[Bill Schwab]

I hope all got what they wanted for Christmas!

We have been looking at Bosch Roto hammers for a future purchase. They make three basic sizes, prices at $400, $500, and the big mama at around $800.00. Obviously, the big one has more Arrr Arrrr Arrrrr POWER, but, it is worth the extra 3 beans?

Do any of you have one and, will the size you have do what you want it to do?

[Stonehenge]

Ours is by Bosch and is a few years old. When I bought it, it was $300+. It has really proved to be an invaluable tool for us, as we've used it for all kinds of things. I can't see us needing a more powerful model, unless we start doing a lot of work where we need to drill lots of holes in concrete or stone.

How much do you think you'll use yours, and what will it be used for?

[Paul]

What size holes are you looking to drill? For most a 1" drill is fine. You can get them in SDS or SDS Max bits. If you go over this size or really have to drill into hard stone or deep concrete then go with a spline drive roto. We used the larger Bosch roto drills and never had a problem with them. A couple of things to remember when drilling with them, don't push just guide them. They drill faster if you let them drill on their own that way they transfer more blows to the stone.

[Bill Schwab]

WE drill 1-1 1/2" holes through barbecue tops to plug in utilities, we would be occasionally coring pavers for SDR-35, 3" pipe drains, and, we drill quite a bit of natural Granite, usually for mounting LV lights.

We have a Bosch hammer drill, with 1/2" chuck, and if you use a 1" drill that has the shank turned down to 1/2" it works but it really works that drill. For coring, I use the tool we use to core and route edges for granite counter tops. Both tools work, but, I can tell they are not exactly the ones best for the job.

I'm thinking that large Bosch from what you guys are saying is the right unit for us, I was just trying to justify the extra 3 beans!

Tool Mart over by our house is having a sale, the large Bosch unit, four bits, 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" for $799.00.

The bits alone can be pretty expensive...

Thanks for the help!

[PSUscaper]

I have a Wacker Magic, don't know what model, but it is huge. Use it more for chipping than anything else. I love the thing. Bought it used on ebay for $500 (think it is close to 1k new) and have had no problems for 2 years with it. It even came with a few bits that are still going strong.

Also have a small AEG roto hammer that works great. Bought it used on ebay for $30! Came with 3 drill bits, including a 1". I bet I've drilled over 500 holes with that thing and it is still going strong!

I'd check out the Wacker, a real nice unit. It's 'brushless' design is supposely bullit proof. I'm betting I'll have it for a long time, and can't see out growing it anytime soon. Look at the wacker if you can, once you see it, you will be impressed.