Chile Forum

I did have a one phone or router some time back that a strange plug on it, and I had to attache a new external 220 power supply to the plug end. That was the only sort of heavy maintenance I have ever had to do to a device I bought in the States.

I managed to get my transformer down to the Region v project, what a schlep. While I was packing I realized it would never get under the weight limit on AA so I took it in my carry on.... That was a thrill trying to teach the TSA gal what it was for and how similar it is to the small plug adapter ones, just on steroids. Then there's the hoisting it into the overhead bins while making it look light. Then there was explaining the same thing (along with actual price) to Chilean customs.
It's on site, the house now has a 120V system, complete with US boxes, outlets and coverplates,just waiting insulation and drywall (a whole other story).
Now I'm trying to track down a Skil 77 worm drive skilsaw in 220V so that I don't have to re-learn the joys of Euro style skilsaws again. It would appear that Skil don't export this model, any opinions to the contrary?

MikieO wrote:Now I'm trying to track down a Skil 77 worm drive skilsaw in 220V so that I don't have to re-learn the joys of Euro style skilsaws again. It would appear that Skil don't export this model, any opinions to the contrary?

If it has to be Skil I don't think I can help you they don't even appear to have any distributors in Chile, there isn’t even a Chilean website (or Argentinean for that matter).

But DeWalt has 2 sizes of Circular Saws (I know… not the same) on the Chilean version of their website. So if you do some looking around they should be available. I need to take a look around for 220v charger for my 18v DeWalt tool set when I head down there next time. And one have any ideas of a good place to start because I don’t remember HomeCentre or Easy carrying anything remotely equivalent to what the set I have?

Jason, I spent a while chatting with a knowledgeable gal in the Vina del Mar Easy DIY store about skilsaws. She adknowledged that Skil have a worm drive version for the US market but didn't think I'd be able to get one there even though Skil do import a full range of tools to Chile. I'll look into getting one of mine rewound or else maybe the Makita knock off comes in 220V. The Dewalt worm drive version looks funky but I can probably get used to it. I don't see that version on the Chilean site though. On the other hand, the cordless saws are pretty much all "right hand drive".
I guess worst case scenario I can just take a US Skilsaw down. 4000 watts will run it easily, I was just concerned about the Hz being different.
Re the charger, you have a lot of options, my favourite of late is to just use an inverter in the truck but even a little travel transformer will probably run it.
Didn't see anything Milwaukee at all down there, that's a shame.

It's sometimes fun to look at older threads and see how things panned out. I posted that I brought a 4kw transformer down in June. Well, fast forward to Dec, it's installed along with the 120v system (that's actually 112v but whatever) that runs at 50hz, who knew?
Anyway, to facilitate the work, I brought down a lot of cordless tools and a brand new Ryobi router, ($60 at Home Depot). I figured it as a throw away if it didn't like the Hz drop. Imagine my surprise, it runs just fine. The cordless tools are all Hitachi (not my 1st choice but cheap on E Bay) and are light years ahead of the domestic cordless gear, the skilsaw is a RHD one too .
The Paslode framer and finish guns are OK but the hassle getting the cartridges down here will probably see me bringing them both back to the US at Christmas and bringing down pneumatic gear in 2010 (thank AA for ff miles).
Bringing rough in boxes, a box of 120v outlets and cover plates to Chile seemed silly while the house was being framed but the advantages are great. The transformer is controlled by a single 220v switch by the front door so it's easy to hit on the way out.
This is something that deserves a thread of its own but I'll start it here, TPTB can move it as befits but:
Chilean construction work ethics...............there ain't none.
"Git 'er done", "done right", "quality is job one"?? FORGET IT.
Hang onto your money until the last nail is driven, painted and hold back a bit until after it rains too, coz there isn't a warranty.
I thought I had given up the hands on aspect of const 7 years ago but after looking at what passes for "finish" here, I am driving nails again, cursing my "framer" every hour.
El P will know what I'm going through as he swims in the same pond back in the US.

There are terrible maestros here for sure, but there are also pretty hard workers. Now, do they have the same attention to and eye for details than people used to First World standards, in most cases no. But it's not necessarily a problem of ethics. Some people will try hard to meet high standards if you explain what you want and point out what needs to be fixed. Other people, yeah, you need to fire and fire them fast before they do too much damage. We've had a mix of both for our remodeling. Look for the slow but proud worker (usually older guys it seems). They might not always get it right the first time, but they will strive to get to where you want them to be. That means you need to be patient and understanding yet not waver on what you ultimately want. It will be slower but it's still going to be less expensive than in the US/Europe.

Well, I guess when I mention work and ethics in the same sentence I mean pride in product.
The dumb look on my meastro's face as I went over his tile job with a magic marker (tiles to remove) is still etched in my memory. He got it right 2nd time but cracked an adjacent wall tile, said nothing and felt he was done!

MikieO wrote:Well, I guess when I mention work and ethics in the same sentence I mean pride in product.
The dumb look on my meastro's face as I went over his tile job with a magic marker (tiles to remove) is still etched in my memory. He got it right 2nd time but cracked an adjacent wall tile, said nothing and felt he was done!

Well maybe he felt he was done for.