The BOSTITCH N66C-1 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch Coil Siding Nailer is a powerful nailer that can be used to drive wire weld and plastic inserted coil nails. It is a reliable performer that will handle the vast majority of jobs you can throw at it and that has a number of good design features that make it an all-round great choice for many home improvement fans and other professionals But of course, just because it’s a good nailer, that doesn’t mean it’s the right nailer for you! We put this tool through its paces for a few weeks to see how it held up on repeated use and so that we could deliver you an in-depth review! Product Description: Never Fail to Nail To look at, this already feels like a relatively premium nail gun with a nice glossy orange finish and a very ergonomic handle that feels good in the hand. This is an important point, seeing as you can find yourself using these for long periods and it’s crucial that they don’t get uncomfortable to use after a while. It uses an aluminium housing, so it is a little more high-end than a plastic tool but it’s also not going to weigh a ton. This is again important if you plan on using the tool for a long time. To use, the nail gun is powerful and precise. It will work with a large number of siding materials, including soft woods and steels and in our tests it never backed down from a fight. The pressure is of course adjustable and has a range of 70-120 PSI. This will ensure that the nails go in to the right depth and provides a driving power of 515 in/lbs. It can work with nails of a variety of sizes and will also work with a range of air compressors. For those who are new to nailers, do note that this does require an air compressor. If you buy this tool on its own, then it won’t have a power supply and for that, you’ll need a battery operated nailer (these are rarer and less powerful). Air compressors are a good investment: they are useful for a wide range of different applications and they are relatively affordable and last a long time. Just don’t buy this tool without one! Pros and Cons: Siding Made Easy The positives here are the lightweight construction, easy use and impressive power. This is a nailer that you’ll be happy to use for extended periods and that’s also possible thanks to the impressive 350 capacity magazine. This means you can go a long time without needing to reload. It also has a redirectable nozzle, which means you can ensure that the exhaust isn’t blown in your face. This is a nice touch, as it can get pretty irritating after a while otherwise! The soft foot is also useful to prevent damage to softer woods. Most importantly, this product is very reliable. We never had any jams during our review and we never experienced any misfires. Of course, it’s also important to remember that this is a siding nailer specifically. That means it is designed to be used to add siding to your home or to fix up what you already have. Does that mean that it won’t work for a range of other applications? Not at all – but it is worth noting that it isn’t designed as a general ‘all round’ tool specifically. The only other downside is that there is no switch for changing the nature of the trigger – you need to switch them out manually. Not a big issue! Conclusion: On Your Side To conclude, the BOSTITCH N66C-1 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch Coil Siding Nailer is a great choice if you need to nail down some siding. It’s affordable and reliable. Unlike some other products, we never had any problems with jams or misfires and the design is very smart with a few clever touches. Of course you might be able to get a little more power at a higher price but you’ll see diminishing returns. For siding in particular, this is a great buy and comes highly recommended. from http://www.toolerant.com/bostitch-n66c-1-the-best-coil-siding-nailer-read-this-review/
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The BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is a stapler that is particularly designed for stapling into the floor – just in case the name didn’t give it away! This is ideal for stapling down hardwood flooring and in the right scenario can save you a lot of time and effort that you would otherwise have to spend on your hands and knees. In fact, working with flooring can be particularly gruelling when it means crawling around on the floor and this is why it’s such a good idea to get a powerful and reliable tool that can make the job quicker and easier for you. This is just such a tool and it features some very high-end construction and performance. If you’re a professional and you often work with flooring, then it might just make a very worthy addition to your arsenal. As ever, we’ve been using the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler for a while now in order to put it through its paces and see if it really performs as well as