Does everybody have to hate Ozito???

[Black Ned]

Ozito and Bunnings seem to be the bad guys according to the many opinions expressed in this forum. Surely Ozito would not be in business if they only produced poor quality tools? Does anybody have good experiences?
The reason for my asking is because I would like to buy an inexpensive thicknesser and have seen an Ozito planner/thicknesser for sale at Bunnings for $349.00 and I am concerned about the quality. It has a 3 year guarantee. I would only use this type of machine occasionaly.

[dazzler]

hi Linden

IMO its not just that brand but all the cheap garbage throwaway stuff that is sold all over the place.

We are selling out quality for convenience and the must have it now mentality. I dont blame Ozito, its short sighted people like us who are happy to buy something cheap, then complain when it lasts and performs cheaply until we throw it in landfill. If we cant afford quality we should IMO save until we can.

These companies make money because we are in love with consuming....gimme gimme gimme.....forgetting that just like stuffing ourselves at the all you can eat buffet, later there is pain.



:)

[rat52]

Go for it. Just be aware that you do get what you pay for.:D

I bought my wife an ozito at least 8 or more yrs ago and although I use it more than she does it is still going. The chuck and shaft are worn and the variable speed is now one speed but it still works.

My metabo :2tsup:on the other hand is 20yrs old, has done a heck of a lot more work and is still fine in all respects

I find planers and thicknessers are the most used machines in my shed as I use them to machine a lot of 2nd hand timber into useable sizes so I went middle price and got Leda

[Cliff Rogers]

The Ozito Rotary Hammer Drill is damned good value at the $69 I paid for mine.
Several people on here have one now.

I got the $300 Ryobi thicknesser from Bunnies.
I sufferes from snipe 'cos the top flexes as the timber goes through so I need to pull the lid off it & do the mod that Jake came up with.

[pharmaboy2]

I dont blame Ozito, its short sighted people like us who are happy to buy something cheap, then complain when it lasts and performs cheaply until we throw it in landfill. If we cant afford quality we should IMO save until we can.

:)

why short sighted? If you arent going to use a tool very much then why the hell buy the US made brand, when the chinese one will suffice. I've got a classic example in my shed - a chinese airless spray gun - cost just under $500 compared to the graco equivalent of $2500. Now obviously its not as good, and wont last as long, but for the cost of hiring one for a few days, i have one for good.

For most people it has almost nothing to do with should I buy the quality unit or the el cheapo - its about am i prepared to pay $300 for the convenience of having a thicknesser available when I need it occasionaly, or not have one at all.

the extra $1000 could be spent on a nice weekend, a new TV, added to super, a gaming console - anything - so its not about what we can and cant afford, its more to do with our priorities with money we have. the wealthiest person i know has all GMC tools - when the battery dies he buys a new one - its not false economy when a replacement panasonic battery costs as much as a new drill for instance.

cheap has its place, expensive has its place - on the up side there is way more DIY projects been done these days because of the avaialability in tools.

[Wood Borer]

I have no problems whatsoever with people buying cheap tools/machines.

I do have problems with these people when they think they are really smart having found a bargain machine with the same performance and reliability of more expensive machines.

Of course marketing/advertising doesn't really help. The ads don't point out that these machines are at the lower end of the range and that their performance and reliability have been compromised in order to keep the price low.

If you buy a cheaper tool/machine and you are aware of why it is cheap then you won't be disappointed. They are good value for money for what they are and for what they do.

If you think a $300 machine is equivalent to an $8000 machine and that those who purchased the $8000 machine aren't all that bright, I suggest that you take a long hard look at the fool who appears in your bathroom mirror every morning.:o

[Black Ned]

thanks for the replies so far!
If i bought only the best of everything then I would need to take up bank robbery as a profession. I cannot justify the need for an $8,000 machine for occasional use. I am not a tradesman and only need tools and equipment for hobbies and make my own furniture / projects. Surely with a three year guarantee the Ozito must be reliable otherwise the manufacturer would go broke replacing or honouring guarantees. Please do not take this as having a go at anyone. I do like to get others opinions before I purchase.

[seafurymike]

I have an Ozito router which i use on my CNC machine.
So far it works fine and it does what i want from it.

The only thing i suppose is the bushes on the collet shaft will not last, but thats what you get for $50.

/M

[Wood Borer]

No offence taken whatsoever, this is a great discussion.

Just be aware though, that if you have never used a particular type of machine previously, you will probably find more uses than initially anticipated for it once you get it home and start playing/experimenting.

It is these additional uses where you might find the economy model lacking.

Bearing that in mind, go for the best that you can afford. As you say, the companies making the cheaper machines would no longer be in business if their machines didn't work.

[Groggy]

I strongly agree with Dazzler, I do not like tools designed to be tossed after a few hours use, it is a massive waste of resources. However, I do own an Ozito hammer drill that has done well (like Cliff said).

If any company is offering a 3yr warranty on an item that continually breaks, and a lot of their stuff does, then it usually means their profit margins are higher than we think (to absorb the losses) or the warranty is not what we expect.

[Wongo]

Dazzler, you are the man.:2tsup:

Go buy 10 router and you might get a usable one.

We are living in a disposable society and it is very sad. I reckon buyers and sellers are both guilty.

[petersemple]

I have an Ozito random orbit sander. I think I paid about $50 for it. It broke after 12 months (the motor would start at low revs when it was plugged in with no pressure on the trigger) It had a 3 year warranty, so I took it back and got a new one. The second one I have had for about 3 or 4 years and it is on the way out. Still goes OK, and sands well, but it used to be quite quiet, and now the motor really screams when it is in use. Not sure what that means, But I know that I paid about $10 per year for a sander, which got a medium level of use. I'm OK with that, and would probably buy another one when this one finally dies. Of course, I would pay double for one that I could guarantee would last me for 10 years, but I don't know of anyone that would guarantee me that.

Peter

[autogenous]

If it makes you feel better I have 5 Ozito angler grinders 4+5 inch for minimal use ready fitted with different diamond blades cutting stone and cleaning steel.
An Ozito welder but had to modify it as the vibration was so much I couldn't hear when it was turned on. Another screw settled the vibration.
Ozito hammer drill. Hammer worn out already.
A Ryobi concrete cutting circular saw where the RCD didn't work but the sparky that used it ripped it off and replaced with an inline so I didn't put a burn whole in my heart.
A GMC cut off saw.(First one stopped on second cut). second one noisy but does the job for home use.
2 GMC cordless drills. Batteries go flat overnight.
GMC drill press which does the job.
A Makita 9 inch that works well but it doesn't have the brake the old Dewalt one had which was better and nearly chopped knee cap off.
Old one lasted all day use for 4 years on 5 man team.
All Bunnings!
Arlec intruder hammer drill. Brilliant
The rest of electrical tools purchased elsewhere. Makita circulars, sander, Router, Planer, hammer drills
Bosch Jigsaw

Edit: Had Ozito metal cut off saw, blew up second cut, changed to GMC, loud rattley but works, does the job.

Ozito angle grinders spew metal and sparks occasionally but still good. Use them lots

GMC air compressior, good enough, love it.

