| alexander.keys1 2006-11-24, 5:25 pm |
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Andy Hall wrote:
> On 2006-11-24 18:59:56 +0000, "naffer" <timbrook99@hotmail.com> said:
>
>
> There is a potential safety benefit, but to be honest I have never been
> that motivated by it. Any time that I use a 220v corded power tool,
> it is via an RCD anyway.
>
>
> The most common case is of 220 and 110v versions of the same tool.
> Sometimes there are products that are available in 110v versions only
> and of their tool type may be better than others where both voltages
> are available.
>
>
> The other aspect is that it does make it possible to source tools from
> 110v countries - in practical terms, this typically means the U.S.,
> where market volumes and price expectations drive prices lower than
> they typically are in Europe.
>
> It can be economic to buy tools in the U.S. and have them shipped to the =
UK.[color=darkred]
>
> In that scenario, you will pay the net price not including sales tax
> (typically 6-9% otherwise); you will pay shipping costs, duty at around
> 2-3% and VAT at 17.5%.
>
> You can also consider taking a weekend break etc. to a suitable U.S.
> city (if there is such a thing) at a low air fare. In that case,
> you can look at and buy tools personally, but you will pay state sales
> tax which in practical terms is not recoverable. On return into the
> UK, you have a duty and VAT free limit of =A3145. This method is
> interesting if you were thinking of a trip anyway.
>
> It makes sense to buy branded tools if you do either of these (unless
> you consider them disposable) since most spares will be available in
> Europe. There are firms in the U.S. who will ship spares if wanted.
> You will typically not get a warranty on U.S. sourced tools that is
> valid in Europe.
>
> Overall, U.S. sourcing can be worth doing, but does need a careful
> evaluation of the trade offs.
>
> In the general case, I think that having a facility for 110v tools and
> going for selected ones can be interesting. I'm not persuaded to go
> exclusively for them.
>
There is the issue of mains frequency though, in North America it is 60
Hz rather than the 50 Hz in Europe (including British Isles). This will
affect motor performance, perhaps less for commutator motors than with
induction motors.
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