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Columbia Tools?

15K views 31 replies 19 participants last post by  sdrdrywall  
#1 ·
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.
 
#4 ·
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.
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
 
#11 · (Edited)
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.
 
#14 ·
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.
 
#15 ·
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.:thumbup:
 
#16 ·
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.
 
#21 ·
don't by any machines, they take a long time to learn how to use, and cost lots of money. just do everything by hand, just as long as it looks good when your done, is all that matters
 
#25 ·
Ar u freaking kidding me!

Been hand finishing for a while, and kept thinking to my self if I just had boxes I could save ton's of time. Well one day did it, bought marshalltown FB 10'' and regular 12". Let me tell you, nothing compares to the speed of the boxes in comparison of hand finishing.

Question, If anyone has the new Hardened by Columbia or DM King taper, what do you recommend? Looking to get one.
 
#27 ·
Been hand finishing for a while, and kept thinking to my self if I just had boxes I could save ton's of time. Well one day did it, bought marshalltown FB 10'' and regular 12". Let me tell you, nothing compares to the speed of the boxes in comparison of hand finishing.

Question, If anyone has the new Hardened by Columbia or DM King taper, what do you recommend? Looking to get one.
I've had both id defiantly go for the hardened taper I've run the crap out of it for two years if you ever want to check it out first hand let me know were one an hour and a half apart
 
#26 ·
laforneyjoe said:
Been hand finishing for a while, and kept thinking to my self if I just had boxes I could save ton's of time. Well one day did it, bought marshalltown FB 10'' and regular 12". Let me tell you, nothing compares to the speed of the boxes in comparison of hand finishing.

Question, If anyone has the new Hardened by Columbia or DM King taper, what do you recommend? Looking to get one.
I use Tape Tech and Drywall Master KT. Of these two, I would recommend the DM. Columbia might be my next taper.
 
#28 ·
sdrdrywall said:
I've had both id defiantly go for the hardened taper I've run the crap out of it for two years if you ever want to check it out first hand let me know were one an hour and a half apart
Did you have an older version of the DM or newer? What was the deciding factor choosing the WT Columbia?
 
#31 ·
sdrdrywall said:
Its about four years old just didn't like the feel of it. and no matter how much I ran it always felt stiff even ran the high pressure hose on wheel and had quite a few parts wear out prematurely
I appreciate the input.

I purchased my DM used and had to do some repairs to get it where it should be performance wise, but...I found it to be a much better taper than my 10 yr old ( purchased new ) TT.

Columbia will most likely be my next choice but not sure which version?