[Groggy]

Edit: Had Ozito metal cut off saw, blew up second cut, changed to GMC, loud rattley but works, does the job.I had one of those, mine blew on the third cut and spewed plastic gears and bearings in my face. Luckily I wear glasses! Bunnings just said "oh, another one?"

[autogenous]

I had one of those, mine blew on the third cut and spewed plastic gears and bearings in my face. Luckily I wear glasses! Bunnings just said "oh, another one?"

Same, Same but different. Freaks you out a bit. Major sparkage. Big light show in a dark shed.
No they handed me a GMC which is good for home use.
Both the cheaper end products have served well. The 5 Ozito angle grinders have been fine.

I know of tradesmen who instead of driving home to get tools go and buy an Ozito product to save the time/money then use them as back ups.
Some have Ozito because they don't worry about having the tools knocked off out of the van. If they're stolen. Doesn't matter.

Went into Bunnings the other day to buy (Dewalt 2 x 18v cordless drill, Recipcro saw, large hammer drill) kit for the new job. No kit, No stock.
No deal, walk out.

Bunnings large part target market is now home handyman

[Brickie]

http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=37551&highlight=ozito

That ozwinner fella sure was smart buying that drill, and its still going strong even though he gives a good hiding now and then. :2tsup:

[Barry Hicks]

I bought a $69 rotary hammer drill and got what
I paid for. It wasn't an Ozito but obviously came out
of the same factory.

On it's third outing (all small, light jobs), ball bearings
started appearing on the ground as the chuck self
destructed.

I enquired at Bunnings about spare parts and when the
guy stopped laughing he advised me to buy another one,
an Ozito this time, for the same low price.

This one hasn't died yet but that's possibly because I
haven't used it yet.

[bricks]

I had to pull up some slate recently,

went to bunnies bought ozito jackhammer $69

Worked for day, broke at about 3.00pm

Took back under warranty, replaced

Worked for day, broke at about 3pm

Over and over for a week

My $400 hitachi was in the shed, not broken.

Good deal i rekon- cheaper than a weeks hire from kennards.

[Brickie]

I had to pull up some slate recently,

went to bunnies bought ozito jackhammer $69

Worked for day, broke at about 3.00pm

Took back under warranty, replaced

Worked for day, broke at about 3pm

Over and over for a week

My $400 hitachi was in the shed, not broken.

Good deal i rekon- cheaper than a weeks hire from kennards.

:doh: You bought the Union model, they stop work after 3....:roll:

[underfoot]

This one hasn't died yet but that's possibly because I
haven't used it yet.

Yep that should work Barry,:D

has anyone else noticed that the ink on the register receipts

(that you need to keep for the guarantee to be valid)
starts disappearing after about a week:?

[peter_sm]

I personally will only buy or use quality industrial use tools. For power, ergonomics and safety they are always on top in my experience. I am lucky, as I have a good friend that lives very close by, and he has a fantastic selection of woodworking tools like planer, thicknesser, power saw, compound saw etc. I on the otherhand have only metalworking tools like MIG, grinders, beltsander/ linisher, oxy etc. This way we have use of the good stuff. Not always suiting all people, but a great way to get to use only good tools that don't end up in landfill, even when used for a living daily for 10 years.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I've bought the odd Ozito tool on a throwaway basis when I've been out on site. (ie. I don't have all my tools at hand and an Ozito/GMC/Smiling Mongoose job down at a local Bunnies is cheaper than the fuel/time to drive home and fetch my brand-name tool)

I'm convinced that the belt sanders are utter crap. Doesn't matter which model, the tracking dies and they chew 'emselves to pieces before my next smoko. :~ But even so are often still cheaper to buy'n'bin than the long drive home. :innocent: Definitely wouldn't bother actually taking one home though. God forbid they ever pollute my shed!

On the other 'and, shortly after a certain Brickie espoused their rotary 'ammer drill I went down to see what the fuss is about. At the time Bunnies had two different models, a smallish one (in Watts) for $69 and it's big brother (about 1600W? Don't remember without going out to look...) for $99.

I bought the $99 job and to date it has been bloody brilliant! Mainly used for drilling conc founds to chemset reo starter bars and it's done a helluva lot of 'em with no complaints whatsoever. Mind you, I tossed the SDS drill bits that came included in the bundle and spent another $100 buying just one good replacement...

So, what do I think of Ozito? 'Tis a gold-mine: 99.99% crap, but there's the occasional gold nugget if you look hard enough. :)

[BobL]

Ozito - my experience

4" angle grinder $39 - used just about every weekend for 5 years still going strong. Would I buy another, yes.

$69 hammer drill - used extensively for a few days and now occasionally and still going strong. Would I buy another, yes.

ROS: Purchased 2002, used extensively for about 3 months. Now noisy and vvvvvibrates liiikkkeeee buggggerrry, if I have to use it for more than 20 minutes I get a buzzy arm - go and borrow brothers Festool or used Chainsaw anti vibe gloves. Would I buy another, No.

Biscuit cutter: Purchased 2003 - Noisy and also vvvvvibrates - various adjustment screws etc broke, fell off just after warranty expired- still works in a limited way. Would I buy another, No.

12V cordless drill purchased 2004? on special for $29?: broke into several pieces when it fell onto a concrete path from an outdoor table though about taking it back but had well and truly gotten my $29 worth out of it by then. Up to then was working Ok but had to replace battery after ~10 months. Would I buy another, No.

[rat52]

I had to demo the old verandah slab and footings for the rear extension.

Hire of the Hitachi large breaker (good for 200mm thick concrete) is $100 per day. If I hired it I knew I would have to go like the clappers all day to get my moneys worth.

This was during the Adelaide heat wave :burnt:and I'm not as fit as I once was so down to the big green store, did some bargaining and parted with $350 for the cheap rip off.

This way I could work for 15min then rest for 45min until 2 weeks later I finished.

I now have a machine that will break anything I need to and I was able to do it in easy stages:2tsup:

This time it worked. Other times I have bought the cheepie and regretted it so it just depends on your usage against cost. You have to do your own math.

[munruben]

I have the Ozzito thicknesser and have had it over 12 months. So far no problems with it. Of course you get what you pay for but I am not expecting it to perform like a top of the range thicknesser. Hey its got a 3 year replacement guarantee. Does any of the other manufacturers offer that? I don't know, just asking.
Regarding the receipts from Bunnies that fade off after a few weeks. If you keep them in an envelope they last for quite some time but just to be on the safe side I scan the original receipt and print a copy that wont fade.

[Black Ned]

Thank you for the replies so far.
I'm still thinking about the amount of use I would put one too.

[Zed]

yes, you have to hate them. its mandatory.

buy at your peril. I am of the "buy once" school of thought. the other school doesnt have thought... thats why they buy the sheet...

put it this way - the old stanley hand plane you theoretically found at a flea sale for $20.... clean it up and lo and behold - servicable... probabkly freaking ace too! it may even be 100 yrs old or more... bewtiful... now that oshito piece of sheet...... yuo'd be lucky to get a few years out of it...

now i know that you are all saying that zed wanker.... power tools v's non power tools.... well I ahve an old black and decker power drill from my old man that I use and its still great... did I mention its 35 yrs old ? and I can use it as a circular saw too....

go on... get your cheapo crap... just one more item for landfill... whats just one more... NUthin!!!!