you could hope it to. In this review, we’ll report on our findings… Product Description: Power and PrecisionTo look at, the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is nothing special. It is an orange tool that doesn’t have much to it in terms of parts and that has a long and oddly shaped handle. If you haven’t used a floor stapler before, then you may not be used to the appearance. It’s heavier than it looks though at 11.2 pounds and that’s thanks to the very solid construction. The BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is made using aircraft grade aluminium, so you know that it isn’t going to get damaged over time. But if you’re worrying about the hard material against your lovely wooden floors, then rest easy. This has a nice soft rubber tipped foot to prevent scratching. In terms of the specs, this delivers some serious horsepower as its weight and construction suggests. It can produce up to 420 inch/lbs of driving power and uses a high speed mallet-actuated operation to get the job done. It is designed for working with ½” to ¾” finished or unfinished hardwood flooring and in that context it performs incredibly well. Pros and Cons: Serious Power for ProfessionalsIf you’re a homeowner or a hobbyist, then you won’t need this kind of high powered specialist machine. If you like flipping houses or you work in wooden flooring though, then it will be a life saver. The pros of this machine are its power, its relative speed and the surprisingly comfortable design. It’s also great just how durable the tool is thanks to the great high quality materials that have been used. And that durability means that the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is able to come with an impressive 7 year warranty. So if you rely on this tool for your living, then it won’t let you down. Another plus is that you get some extra parts in the box – a floor guard, graphite mallet, adapter and two base plates. We had zero complaints during our time with it but one Amazon review mentions that a screw started to come loose after a while and that it was quite hard to access to repair. This is likely a one-off though. The only other con is the price – but this is a professional piece of equipment, so that shouldn’t be an issue for most looking at it. Conclusion: We’re FlooredOverall, the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is an excellent tool that is going to be a real must for flooring professionals. Other than the slightly high price, there’s not much negative to say about this machine. This will only real appeal to professionals in certain industries but if you find yourself doing this kind of work, you can’t go wrong with this powerful, reliable and well-made tool. from http://www.toolerant.com/bostitch-miiifs-pneumatic-floor-stapler-review/ When it comes to power tools – especially cordless power tools – DeWalt seems to knock it out of the park with every new option they bring to the market. These black and yellow tools are some of the most popular professional grade power tools with contractors, carpenters, tradesmen, and craftsmen around the world, and for good reason. Powerful, competent, consistent, and with a reputation for being finely constructed using only the highest grade components and materials available, it just doesn’t get all a lot better than this. The DeWalt DCS391P1 is certainly one of the (if not THE) best cordless circular saws money can buy right now. Check out the rest of this quick review to find out why! Initial ImpressionsLike all other DeWalt power tools, this particular circular saw (cordless circular saw) has been engineered with professional craftspeople in mind above all others. That means you’re going to get plenty of power out of this cordless unit. You’re going to get a heavy duty (and some would say flat out heavy) cordless circular saw that can chew through timber and 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s, and 2x12s (as well as 4 x 4 posts and more) without any trouble whatsoever. This unit leverages a 20 V MAX lithium-ion 5.0 AH battery, the kind of brand-new lithium-ion battery technology that recharges from completely dead to completely full in about 90 minutes. You’ll be able to get eight full hours of consistent use out of this circular saw on a single charge. This circular saw kit doesn’t come with a rapid charger, though one is available and is definitely worth investing in. Standout FeaturesOne of the most impressive standout features that the DeWalt DCS391P1 leverages to separate itself from the rest of the pack has to be the almost effortless blade change out system that still offers safety, security, and stability. This toolless system allows you to go from saw blades that are designed to rip through rough construction materials and plywood to those that can help you with your finish carpentry and then back again in about 45 seconds, all without having to search around for a bunch of tools that you don’t have on hand. Another incredible feature has to be the high-strength yet very lightweight magnesium shoe that provides a lot of extra stability to your cutting surface without adding a bunch of extra weight to a cordless circular saw. The reason that so many people switch from corded circular saws to cordless circular saws (aside from having to drag those cords all over the job site) is because corded options are so heavy. This saw is almost featherlight compared to most every other option out there! Pros
