I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

On Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:48:05 -0700 (PDT), Jay Pique
wrote:

I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

LiIon is far superior. I like the Bosch brushless drills and drivers.
I've had too many of the brushed versions go up in smoke.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Panasonic has been getting out of consumer electronics for some years.
It's too hard to compete with the Koreans and Chinese and maintain a
high standard of living. They're mostly B2B now.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

I'm not a fan of Highland's web site either but their showroom and
stuff in it are first rate, like Lee Valley. Less non-woodworking
stuff though.

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's. That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find. After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact. Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC. It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity. Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

On 4/14/2020 9:47 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:48:05 -0700 (PDT), Jay Pique
wrote:

I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

LiIon is far superior. I like the Bosch brushless drills and drivers.
I've had too many of the brushed versions go up in smoke.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Panasonic has been getting out of consumer electronics for some years.
It's too hard to compete with the Koreans and Chinese and maintain a
high standard of living. They're mostly B2B now.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

I'm not a fan of Highland's web site either but their showroom and
stuff in it are first rate, like Lee Valley. Less non-woodworking
stuff though.


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.



Looks like a fancy dining car on a train.

--
G Ross

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:02:10 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.



The protrusions on the 4 corners of the island say
" because I can afford it "
... the protrusions on each side of the sink say ..
.... " my designer thought it was a good idea .. "

Also - whose friggin' great idea was -
- square bottomed sinks ! ... I hate them.
Hate how they look - can't imagine trying to get the
soap scum out of the corners 24 x 7
... a normal sink almost rinses itself ... geeze.
John T.

On 4/15/2020 4:02 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.



Different strokes for different folks.

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:42:08 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 9:47 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:48:05 -0700 (PDT), Jay Pique
wrote:

I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

LiIon is far superior. I like the Bosch brushless drills and drivers.
I've had too many of the brushed versions go up in smoke.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Panasonic has been getting out of consumer electronics for some years.
It's too hard to compete with the Koreans and Chinese and maintain a
high standard of living. They're mostly B2B now.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

I'm not a fan of Highland's web site either but their showroom and
stuff in it are first rate, like Lee Valley. Less non-woodworking
stuff though.


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

What am I looking for?

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:38:50 -0400, wrote:

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:02:10 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.



The protrusions on the 4 corners of the island say
" because I can afford it "
.. the protrusions on each side of the sink say ..
... " my designer thought it was a good idea .. "

Also - whose friggin' great idea was -
- square bottomed sinks ! ... I hate them.
Hate how they look - can't imagine trying to get the
soap scum out of the corners 24 x 7
... a normal sink almost rinses itself ... geeze.

That's the sous-chef's problem.

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:39:19 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's. That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find. After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact. Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC. It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity. Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

That's due to the chemistry. I've had Bosch batteries for 10 years
(actually, 12 - 2008) and they're still as good as new.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

Impact your wallet? (I shouldn't talk though)

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:38:50 -0400, wrote:

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:02:10 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.



The protrusions on the 4 corners of the island say
" because I can afford it "
.. the protrusions on each side of the sink say ..
... " my designer thought it was a good idea .. "

Also - whose friggin' great idea was -
- square bottomed sinks ! ... I hate them.
Hate how they look - can't imagine trying to get the
soap scum out of the corners 24 x 7
... a normal sink almost rinses itself ... geeze.

If that's in a house, I suspect that there's another, _real_ kitchen
somewhere where the cook does his or her work.

Second or third time one of those protrusions got me in the nuts, I'd
be getting out the Sawzall--whether to apply to the protrusion or to
the architect is an open question.
John T.

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:26:27 -0400, G Ross wrote:

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.



Looks like a fancy dining car on a train.
Looks pretentious

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 8:29:58 PM UTC-4, J. Clarke wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:38:50 -0400, wrote:

On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:02:10 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:42:14 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

Take at look at this kitchen, specifically the images of the island and
the sink.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/stow-custom-kitchen

What do you guys think of the "protrusions" at each corner of the island
and on both sides of the sink. Granted, I've never had a kitchen with
that much walking space, but I don't think I'd want to have to deal with
parts of a counter and island that protrude into the room.

Maybe the island is OK (excepted for sweeping the floor) but the sink
area, IMO, should be smooth across the front.



