Dassault Systèmes DraftSight 2D CAD Software Review

Dassault Systemes DraftSight 2D CAD Software Review

Most folks know that professional grade 2D drafting and design software packages can be a little expensive. Well that recently changed when Dassault Systemes, the same company that developed SolidWorks, now has a full featured 2D CAD software package for free. Their new professional grade 2D CAD software is called DraftSight. For those of you that might be familiar with a certain AutoDesk product, DraftSight is 100% DWG compatible even up to the most recent version. For seasoned CAD users, the learning curve is very minimal. If you are just getting into doing CAD work, DraftSight has a great tutorial and online community to help you get started. The best way to think of this software is to compare it to what the Oracle Open Office is to Microsoft Office. Nearly identical interface and similar features all for no charge.

Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review

Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review

The Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit contains some very light and compact tools. Compared with typical competing portable drills, the included FD01W measures only 6 inches from hex chuck to back – and the DT01W Impact Driver is nearly the same. This really makes these Makita tools much more accessible to tight spaces. On both tools, the built-in LED light illuminates with just a touch of the trigger and proved to be very bright and helpful. Under our test conditions where we intentionally worked in tight (and thus dark) quarters, both the Makita Driver-Drill and Impact Driver were great tools.

DeWalt DW745 table saw

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

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.

Combo Glasses Review - Safety Glasses with Earplugs

Combo Glasses Review – Safety Glasses with Earplugs

We wonder if Jake Wadsworth also invented the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup, because the combination of ear and eye protection available in the Combo Glasses makes so much sense, we’re surprised it hasn’t been tried before. With a product like this you’d expect there to be some debilitating compromise in either the wearability of the glasses, or the usability of the ear plugs. After much testing and use, we’d have to say that the Combo Glasses come through smelling pretty clean on both counts. On top of that, the glasses are usable in any combination of modes: eye-only, ear-only, or in combination.

ECHO PAS-225VPB Pro Attachment Series Combo Kit Review

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. New on the block is the company’s PAS, or Pro Attachment Series, system which promises a single tool that is flexible enough to handle numerous jobs for the professional or consumer user. The Pro Attachment Series is a new development for Echo that revolutionizes the way the company had looked at their tools. With the PAS-225 Kit, ECHO delivers a single 21.2cc 2-cycle Power Source and allow the use of attachments to turn the system from an edger, to a trimmer, to a blower, to a hedge cutter… you get the idea. In this way, ECHO has ramped up the usability of their existing technology and satisfied the desires of some users who would like the flexibility of tool attachments. While this particular kit uses the smaller 21.2cc power source, professional users can have the same benefits of a modular accessories-based system with more power motors up to 25.4cc (PAS-265).