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Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?With plenty of different cordless circular saw options available on the market today there is a bunch of stiff competition going up against the DeWalt DCS391P1. But if you are a professional that relies on your power tools to earn a paycheck, or if you are serious about only using the highest quality cordless power tools to round out your arsenal in your home workshop, you probably won’t find many other options out there better than this DeWalt. Capable, consistent, and with one of the best warranties in the business – not to mention the sterling silver reputation for DeWalt power tools in the construction and trade industries – there aren’t too terribly many other premium level cordless circular saws that can come close to everything the DeWalt DCS391P1 offers. Professionals will be able to get the very most out of this cordless circular some, but amateurs, hobbyists, and woodworkers will also be able to unleash the power and performance brought on by this tool. Final VerdictAt the end of the day, professionals need to be able to count on the power tools that they have to get the job done right the first time around, and that’s exactly what the DeWalt DCS391P1 is going to make happen. Yes, you’re going to have to pony up a little bit of extra cash upfront to get the most out of this DeWalt power tool but many would agree that it is worth every single penny. We think you will, too. from http://www.toolerant.com/dewalt-dcs391p1-review-a-fantastic-cordless-circular-saw/ If you’re just getting into home improvement, DIY and/or woodwork, then you’re going to need to get yourself a workbench of some sort. This is somewhere that you’re going to find yourself spending a lot of time indeed and hopefully enjoying what will quickly become one of your favorite ways to pass the time; so you need to get it right. And you also need to get it right to ensure that you’re going to avoid any potential safety risks and that you’re going to be able to enjoy maximum comfort and convenience. We’ve found this bench for you – the Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table – because we think it is a great bench for those who don’t have one yet and something that a lot of people can use. Read on to learn more about it… Product Description: Convenience and FunctionalityThis bench stands up to 4ft high but as the name suggests, is adjustable, meaning that you can change the height to suit. There are actually three different height settings, which are 22-inch, 29-inch and 36-inch. Each position locks conveniently into place to keep your table steady and rigid at the height that you need it. The table also has the benefit of being foldable for easy transport and storage. It will fold directly down the middle while the legs fold inward and in this mode, it has a convenient carry handle. The table is a smart white and is very durable and strong thanks to its powder coated steel and high-density polyethylene. Pros and Cons: How This Table Just Made Your Life Easier!We get it: with the best will in the world, woodwork and home improvement are not the most social hobbies. If you happen to live with anyone else: your other half perhaps or maybe housemates, then you can quickly end up grating on their nerves. This is a hobby that’s loud (constant hammering, drilling and sanding), it takes up lots of space, it costs a lot of money and it makes a lot of mess (even with dust collection bags…). Thus, you’ll likely have the occasional disagreement. That disagreement goes along the lines of: ‘you’re not setting up a workshop in here!’ or ‘why does the entire garage have to be taken up by your junk?’