u/BeardiewithaBeardie

I’m looking at getting a new mandolin after having sold mine last year. I had an Eastman MD315, but I’d like to potentially upgrade to something better.

My budget is $1500. I’m a worship leader so I mostly play chords so I’m not set on A style vs. F style. I prefer f-holes, but as long as it doesn’t sound boxy, I don’t mind an oval hole, especially on a flat top. (Last year on a work trip I was able to try a flat top, oval hole Weber, and now I’m open to them as long as they aren’t boxy.)

Right now, I’m looking at either a used MD605/615, a used Northfield Calhoun (there’s one at Elderly for $1100), or a new Red Valley AM mandolin.

Does anyone have a recommendation between these three options, or is there another option I should consider (apart from saving more)? I don’t really have many options to try near me so I’m going to have to get something online.

I know that a lot of this is dependent on what projects need to be done, but I’m curious what power tools would you consider must-haves for maintenance/renovations/groundskeeping?

I’m specifically asking here instead of r/tools because I recently got into the Dewalt platform myself after growing up watching my dad use them. I already have the Atomic Impact Driver and Hammer Drill, the XR circular saw, oscillating multitool, and angle grinder, as well as the 20V Max reciprocating saw. (I bought the $500 kit at HD) I’m just looking for any obvious tools that I might be completely overlooking or also tools that aren’t necessarily obvious requirements but make life a lot easier

We just took over running a summer campground at my job, and a lot of the maintenance responsibilities have fallen on me so I have had to start investing in tools, and with that, I need to upgrade from my one small personal tool box. I’d like to get into modular storage.

I know Packout and ModBox are the best of the best when it comes to modular storage, but I don’t really have the money to spend that much on boxes, nor do I need anything that nice. I’ve considered the Ridgid system but even that seems a little much for me (although it’s not out of the question).

The other system I was looking at is Hyper Tough Hyper Stack. I know it’s a cheaper solution and it won’t last as long as most other systems, but I really just need something to get me through this summer/fall; then I can look at upgrading to something nicer so I think it would be okay. Has anyone had experience with the Hyper Stack system, or does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations?

I am getting ready to start maintenance/ DIY renovations on a summer campground so I’m jumping into the world of power tools and this week I bought the 6-tool pack from Home Depot which came with a 5AH and a 2AH battery, but I’m looking to potentially get a couple more batteries in the near future. I don’t anticipate for the work I’m capable of needing any tools much bigger than what I have, but I was wondering: what batteries do you recommend for someone getting into maintenance/renovations?

I’m currently looking at getting a new mandolin. I had an MD315 that I sold to get my dream guitar. I’ve been looking at an MD305E in replacement (and I could get one today), but I was wondering if it would be worth it to wait a couple weeks and jump up to an MD605. (I’d love to jump up to a Northfield or similar but I do not have the savings discipline for that 😂)

Note: I realize that playing both would be ideal; however playing a 605 is not an option. The nearest one to me is about 6 hours away.