Rockler Sure-Foot F-Style Clamps Preview
Gluing wood pieces together for cabinetry and other projects is going to be a lot smoother and simpler with Rockler […]
DeWalt DW745 Table Saw Preview
We love table saws, and lawsuits notwithstanding, we like some of the new products that are finally starting to hit the market. We got our hands on the DeWalt DW745 – the company’s handy new 10-Inch Job site Table Saw. It comes with a new Site-Pro Modular Guarding System that adjusts the saw quickly for a variety of cuts. It really makes the job all that much more quick, with accurate cuts that don’t take long to set up. The saw is both portable and powerful. The motor pumps through 15 amps and it has a large 16″ rip capacity. This tool includes a split blade guard, adjustable miter gauge, and even a push stick – all of which secure to the side of the tool itself for easy portability. Also included is a 10-inch, 24-tooth carbide blade, which will get you started, but as we’ve found with most DeWalt blades – should be replaced as soon as possible. Regardless of what blade you put on it, it will spin up at 3,850 rpm (no-load) and should be quick enough to take all that 15-amp power and chew through even the hardest hardwood or pressure-treated lumber.
Rockler Rubber Bench Mat Review
Back in 2003 I purchased a product made of recycled rubber tires and cut it to fit inside my Jeep Liberty’s cargo area. It was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. When Rockler announced their Recycled Rubber Bench Mat I immediately knew that this excellent product had more or less made its way into the world of woodworking shops everywhere. What’s unique about it is the simplicity of design. There’s nothing fancy about it – it’s just rubber, but it’s the perfect texture and protection for any surface. Let’s face it, if your idea of the perfect worktop surface is linoleum, plywood or tile – this is going to revolutionize your life… or at least add a level of convenience and flexibility you hadn’t thought of before.
ECHO PAS-225VPB Pro Attachment Series Combo Kit Review
We have been fans of ECHO ever since we reviewed their SRM-225i straight shaft trimmer with its i-75 starting system. […]
Skil Oscillating Multi-Tasker Tool Preview
Can anything good come out of Walmart? Skil seems to think so. Beginning in May they will release their new corded oscillating multi-tool, dubbed the Oscillating Multi-Tasker 1400-02. It’s a 2-amp tool that works with the new Bosch OIS line of accessories. The SKIL Power Tools 1400-02 Oscillating Multi-Tasker comes as part of an 11-piece multi-tool kit that is meant to be a go-to or catch-all tool for home improvement professionals as well as the casual user or do-it-yourselfer. All-in-all, Skil has positioned the tool at a price point and in a configuration that makes it very palatable and desirable for those who still haven’t jumped into the multi-tool revolution. If you haven’t yet used an oscillating multi-tool, this product may just sell you on its benefits.
Milwaukee 2458-21 M12 Cordless Palm Nailer Review
The Milwaukee 2458-21 M12 Cordless Palm Nailer is one of those types of tools that you probably won’t use every day, but it could prove to be a real asset when the occasion arises. We got a glimpse of this nailer at the 2010 Milwaukee Media Event where we were able to try out a few pre-production models – and they did prove very promising. We were slightly surprised that they were able to drive 16d common nails flush into 2×4 studs all day long. Finally a cordless, hand-held nailer that really drove nails. Up to now, the few battery powered nailers that we have seen, also known as auto hammers, have been more like gadgets than real working gear. The idea of being able to leave the air compressor, air hose, drop cords and nailers in the work trailer is rather compelling. Given its fairly compact size, you can drive nails in those difficult tight spots where you normally might not be able to fit a full size nailer or swing a hammer. To make it even better there is a LED work light built in that should make it easier to see what you are doing in a dim or dark work area.
Porter-Cable PC85TRSOK Tiger Saw Review
The Porter-Cable PC85TRSOK 8.5Amp Orbital Reciprocating Tiger Saw comes ready to cut or rip through just about anything thanks to its ability to switch from reciprocating to full orbital action. Many tradesman might remember the original Tiger-Saw and know that it was a tool to be reckoned with. The big question for us now is if this new lightweight model can live up to its predecessors. Things like an adjustable shoe and a powerful motor are a good start for sure. At first glance this tool seems to be a great bargain because it is high on features and low on price, but before we can recommend this new breed of Tiger Saw we have to spend a little quality time with it just to see how tamed (or rather untamed) it is.
Porter-Cable 450PK Compact Router Combo Kit Review
The Porter Cable 450PK 1.25 HP Compact Router Combo Kit brings a breath of fresh air to the compact router market with plenty of power, quality features and woodworking versatility built in. We were impressed that this pint sized router packs a punch and does a fantastic job at a wide variety of router tasks. Combined with an all machined aluminum body, aluminum fixed and plunge bases, and a very positive depth of adjustment system; we found that a high level of precision can be attained. Thanks to its lightweight construction, and compact size, many trimming, edge round-over and chamfer type cuts can be made with ease and control that can be more difficult to do with a full sized tool. Sure there are instances when a larger sized router is needed but we would bank on the fact that most casual woodworkers and even professionals would benefit from the compact size of this router. We find it pretty easy to recommend the Porter Cable 450PK 1.25 HP Compact Router Combo Kit to anyone.
Benchmade 9CB Hook Safety Cutter Review
The Benchmade 9CB Hook Safety Cutter is super lightweight and has a handy carabiner carry clip, built in bottle opener and a retractable cover that protects the blade when not in use. The Benchmade 9CB Hook Safety Cutter is part of the “Black Class” of knives from Benchmade. It’s designed and developed for extreme duty and special purposes. Typically they are marketed towards law enforcement, public safety and military troops which is a good place for this tool. This little tool is designed with the ability to cut up to 1/2″ diameter rope, seat belts, nylon straps, webbing or just about any other material that might be in the way when you are trying to rescue someone or release something. Just to show the fun side of this rescue tool, there is a built in bottle opener so that you can crack open a cold one after a tough day. In all seriousness, any outdoors guy or emergency response professional would do well to have one of these clicked onto a piece of gear, or their belt loop, for one of those just-in-case moments.
SOG F06TN-CP FastHawk Tomahawk Review
While it might not be every day that a tomahawk is needed, The SOG F06T-N FastHawk is a good choice if you have to clear some scrub off your land or maybe if you looking for something to throw at a target. This tactical tomahawk is very compact and lightweight which lends itself well to backpacking and working in the woods around your home. With a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle that is securely fastened to the head with two bolts and a steel ferrule, you can be sure you can put your back into it and it won’t break. With quite a menacing look, the blade comes sharp from the factory, yet the spike on the back side is not sharpened. As good as it is at chopping, we found it makes a pretty good throwing hatchet as well, which is exactly what we would expect from anything that is called a tomahawk.