. It’s not nice for anyway because it means that you can’t enjoy your hobby to its fullest and your co-habitants need to deal with clutter everywhere. It’s a compromise in the best case scenario. But with a bench like this that can be easily folded, you have something of a solution. This bench will allow you to hammer, saw, sand and do whatever else you need to and then simply fold it and store it away behind the sofa or in a cupboard. The other big advantage of this table is that the height is adjustable. That means that you can set it at the right level for the job you’re doing and not have to stoop over or reach upward. This is a big boon actually and will make life a lot easier. Finally, the durability is going to be something that puts your mind at rest when you’re putting all your weight on it. But there are downsides too. The white color is definitely an acquired taste for example, especially if everything else in your workshop is in natural wood colors. Likewise, this table isn’t actually designed specifically for woodwork and this might be off putting for some. ConclusionTo conclude then, the Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table is a handy table that can help you to enjoy your hobby that bit easier. You can keep it out the way when not in use and then unfold it when it’s time to get to work. The best part though, is that this goes beyond being a simple table and actually lets you adjust the height to the best level for the job. We’ve worked on it for a while and it has proven sturdy and reliable. It’s a great deal that will help you to enjoy your hobby without upsetting the rest of the household! from http://www.toolerant.com/lifetime-4428-height-adjustable-folding-utility-table-review/ We’ve reviewed a few different laser measuring devices on this site and have seen everything from the very basic to the most advanced. The Leica Disto E7400x finds itself slap bang in the middle as a highly accurate laser measuring tool but without the flamboyant extras such as the camera for outdoor use. Product Description: Accurate and Solidly BuiltWe’ve used a few of these devices in our reviews and as always, the Leica Disto E7400x impresses with its build quality. The company proudly boasts that you can drop the gadget from 2 meters without causing any damage and as soon as you hold it, you’ll believe it! Add in the IP65 certified water and dust protection and you have a device that should last as long as you need it to. The actual appearance is less impressive. It looks a lot like an old phone and is small, boxy and rubber. At least the small size is compact and easy to carry around – and the red and black make for a nice colorscheme. To use the Leica Disto E7400x, you simply pull out the folding extension at one end and then use that to lay it flat against whatever you want to measure – whether that’s a piece of wood or an alcove in a room. Either way, it will then present you with a highly accurate reading that you can take to the bank. The device is capable of 1/16” accuracy at 265 feet and also includes height tracking, smart horizontal and more algorithms and sensors to ensure it knows where it is pointing and what angle you have it at. It will remember its last 20 measurements and is quick and easy to use. Pros and Cons: Basic but GoodSo, there are no high end features here. A 20 item memory isn’t exactly amazing and the lack of level is a disappointment. There is also no camera or touchscreen, which is something you would get if you were to fork out for the truly expensive models. But then again, these issues may not be a problem depending on your use case scenario. The camera functionality is really mainly useful for outdoor use and is frankly a little slow and awkward in its implementation. For this price, you’re getting the things that really matter – the top end accuracy and useful features like the tilt sensor for measuring things that you can’t actually reach – point the laser and move it up and down to get the measure of a given banner or wall. For many people, there just isn’t a need for any more features than that – but this does still represent a marked and useful step up from something like the D110 (the most basic model). And you still get all of the other great benefits that are common from Leica Disto laser measures. We love the inclusion of the IP65 resistance and think that will come in particularly handy in highly dusty home workshops. We reviewed this over a period of a few weeks and we found it made taking measurements into a quick and easy joy. Conclusions: A Handy Device to Keep AroundIf you’re happy with the boxy design, lack of level and lack of camera functionality, then the Leica Disto E7400x is a very easy measuring tool to recommend. It has all of the most essential features for a product in its category, it is very well made and will stand the test of time. You know how some products are expensive and yet they come with problems? It might be because they have so many features they keep going wrong, or maybe it’s due to QC issues at the manufacturing plant. But then on the other hand, you have those ‘old reliable’ tools that just always work. Perhaps it’s a trusty drill driver, or maybe you have an old camera that has been taking awesome pictures for the last 10 years. The Leica Disto E7400x has potential to be one of those trusty sidekicks and to our mind, offers one of the best balances when it comes to performance, durability and price. It’s not going to break the bank but it has incredible accuracy and it just works.
