I've got both 9.6V and 14.4V Makita cordless drills and I like them both,
for just the same kind of uses that you describe. My wife likes the 9.6
better because it's a little smaller and lighter, but it's still got enough
power and endurance for household use, and I pick it up myself instead of
the 14 when I've got something light to do. Both of them have good balance.
The 14.4 that I have came with NIMH batteries (black cases), which are
significantly better than the Nicad ones (red cases). If the one you're
looking at has the NIMH batteries, that'd be a plus, but either way I think
you'd like the drill.

Tom Dacon
'
"Monroe" wrote in message
news
I've been looking for a cordles drill for some time. In addition to
the convenience of cordless for general household maintenance work,
I'd also like for it to be able to deal with woodworking chores
drilling up to 2x wood, screws for the same. Purely non-pro use
(i.e. light to periodic moderate use), but I'd like something more
than just a lightweight utility drill. Saying that, I'm seeing more
and more of "brand name" drill models of the 12V-14V size being
offered at extremely good prices. One such (Makita 6280D: 14.4V,
1.3Ahr, about 300-odd ft/lbs torque) has caught my eye in a local sale
flyer. Price is nice ($125 Cdn) but I know next to nothing about this
particular model/build series. Any user comments? Any comments in
general about the minimum I should be looking at? I have no other
cordless equipment here. For the most part, PC and Bosch corded
tools. But the convenience factor of the drill has finally nudged me
along enough to consider purchasing one.

thanks
--

Monroe

I agree with Tom. NiMH batteries are usually nicer except that NiCad might
run a little better in very cold weather. I have the 18v Makita and it has
been great. I was able to drive a 1 1/4 auger bit through 2x4 studs in 40
degree weather last fall and the battery life was still pretty good. Makita
is one of the few manufacturers making NiMH batteries so I usually look
there first for my cordless tools.

-Steve


"Tom Dacon" wrote in message
...
I've got both 9.6V and 14.4V Makita cordless drills and I like them both,
for just the same kind of uses that you describe. My wife likes the 9.6
better because it's a little smaller and lighter, but it's still got
enough power and endurance for household use, and I pick it up myself
instead of the 14 when I've got something light to do. Both of them have
good balance. The 14.4 that I have came with NIMH batteries (black cases),
which are significantly better than the Nicad ones (red cases). If the one
you're looking at has the NIMH batteries, that'd be a plus, but either way
I think you'd like the drill.

Tom Dacon
'
"Monroe" wrote in message
news
I've been looking for a cordles drill for some time. In addition to
the convenience of cordless for general household maintenance work,
I'd also like for it to be able to deal with woodworking chores
drilling up to 2x wood, screws for the same. Purely non-pro use
(i.e. light to periodic moderate use), but I'd like something more
than just a lightweight utility drill. Saying that, I'm seeing more
and more of "brand name" drill models of the 12V-14V size being
offered at extremely good prices. One such (Makita 6280D: 14.4V,
1.3Ahr, about 300-odd ft/lbs torque) has caught my eye in a local sale
flyer. Price is nice ($125 Cdn) but I know next to nothing about this
particular model/build series. Any user comments? Any comments in
general about the minimum I should be looking at? I have no other
cordless equipment here. For the most part, PC and Bosch corded
tools. But the convenience factor of the drill has finally nudged me
along enough to consider purchasing one.

thanks
--

Monroe

"Steve W" wrote in message
. com...
I agree with Tom. NiMH batteries are usually nicer except that NiCad might
run a little better in very cold weather. I have the 18v Makita and it has
been great. I was able to drive a 1 1/4 auger bit through 2x4 studs in 40
degree weather last fall and the battery life was still pretty good.
Makita is one of the few manufacturers making NiMH batteries so I usually
look there first for my cordless tools.


Better buy quick as many including Makita are switching to Lithium Ion
batteries.

"Leon" wrote in message
et...

"Steve W" wrote in message
. com...
I agree with Tom. NiMH batteries are usually nicer except that NiCad
might run a little better in very cold weather. I have the 18v Makita and
it has been great. I was able to drive a 1 1/4 auger bit through 2x4
studs in 40 degree weather last fall and the battery life was still pretty
good. Makita is one of the few manufacturers making NiMH batteries so I
usually look there first for my cordless tools.


Better buy quick as many including Makita are switching to Lithium Ion
batteries.


Even better.

-Steve