The protrusions on the 4 corners of the island say
" because I can afford it "
.. the protrusions on each side of the sink say ..
... " my designer thought it was a good idea .. "

Also - whose friggin' great idea was -
- square bottomed sinks ! ... I hate them.
Hate how they look - can't imagine trying to get the
soap scum out of the corners 24 x 7
... a normal sink almost rinses itself ... geeze.

If that's in a house, I suspect that there's another, _real_ kitchen
somewhere where the cook does his or her work.

Second or third time one of those protrusions got me in the nuts, I'd
be getting out the Sawzall--whether to apply to the protrusion or to
the architect is an open question.
John T.

How friggin' tall are you?

Forget height. What motion would you be making that your nuts would make
contact with any of those protrusions? Wait...maybe I don't want to know.

On 4/15/2020 5:52 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:42:08 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 9:47 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:48:05 -0700 (PDT), Jay Pique
wrote:

I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

LiIon is far superior. I like the Bosch brushless drills and drivers.
I've had too many of the brushed versions go up in smoke.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Panasonic has been getting out of consumer electronics for some years.
It's too hard to compete with the Koreans and Chinese and maintain a
high standard of living. They're mostly B2B now.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

I'm not a fan of Highland's web site either but their showroom and
stuff in it are first rate, like Lee Valley. Less non-woodworking
stuff though.


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

What am I looking for?


Almost any thing your heart desires. ;~) And in quality name products.

On 4/15/2020 6:00 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:39:19 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's. That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find. After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact. Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC. It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity. Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

That's due to the chemistry. I've had Bosch batteries for 10 years
(actually, 12 - 2008) and they're still as good as new.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

Impact your wallet? (I shouldn't talk though)


It was a bit to swallow but 8 years later I surely would have replaced
another brand and batteries at least one time and that would almost be a
wash.

Plus I really have come to appreciate the electronic clutch not to
mention the different right angle and offset attachment chucks that came
with it.

On Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:22:46 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/15/2020 5:52 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:42:08 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 9:47 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:48:05 -0700 (PDT), Jay Pique
wrote:

I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

LiIon is far superior. I like the Bosch brushless drills and drivers.
I've had too many of the brushed versions go up in smoke.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Panasonic has been getting out of consumer electronics for some years.
It's too hard to compete with the Koreans and Chinese and maintain a
high standard of living. They're mostly B2B now.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

I'm not a fan of Highland's web site either but their showroom and
stuff in it are first rate, like Lee Valley. Less non-woodworking
stuff though.


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

What am I looking for?


Almost any thing your heart desires. ;~) And in quality name products.

I didn't see any Panasonic drills in there.

On Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:26:45 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/15/2020 6:00 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:39:19 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's. That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find. After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact. Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC. It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity. Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

That's due to the chemistry. I've had Bosch batteries for 10 years
(actually, 12 - 2008) and they're still as good as new.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

Impact your wallet? (I shouldn't talk though)


It was a bit to swallow but 8 years later I surely would have replaced
another brand and batteries at least one time and that would almost be a
wash.

I've had both Bosch 12V and 18V sets (drill, driver, and impact
driver) for longer than that (though I just replaced the 12V drill and
impact driver with brushless models). In that time I've lost one
battery and that was right at the beginning.

Plus I really have come to appreciate the electronic clutch not to
mention the different right angle and offset attachment chucks that came
with it.

Offset would be nice but I haven't wanted to buy yet another drill. I
just can't come to spend that much on a drill/driver. The other
tools, sure, but a freakin' drill? Cheaper ones work perfectly well.

On 4/17/2020 3:26 PM, Leon wrote:
On 4/15/2020 6:00 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:39:19 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and
it was absolutely the best I've ever owned.Â* I think they had 3.5amp
hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever.
All day basically.Â* The impact driver had a slick digital clutch -
and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune
screw depth.

What happened to them?Â* Do those features still exist today?Â* I feel
like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website.Â* get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's.Â* That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find.Â* After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact.Â* Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC.Â* It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity.Â* Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

That's due to the chemistry.Â* I've had Bosch batteries for 10 years
(actually, 12 - 2008) and they're still as good as new.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

Impact your wallet? (I shouldn't talk though)


It was a bit to swallow but 8 years later I surely would have replaced
another brand and batteries at least one time and that would almost be a
wash.

