Idiot or Hero?

[44'cruisingcat]

He says that only 3 Americans have ever done a solo non-stop circumnavigation. Is this true? That's surprising, I can think of 3 Aussies who have done it off the top of my head.

[Morgan Paul]

David Vann--Idiot or Hero?

I say neither, he his a dick.

[Charlie]

It could have to do with luck. Maybe he'll have perfect tradewind conditions and make it. But probably not. Curious to use Barnes as his role model. I can think of more succesful people that I would consider better role models.

[camaraderie]

Maybe he'll "bump into" Reid and Sonja and borrow a cup of beansprouts! (g)
Seriously...this is bad news. When a naval architect walks out on you that should be a signal. When Ken Barnes says it is too dangerous...it is a 21 gun alert!

[Sailormann]

Yes, but I don't depend on my tools to work. I have 2 each of the ones I use constantly - (sanders) and when one burns out, I just take the new one out of the box, put the burned out one in the box and take it back for a free-no-questions-asked-replacement next time I am in the hardware shop.

I am surprised that you would admit to this, let alone think that it is reasonable behaviour...

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Sailormann

I am surprised that you would admit to this, let alone think that it is reasonable behaviour...

The tools come with a 3 year replacement warranty. I am not using them in a commercial or professional application - I am building my own boat in my own backyard - you might call it a hobby.

If the tools burn out in less than 3 years then I think it is perfectly reasonable to expect the manufacturer to honour his warranty. The retailer does too - they have never raised any objection to replacing them.

[Boracay]

The warranty on power tools is part of the deal.

I don't buy "quality" power tools because they are poor value for me. If they fail I have lost an expensive (and important) tool for an indefinite length of time. I have my doubts if some of the warranties would actually be honoured.

I can buy 3 or 4 consumer drills for the price of one "quality" drill.

I am now on my third drill from my local mega hardware store. The first lasted a few weeks (generic brand) the second six months, and I do treat my drills a little more carefully now. Jamming a 10mm bit in 10mm steel frames in not good for the wrist or the drill - now I drill pilot holes, use cutting fluid and have a small drill press (which gets a remarkable amount of use).

I am probably spending $5k+ a year with them. If I had to use "quality" tools from specialist suppliers I might take that money somewhere else.

And I think that the Black and Decker Firestorm is a good drill.

[OldYachtie]

Actually, people who do crazy or risky things at sea often just disappear. I can think of 3 of them that I have known, offhand.

[Pelagic]

He is certainly not my Hero and only time will tell if this is no more than a “Cheap Tool” PR experiment to shame some sponsorship money out of someone.

If he does set sail, my thoughts would go out to anyone who seriously endangered themselves trying to save him. I would personally be “unavailable”!

[TaoJones]

Originally Posted by Boracay

The warranty on power tools is part of the deal.

I don't buy "quality" power tools because they are poor value for me. If they fail I have lost an expensive (and important) tool for an indefinite length of time. I have my doubts if some of the warranties would actually be honoured.

I can buy 3 or 4 consumer drills for the price of one "quality" drill.

I am now on my third drill from my local mega hardware store. The first lasted a few weeks (generic brand) the second six months, and I do treat my drills a little more carefully now. Jamming a 10mm bit in 10mm steel frames in not good for the wrist or the drill - now I drill pilot holes, use cutting fluid and have a small drill press (which gets a remarkable amount of use).

I am probably spending $5k+ a year with them. If I had to use "quality" tools from specialist suppliers I might take that money somewhere else.

And I think that the Black and Decker Firestorm is a good drill.

Many years ago (it's got to be 15-20), I worked on a series of Black & Decker commercials, and I got to talking to the manufacturers rep who attended the shoot. I wanted to know why anyone would buy a "consumer" tool when a "pro" tool was so much more durable.

From that factory rep I gained a valuable insight, and I buy - mostly - consumer tools now.

