Need Drill Recommendations

By far, the best drill I have ever owned. Do not go any less than 20v if you’re looking to use this around the house as well. >>><<<

 

Ryobi. Cheap & good quality. The big box improvement stores have deals now and again on them.

 

I don't have the 20v drill but have I've had 3 sets of DeWalt cordless tools (1-12v & 2-18v) for years without a failure, not even a battery biting the dust. However, I'm keen on picking up extra batteries when they're on sale or if there's a killer deal on ebay/Amazon. It extends their life and there's usually one in the collection that has enough charge to get by until another is charged.
For general purpose stuff consider getting a set that has the impact driver. I scoffed when a buddy suggested it but I was wrong. For most projects around the house I end up using the impact tool more than any from the DeWalt bag.

Do you know the optimal rpm specs for your mill? A consideration with a variable speed unit is you'll have to hold the trigger at your desired rpms for the duration of the crush and, according to the manual, "Continuous use in variable speed range is not recommended. It may damage the switch and should be avoided."
If 450 rpm is suitable the 3-speed unit will keep the rpms constant. You'll still need to hold the trigger since there's not a built-in trigger lock.

ETA: If you go the DeWalt route I'd suggest getting one with the bag instead of the hard case. The bags almost always have room o' plenty for bits and extra batteries, whereas the space for accessories in the hard cases is limited to non-existent.

 

You want an old garage door opener motor? You can have if you cover shipping cost...probably $15 or so. House came with two and I already used one for my mill...pm me if you do.

 

As mentioned above,the ryobi lithiums have a lot of torque. It's a work out trying to hold the drill while using a 3 roller.

 

DeWalt and Milwaukee are the class of the cordless power tool market. It’s Ford/Chevy, Colt/Smith and Wesson, Pumas/Adidas. They have their respective passionate fanboys, but you can’t go wrong with either.

I’d stay away from the rest. You either get cheap crap like Ryobi or needlessly (for general use) well made but expensive stuff like Hilti.

 

I guess I'd be considered a DeWalt fanboy, but maybe not so far as passionate. That's mostly because I have little experience with Milwaukee cordless (but do have a 30+ year old 1/2" corded that's still a beast).
Batteries and Bulbs (for those who have one nearby) will rebuild some batteries for less than buying. I had them rebuild two Milwaukee 18v batteries for a buddy and he said they work better than new.

Yeah, that info is tough to come by with a search but at least two results indicate 500 rpm as a max.
There's post at HBT about motorizing a Schmidling 2-roller, and a follow up comment saying that Schmidling has a max rated speed of 500 rpm.
500 max is purportedly concurred in a reply to an email to Jack Schmidling HERE (search within the article for "emailed"). Mr. Schmidling offers some additional tips in his reply. FWIW, the article looks to be a pretty good representation for a permanent build.
If 500 is accurate and drill speed to roller speed is 1:1, the 20v 3-speed could still be a contender (and it also has a variable speed feature).

....low speed on the DeWalt is 450 rpm.

 

Remember you get what you pay for.

Contractors do not use $40 cordless drills for a reason. You don't need a $300 Festool, but plan to spend $70 or $100 for a decent tool with a battery. The battery is a big expense. Sometimes you can get a deal with 2 batteries or something and that is worth a bit because they do wear out eventually, and with 2 you're always good to go. Just keep an eye open for deals, when the big box store needs to clear the shelf for new product they do offer some meaningful discounts here.

I currently have and use a Milwaukee for small jobs (draft installs), 18v Rigid for general use (HD) and an 18v Hitachi as well (Lowes). Makita and and Bosch are also well regarded.

Black and Decker and Ryobi are generally home owner grade, and not very good.

The best drill for the money? Your Dad's old corded Craftsman. Second best is most corded drills. If you don't need the battery corded is the way to go, especially if it is going to live on a grain mill. Tons of torque and the always have power when plugged in.

If you do get a battery, you'll probably stay with the same brand for new tools as well since batteries are not interchangeable between brands. Manufacturers know this and are selling the tool and battery like Gillette sells razors and HP sells inkjet printers.

Cheers.

 

That's a key reason I've stayed with DeWalt. I buy one of their tools, get some spare batteries, see another style tool that I need (want), buy the same brand/size cuz I already have the batteries. They hook you in a vicious circle of expenditures.
I think DeWalt is/has phased out their 18v motors (but not batteries, yet). They offer a battery adapter insert for 18v motors that accept the newer 20v lithium batteries, but I've heard the adapter ain't so hot.

 

I'm a home owner, so I guess I buy home owner class stuff. I have a Porter Cable 20v drill, and it works great for everything I do, including running a grain mill. And it didn't break the bank.

 

@VikeMan what kind of homeowner/commercial stuff are you planning on doing with your drill. If it’s just home owner stuff than I highly recommends Ryobi 18v tools. My two uncles are professional contractors and have Milwaukee, dewalt, Bosch tools but also have a few of the ryobi tools in their arsenal and also said they are impressed. I bought the 6 piece starter set after I switched over from porter cable and couldn’t be happier. I got an all electric non co2 finish nailer for 150 bucks and it works like a dream. The battery packs are cheap and there’s over 100 tools. Unless you are using it everyday you really don’t need Milwaukee and dewalt.

For my mill I have a corded variable speed drill from harbor freight and I honestly have no complaints. It does the job thanklessly for the past year with no issue.

 

How long has it been since ford/Chevy were the epitome of quality? Toyota and Honda are now the class of everyday drivers. You should give the ryobi a shot. I think it would impress you.
* I own a 2013 Ford Fusion so obviously I’m not hating on Ford just saying that sometimes companies have equally good or better options for less. Milwaukee is definitely tops but I think it’s really only a contractor who uses it everyday that will get their money out of it compared to ryobi, makita, even dewalts are getting cheaper.

 

Definitely get the ryobi. The impact driver and drill combo set are a dream to use. I use the sawzall all the time in the yard for taking it big branches. It’s on sale at Home Depot. I paid full price at 300 cause my other set junked out after years. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-1...5-Ah-Batteries-Charger-and-Bag-P884/203466936

 

+1 for the corded drill. I have been using a corded dewalt drill and it provides great torque on demand with it being corded.

 

I dunno. My 18v cordless black & decker has served me fine for 12+ years, lol.

 

Like @Prep8611, I’ve had no issues with Ryobi. Between my dad, brother and I, we probably have over 20 tools. Occasionally a battery craps out, but they’ve always replaced them under warranty. Of course Bosch, Milwaukee, etc are better. The $600 Bosch miter my tile guy let me borrow a couple years ago while renovating my house was a dream. But the $200 Ryobi miter I bought this past Christmas for some projects (including a keezer) got the job done. Wait till they have a sale at HD.

That being said, I’ve been turning my mill with a 1/2 inch corded Dewalt, which has come in handy for other big jobs.