Plus I really have come to appreciate the electronic clutch not to
mention the different right angle and offset attachment chucks that came
with it.

The two Milwaukees are each over 15 and 3 of the four original packs are
as good as new...the fourth loses charge somewhat more quickly but still
functional.

They are big and heavy, though, altho I've not seen the Festool to
compare...is it 1/2" or 3/8"?

Doing the house remodel I was really impressed w/ the DeWalt the
contractors were using and had already yearned for the battery saw so
bought a way-marked-down kit(*) at XMas time...have been very satisfied
with both drill and impact driver (after having learned to use--it's
pretty bizarre from the first time-it's easy to strip a head out if not
used to. The Milwaukees I haven't ever used as driver much owing to
their heft except for rough fencing and the like).

Unfortunately for the thread I've never even seen a Panasonic what more
had one to use to compare...

(*) Only real shortcoming is they cut cost by cutting down to just 2 or
2.5 AH batteries...but 3rd party replacements of larger capacity are
quite reasonable altho these have lasted well enough for household
remodeling of interior work. Probably not so much if pro driving deck
screws all day.

--

On Fri, 17 Apr 2020 19:39:55 -0500, dpb wrote:

On 4/17/2020 3:26 PM, Leon wrote:
On 4/15/2020 6:00 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:39:19 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and
it was absolutely the best I've ever owned.* I think they had 3.5amp
hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever.
All day basically.* The impact driver had a slick digital clutch -
and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune
screw depth.

What happened to them?* Do those features still exist today?* I feel
like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website.* get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's.* That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find.* After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact.* Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC.* It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity.* Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

That's due to the chemistry.* I've had Bosch batteries for 10 years
(actually, 12 - 2008) and they're still as good as new.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

Impact your wallet? (I shouldn't talk though)


It was a bit to swallow but 8 years later I surely would have replaced
another brand and batteries at least one time and that would almost be a
wash.

Plus I really have come to appreciate the electronic clutch not to
mention the different right angle and offset attachment chucks that came
with it.

The two Milwaukees are each over 15 and 3 of the four original packs are
as good as new...the fourth loses charge somewhat more quickly but still
functional.

They are big and heavy, though, altho I've not seen the Festool to
compare...is it 1/2" or 3/8"?

Doing the house remodel I was really impressed w/ the DeWalt the
contractors were using and had already yearned for the battery saw so
bought a way-marked-down kit(*) at XMas time...have been very satisfied
with both drill and impact driver (after having learned to use--it's
pretty bizarre from the first time-it's easy to strip a head out if not
used to. The Milwaukees I haven't ever used as driver much owing to
their heft except for rough fencing and the like).

Unfortunately for the thread I've never even seen a Panasonic what more
had one to use to compare...

(*) Only real shortcoming is they cut cost by cutting down to just 2 or
2.5 AH batteries...but 3rd party replacements of larger capacity are
quite reasonable altho these have lasted well enough for household
remodeling of interior work. Probably not so much if pro driving deck
screws all day.
2 spare batteries and chargers will keep you running all day - and
all night if you want.

On 4/17/2020 4:06 PM, wrote:
On Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:22:46 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/15/2020 5:52 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:42:08 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 9:47 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:48:05 -0700 (PDT), Jay Pique
wrote:

I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

LiIon is far superior. I like the Bosch brushless drills and drivers.
I've had too many of the brushed versions go up in smoke.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Panasonic has been getting out of consumer electronics for some years.
It's too hard to compete with the Koreans and Chinese and maintain a
high standard of living. They're mostly B2B now.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

I'm not a fan of Highland's web site either but their showroom and
stuff in it are first rate, like Lee Valley. Less non-woodworking
stuff though.


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

What am I looking for?


Almost any thing your heart desires. ;~) And in quality name products.

I didn't see any Panasonic drills in there.


I don't see Panasonic anywhere anymore. Locally.

On 4/17/2020 4:13 PM, wrote:
On Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:26:45 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/15/2020 6:00 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:39:19 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's. That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find. After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact. Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC. It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity. Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

That's due to the chemistry. I've had Bosch batteries for 10 years
(actually, 12 - 2008) and they're still as good as new.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

Impact your wallet? (I shouldn't talk though)


It was a bit to swallow but 8 years later I surely would have replaced
another brand and batteries at least one time and that would almost be a
wash.

