Tool Reviews & Buying Guides by Trade Archives

April 26, 2011 0

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.

April 26, 2011 0

Rockler Rubber Bench Mat Review

by Clint DeBoer

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.

April 20, 2011 0

ECHO PAS-225VPB Pro Attachment Series Combo Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

We have been fans of ECHO ever since we reviewed their SRM-225i straight shaft trimmer with its i-75 starting system. […]

April 19, 2011 0

Milwaukee 2458-21 M12 Cordless Palm Nailer Review

by Thomas Gaige

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.

April 18, 2011 0

Porter-Cable PC85TRSOK Tiger Saw Review

by Matthias Gaige

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.

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 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.