Tool Series Question: Power Tools

I have several Bosch tools and Dewalt tools and they both been very solid.

I have a Bosch sliding miter saw that I really like. It’s designed so you don’t have to have it sitting away from the wall due to the rails.
I have a Dewalt planer that’s great
Other bigger stuff I have a mix. Jet lathe, powermatic jointer, Grizzly band saw and dust collection, etc.

I own 20+ dewalt tools and really have no complaints. They last, are well thought out, and if it has a feature then it’s probably gonna be useful in some way as opposed to just being something to break. They prettymuch define a brand you aren’t gonna go wrong with.

That said, if I was starting out today, I would more than likely go Milwaukee. They cater a little more directly to the pro/trade crowd and while all brands have homeowner type models, Milwaukee will also typically offer one with a little better fit/finish/ergonomics and features that are really awesome if you use that tool a lot. Their 12v line especially is badass.

Collecting the batteries does force you to pick a side to an extent, but if it’s a corded tool then I would just look at YouTube reviews for comparable models and not get hung up on having all the same color.

I have Dewalt cordless. Bosch and Makita corded. They dont get heavy use but they've all been great for home use.

I have Dewalt and Milwaukee (mostly M12) and have no complaints about either. You really can't go wrong with either as a DIY'er. Milwaukee can be more expensive though, especially the M18 line. I had a bad experience with Bosch because of a faulty battery charger that almost caught on fire so I'm a little gun shy of them. But to be fair, that had nothing to do with the actual tool.

If it's a tool I know I'll use only once every few years, I go with Bauer from Harbor Freight. Quality is pretty good. Performance is not that of the big boys, but for *most* jobs around the house, they will be more than adequate.

I have been using Ryobi tools because that is what I started with, and they have reasonable price points, particularly for bundled sales.

In the 20-plus years I have had them, I have had one drill burn out its motor, but that was because I lent it to my neighbor's kid with no common sense and he let it overheat while drilling through 8 by 8 posts.

Considering that I have not felt compelled to switch to Dewalt or Milwaukee, etc. They may be better quality, but the Ryobi stuff I have is doing everything I need.

ETA: Outside of battery power, I have a little bit of everything - Delta Miter Saw, Milwaukee Sawzall, Harborfreight brick saw, Skilsaw, etc. A few were gifts, and a few were what I perceived to be the best value for what I needed at the time. I am not trying to do fine woodwork or much trim work. Mostly just residing, soffit repairs, etc. If you see interior fine carpentry in your future, you should probably be pickier than I am.

I got started with Rigid because there was a special from home depot for 120$ you could get the impact, the drill, 2 batteries and a charger with a lifetime warranty on the batteries. Still have and use this set after hard use 15 years later. However, I've used brushless Milwaukee and Makita drills, and they feel like driving a mercedes compared to my Rigid. When you use one as much as I do, that comfort in your hands makes a difference.

Bought Rigid table saw and circular saw that are still going, seem solid with medium use.

Bought Rigid orbital sander and had to return 2 times with same issue so bought a Bosch that has been great, but I don't think Home Depot carries Bosch anymore, not sure there.

Got a Ryobi mitre saw that is still going and I've used it a lot.

I've seen the Harbor freight tools, for the price point, do very well.

I recently had to buy a grinder and went with Milwaukee and it feels really well made. Went with that brand because i've heard good things. My inlaws moved out of a house and said "take what you want from what's left in garage". Grabbed a beat up metal box with a Milwaukee air hammer in it. Opened it up and it had never been used. I've used it to drill through railroad ties and concrete slab with ease.

Really depends on how much you wanna spend and how much you will use them.

I have multiple tools from the Craftsman V20 series. Not as sexy as Milwaukee but I've been pleased with everything I bought.

I like Milwaukee tools in general BUT the tools that have the kind of battery connection in the photo below are horrible.

I bought 4 different tools (impact driver, mini sawzall etc) with this type battery and have replaced all of them after 1-2 years because it constantly disconnects when working.

I've had much better luck with Makita than Milwaukee in general for durability.

For most homeowner work, the Milwaukee M12 are just outstanding. I’ve got some M18 stuff, too, but I find myself using the M12 for virtually everything. M12 drill and impact drivers are a joy to use — like an extension of my hand.