[Vernonv]

well I ahve an old black and decker power drill from my old man that I use and its still great... did I mention its 35 yrs old ? and I can use it as a circular saw too....

I've got one of those B&D drills (that I still use all the time). I've also got the circular saw attachment, plus the original box it came in. I don't think the saw has ever been used.

I must admit that I have a passion for well build second hand/old tools. It keeps my tool costs down, while providing me with reliable tools that easily outlast the cheapies.

[munruben]

yes, you have to hate them. its mandatory.

buy at your peril. I am of the "buy once" school of thought. the other school doesnt have thought... thats why they buy the sheet...

now that oshito piece of sheet...... yuo'd be lucky to get a few years out of it...



go on... get your cheapo crap... just one more item for landfill... whats just one more... NUthin!!!!Unfortunately Zed, some of us can only afford the sheet. :)

[Ernie47]

I had to throw my cheap Ozito 3rd sheet sander away on the weekend, went BANG (mechanically) Big Time.
The second bang was when it hit the floor after I chucked it. (About 2 milliseconds after the original bang.)
I only had the damn thing about 10 years!
My Ozi hammer drill suit me fine.
I seldom use the hammer part, but it does wake me up occasionally when I inadvertently flick the lever.

oops! forgot to sign off.

Cheers, Ernie.

[Oscarman]

Bought one of the $55 Ozito mitre saws on the weekend to mitre some architraves, and also pine for a linen cupboard. It goes alright, but I'm not expecting to still have it in 10 years. For most people, cheapo tools are fine as the intensity of use and the expectations are not very high. You get what you pay for - nothing more.

[manoftalent]

I bought a rotory hammer drill and even after dropping it ...well I was drilling a half inch plate at the time with a 12mm steel bit, standing on a stool atop a packing crate ....when it "bit in" the drill powered through so fast it almost ripped my arm off ....and it still works great, I dunno what gearbox runs this monster, but its right on the button for power ....
I also used a hammer drill .....but it failed from missuse....I used it to stir napoli sauce .....bearings gave out after 1 month ....and besides, its not what it was designed for, so no complaints.....I have a few ozito tools that I use on occasion...with care ...and use as recommended ....they still work fine ......my expectations dont exceed the limit of the tool.

[BobR]

The only Ozito tool that I own/have owned is the ROS. The first one died just befor the warranty ran out and I could not find the receipt :(( I then purchased another for $29. Given that I use these sanders for buffing oil and wax, I dont want to get a good ROS - they end up getting covered in the stuff. Horses for courses. I have this receipt in a safe place. But for $29 .......

[boban]

:doh: You bought the Union model, they stop work after 3....:roll:
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[journeyman Mick]

...............I also used a hammer drill .....but it failed from missuse....I used it to stir napoli sauce ..............

How much Napoli sauce were you making?:oo:

Mick

[manoftalent]

about three hundred litres Mick.....of course the first one fell into the sauce by accident ......they dont seem to work too well after that, and its not like I can take it back ......

[damian]

put it this way - the old stanley hand plane you theoretically found at a flea sale for $20.... clean it up and lo and behold - servicable... probabkly freaking ace too! it may even be 100 yrs old or more... bewtiful...

Bit late to this discussion.

What you say above is incorrect. I have an old hand plane I've had for 20 odd years and it's useless. It's got pitting on the back of the blade and a new blade is almost as much as a new plane.

I'm a metalworker by trade and have been making things all my life. I am no expert with wood but I know for my trades some things should be quality and some can be cheap. As the sensible ones here have said it all depends on your use, expectations and finances.

I bought an Ozito router, 1/4" variable speed plunge with a set of bits and fence for $55. I've had good use out of it and as my first router was a great start to discovering what I might do with it and what to look for in a machine. It's copped some abuse too.

My no name sockets sit happily in my toolbox beside my stahwille spanners. YMMV.

[dazzler]

My no name sockets sit happily in my toolbox beside my stahwille spanners. YMMV.

You sicko :p

[zuffen]

I needed to rebuild a private jetty on a lake a bit north of Sydney following the big storms last June.

Figuring there was a good chance the cordless drill may take a swim I purchased a $35.00 Ozito with 2 batteries.

Wel I was working away when a big stinkboat went by and a wave enveloped the poor drill.

I shook the (salt) water out and it kept running.

That was in November.

I used it today and the damned things runs as well as my Makita!

It may be cheap and may have a bad reputation but the damned thing won't die.

[Wild Dingo]

I bought one of their sliding compound mitre saws a fair while back and after some small tweeking of the blade to stop it wobbling its a bloody ripper... no seriously!! A bloody bottler of a saw :2tsup:

Shane

[Pusser]

Yep that should work Barry,:D

has anyone else noticed that the ink on the register receipts

(that you need to keep for the guarantee to be valid)
starts disappearing after about a week:?

Photocopy them, they last then!

[damian]

Only if you use a laser photocopier. If you use a bubblejet copier (many home types) the ink will fade over time.

[astrid]

Just thought I would point out that if everyone secumbs to buying ????, the quality manufactureres cant compete, wont be long until ALL you can buy is ????.

My 20YO Makita drill just packed up. I spent only 200 on a new one, their still top range but there's somthing about it that feels cheaper.:?

Please dont buy crap unless you REALly cant afford better.( I spent the profit of my last job on this drill:rolleyes:)
Its bad for the economy in the long run.
Bad for the environment too.

Astrid

[SJDarknight]

I have read the previous posts and I think that what is lost in the comments is simple. It is the family budgets that dictate what you can buy not the cheap price of the product.I purchased an Ozito drop saw from bunnings for $38 (was $55). I looked at the other brands and would gladly buy one.
However, being the father of two (one 15yr, the other 3months old) and the only bread winner, the ozito brand allows me to build things that I would normally not be able to.
It would take me years to save up the money to buy an expensive brand.

[Scott Swindells]

I have an ozito corldess drill, had it for 3 or so years now, it gets just as much use as my Bosch cordless and both still work fine.

[Skratchynuts]

I have read the previous posts and I think that what is lost in the comments is simple. It is the family budgets that dictate what you can buy not the cheap price of the product.I purchased an Ozito drop saw from bunnings for $38 (was $55). I looked at the other brands and would gladly buy one.
However, being the father of two (one 15yr, the other 3months old) and the only bread winner, the ozito brand allows me to build things that I would normally not be able to.
It would take me years to save up the money to buy an expensive brand.


I am in total agreeance here. I am buying tools that I need for my hobby, but at the same time, I need value for money. I know that if something is a lot cheaper than an equivalent name brand, theres a reason for it. But, it allows me to have a hobby.

[echnidna]

The tool snobs loose track of that fact of life

[mjmjm]

I've got some Makita, some Bosch, some Ryobi, some GMC, and some Ozito. And some other various brands.

I use an Ozito hammer drill sometimes at work and I'm always impressed at the thought that went into the pack.
Apart from the masonry bits there's a hammer to push the rawl plugs in, a cutter to trim them, bits to drive in the screws, and pliers to pull things out and start again. Like it.

I also use an Ozito cordless drill at work for the occasional job and it's always performed faultlessly.

