Makita Hammer Drill question

[saidiadude]

Hello,

I had an old craftsman drill that recently fell apart after years of use.
I am interested in purchasing the following drill: Makita HP1621FK (http://store.yahoo.com/tylertool/mahp5hadrwil.html)
Locally (Long Beach, CA), Home Depot, Lowe's or Sears dont carry this model. I cant find any reviews of it online. The pic on the Makita site and Amazon, etc are of the 1620. Has anyone used this drill? How does the variable speed work on it? I like the "Dial" variable speed that the cordless Makita's have, but I cant figure out how it works on this model. Is it as simple as just pressing the trigger with the appropriate amount of pressure (groan)?

Projects for the drill this year:
- replace back door (need hammer action to remove some stucco)
- build small deck
- fence repair
- possible drywall work

I will also pick up a cordless 18V Makita drill at some point soon.

Thx for your help.

[MD_Willington]

The Makita hammer drils are okay, nothing special...

Used to use one for some general purpose stuff..Speed control is a usually a trim pot on the trigger, dial in the speed you want.

You could probably get away with a regualer masonry bit in the cordless, then finish up the stucco by cutting with a circular saw and appropriate blade, I've done this a bunch of times...I've seen a hammer drill crack up stucco in similar work...

MD

[saidiadude]

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll use the circular saw first to cut the stucco.

BTW, I ended up buying a cordless Makita Drill also. Got a good deal - details here (http://www.construction-resource.com/forum/ftopic3224.html) in case anyone wants to buy one.