I've had both Bosch 12V and 18V sets (drill, driver, and impact
driver) for longer than that (though I just replaced the 12V drill and
impact driver with brushless models). In that time I've lost one
battery and that was right at the beginning.

Plus I really have come to appreciate the electronic clutch not to
mention the different right angle and offset attachment chucks that came
with it.

Offset would be nice but I haven't wanted to buy yet another drill. I
just can't come to spend that much on a drill/driver. The other
tools, sure, but a freakin' drill? Cheaper ones work perfectly well.


Actually, at least a couple of years ago Festool drills were available
with out the Systainer, and extra ad ons. IIRC pricing was just under $300.
And their battery prices had come way down after that point.

On Mon, 20 Apr 2020 09:00:05 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/17/2020 4:06 PM, wrote:
On Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:22:46 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/15/2020 5:52 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:42:08 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 9:47 PM, wrote:
On Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:48:05 -0700 (PDT), Jay Pique
wrote:

I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

LiIon is far superior. I like the Bosch brushless drills and drivers.
I've had too many of the brushed versions go up in smoke.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Panasonic has been getting out of consumer electronics for some years.
It's too hard to compete with the Koreans and Chinese and maintain a
high standard of living. They're mostly B2B now.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.

I'm not a fan of Highland's web site either but their showroom and
stuff in it are first rate, like Lee Valley. Less non-woodworking
stuff though.


Take a look at the Hartville Hardware web site.

https://www.hartvillehardware.com/

What am I looking for?


Almost any thing your heart desires. ;~) And in quality name products.

I didn't see any Panasonic drills in there.


I don't see Panasonic anywhere anymore. Locally.

That was my point. Panasonic is getting out of the consumer business
and going pretty much all B2B.

On Mon, 20 Apr 2020 09:02:25 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/17/2020 4:13 PM, wrote:
On Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:26:45 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/15/2020 6:00 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:39:19 -0500, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 4/14/2020 8:48 PM, Jay Pique wrote:
I owned a Panasonic drill/impact driver back in the early 2000's and it was absolutely the best I've ever owned. I think they had 3.5amp hour batteries - nickel metal hydride - but they lasted for.ever. All day basically. The impact driver had a slick digital clutch - and then a "quarter turn" feature that you could use to fine tune screw depth.

What happened to them? Do those features still exist today? I feel like the Dewalts and Makitas I've been using are inferior.

Just curious.
JP

PS - still hate the improved Lee Valley website. get off my lawn.



I owned the a Panasonic Drill Driver in the early 90's. That was a
great drill that was eventually replaced as batteries were difficult to
find. After the Panasonic I had 2 DeWalt's and a Makita drill and a
Makita impact. Some how or another I was awarded with a Bosch impact
after the all of that.

8 years ago I bought a Festool drill, T12 kit IIRC. It compares to the
Panasonic in build quality and longevity. Still using the original
batteries with none showing any sign of weakening.

That's due to the chemistry. I've had Bosch batteries for 10 years
(actually, 12 - 2008) and they're still as good as new.

FWIW I seldom if ever use the Makita Impact and or the Bosch impact.
The Festool drill driver has always had the power to do what the impacts
used to do for me.

Impact your wallet? (I shouldn't talk though)


It was a bit to swallow but 8 years later I surely would have replaced
another brand and batteries at least one time and that would almost be a
wash.

I've had both Bosch 12V and 18V sets (drill, driver, and impact
driver) for longer than that (though I just replaced the 12V drill and
impact driver with brushless models). In that time I've lost one
battery and that was right at the beginning.

Plus I really have come to appreciate the electronic clutch not to
mention the different right angle and offset attachment chucks that came
with it.

Offset would be nice but I haven't wanted to buy yet another drill. I
just can't come to spend that much on a drill/driver. The other
tools, sure, but a freakin' drill? Cheaper ones work perfectly well.


Actually, at least a couple of years ago Festool drills were available
with out the Systainer, and extra ad ons. IIRC pricing was just under $300.

And 18V Bosch can be had for around $100 ($200 for two tools) with two
batteries and charger included. The 12V can be had for less. You do
have to watch for sales. November/December are usually the best times
for this stuff.

And their battery prices had come way down after that point.

$100 and up for 18V batteries is still a lot of $$. Often it's
cheaper to buy tools with batteries than batteries alone.