from http://www.toolerant.com/leica-disto-e7400x-review-a-trusty-sidekick/ For years and years, Black and Decker tools really weren’t appreciated by professionals and craftspeople that relied on only the highest quality tools to help them complete their projects with a high degree of precision and consistency. When we play all of our cards right out on the table, most people find – or found – Black and Decker tools to be much more geared towards homeowners and “casuals” that were only ever going to have to reach for these kinds of tools a handful of times each year (if that) and weren’t really looking for the kind of consistency or precision that professional craftsmen demand. Today though, Black and Decker has almost completely revolutionized the premium level of the tools that they make available. Sure, they still pump out consumer grade options at ridiculously low price tags, but their craftsmen and professional line of tools – like the Black & Decker BDERO100 – have gotten much, much better. Initial ImpressionsThe first thing that you are going to notice about the Black & Decker BDERO100 is that it has been almost completely reengineered and redesigned compared to all of the other random orbit sanders available from this company, and that’s great news! This sander is very compact (especially as far as 5 inch orbital sanders are concerned), quite powerful, and crafted using high-quality materials that guarantee longevity that the Black and Decker brand just couldn’t promise in the past. Combine all of that with a tremendously lower price tag compared to its closest competitors – we’re talking about the Black & Decker BDERO100 costing a third of what competing products cost while still producing almost identical results – and you’re looking at a random orbital sander here that you just can’t afford to sleep on any longer. This isn’t to suggest that this Black & Decker model is the best in the business, but you shouldn’t just ignore those black and orange tools any longer. That’s sure. Standout FeaturesYou are going to get plenty of power (consistent power) out of this particular Black and Decker 5 inch random orbital sander. With an OPM rating of just north of 8000, you should be able to tackle all kinds of different jobs from refinishing a porch to sanding down and cleaning pieces of furniture come all the way to tackling the finest sanding jobs necessary for polishing and perfecting coats of polyurethane applied to your latest woodworking project. Now, it is important for us to highlight the fact that this random orbital sander has been designed and engineered right from the factory to hit that wheelhouse of price and performance that hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts are after. That means this probably isn’t going to be the main workforce sander in your professional woodworking operation or the kind of random orbital sander you’ll want to bust out on all of your carpentry projects, either. But because it uses the standard configuration of vent holes that almost all (but not every) popular random orbital sanders use for the hook and loop sanding pads it accepts you’ll be able to add this to your arsenal of tools without having to purchase proprietary sanding pads just for this device. That’s definitely a big benefit and one of the standout features that you will come to appreciate from this particular setup. Pros
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Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?Professionals in the carpentry and woodworking world probably aren’t going to have too many Black and Decker tools laying around a but this just might be one of those tools that make their way into more workshops as word gets out about what it’s able to offer. At the same time, this is very much a DIYer and homeowner grade random orbital sander that’s not intended for extended and prolonged use (or daily abuse) the way that professional and craftsmen grade tools are. Final VerdictThe Black & Decker BDERO100 guarantees that the market will have a very attractive and inexpensive sander option available for homeowners, DIYers, and weekend warriors to add to their tool collection Sure, there are other more expensive options out there that the occasional user could reach for – random orbital sanders that have more power, more consistency, and a better reputation for longevity – but you just won’t find many other options that offer the blend of power and performance this unit offers at this price tag. from http://www.toolerant.com/black-decker-bdero100-review/ A lot has changed in the last three decades: everyone is on the Internet, we all carry around high-speed computers in our pockets, and tapes and CDs are virtually non-existent. Yet, the plight of female construction workers remains the same. In the ‘80s, about three percent of construction workers in the United States were women. Today, whether they are building condos in the suburbs or high-rise downtown hotels, construction crews are still about three percent female according to a recent report from the National Women’s Law Center. Why is that? What can we do to make construction a more female-friendly trade? And, as a real estate mogul, President Trump must be well aware of the issues facing female construction workers. What should he do about the issues these women are facing? Problems Women in Construction FaceDiscrimination – beginning in education programs and continuing all the way up the employment chain – is the main reason for the low percentage of women in the construction industry. Instead of being encouraged to enter traditionally male programs like construction, young women are often explicitly steered or at least subtly encouraged to work in occupations that align with traditional gender stereotypes in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Once they get through their (CTE) programs, women next face discrimination as they try to join apprenticeship programs, which are run like “old boys’ clubs” that operate to exclude women and minorities. Research shows that women leave these apprenticeship programs at higher rates than men because of sexual harassment, lack of child care, and hostile work environments. Once women clear the hurdles of education and apprenticeship, 88 percent of female construction workers experience sexual harassment at work according to a study by the U.S. Department of Labor. This is much more than the 25 percent who experience such treatment in the general workforce. Basically, women face barriers to well-paid jobs, negative stereotypes about their ability to perform construction work, sexual tension injected into work contexts, and supervisors and other officials who are not willing to do anything about it. How Does the US Compare to the Rest of the World?
