When buying power tools pay attention to the amperage.

The more amps the more power.

When I first got started in metal sculpture I didn't have much money and I choose the tool that was the least expensive. 

I might see two tools that looked exactly alike yet one was cheaper.  I would opt for the cheaper tool, not realizing that for a few more dollars I could get a more powerful tool.

With all the tools that I've bought and used I'm embarrassed I didn't know about amps. Once I did I started looking at power tools more closely.

Below is a a 6.3 amp 1/2" electric drill.  I wanted a more powerful electric drill than the one I had been using, so I decided on this particular one.  I can really tell the difference with the increased amperage.

Here's the 4 1/2' grinder that doesn't have much power.

As you can see below it doesn't even list the amps. That should have been a clue but I missed it.

The point is to not be "penny wise and pound foolish". 

Short video on amps = power 

On a completely different subject when looking a this label above; the instructional manuals for many of the China built tools leaves much to be desired.  In many cases there is not much instruction in the small manuals that come with the tool. 

Back to table of contents