vhcconstruction

I am looking to get into automated tools. Hands are shot looking for a better and faster way. What is the word on Columbia tools? Tapetech comes up allot. Just lloking for some help.

jim

just drive over to al's taping tools in plymouth mn. he will set you up

ThatDrywallGuy

Big thumbs up for Columbia

Chris

1wallboardsman

Columbia is started on the re-design kick in pursuit of selling with the new and improved angle. 95% of the changes in taping tools from the original designs of Ames have been negative for their effect on workability.

This will probably continue since the executives that run taping tool companies know diddly squat about you or your trade. Columbia in particular prefers dealers that know little about taping tools and/or how to use them most effectively.

jdl

vhcconstruction

went to Al's and they set me up with a set.

ThatDrywallGuy

they could have fooled me,
great, solid running tools.

Muddauber

I bought a full set of Columbia tools 5 years ago. Great running tools & very little maintanance.

S&SDRYWALL

We run Columbia tools, I have a few tapetech bazookas but there backup.

taper71

3 years on my Columbia set and very little routine maintenance.

1wallboardsman

More proof that they are all the same except for dumb design changes.

Any of them will last for 20 years too, if you don't launch them into the truck from the 4th floor window.

jdl

amestaper

I've always used Tapetech or Premier. Borrowed a Drywall Master once. Tapetech was definitely the best in my humble opinion but I reckon spare parts are a problem for the latter two I mentioned in the UK.

You really are spoiled for choice in North America.

Interesting post as I've never used Columbia (or Northstar) and will bear these comments in mind next time I dig deep in my pockets for a new toolkit.

Keep the praise and critisism coming folks.

joepro0000

I own the 10' and 12' box with the pump. Greatest boxes every used. They get the job done with no problem. Had them for over 3 years now, like everyone said, little maintenance.

Apple24

Concorde taper rocks, Boxs all the same. Northstar 2.5 and 3.5 corners

Drywall Tycoon

Stan Ames was a genuis. Since his patent expired all the wanna be companies have made good developments in some areas.

I think that I did launch an ames taper off the fourth floor went down and got it and it worked better than the clones. The ames taper used to feed and cut better than any of them.

Muddauber

I used Ames tapers for 20+ years. They are top quality tools, but I never had one that cuts tape as smooth as my Columbia.
I've had the Columbia for 5 years now & the only parts I've replaced is blades & needles. It still has the original cable.

Drywall Tycoon

Thanks for the info Muddauber.
I've bought a few tapemasters. I still use one of them. I think Tapetech bought them out. They worked O.K. But never as well as the old Ames guns.
If I ever buy another taper I will be sure to try the columbia.

Keeping them clean goes a long way. How many times have you been going down the highway and see a pile of taping tools in a pail of water. Bouncing down the road in the back of a truck.

Muddauber

Hey, Watch it buddy.
That was me you passed on the road with 500' of tape flying in the wind.

Whitey97

I think we've all been there. I know I have with the banjo at least once

Apple24

Had a concorde tube for 8 years best made. Columbia bought them out and now there better yet, till ya drop it.

Drywall Tycoon

Before I starting using totes. My tailgate fell down. Some hand tools fell out and a roll of tape. The tape hooked on this guys side mirror and he went down the road with a 500' flag.