The state of female construction workers in the US is pitiful when compared to other countries around the world. For instance, Cambodia is experiencing a massive construction boom. With little future in the agricultural trade, more women are moving to the cities. One-third of all construction workers in Cambodia are female. Unfortunately, despite their large numbers, women still face a wage gap and sexist attitudes in the workplace. The situation in similar in nearby Thailand where women make up 40 percent of the migrant construction workforce in the country. However, with the level of sexual harassment these women face, it is almost a prerequisite that they have a husband to protect them.
What Changes Does the US Need to Make?Back in the United States, it is clear that policymakers need to increase their efforts in making sure that women have equal opportunities in construction. As the nation continues its economic comeback, it is crucial that we ensure women are not left out of high-wage jobs that can contribute to their economic security. There are numerous federal agencies that can address and alleviate the challenges female construction workers face:
Trump Needs to Deliver on His PromisesWho ultimately oversees all of these federal agencies? Our very own President Trump. Though not directly in charge of these offices, Trump chose the officials who fill the leadership positions, and he has considerable sway over the policies of the OFCCP, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Education. During his campaign for president, Trump regularly deflected claims that he was sexist or a misogynist by claiming that many of his best executives were women. A New York Times article even profiled some of his female employees who insisted he was a champion of women. During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau back in February, he vowed that helping women in the workforce would remain a priority for his administration. But so far, it appears Trump is all talk. In fact, his actions show that he is working against women’s rights in the workforce. For example, in March, he used an executive order to revoke Obama-era protections for women workers. President Trump needs to show that he is as good as his word and enact laws, such as the 2014 Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces law that forces construction companies with federal contracts to engage in fair hiring practices, take sexual harassment claims seriously, and provide female construction workers with equal pay. Resources for Women Interested in Construction WorkThe bottom line is that the construction industry needs more women, especially in leadership roles. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that realize this and are providing resources to help get women involved. These include the National Association of Professional Women in Construction, National Association of Women in Construction, and Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE) USA. Women interested in construction should also check out blogs like Tradeswomen.net, Constructing Equality, WCOE Blog, and The National Center for Construction Education and Research Blog. The construction trade continues to be one of the most highly discriminatory industries in the world, but as women and men of all backgrounds put pressure on policymakers, including President Trump, equality is sure to follow. from http://www.toolerant.com/female-construction-work/ No shop is really complete without a random orbit sander, but with so many different options out there to pick and choose from finding the right one can be a real hassle. Every major tool manufacturer puts out a random orbit sander, and all of them promise that theirs is going to be the most powerful, the easiest to use, and the one capable of producing the most consistent results. But, from our perspective, the Makita BO5041K random orbital sander is one of the best money can buy today. Perfect for professionals and amateurs alike, this is a powerful, capable, and flexible sander that will boost the finished quality of your woodworking projects by quite a bit. Initial ImpressionsLook, there just aren’t a lot of people – professional woodworkers and finish carpenters unlike that are ever going to describe ANY random orbital sander as “sexy”. This is much more of a workhorse kind of tool, one designed to remove a considerable amount of material in a hurry while making the job of the finish guy a lot easier. But there’s just something about this random orbital sander from Makita that has us glowing about the overall design and aesthetic, and it sure isn’t that now all-too-familiar Makita blue paint job! Beautifully designed and incredibly ergonomic, you’re going to really appreciate the foresight and thought that went on behind the scenes at Makita to make of this 5 inch random orbital sander one of the most frequently reached for tools in our arsenal when it comes time to rough sand or finish sand any of our woodworking projects. Ambidextrous use is really easy, the extra “power handle” gives you total control even when you are using rough or grits of sandpaper, and the integrated dust collection system never really gets in the way no matter how you are handling this sanding instrument. The same things cannot be said about a lot of the other industry-leading orbital sanders out there, and this attention to detail and design/utility is something that we are really happy about with this Makita. Standout FeaturesAs far as standout features are concerned, we were at least a little bit nervous about the way that the primary handle was configured right off the bat – but it quickly became one of our favorite things about the overall design of this sander, especially when used with the “pistol grip” power handle. You’ll always be in complete control over this random orbital sander (even with tougher grits and when you kick it into high gear at 12,000 OPM), and a lot of that is because of the intelligent design of the primary handle and the way that the pistol grip works. Combine all of this with a tremendously energy efficient operation and the dust collection system that we mentioned above that just flat out works (you’ll be amazed at how clean your work surface and work area is and how long you can go before you have to dump out the bag) and you have something really special here. It’s also nice that this Makita random orbital sander accepts all traditional sanding pads designed for 5 inch random orbital sanders, instead of going with a proprietary venting system like some of the other popular sanders on the market do. You won’t ever feel like you are pigeonholed into purchasing specific (and unnecessarily expensive) sanding pads when you go with the Makita BO5041K. Pros