On the other hand, I used an Ozito third sheet sander last week. On the first sheet change the spring holder gave up the ghost. Took it back for a refund, bought a Makita.

Still willing to buy Ozito though because apart from the sander I've never had a problem with their products. (Makita and their compadres, although enjoying a higher reputation for quality, don't offer a three-year warranty.)

If you like buying expensive tools, that's fine. If you think there's value in buying cheap tools, that's also fine. There isn't an eleventh commandment about it, and pontificating is for popes not for woodworkers. (Smiley face supposed to go in here, but I don't know how to do it.)

Michael

[pharmaboy2]

Please dont buy crap unless you REALly cant afford better.( I spent the profit of my last job on this drill:rolleyes:)
Its bad for the economy in the long run.
Bad for the environment too.

Astrid
Let me see, I buy a $70 ozito angle grinder, instead of the $280 makita one - so about $30 of my money goes to china, and I get to spend $210 on a couple of dinners out that employ aussies, home grown ingredients etc, Seems a lot better for the economy to me than no dinner spend, $150 goes to the US or Japan???? :U

I dont know about the environment, but for sure, cheap tools is bad for Kennards hire....

[Homer1]

My experiences with cheap tools is normally positive (except one GMC Drill - where the battery died after 6 months).

I have an Ozito hammer drill - used it to pull up slate - worked wonders. My 18v Ryobi drill came with 2 batteries and a radio for under $100, and has never missed a beat. The batteries last forever, and the radio was worth the money alone (runs of the batteries). I just used it to clad my shed with cement sheeting, and was very impressed.

My cheap Ryobi drop saw is farily good, and still chugs along

Dont get me wrong - I have a Hitachi saw, but the rest of my tools are cheapies, and work well so far . . . . . .

[bluegum30]

I have been watching this thread for a while and because i don't have any ozito tools ignored it ,but was in bunnings today and they had on sale 184mm circular saws for $55 and because i have 2 makita's and 1 triton saw can't justify buying a ozito ,but if i was in the market for another saw i'd give ozito a go at that price just to see how they go.Lloyd.:bike3:

[soulspirit]

My feeling is that it depends on the tool. I am not surprised that the ozito angle grinders have lasted, and that someone is happy with them. The working part of the tool does not need to be inherently accurate, and doesn't operate relative to any kind of guide such as a fence, it just needs to spin extremely fast.

The failings of these cheap tools come in to play in several areas IMO

Cordless tools:
-Ozito and Ryobi cordless tools in my experience about a tenth as long as bosch tools which might only be twice as expensive. They also never have the same peak power output, which can mean they are completely useless.

Machines:
Whilst an angle grinder could be thought of as a motor and a gear train in a plastic case, with a few switches - none of which needs to be calibrated, machines require all the parts to be accurate relative to one another i.e. work surface true, saw blade true to work surface, saw blade perpendicular to motor axle, fence parallel to blade etc. etc.

If I was buying a machine such as a thicknesser or a compound mitre saw, I wouldn't shoot myself in the foot with tools I could never trust to be accurate.

[Boeing777]

I've got 2 Ozito tools, a standard $39 power drill, and a $69 hammer drill...both have been copping random abuse from me every few weekends for about 4 years now and still going strong...they occasionally blow some electrical smoke and the hammer action isn't as powerful as it used to be but they live on! I've had much less luck with GMC, had 3 circular saws in a row that refused to cut a straight line (even against a guide) - now replaced with a Bosch Blue...and 2 GMC digital levels that refused to go at all (I tried the second one at bunnings before I took it - broken!).

I'd happily buy a Ozito product for an odd job before I'd get a GMC...but its true you get what you pay for... and I'm a happy Bosch customer so far!

[Gajic's Blanks]

One question? all the higher end (expensive tools) what sort of warranty do they offer?

If its the same (around 3 years) then how can we trust it. I would hope that the expensive named brands have really long warranties ..

[bobsreturn2003]

the best thing about ozito is the return policy a quick swap . its the time and travelling that cost . not to mention the inconvience . if its home duties dont expect a long life and you wont be disapointed . if its pro use you bought the wrong tool . cheers bob

[pal]

I have had an Ozito 18V cordless drill for about 5 years and have used it in making patterns for castings in a foundry for 2 years.The only problems I have had with it is when I dropped it and busted the clips that hold the battery in, a bit of bog fixed that.
I have found it doesn't have the same torque as the big brand names.

pal

[rosewood]

Went to one of those travelling tool auctions a couple of years ago.
Saw in amazement, as a young block plugged an Ozito drill in and pulled the trigger to see how it went before possibly bidding,the drill burst into flames in his hand.
After letting go of the trigger and dropping the drill, the only way to stop the flames was rip the extension lead out of the wall before it burnt the pavilion down.

Cheap tools --- love em or hate em --- but the look on that blokes face always comes to mind when i am in the market for new tooling.

I will keep my opinion of these #@** tools to myself if thats ok with everyone.:C

[damian]

Another ozito story. Needed to drill a 120 mm hole in a besser block retaining wall, 200 deep and concrete/bluemetal filled on the weekend.

Bought the 800W $89 ozito rotary hammer drill and a set of 600 mm masonry bits for another $25. I was probably inefficient in drilling the hols as I started with the small 8 mm bit to position the holes round the edge accurately, then opened them to 12 mm before using the 600 drill to go right through. Then I chiselled out the core. Took about 1 1/2 hours but the result was as good as I could have done with a hilti. The plumber has had one for about a year never missed a beat. Very good machine for the job.

Be aware the 1100W ozito is about twice the weight.

[Spear]

I bought my first Ozito product this week. I have a workshop full of blue-chip, brand names that I've used for yonks. The industrial vacuum cleaner I was using for my dust "control" finally said it was time to depart this life, and promptly refused to wake up one day not too long ago. I shopped around for a dust extractor and found units from $1K+ down to around $360. I looked at Gasweld, Mitre 10 and another large tool supplier in my town. Then on the way home I dropped in to Bunnies and saw an Ozito unit for $199 with a 3 years warranty. Decided to bite the bullet and buy the damned thing. Brought it home and set it up. Works fine and dandy, despite the fact I keep expecting it to start saying, "Warning Will Robinson. Danger Will Robinson." Has a number of step-up/step-down adapters for various size exhaust hoses. I run a Ryobi compound saw, a thicknesser/planer, a Triton saw table, a Triton router table and a wood lathe to mention just a few dust and shavings creations. I won't be flogging it every day and fully expect it last well beyond 3 years. If it doesn't I'll just return it for replacement. If it does, I'll be happy with a cleaner workshop.

[rrobor]

I bought the random orbital sander, Its a great tool for launching sandin disks into random orbits

[Andrew_B]

i have 2 ozito tools,

-belt sander, that my dad bought because it was cheap,
iv used my makita belt sander for 8 years or so and its never missed a beat....
first time i plugged in the ozito it broke 3 belts in a row... so it now rests up on a shelf and will never be touched again, mind you they use smaller stupid belts....

