Now summer is coming around and I can do some work on my car (and about 101 other projects), I've decided a powerfile would be a good addition to the workshop. From browsing I've found two versions- the Ferm Powerfile and the Black and Decker Powerfile.
Both are about the same price, but the Ferm item seems to come with more stuff (cranked arm, more belts etc.) and is more powerful. I'm quite torn as I have never heard of Ferm as a make, and want a decent tool that will last a while.
Has anyone had any experience with either of these tools? Or any experience with Ferm as a make?
Cheers guys,
Badger

Ferm seem to be an extra special cheap brand, that said, my ferm jigsaw went for years

I had a B+D one at my last company and it was used and abused by some of the most brutal and ham handed individuals I have had the misfortune to meet.

Apart from rapid belt wear when abused the poor little thing just kept coming back for more and refused to break. A great tool. You just need to resist using it when the angry grinder would be more appropriate.

I bought a B&D power file from Ebay from Folkstone Tools (or something like that) cost 22 quid and it's brilliant, but as Mike says, be gentle or the belts will cost a fortune.

As mentioned - B&D one is a great little tool. Mine is going strong after some serious abuse.

I bought a BD Powerfile (red casing) a while ago, on impulse.....

It's now one of the most used powertools in the workshop, brilliant for prepping, cleaning tight welds. I'm gentle, I avoid overloading tools, take my time, etc. - the thing has performed faultlessly.

Now, 115mm BD angle grinders on the other hand....

Well that's a resounding recommendation for the B&D, thanks for the advice guys

My B&D gets heavily used on fibreglass and in spite of always feeling and sounding like it's about to pack up it keeps on going. I just make sure to blow (with an airline) the dust out of it ocassionally.

I have had one pack up before but at the price you can't complain. Also had the bearing at the front of the "finger" sieze up once.

Cheers

Fred W B

another vote for the b&d. never skimp on the belts though, i have a whole pack of useless ones in the garage, the bosch ones never break unless the're used untill your sanding with the backing material...

Just got my B&D issue powerfile today, very pleased with it so far

Get your belts from johnt1102 on ebay, he knows what he's on with. I know him from another forum and have had a few different items. He does 20 mixed belts for £7.99 delivered.