Tool Reviews Archives

April 18, 2011 0

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 1.25 HP Compact Router Combo Kit

April 12, 2011 0

Porter-Cable 450PK Compact Router Combo Kit Review

by Thomas Gaige

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.

April 12, 2011 0

Benchmade 9CB Hook Safety Cutter Review

by Thomas Gaige

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 - application

April 12, 2011 0

SOG F06TN-CP FastHawk Tomahawk Review

by Thomas Gaige

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.

April 11, 2011 0

Irwin Utility Knives Redesigned to Better Handle Jobs

by Clint DeBoer

While some folks might not realize or even appreciate the different utility knifes that are available, professional tradesmen know that […]

Bosch RHH180 Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill - application 1

April 11, 2011 0

Bosch RHH180 Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill Review

by Clint DeBoer

Using an underpowered tool can ruin your day. If you’ve ever tried to drill into concrete with a standard drill, you’ll have experienced this first-hand. Similarly, a traditional hammer drill, while effective for basic concrete drilling, is not set up for larger jobs that require bigger bits, deeper holes and repetitive drilling. For that you will want a serious tool, and Bosch’s RHH180 18V Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill targets that need precisely. It also includes convenience features like an integrated depth gauge and handle that will allow you to drill to a specific depth quickly and not waste any energy, bit-life or time. It’s also a simple tool to use, with few options and little room for confusion – you just pick it up and go… or rather, IT goes, as you’ll see in the review.

April 11, 2011 0

DeWalt Tough System 4-1 Systainers Preview

by Clint DeBoer

It was news last year when Bosch’s L-Boxx Container System took on Festool’s Systainers. Now it seems that DeWalt is […]

April 8, 2011 0

Husqvarna Automower 305 Robotic Lawnmower Preview

by Clint DeBoer

I hate mowing the grass. Some say it’s relaxing and soothing, even. For me, it’s a necessary evil – and part of the homeowner process that I’d just as soon see gone forever. Somebody at Husqvarna obviously agrees because they invented the Automower 305. The 305 is literally a robotic lawnmower – the company’s third, in fact. It is silent. It’s automatic. And it’s designed to give homeowners a perfectly cut, trouble-free lawn. While its not for those living on an acre of land, the mower is perfect (and designed) for people responsible for around 5000 square feet or less of lawn area. The tool cuts with the power of lithium-ion, and since it is quiet, it can cut at any time of day or night without worry.

Rockler Shows Off New Router Table Cabinet

April 7, 2011 0

Rockler Router Table Cabinet

by Clint DeBoer

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware just came out with a new Router Table Cabinet constructed from galvanized steel. It has twin […]

April 7, 2011 0

Porter-Cable PC60THPK 6-amp Hand Planer Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Ever wish your electric planer had a longer stance and better dust collection? Porter-Cable is attempting to meet those needs with its new 6 amp Hand Planer (model #PC60THPK). The brand new planer is actually rather sleek, with a raked back profile and 3 chamfer grooves. The new motor, which is reasonably powerful for those looking to do significant hand planing for finish applications, comes up with 16,500 RPMs. At first glance this planer seems perfect for planing wood planks, shortening doors and joists, and also chamfering and profiling the corners and edges of various hardwoods. The part we liked, however, was that it could chunk out up to 5/64″ per pass. For those who have trouble with fractions, that’s a little over 1/16 of an inch – not terribly deep by planing standards, but this is an instrument meant for finer work, not something with which to replace your circular saw. The planer comes with two blades and you can use either high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide blades. HSS blades are perfect for more aggressive planing – where nails might be encountered, and carbide blades are your tools for finish carpenters or craftsman who don’t risk jamming them up on anything except wood.