-random orbital sander, now this tool is a good one.....
i like it alot,
i own two makita random orbitals and have had constant problems with both (bad disk to motor coupling design...) have had to replace the disks about 3 times on each...
i beat the crap out of the ozito while i was restoring a 3 metre church pew and it proved itself.....
so i use it often now :)

as for what someone said above about launching disks...
in 15 years i have had about 4 disks launch and that was due to the backs of them being no good and/or sawdust clogging the hook-loops......

[kiwigeo]

You assume that all warranties are the same. If one of my "high end" tool craps out (it hasnt happened yet) and I have to make a warranty claim I usually just take it back to the shop I bought it from and they'll fix or replace it straight away. I dont get some spotty young nerd suggesting that the failure of the tool is my fault and I dont get sent on a trip across the other side to a service centre or end up posting the tool to another part of Australia.

As far as Ozito goes....I had an Ozito router which I only bought because it was so cheap even if it was dog (which it was) I had nothing to lose. The shaft had more wobble than a hula hoop and the machine wouldnt hold depth settings. I used it once and then stuck it where it belonged...in the rubbish skip outside my garage.




One question? all the higher end (expensive tools) what sort of warranty do they offer?

If its the same (around 3 years) then how can we trust it. I would hope that the expensive named brands have really long warranties ..

[Vernonv]

You assume that all warranties are the same. If one of my "high end" tool craps out (it hasnt happened yet) and I have to make a warranty claim I usually just take it back to the shop I bought it from and they'll fix or replace it straight away. I think you will get a rude shock if any of your "high end" tools ever do break. Unless it failed on the first use, it is unlikely that a retailer will replace if for you on the spot ... and they surely wouldn't fix it on the spot either. Chances are it would be sent to the nearest service centre to get inspected/fixed ... probably similar to what would happen if it was a "cheap" tool.

[kiwigeo]

We shall see.....if and when one of my "high end" tools breaks down.

I do however doubt Bunnings would give the the same warranty (and non-warranty) service that you get from Lee Valley, Lie Nielson and other reputable tool suppliers.

[Vernonv]

I do however doubt Bunnings would give the the same warranty (and non-warranty) service that you get from Lee Valley, Lie Nielson and other reputable tool suppliers.But that is not really comparing apples with apples. Bunnings is purely a retailer, while the other two you mention are manufacturers (for the most part). Comparing GMC (say) to LV and/or LN is probably more appropriate.

I know from my one warranty issue I've had with GMC, it was handled well and I was extermely happy with the outcome. I would imagine LV and LN would probably handle a warranty issue in a similar manner.

[tonygates]

I have an Ozito Belt Sander,and an Ozito Planer. $80 and $60 or something like that. I only use them occasionally and they both have a three year warranty.They work fine.

[Stewey]

Being a long way from home, I borrowed a 10" Ozito circular saw two years ago for two minutes of ripping an 8 ft bit of one inch pine down the centre.
Halfway along, it threw flames out of the air holes and died in a big 'pop'.
It was brand new, apparently.

I used to have a Ryobi 170 or 180mm circular saw- absolute junk-repetitive accuracy impossible.
It was bought to replace a well-loved Makita that died/burned out after 16 years of hard work-and the service place said it was not feasible to rewire the rotor.
Now have a little Bosch circ saw-terrific.

[fubar]

yes its mandatory
and gmc ,anything bunnies brings in , all kmart products ,target ,dimmeys stores, Amart ,chinese goods ,imported fruit and vegies I suppose I've missed a few

[Spanner69]

thanks for the replies so far!
If i bought only the best of everything then I would need to take up bank robbery as a profession. I cannot justify the need for an $8,000 machine for occasional use. I am not a tradesman and only need tools and equipment for hobbies and make my own furniture / projects. Surely with a three year guarantee the Ozito must be reliable otherwise the manufacturer would go broke replacing or honouring guarantees. Please do not take this as having a go at anyone. I do like to get others opinions before I purchase.


The reason you get a three year warenty sp? is that it is a statuary requirement for this type of product.

Also with 'planned obsalecence' (sp??) most uesers of the elcheepo ( me) machines will not use the tool the required amount of time before it wears out and becomes kaput therefore requirering replacement at the owners expense. As someone else has stated we live in a consumerist mentality society. We have become brainwashed that it is ok to buy , use till broke and then buy again. I suggest that if people are really wanting to 'get into the market' of tools is to find out what tools you can 'get away with' inthe elcheepo varity to tide you over till you can afford to buy a quality tool OR realise that you really dont need an $8000 tool.

Also find out what you really need to have a quality tool as a non negotiable. For me a non negotiable quality tool are jap saws , qulaity hammer, qulaity plane, screwdrivers square. I have got away with a crappy cordless drill and sander but will be upgrading once I get a better paying job. I have a very mediocre lathe and will also upgrade tha once I can afford it.

ALSO you need not be subject to anyone elses opinions as gospel as long as you can look in the mirror and see someone who you think is a good sensible bloke(tte). If you can justify HONESTLY to your self then that is all the matters.

Getting advice is good but do not listen to those who say you MUST .... they have their own issues too deal with.

by the way ... my Ozito orbital sander lasted two weeks out of warenty and I was really pizzed off! But it was horendesly cheep.....$29. You will notice that it has no disc on the bottom ..... it just shatits self and I did try to fix it but ...... cheep is as cheep does. I have now cut of the plug end so young boyo does not plug it and zap him self and he ahs a BALL playing handy man n the shed with me.

Cheers.

[Spanner69]

I went and had a look at bunnies and saw they are having some big specials but I could not find a single Ozito in the shop.

Have they stopped selling them or do you think they just ran out??

I could not ask because the spotty face little sales 'assistant' was nowhere to be seen....as per usual with bunnies! :((

[Cliff Rogers]

Bunnies up this way don't seem to stock Ozito any longer either, maybe they got sick of the the amount of warranty returns that had to do.

[pal]

Still advertising them in their latest on line catalog

Harold

[munruben]

My Ozito thicknesser is still going strong after about 4 years.

[mossyblog]

Ozito and lower quality brands do their jobs, if you want precision and a brand that thinks about every single moving part like it was a swiss watch - then the price will increase given its harder to mass produce. If you want something for a quick job that has around 70% accuracy and are ok with the said item not having a long life - go for the lower brands.

I've got both, and i would say that the lower brands are hit or miss.. like this week i grabbed a Ryobi SCMS ..turned it on 2mins into usage one of the coils blew ..pop + smoke = ?

Took it back to bunnings and they swore it was the first they've seen it ;) i said "you should check out woodworkforums.com and you'll see its not isolated?" but credit to them they replaced it no questions asked and were keen to ensure I had a good experience.

So on one hand sure, selling mediocre products is bad i guess for those who aren't in the mood to research what they just bought (ie average joe may expect laser precision cuts and a motor that lasts 20years for their $50.00 - but in reality that's just natural selection at work as they'll soon realize "oh wait, ozito etc aren't a good brand..so i didn't get a bargain afterall). Bunnings though may sell them but they are always focused on customer service - some drop the ball, but others are quickly to pick it up should you complain a little louder (not much).

Microsoft sells mediocre products (I used to work at Microsoft in US) where as Apple sell higher quality products that have a prescribed experience. Point is, some sell some don't.. you the consumer need to research thats the only ask now days..research :) - forums like this help that out!.

