mainly down to the
wimpy clutch which slips at the slightest provocation).

I've been using a cheap'n'cheerful 1500W or so 'Ferm' brute from Screwfix
but it's too damn heavy for drilling in awkward places; and seriously
considering the remarkably lightweight 1000W SDS LiDL currently have on
offer for £40 (even if it only lasted a year that's less than the
depreciation on the Makita is likely to be!)

"John Stumbles" wrote in message
news
On Sat, 22 Jul 2006 20:22:44 +0100, RzB wrote:

Interestingly I spoke to PDP this week.

http://www.premierdiamondproducts.co.uk/

Do you know much about this company and their products? They have a
'Schere' kit at a reasonable price (compared to the Marcrist from
Toolstation, at least). Given tha they claim to be diamond cutting
specialists is their stocking of this line likely to be a useful guide to
its quality?

They told me that core bit wear was significantly affected
by the power tool used. I had been using a Bosch Multidrill.
This is OK for the smaller bits but evidently a drill specifically
designed for Diamond Core bit drilling is necessary for the
larger sizes... also better for the smaller sizes...

They recommended something like the Makita 8406.

But you probably already know this... :-)

I'm still looking for the ideal core drilling machine.
Or at least a decent one I can afford :-)

What makes something like the Makita suitable when other machines of
similar power rating (it's only 850 W) and speed (1500 rpm) aren't?
My 2Kg Makita which is not much lower powered at 780W and presumably
lower geared at 1100 rpm failed miserably to drive any size core drill and
even a 22mm SDS twist drills (though that's mainly down to the
wimpy clutch which slips at the slightest provocation).

I've been using a cheap'n'cheerful 1500W or so 'Ferm' brute from Screwfix
but it's too damn heavy for drilling in awkward places; and seriously
considering the remarkably lightweight 1000W SDS LiDL currently have on
offer for £40 (even if it only lasted a year that's less than the
depreciation on the Makita is likely to be!)

Matt/Lord Hall will be along to tell you otherwise.

"John Stumbles" wrote in message
news
On Sat, 22 Jul 2006 20:22:44 +0100, RzB wrote:

Interestingly I spoke to PDP this week.

http://www.premierdiamondproducts.co.uk/

Do you know much about this company and their products? They have a

=== clip

depreciation on the Makita is likely to be!)


John,

I know nothing about the company other than the conversation
I had with them and Lawsons...

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/

Both were very helpful on the subject.

From the discussion I had, I think PDP have actually tested a
number of machines for diamond core bit drilling - hence their
recommendation of the Makita. They wobbled on about different
types of gear boxes and other stuff..

My best advice to you is pick up the phone and talk to them...
I'm sure they will be only too pleased to advise...

Roy

"John Stumbles" wrote in message
news
I've been using a cheap'n'cheerful 1500W or so 'Ferm' brute from Screwfix
but it's too damn heavy for drilling in awkward places; and seriously
considering the remarkably lightweight 1000W SDS LiDL currently have on
offer for £40 (even if it only lasted a year that's less than the
depreciation on the Makita is likely to be!)

That depreciation over one year would be the finest ever, as they guarantee
the drill for 3 years, so you get your money back. Can't beat it.

Matt/Lord Hall will be along top say they pick your pocket on the way out so
you lose the money.

On Mon, 24 Jul 2006 19:35:15 +0100, RzB wrote:

My best advice to you is pick up the phone and talk to them...
I'm sure they will be only too pleased to advise...

Don't suppose you have a number for PDP? They don't show one on their
wibble and haven't replied to my email. Also their web site is borked so I
couldn't order anything from them if I wanted to :-(

"John Stumbles" wrote in message
news
On Mon, 24 Jul 2006 19:35:15 +0100, RzB wrote:

My best advice to you is pick up the phone and talk to them...
I'm sure they will be only too pleased to advise...

Don't suppose you have a number for PDP? They don't show one on their
wibble and haven't replied to my email. Also their web site is borked so I
couldn't order anything from them if I wanted to :-(


Hmmm - it's on their "Contact PDP" Page - 01227 711 555

http://tinyurl.com/ej578

Roy

On Mon, 24 Jul 2006 19:35:15 +0100, RzB wrote:

Interestingly I spoke to PDP this week.

http://www.premierdiamondproducts.co.uk/
....
I know nothing about the company other than the conversation
I had with them and Lawsons...

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/

Both were very helpful on the subject.

Hmmn, yes. Having contacted both I now know that for core drilling I need
a machine that can run at about 3000rpm Like the Makita 8406 (speed
1500rpm), and that specialised core drilling machines are good for this
because they're geared to do run slowly, whereas general SDS machines run
too slowly. Er, or something.

Well sod that I'm not spending more on a machine than a set of core
drills so we'll just see what works with my 1500W SDS brute.

Whether their core sets are any good I dunno but Lawsons have some
reasonably priced truecut sets so I'll give that a whirl.