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Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?Professional woodworkers, finish carpenters, boatbuilders, and serious enthusiasts are going to get the most out of this particular random orbital sander, but honestly this is a premium tool designed and engineered so well that most any one that needs a 5 inch random orbital sander will be able to get more than their money’s worth out of this equipment. DIYers and homebuilders may not get quite as much utility out of this specific unit, and may blanch a little bit at dropping a little more than $100 on a woodworking tool that isn’t going to be a mainstay on their workbench, but we feel that Makita tools are worth the premium price tag. Final VerdictAt the end of the day, there are plenty of different options out there to begin choose from when it comes time to invest in a random orbital sander, especially one as compact as this 5 inch unit. And while there are certainly other options out there that are less expensive, you would be very hard pressed to find any random orbital sander that offers the kind of power, consistency, and intelligent design that this Makita BO5041K brings to the table. It may not be the perfect random orbital sander out there (if a tool like that even exists), but it is certainly one of the best options available on the market today at any price point. from http://www.toolerant.com/makita-bo5041k-review/ This is both a belt and spindle sander that will help you to smooth off curved and straight edges and remove any likelihood of getting splinters from your lovingly-crafted woodwork. For anyone looking for an affordable but highly capable sander, then the Rigid EB4424 oscillating edge belt and spindle sander should be at the top of your list of considerations. Product Description: An Impressive 2-in-1The first thing that is noteworthy about the Rigid EB4424 oscillating edge belt and spindle sander is the fact that it offers that two-in-one functionality. This is not common and actually it is one of the only products on the market that can serve dual purpose like this. It just requires a quick changeover and then it will be ready for the next task. Another thing that’s appealing is the price. While more affordable sanders do exist, a professional-grade model will often set you back around much more. The machine is actually more powerful than you might expect (see below) and has a lot of nice touches. There is more than ample work surface for example, tons of on-board storage for keeping the various sanding implements and very effective tracking adjustment. There’s even a good quality dust extraction system which is superior to many more expensive products on the market. This will help you to clear up sawdust as you go, keeping your workspace clear and reducing the amount of work you’re going to have to do afterward considerably. In terms of power, this is actually very good for the price point. You’re not getting top-of-the range but this feels weighty and will handle most jobs you throw at it without feeling like it’s going to shake itself apart. It should provide enough oomph for most users with a little to spare. Pros and Cons: Power and Convenience With a Couple of Mis-StepsThe obvious advantage of this product is the dual functionality. If you are someone who needs to sand a lot, then you’ll find you may need an oscillating spindle sander and a belt sander. That not only doubles your expense; it also means that you now need to find space for two pieces of equipment and you need to go and dig the other one out whenever you need it. So that is a BIG pro for someone who finds themselves sanding a lot. And adding to the excellent value is the fact that you get a lot of extras in the packaging: abrasives for the belt and spindle, drum and sanding sleeves and everything else you need to get started. The question really is whether or not a two in one at a very low price point like this can really compete with more expensive units. And of course, you’re not going to get the same level of performance as you would do with an industrial-grade piece of equipment. However, what you do get is a surprising amount of power. It’s also very quick to change the utility of the machine – switching it from a spindle sander to an edge belt sander is a matter of removing a knob, swapping the belt assemble for the sanding drum (or the other way around)… and that’s it! And the table tilts from 0-48 degrees to allow for accurate sanding. So what about the downsides? Well, while the overall quality of this machine is very good, the table finish could be better. In our tests, continuous use began to wear down the finish on the table and this of course is a bit disappointing after you’ve spent a fair bit of cash on the device. It’s also worth noting that a couple of people have reported having parts break on them and some of the included pieces are a little flimsy. It’s not that this is cheaply made, it’s just that you’re getting what you’re paying for. Conclusions: Great Value and Highly UniqueOverall though, this is still a fantastic purchase. While the build quality could arguably be slightly better in places, the overall value for money is hard to fault and as a way to essentially get two well-made pieces of equipment for the price of one, it’s an excellent choice.
