sparky603

I have both. Not a pro wrench, just servicing my own stuff. Even including my fullsize trucks, I use the 3/8" Compact probably 90% of the time. The High Torque has awesome power, but it is large and heavy, and awkward to use in many areas, sometimes impossible. I'd definitely go with the Compact first.

I'm quite happy with mine. I have no desire to count how many holes per charge I'm getting, nor do I care. Folks get way too wrapped up in stats. I have plenty of batteries, and would think anyone that really has a need for this tool also would. All I care about is that I don't have to drag that dang cord around with me anymore. My DeWalt DW460 was the last of my tools that I really use regularly that I needed an extension cord for, and that'll come out a whole heck of a lot less frequently now. Great tool.

If a 7-1/4" saw is your preference, a pretty well-informed fellow forum member was told that a Fuel one was in the works.

With a coupon, or a price match, I'm almost always able to buy what I want new at a decent discount. The savings on the refurbs have never really been substantial enough to entice me. I do like to save a buck, but I'm a contractor, so it's a business expense, anyway. With everything made in China nowadays, my prefered method is stalking older quality stuff that's up on Craigs cheap, just avoiding the beat looking stuff. 'Course, I'm talking corded tools, there.

In most areas, carpentry is an unlicensed trade, which means any Tom, Dick or Harry can set himself up as one on a whim. Earning an electrician's license takes a commitment, but comes with greater reward. Based on your brief history, I'd say that you need to ask yourself whether you're able to commit to something at this point in your life. A licensed tradesman is normally going to expect more out of you, if he's going to take you on as an apprentice and attempt to teach you his craft, so carpentry may be better suited to you, for now.

You've got some good stuff there. Much better than what I started out with, that's for sure.

I don't baby them, nor do I beat on them. I've spent a great deal of money on my tools, and I also enjoy them, so I'm not going to go out of my way to thrash them. A craftsman doesn't thrash his stuff, a hack does. Conversely, they are tools, and I'm making a living with them, so I don't make any effort to keep them pristine.

Every time I think about picking up the stick light, I think about the fact that it's like $80, and then they have the gall to want like $20 additional for the magnet. It just rubs me wrong that they have to stick it to you a second time on it.

As a pro, I'd definitely choose M18, if I had to pick. As I do mostly service jobs, I bring my M12 stuff in first, and it get's 3/4's of what I need done, but I couldn't live without the power of my M18 Fuel hammer drill or Sawzall, when it's needed. Nor, could I give up the M18 flood light.