[munruben]

Ozito and lower quality brands do their jobs, if you want precision and a brand that thinks about every single moving part like it was a swiss watch - then the price will increase given its harder to mass produce. If you want something for a quick job that has around 70% accuracy and are ok with the said item not having a long life - go for the lower brands.Warranty is 3 years so you are going to get 3 years of use one way or another.

I've got both, and i would say that the lower brands are hit or miss.. like this week i grabbed a Ryobi SCMS ..turned it on 2mins into usage one of the coils blew ..pop + smoke = ? And you think something like that has never happened with the more expensive tools?

Took it back to bunnings and they swore it was the first they've seen it ;) i said "you should check out woodworkforums.com and you'll see its not isolated?" but credit to them they replaced it no questions asked and were keen to ensure I had a good experience. I wonder if one of the top brand names would have replaced it so easily

So on one hand sure, selling mediocre products is bad i guess for those who aren't in the mood to research what they just bought (ie average joe may expect laser precision cuts and a motor that lasts 20years for their $50.00 - Please give the average Joe a little more credit for intelligence but in reality that's just natural selection at work as they'll soon realize "oh wait, ozito etc aren't a good brand..so i didn't get a bargain afterall). Bunnings though may sell them but they are always focused on customer service - some drop the ball, but others are quickly to pick it up should you complain a little louder (not much).

Microsoft sells mediocre products (I used to work at Microsoft in US) where as Apple sell higher quality products that have a prescribed experience. Point is, some sell some don't.. you the consumer need to research thats the only ask now days..research :) - forums like this help that out!.Microsoft have about 96% of the personal computer software market so I guess one would expect to hear more complaints about them due to the astronomical amount of software they sell.
Ozito have sold millions of their cheap products; it is only commonsense to expect more complaints about the products they manufacture.

At present I only have one Ozito machine and as mentioned earlier has served me well. I am not stupid enough to think this machine will do the job better than one of the more expensive machines or that it will last for 20 years. I have had some of the more expensive machines in my time and like all mechanical or electrical pieces of equipment; they break down and sometimes after being in service for only a short time. I think it is unfair to compare the top name brands and cheaper brands with each other; the cheaper brands are not in competition with the more professional expensive tools.

[kiwigeo]

Bunnies up this way don't seem to stock Ozito any longer either, maybe they got sick of the the amount of warranty returns that had to do.

The dump fees were probably costing them a packet.

[SimonP]

Like most woodworkers I've had cheap power tools last for ages, and expensive presents to myself blow up with little use (and vice versa).
I've also had the expensive ones go missing on building sites (ouch!)

I now go for the cheaper end, including Ozito, but am careful of two things:

1. Don't use it for so long or so hard that the motor casing warms up
I suspect that the cheaper brands have either poorer wiring, wiring insulation or ventilation, hence a higher rate of burnout
If you need to keep working after the tool gets hot, get another one and swap back and forth - buying two will still be cheaper than a high end brand. You'll also have a spare "just in case".

2. Take them apart now and then and lubricate even "sealed for life" bearings, and especially plain bearings seen of some cheap routers.

Since doing the above, I haven't had one failure (in two years house building)

[Black Bear]

thanks for the replies so far!
If i bought only the best of everything then I would need to take up bank robbery as a profession. I cannot justify the need for an $8,000 machine for occasional use. I am not a tradesman and only need tools and equipment for hobbies and make my own furniture / projects. Surely with a three year guarantee the Ozito must be reliable otherwise the manufacturer would go broke replacing or honouring guarantees. Please do not take this as having a go at anyone. I do like to get others opinions before I purchase.

In regards to Bunnings and the 3 year warranty on Ozito, I have proved that both are honoring the deal.

I had a Swing arm MITRE saw by Ozito, cost $200.00. In the 21/2 years that I had it, i I was generally happy with the machine. I too, am a small time hobby woodie, and in the same financial boat as you.

I was talking to the Toolie at Bunnings, Coffs Harbour, and told him the saw was having little faults show up, like the plastic guard had worn through near the saw center, and would sometimes jam, a couple of other minor things as well.

He said if it is under 3 years bring it back and ".........We will replace it".

I took it back that afternoon, not wanting to miss the bloke that said to, and it turned out that they did not have anymore of the one I had purchased, instead they had a better (Two Arm) swing saw with a slightly larger motor and a couple of other refinements, and I could have that one for an extra $30.00.

"Not my fault that you haven't got the same saw to replace".

"OK you can have ti his one as a clear replacement" said he.

"What about the new warranty?" I questioned "This is a different model to the one I am replacing so I should have a new Warranty of 3 years".

"Oh! All right" he blurted, "Anything else?"

(Silly man) "What about pain and suffering?" I innocently asked.

"Get out, garn' get".

So I garn' and got. With the new saw, of course.

[artme]

I think I may have written about this in another thread, but here goes anyway.

I have an1100W Ozito drill. Large and heavy but with lots of grunt. I bought it to finish a fence I was building because my faithful25yo. B&D cashed its chips in. The Ozito would not move from reverse after I had Drilled 35 pilot holes and thendriven 4" batten screws into them. Went back to Bunnies - no problem, grab a new one is stillgoing strong. It does not work that well in hammer mode and is inclined ( when in hammer mode) to loosen the chuck's grip.It came with a label that clearly states it is NOT for trade or continuous use. Stick with that and you are right as rain. Cost was $99.

I needed to drill some holes in concrete to put in some Chemset bolts. I knew the "ordinary" drill would not do the job. I had seen a mate's Ozito Rotary Hammer at work, so off to Bunnies and :o $89!! later walked out with one. Talk about do the job!! I figured this way - $80 to hire one. For the extra $9 I drilled the necessary 16 holes and still had the machine. I have used it since for other jobs and expect it to be part of my kit for some time yet.

Would I suggest others buy these tools? Yes, BUT use them as they are intended.

[TP1]

I understand the need for cheap tools for the rare use they are designed for. But for every Ozito tool I have bought in the past, I have ended up buying a more expensive replacement for better function and accuracy.

The cordless drill was a stand out. Gutless, and wouldn't hold the charge for more than a day or so.

[Cliff Rogers]

I am on my second Ozito Rotary Hammer Drill, wouldn't be without it.

Mind you, even though I thought I couldn't kill the first one, it stopped drilling when I hit a bit of reo in a slab & it let me down when I was 450Kms from home. :(
Lucky I was nearly finished the job & I didn't have to go & get a new one to finish.

[Black Bear]

Have you ever really read the Warranty conditions....It says...The Warranty is void if the tool is used in industry, ( Something else) and if the tool is USED TOO MUCH...Love that one.

However, Bunnings have honored a warranty claim by me.

BB

[Cliff Rogers]

Read the warranty conditions???? :?

Is that anything like reading the manual or one of those new fangled map things? :D

[mike_h]

Have you ever really read the Warranty conditions....It says...The Warranty is void if the tool is used in industry, ( Something else) and if the tool is USED TOO MUCH...Love that one.

However, Bunnings have honored a warranty claim by me.

BB

I work in a Bunnies tool shop, and we (at least the toolies at our store) try to match the tool to the user's needs as far as possible. I am happy to recommend a cheap tool to someone who just wants to do a few simple jobs. On the other hand, if someone plans major renovations or is serious about what they are doing, I will recommend that they spend more to get better value for their $s.

