Tool Reviews & Buying Guides by Trade Archives

August 17, 2010 0

Rockwell JawStand Clamp Stand Preview

Whether it’s hanging a door or setting drywall into place overhead, there are a number of instances where it would simply be nice to have a friend to help out… or maybe just have a more versatile clamping system – one that doesn’t take coffee breaks and never drops stuff. The “new” Rockwell JawStand seems to fit that bill nicely, and it does it in a lean and mean package. We put ‘new’ in quotes because this tool has been out before from a company called Triton (MSA200) and is now appearing under the Rockwell name – something that, if it increases availability and distribution, can only be a good thing for consumers. Rock on, Rockwell.

Milwaukee 8975-6 11.6 Amp Dual Temperature Heat Gun Review

August 13, 2010 0

Milwaukee Dual Temperature Heat Gun Review 8975-6

by Thomas Gaige

The Milwaukee 8975-6 11.6 Amp Dual Temperature Heat Gun might look a little like your wife’s hair dryer but it really is a serious hand-held high heat throwing machine. With two temperature settings of 570 and 1,000 degrees F, you can pretty much peel the paint off of almost anything without having to worry about the issues that come with open flames. With a continuous duty rating, you can also plan on being able to work this tool non-stop for as long as you need it.

August 4, 2010 0

Final Cut Saw Blade Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Final Cut 10″ Saw Blade is one of those ideas that almost seems too easy. Install some sandpaper on the sides of a saw blade and then you can cut and sand in one pass. When we first heard of about the Final Cut Saw Blade it reminded us of something we might see on a late night infomercial that could have questionable results. The idea seemed simple enough, but we had some questions as to durability and long term use that we wanted to investigate.

July 31, 2010 0

Ridgid Table Saw Preview

by Clint DeBoer

The Ridgid table saw has been popular among those looking for a tool offering a tremendous bang for their buck. While they have two currently shipping models (and likely no more until the ridiculous table saw lawsuits stop) this review deals largely with their portable jobsite table saw. This saw has a strong, best-in-class 15-amp motor with soft-start, so it is sure to last a very long time while reducing motor wear and those annoying breaker trips. A single height and bevel adjustment handwheel allows for quick setting of blade height and bevel, but of course, doesn’t offer the control of a dual wheel system found in larger cabinet saws.

July 31, 2010 0

Ryobi Miter Saw Stand Preview

by Clint DeBoer

A miter saw stand will greatly improve both the usability and the capability of your saw. The Ryobi Miter Saw stand, pithily dubbed the Quickstand (model #A18MS01), is one of the more inexpensive and yet functional products you’ll find on the market. The miter saw stand has 400 lbs. of holding capacity, so it’s equipped to not only hold a large miter saws, it can support the saw while also provided enough strength of nearly any type of material you’re likely to cut. The stand is made of steel, and it folds up and down so you can tuck it away when not in use, plus this makes taking it to the jobsite all the more easy.

July 26, 2010 0

Duo-Fast DF350S Round Head Angled Framing Nailer Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Duo-Fast DF350S Framing Nailer is a durable and lightweight framing nailer that packs a solid punch. The Duo-Fast comes with a bunch of great features like a switchable trigger to go from sequential to bump firing, a metal exhaust cap which is great for tapping framing members into place and a dry fire lockout feature that eliminates blank firing

July 17, 2010 0

Senco FN55AX 18 Gauge Finish Nailer First Look

by Clint DeBoer

Senco’s new Fusion tools combine the best of pneumatic and cordless technology. The Fusion cordless tools are available in 15 gauge angled and 18 gauge straight. What makes them impressive is that they eliminate the disadvantages associated with traditional gas and battery powered nailers. Fuel cell replacement costs, trigger response time, charge capability and excessive tool weight are virtually eliminated with these new models.

Bosch PS41-2A 12V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver Review

July 16, 2010 0

Bosch PS41-2A 12V Impact Driver Review

by Clint DeBoer

The first generation of Bosch’s 12V line of tools was impressive, but the fact that just about three years later they released a third generation impact driver means that they are coming after the market with a vengeance. The case in point would be the brand new PS41-2A Impact Driver. For this review I was able to solicit the second-gen PS40-2A from a friend and therefore face off the newer model against its predecessor. The results definitely proved that the new impact driver didn’t just get smaller, it got more powerful – as the revised specs indicate.

July 15, 2010 0

Bosch MRC23EVSK 2.3 HP Plunge and Fixed-Base Router

by Clint DeBoer

Bosch MRC23EVSK 2.3 HP offers 10000-25000 RPM, Trigger Control System for enhanced control, afterlock microfine depth adjustment for easy & precise adjustments at any plunge setting. Also, the tools includes fixed-base depth adjustment that features continuous microfine adjustment range & wrench for adjustments through top of optional router table, a bright LED Lighting for enhanced visibility in bit area while the 2-Stage Quick Clamp System is for fast tool-free conversion, plus soft-start that reduces start-up torque. In addition, Bosch variable speed dial for matching speed to workpiece and task while Constant-Response Circuitry which maintains constant speed under load, provides overload protection, also plunge base has contoured soft grip handles for enhanced control and comfort at all plunge depths while fixed base has threaded holes for mounting to router table positioned in Bosch 4-hole pattern and common 3-hole pattern. Also, Power Switch and Rugged carrying case.

July 15, 2010 0

Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Fixed-Base Router

by Clint DeBoer

Bosch 1617 EVS router features a 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower, no-load 8000 to 25000 rpm motor. Its exclusive precision centering system delivers accurate, repeatable cuts at any depth setting. The router includes a microfine bit depth adjustment with re-settable indicator ring and an adjustable sub-base. The router is made of strong, lightweight, all-magnesium construction. It features a precision self-extracting collet system, quick templet guide-change lever, and one-piece armature shaft for accuracy and long bit shank capacity.