A previous Killer 3D Printing Applications article looks at tool voids and tool storage. With 3D printing, we can connect different sets and make cases to organize tools. We can have specific organizational systems for particular operations and find ways to speed up many operations and make them safer. But 3D printing, in hand with power tools, can go much further than just that.
The Market for High-End Power & Hand Tools
The Mafell MT 55 cc plunge-cut saw is regarded as one of the premium woodworking and construction saws on the market. Image courtesy of Mafell
If you need a plunge cut saw, you should probably get a Mafell MT 55 cc. It’s very well made in a factory in Germany that still makes nearly all of the components and tooling that go into the product. From that family-owned factory in Oberndorf am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, come some of the best power tools in the world. Now you could opt for another family-owned brand, Festool, from Wendlingen. The individual Mafell tool is probably better, but Festool’s connected ecosystem of dust extraction, storage, and batteries makes owning just one more Festool a very good choice indeed. If you work with wood, either choice is good. But if you’re cutting wood to size at a construction site, you’ll probably go for Mafell, and if you make cabinets for a living, you’ll probably go for Festool.
Eibenstock’s diamond core drilling systems are designed for heavy-duty professional construction work. The company is one of several European toolmakers highlighted in the article for its focus on durability and engineering quality. Image courtesy of Eibenstock.
In drilling, for example, Eibenstock, DUSS, Fein, and BDS Machines all compete with supremely well-engineered tools for specific user groups. DBS rules in magnetic drill presses, for example, Fein is best for metalwork while Eibenstock and DUSS compete in diamond core drills. Elbenstock is hilariously better than almost any other power tool that you’ve ever seen, while DUSS is even more durable. These tools are expensive, priced more than already well-made tools such as those from Makita. They’re true professional tools, not the delayed landfill you’re likely to find at your local big-box hardware store.
Hand Tools and Power Tools More Broadly
These companies are under threat from cheaper imports and more than that a more disposable mentality. But, with construction and manufacturing sorely needed, these firms could continue in their niches if they keep ahead of the curve. The reason is that in countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, it would cost you around 50 to 100 euros per hour to hire a carpenter. Now, if everyone switched to a hobbyist who works without a contract, insurance, or taxes, that would be cheaper per hour but would rob society of the safety net and shared costs that make contemporary society possible. So the more law-abiding people pay taxes and work according to the r
A previous Killer 3D Printing Applications article looks at tool voids and tool storage. With 3D printing, we can connect different sets and make cases to organize tools. We can have specific organizational systems for particular operations and find ways to speed up many operations and make them safer. But 3D printing, in hand with power tools, can go much further than just that.
The Market for High-End Power & Hand Tools
The Mafell MT 55 cc plunge-cut saw is regarded as one of the premium woodworking and construction saws on the market. Image courtesy of Mafell
If you need a plunge cut saw, you should probably get a Mafell MT 55 cc. It’s very well made in a factory in Germany that still makes nearly all of the components and tooling that go into the product. From that family-owned factory in Oberndorf am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, come some of the best power tools in the world. Now you could opt for another family-owned brand, Festool, from Wendlingen. The individual Mafell tool is probably better, but Festool’s connected ecosystem of dust extraction, storage, and batteries makes owning just one more Festool a very good choice indeed. If you work with wood, either choice is good. But if you’re cutting wood to size at a construction site, you’ll probably go for Mafell, and if you make cabinets for a living, you’ll probably go for Festool.
Eibenstock’s diamond core drilling systems are designed for heavy-duty professional construction work. The company is one of several European toolmakers highlighted in the article for its focus on durability and engineering quality. Image courtesy of Eibenstock.
In drilling, for example, Eibenstock, DUSS, Fein, and BDS Machines all compete with supremely well-engineered tools for specific user groups. DBS rules in magnetic drill presses, for example, Fein is best for metalwork while Eibenstock and DUSS compete in diamond core drills. Elbenstock is hilariously better than almost any other power tool that you’ve ever seen, while DUSS is even more durable. These tools are expensive, priced more than already well-made tools such as those from Makita. They’re true professional tools, not the delayed landfill you’re likely to find at your local big-box hardware store.
Hand Tools and Power Tools More Broadly
These companies are under threat from cheaper imports and more than that a more disposable mentality. But, with construction and manufacturing sorely needed, these firms could continue in their niches if they keep ahead of the curve. The reason is that in countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, it would cost you around 50 to 100 euros per hour to hire a carpenter. Now, if everyone switched to a hobbyist who works without a contract, insurance, or taxes, that would be cheaper per hour but would rob society of the safety net and shared costs that make contemporary society possible. So the more law-abiding people pay taxes and work according to the r