The Ozito and XU1 warranties are always honoured, provided that the tool was used for DIY purposes. The packaging and the warranty clearly state this limitation. If tradies bought the tools using their trade acount (getting trade discount), or if the tool has been obviously mis-treated or worked to death, then the tool was not DIY.

If you buy any tool (or anything else of value that has a warranty), always keep your receipt. Without proof of purchase, no retailer has to honour any warranty. As stated earlier, the Bunnings receipts tend to fade with time, so keep them away from light. If you can, photocopy or scan them.

Mike

[leyton01]

I have had my fair share of experience with Ozito - mostly just buying cheap tools to get a job done and not being able to justify more expensive tools for simple DIY projects.

I think this has been said a bit here but I have an Ozito 1100W hammer drill and the thing is a beast. Eats up concrete and brick without missing a beat - never seems to struggle. Very happy with this sub-$100 tool. Great buy.

Orbital sander - used it for about 10 mins to see if it gave a better finish than a 1/3 sheet sander I was using. It didn't but more importantly the pads wouldn't stick, unbelievable that somehow they managed to manufacture it with defective velcro (pretty basic stuff). Bunnings took it back for a full refund when the tool guy sent a pad about 5m testing it. Crap - no money lost.

Multi tool - heaps of power, has done quite a bit of work and is a very useful tool. No problems with it so far. Is compatible with the bosch bits which are widely available. (Definitely get them from ebay as Bunnings gouges you for accessories). Great buy.

I had a positive experience with another generic brand - Icon from mitre 10. Bought an 18v Li-Ion drill for much less than any other name brand, renovated a house with it. Beat it to death building a retaining wall (drilling + batten screws!!). Thing still worked but after 1.5 years the trigger wouldn't completely disengage. Amazingly I took it back to (local small old-school) Mitre 10 without the receipt, they looked up the sale from my credit card transaction date, gave me a new one on the spot, complete with new 2 year warranty. You just don't get service like that any more. I still use it along with my AEG 18V and sometimes prefer it as it is significantly lighter for long jobs and the battery seems to last longer :S

Ozito-like brands have their place - DIY. Sure they break at times but have a decent warranty (wonder how many people would buy them if they only had 12 months). You can get some ripper tools for cheap as well but sometimes you just throw away your money.

[rogerjenkins]

G'day guys, Over the years I have had a mixture of cheap and expensive power tools,- from GMC, to ROK, to Ozito, plus Ryobi; Bosch; Makita; Hitachi, even Dremel.

A GMC cordless drill lasted one battery charge, then blew, " Blue smoke." and stopped dead! Went back to our local Thrifty-Link hardware & got a replacement, which died after about 6 months of general use
Currently have a ROK cordless drill with 2 batteries which I paid $76. for 12 months ago, and is still going strong.
My Dremel Moto-Tool, which is just out of warrenty, decided to play up the other day,- variable speed suddenly became," One Speed, - S-L-O-W," Rang a couple of Adelaide-based repairers, and discovered that it was cheaper to buy a new one than to get my Dremel repaired !!! Both of my Bosch Drills are over 10 years old, and still in the land of the living, same goes for my Makita 3hp Router, & Power-Planer, and other woodworking equipment I have acumulated over the years.
My neighbour has owned several Ozito drills, & circular saws, all of which have, " Blown Blue Smoke," after a few small jobs, and a local retired Farmer, who should know better, recently bought a cheap," Woolworth's Router," ( so to speak ), for about $50. all up,- including bits, brought it round to me, bragging about it, saying how cheap, and good it was, etc.,etc., compared to my expensive stuff !! Famous last words as it turned out,- week later he was in hospital,- with a gashed leg, plus an electric shock!! Seems he was using his, "Bargain-basement router," to shape something, when the cutter he was using suddenly disintegrated into pieces, which embedded themselves deeply in his right thigh, and at the same time the motor shorted out, giving him a nasty electric shock, cooked the wiring, and blew the shed safety switch as well. He's not bragging about his, " bargain," now. -
Can't imagine why !!!
Roger

[bedbug]

Thanks a bunch Guys. I've just set up my boyhood dream, almost 60 years later and because of a rotten DVA pension I was basically forced to choose "cheap" from Bunnings mostly.

My scroll saw is a Ryobi. I saw it was mentioned in the same breath by a few as an Ozito. It wasn't sub $100.00 but it came with a very handy flexible Dremel like arrangement which plugged into the side of the saw. Plus over 100 bits of sanding/grinding/cutting hobby type bits.
My Router is an Ozito and came with 25 very complicated looking bits in a proper display stand
I made a mistake and left a feeler bid on Ebay for a new GMC router with another 25 less complicated bits $26.78. with carry case and edging gizmo.
A belt/disk sander which I just noticed had no bloody name at all. New from Ebay.
A Ryobi Jigsaw
A Ryobi Battery drill
A no name drill press
An Aussie 10" wood vice which I have to fit wooden jaws to. Home made I assume.
A can't remember name Circular saw
A Ryobi angle grinder
A Crazy Prices vacuum cleaner $39.00 And a set of 8 clamps for $45.00 from mitre 10.

So now, after reading this thread I'm expecting a firework display every day. OK there's no way anything will be used every day and the scroll saw won't be switched on for longer than 30 minutes to sytop my spine from locking up.

But did you have to be so harsh. As you can see, my entire shop is in the bracket most of you have condemned. Being on that lousy pension was the deciding factor on what I bought. Bunnings were the only sellers who actually had the decency to refer me to their senior salesman and he helped me and answered dozens of dumb questions (well to me they weren't dumb but I'm sure he's heard them all a thousand times) He seemed very genuine in his advice and he really did give me big discounts when he found out I managed 3 hours at our Mens' Shed occasionally when the body was willing.

My doctor has absolutely condemned my actions and has told me if I continue I will spend the rest of my life in bed. Hey DOC! I've just spent 8 years of my life in bed so big deal. What started out as making wooden platforms for my boats has now grown into that boyhood dream and after Trevor very kindly arranged to have 5 x 20kg packs of Parquetry delivered for free. A distance of over 300k I intend to make small signs for children's bedroom doors and 3d name plates for office desks. Plus hopefully toys for kids who's parents can't afford an Ozito. My dreams are shattered. I thought I as getting good deals and I thought Ryobi was a top Aussie Company. So the tool man wasn't being helpful he was getting me to buy 3 times more equipment than I thought I could buy on my savings and the whole lot could end up in flames. My ticker's not the best as it is. I don't know if I could take some going BANG and shooting flames.

Anyone care to do a test run? :-(
Stu (very disheartened) and jealous of you guys who have the money to buy the good stuff.

[Bushmiller]

Bedbug

Just be certain to keep the receipts safe and you'll be right:wink:.

Regards
Paul

[matthias47]

I have an Ozito 12v drill more than 10 yrs old with original battery. Still working. In the meantime it has outlasted 2 XU1 drills, and a Bosch 240v drill. Other Ozito and GMC equipment I have has performed extremely well. All gear is basically used DIY and for hobby work.