DeWalt, a pro-quality tool manufacturer, is manufactured by the same company that makes Black & Decker, and I wanted to know the difference. According to the factory rep, the only difference is how high up a tool can be subjected to a drop test before it fails.

The DeWalt tools are engineered to survive a higher drop than the Black & Decker tools, the rep said. Otherwise, there's little difference.

So, if a person just takes a little care with his consumer-quality tools, they will last quite awhile. If a person abuses his tools, no matter the quality, it speaks volumes about his craftsmanship, IMHO.

TaoJones

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by TaoJones

DeWalt, a pro-quality tool manufacturer, is manufactured by the same company that makes Black & Decker, and I wanted to know the difference. According to the factory rep, the only difference is how high up a tool can be subjected to a drop test before it fails.

The DeWalt tools are engineered to survive a higher drop than the Black & Decker tools, the rep said. Otherwise, there's little difference.

That may be true for electrical tools but not for air tools. Although, I doubt he's using air tools.

Anyway, the internal parts of quality air tools have heat-treated moving parts, whereas the cheap stuff wears out fast. e.g. I have had a Dotco right-angle air grinder since 1973. Mind you I've had to replace the vanes once and the arbor shaft twice but the rest is all original, even the bearings.

As a repairman of hand tools I don't like B&D stuff. I have thrown away more B&D electrical hand tools then anything else because they were not economically repairable. Where the Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch stuff could be repaired re$onably. The last three even last longer. I asked the boss in purchasing to just not buy B&D stuff anymore.

B&D stuff might be OK for occasional use at home but for industrial, forget it! There's nothing much worse then reaching for a tool, in the middle of a job, you count on working and it quits just at the wrong time. It's like bad rigging. The time loss and extra effort to find another isn't worth the cost savings to me. I'll pay the extra especially if I take them to sea!

[charley]

Yeah this guy isn't using air tools that would blow his budget right outta the water.

The article said he was using a 110 welder that he bought for 2K from the Depot, ask any professional welder what kind of welder he uses and I bet you can touch it for under 6K. I think this guy is going about it all the wrong way. He is using inferior materials, light gauge aluminum, light gauge steel. A welder that I wouldn't use to weld my mailbox together with. I think he is for a world of hurt to be honest with you.

I find it kinda funny that he will not be taking anything to navigate with, but he will have 2 ERPIBS. I say it again PUBLICITY STUNT. If he makes it back he will charge 100 bucks a head to hear his story.

[David M]

I learned my lesson years ago. No more Sears power tools or Black & Decker. It's worth the extra money to buy something that is not going to fail. Milwaukee, Rigid, Delta, Porter Cable, Makita and Bosch is pretty much what I stick with.

[Joli]

Originally Posted by David M

I learned my lesson years ago. No more Sears power tools or Black & Decker. It's worth the extra money to buy something that is not going to fail. Milwaukee, Rigid, Delta, Porter Cable, Makita and Bosch is pretty much what I stick with.

I agree, most of my tools are PC, Milwaukee or Bosch. I have found it is a waste of money to buy cheaper tools, the comms and brushes are small and cheap, the shafts are undersize, the bearings are crap.

[charley]

Originally Posted by Boracay

I can buy 3 or 4 consumer drills for the price of one "quality" drill.

I am now on my third drill from my local mega hardware store. The first lasted a few weeks (generic brand) the second six months, and I do treat my drills a little more carefully now. Jamming a 10mm bit in 10mm steel frames in not good for the wrist or the drill - now I drill pilot holes, use cutting fluid and have a small drill press (which gets a remarkable amount of use).

I am probably spending $5k+ a year with them. If I had to use "quality" tools from specialist suppliers I might take that money somewhere else.

And I think that the Black and Decker Firestorm is a good drill.

If you center punch the holes that you need to drill you will not need to drill a pilot hole. Also get a few high quality cobalt drill bits, makes a world of difference. When drilling metal it is important to go slow with a bunch of pressure ie slow RPM/high pressure. Also use more cutting/cooling fluid than you think is needed, it cleans off fine and makes your tools last longer.