Construction Calculator what do you use? Would you buy it again or switch to?

S

Steve R

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Joined
Oct 24, 2010
Messages
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I have put off buying one and there are now so many options I’m overwhelmed.

I'm looking at a handheld stand alone unit, Not an app. One others can also use on site.

The ad for the Construction Master Pro caught my eye. http://www.calculated.com/prd101/Construction+Master+Pro.html

I’m looking for why you bought what you bought….
What do you use it for?
Does it do everything you need?
How durable is it?
When it dies what would you buy?

Cheers,
Steve
 
I do most all of my serious design calculations on CAD (Solidworks) but I bought a Constructions Master 5 to carry -- it has a plastic case with a snap shut cover (very useful).  No trig functions but it does have rise/run/diag keys which pretty much handles that need.  It also has several conversion keys so that I can quickly convert from dinosaur into metric (or the other way if your only metric is Festool  [smile]).  It's a very handy calculator that serves my purpose.
 
Ive got a construction master pro but I end up using a standard scientific calculator app on my phone more often than not as its always on me
 
I've been using the Construction Master Pro for almost 10 years, and also have the desktop version that stays in the office.  The portable version is always in the briefcase.  If either broke, I'd get the same thing all over again.  These two have saved my bacon many times, and helped to make jobs more precise.  Seems to me that the apps may work, but anytime you get something that's a compromise over a dedicated function, something always seems to fail.  Smart phones with cameras seem to be a convenience, but a dedicated Nikon (to pick one of many) seems to always get better pictures than anything built into a smart phone. 

[smile]
 
Steve,

I recently bought a Construction Master Pro so I can't tell you about durability.  It seems just as durable as any other quality calculator and it also came with a free Armadillo cover (from Coastal Tool).

I bought the calculator for figuring stairs (rise/run) on the job and for figuring spindle or baluster spacing.  It works superbly for both of those functions.  I would not want to be without it now that I have it. 

You can probably do everything it can do on a regular scientific calculator, but it would take a lot longer.  This calculator is made for builders.  Once you get used to it, figuring building math problems gets real quick. 

Marcus
 
Steve R said:
I'm looking for a hand held unit.  Not an app.

Cheers,
Steve
Click to expand...

Well, sorry.  The point was, I like build calc Pro better then the Construction Master.

The app on the iphone offers more features then the stand alone calculator.

 
WarnerConstCo. said:
Steve R said:
I'm looking for a hand held unit.  Not an app.

Cheers,
Steve
Click to expand...

Well, sorry.  The point was, I like build calc Pro better then the Construction Master.

The app on the iphone offers more features then the stand alone calculator.
Click to expand...

No need to be sorry, I didn't specify that in my original post,  I did go back and add that. 

When I google  build calc Pro" I didn't find any. If it does (as most do have the handhelds and software and apps). I'm open to any brand. If you can give me a model number and manufacturer that would Great!

Cheers,
Steve
 
I believe you can set the sensitivity on a construction master, as in how close it will round to when using imperial measurements. It is faster to use it. Some tricky problems I find interesting to actually work out though as opposed to have the machine do it all for me. Yes it is calculating for me (standard scientific) but i can see what's going on. Just a thing. If speed is of the essence I'l use the CM, otherwise i like to know the functions it's performing.
 
GhostFist said:
I believe you can set the sensitivity on a construction master, as in how close it will round to when using imperial measurements. It is faster to use it. Some tricky problems I find interesting to actually work out though as opposed to have the machine do it all for me. Yes it is calculating for me (standard scientific) but i can see what's going on. Just a thing. If speed is of the essence I'l use the CM, otherwise i like to know the functions it's performing.
Click to expand...

Yes you can -- for the preference settings press the "conv" button then "%" and toggle through the settings. Change them with + and - keys.  "On/c" key to exit.
 
I have had a construction master in the past.  They are fine, until someone drops it...crushes it with a load of 2x12s....leaves it sitting in the sun....

I know you said you wanted a stand alone unit, but many people have smartphones now, so at $80 a pop for one unit, you could buy an app for yourself and 3 employees. Apps don't get destroyed on site or stolen. Plus with the app versions, if you have a question on a function, you can hold down a key and get an immediate answer instead of going in search of the manual.  Also, it is always with you.  Oh yeah, with an app version, you are always getting upgrades on functions.  I could go on and on....

I have since switched to build calc. Better functionality than construction master pro.

Dan
 
Wow... to see posts on this topic that has been dead for 7 months....

couple of things...

the post by "finnapps2" seems to be a business post....  do you think he might make apps????? So... no thanks... customers review is worth my time but venders that say they are great.... is just hot air....till the users...real users say they find it helpful.

dbworkshop:  have you ever been on the phone and needed to do some calculations? A cell phone can also... "They are fine, until someone drops it...crushes it with a load of 2x12s....leaves it sitting in the sun....".

I don't know why you can't keep your tools safe on site? If you are crushing a calc.... why would a phone be any safer?

The prior two posts seem like supporting business post to me.

Cheers,
Steve

 
Steve R said:
....dbworkshop:  have you ever been on the phone and needed to do some calculations? A cell phone can also... "They are fine, until someone drops it...crushes it with a load of 2x12s....leaves it sitting in the sun....".

I don't know why you can't keep your tools safe on site? If you are crushing a calc.... why would a phone be any safer?....

Cheers,
Steve
Click to expand...

Steve, I would worry about trashing a phone too.  I've had my Construction Master before my smartphone so I don't have the app version.  Although, Dan makes some good points in favor of the app version.  And the app is 20 bucks for Build Calc, not bad.   
 
Yup I agree about the phone crush concerns. My construction master is pretty rugged and cheaper than my phone. I don't think twice about slapping it on my work bench and hosing it down with dust and the like.
 
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