[stevenj]

Ive had mixed results, I had a bosch sander, cost me $120 and lasted <18months....went into Bunnings and saw the ozito, thought about it but what the hell, cost me $35 and lasted 3.5 years....do the math....bought a second still going 2 years later......

On the bad, I got a 1/4sheet sander blew in 5mins, got another never revved up took it back and Bunnings did me a deal on a blue makita....

I want a biscuit cutter, $135 for an ozito with a 3 year warrantee v >$700 for a makita....cant justify it for DIY have a friend who has one says its fine.....

regards

[ToothFairy]

More mixed results here. I bought an Ozito biscuit joiner some time back; the centre markings and scales on the movable bits are way out, so it's not a precision instrument, but at least once set it doesn't lose the setting so I can make consistent slots without much trouble. Adequate within its fairly severe limitations.

Someone said, though I can't find the post, that cheap tools are OK if all you are relying on is spinning something fast. On that basis, I have a dirt-cheap XU-1 angle grinder that is fine for trimming bolt ends sticking out of fence posts but not good for much else. On the same basis, I recently bought a cheap Ozito cordless screwdriver - with a 2-year replacement guarantee. So far, the battery appears to hold its charge and the thing has plenty of torque. Where it falls down is that the torque adjustment ring doesn't rotate as far as it's meant to, but it rotates far enough to meet all the demands I've placed on it.

As always, horses for courses . . .

- Michael

[pellcorp]

I have an ozito planer I use to clean up old wood before I run it over my jointer, cost 90 and I have used it quite a bit! I don't care much about hitting anything or a rough plane as it's supposed to be rough. I used it other day to remove burnt outer layer of redgum to get to the nice timber inside which I them jointed on my jet jointer

I have a big oZito angle grinder that I use occasionally. My small angle grinder is ryobi for same reasons.

I have a GMC 9" circular saw and it's a beast I use for cutting up anything nasty and a makita 7" for cutting down panels. The gmc is a great saw.

I have a gmc biscuit joiner that I have used successfully would love a makita version but too exxy - the gmc works ok but accuracy is a bit of a problem.

I have a maktec router because I could not afford the makita version - $200 great price a couple of years ago and very pleased.

I have a other ozito and gmc and ryobi but if I can manage I get an aeg, makita or blue Bosch. My drills are in this category.

I do think ozito feels cheap but if it's for occasional use why would you buy a makita. If you are going to use it everyday why would you buy an ozito!

[Bushmiller]

Looking back on this post and indeed otherposts on the budget end of the market there are some comments I would make.

We are talking primarily about the home brand products. Ozito belongs exclusively to Bunnings, Icon is the Mitre 10 exclusive and various other organisations tend to sell a particular brand even if it is not exactly their own product.

It is important to note that each tool should be considered individually as their performance across the range is very variable. For example I have not heard a good report about XU-1 cordless drills, but their angle grinders are apparantly good value. The original question posed by Black Ned was specifically about Ozito and again it has become apparant their rotary hammer drill is excellent value.

I bought a lightweight Ozito router for a job and had to take it back after 15 minutes of use as it had shorted out and was releasing smoke:rolleyes:.

I have an Ozito reciprocating saw which I only occasionally use. Blade changing is awkward, but as I use it twice a year this is not a real issue.

I have a large quantity of GMC tools some of which were bought before their demise and a lot more following. Generally they have been good and I was disappointed when they pulled the plug as I felt they filled a niche and indeed expanded the market to people who ordinarily would not have purchased a power tool.

The bottom end manufacturers, I don't believe, have really filled the vacuum left by GMC. Yes, the volume of product is there, but not quite the same quality.

So where does that leave us? Choose carefully, listen to the reports of others if available, but be prepared to be disappointed if the tool is unsatisfactory. That is the chance you take. Only select these bottom end tools for light and occasional work.

Above all, don't lose the receipt. You may well have to take it back.

Don't forget the old legalese of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware), because you can only really take the tool back if it is defective. If it is just not up to the task that is your poor choice, hard though that may be to swallow.

Regards
Paul

[Black Bear]

I have several Ozito cordless hand tools, Yes, I know, you are going to say that you get what you pay for. Well folks, maybe you get more than you expect.

I have had an 18v cordless drill for 5 years, and the batteries are just starting to die, as all batteries in these type of tools tend to do. Have you priced Red Brand Jap Batteries for other tools? I have and come up with a starting figure of $130.00 each.

For the older cordess drill from Ozito, and for the later 3 pack set of Torch,Jig saw and Drill at 18v, you can buy replacement batteries from Ozito, via Bunnings for less that $40 each.

Now, be honest, that is hard to beat, ain't it?

Never buy an impact cordless of any brand. The system just doesn't work.

NOTE: When buying any cordless tool, first run the battery down as low as it will go by running the machine until all life ceases to exist, then charge the battery to the full time indicated. Run this second charge to as low as it can go as previously described and recharge.

This will create the battery charge memory and alleviate the battery presuming a charge at lesser that full charge.

Do not leave the battery in the charger as this also shortens the life of the battery.

This information is available from the information given with the purchase of an Ozito product.

I am a happy little Ozito chappy.

BB

[artme]

A builder mate of mine has an Ozito electric jackhammer. He's had it for years and it has done a lot of work in small doses. It looks a bit battered but, hell it's been and is a bloody good tool.

[Black Bear]

A builder mate of mine has an Ozito electric jackhammer. He's had it for years and it has done a lot of work in small doses. It looks a bit battered but, hell it's been and is a bloody good tool.

The bloke I am fitting out the campervan for gave me an Ozito kit...Drill, Jigsaw and torch, all 18v, the reason was that the batteries had died. I already own an 18v drill so I purchased two 18v batteries from Ozito at $74.00 total.

Anyone else wish to give away their Ozito tools, let me know!!!!!

[Darren Oates]

I have a Ozito 18v NmH cordless drill which I have now had for 4 years and gets used in my workshop just about everyday and has not missed a beat. Same cant be said for my Bosch which lasted less than 3 years. Cant say that I have had this with all Ozito tools.

Cheers

Darren

[Black Bear]

I have a Ozito 18v NmH cordless drill which I have now had for 4 years and gets used in my workshop just about everyday and has not missed a beat. Same cant be said for my Bosch which lasted less than 3 years. Cant say that I have had this with all Ozito tools.

Cheers

Darren

I understand. But even the Rolls and the Bently break down at times....and look at the cost of fixing them. I had a Range Rover once and someone broke into the petrol cap. Cost $90.00 for a new cap and that was in the late 70s.

It would be easier to bury an Ozito than a Dewalt when the time comes.

BB

[Daniel Woods]

Well I don't hate Ozito per say and the products, but let's just say I prefer the better quality and that is not what they offer or is it?

[pinabird]

I have a Ozito multi functional tool, and i use this quite often, i find it quite good, for what you get,value for money. Some people say that Ozito tools are rubbish,but,:U they have 3 years warranty, and if something goes wrong, bring it back to Bunnings and you get a new one. Other brands are very expensive, and if they break up , they will send it back to the factory , and you have to wait ages to get it back. I am quite happy to receive a new tool, if it gets broken before the tree years warranty, other wise i buy a new one , and i am still better of ,and by the way, even the expensive brand are made in China.