from http://www.toolerant.com/rigid-eb4424-oscillating-edge-belt-and-spindle-sander-review/ Finding the perfect tool is an amazing feeling that always reminds of the scene where Harry Potter is choosing the wand. You don’t choose the wand – it chooses you! That is to say that when you find the perfect tool, you know it. And the perfect tool will vary from person to person. It all depends on the kind of work you intend to do, the way you prefer to operate and even little details like how strong you are or how big your hands are. But when you find the right match for you, it will fit snugly into your hand, glide through whatever material you throw at it and ultimately help you to up your game. It becomes an extension of your own arm, a joy to use and something you are always reaching for.
Is the Milwaukee 2429-21 the perfect cordless bandsaw for you?
When you picture a bandsaw, you might well think of a benchtop bandsaw or a free-standing unit. The Milwaukee 2429-21 is far removed from those types of saws though and is instead a light tool that can be held in one hand in order to make quick and dirty cuts. The design is built around this notion. It has a nice, slim and ergonomic handle along the top, a trigger located in just the right place and a rugged design in red and black. The cordless nature of the bandsaw makes it more versatile still, meaning you don’t need to worry about finding a power outlet or having cabled dangling all over the material you’re trying to cut. The blade length is 27” x ½” x .020”. This gives a 1-5/8” cut capacity, which is fairly good for the small size. It is a 12V tool and has an SFPM of 280. While this can be used for cutting wood then, the small cutting depth means that it is going to be somewhat limited in that regard. Therefore you may find you are more likely to use it for cutting pipes or tubing. For cutting thicker wood, you’ll either need to spend a little more, or you’ll need to consider using a reciprocating saw instead. Think of it as your perfect replacement for a hacksaw. The battery will give you up to 150 cuts per charge. Lightweight but powerful enough ?The Milwaukee 2429-21 is a very lightweight and easy-to-use saw that is perfect as a replacement for a hacksaw. If you are tired of sawing through thin branches or cutting through piping, then you’ll find that having something powered to do the same job is a life saver. As for woodwork, this certainly can be useful for cutting through thin pieces of wood if that’s something you find yourself doing often. It’s not so precise as using a tabletop bandsaw or as easy to control as a jigsaw but in a pinch, it will do the job. The tool looks good too and comes with a couple of nice extra features. For instance, there is an LED light that highlights the cutline for you and the pack includes a carry case and charger. Another pro is the safety. This is suitable for one handed use and meets the OSHA guarding requirements. The drawback of course is that you’re not going to use this for cutting through thicker materials and you’re not going to use it for very precise jobs. This is more of a DIY tool to keep around the house in other words. Another slight drawback is the omission of a hook. There are ways around this limitations but it would have been nice for those who like to hang their tools on the wall and it’s a shame not to see it included here. OpinionIn conclusion then, the Milwaukee 2429-21 is a handy tool to keep around if you are looking to cut through piping and tubing. It has a range of other great uses too but isn’t going to replace a table-top bandsaw anytime soon. If you are looking for a useful cutting implement you can use to save yourself some elbow grease, then this is well made with lots of positive reviews and we can recommend it! from http://www.toolerant.com/milwaukee-2429-2-the-best-sub-compact-bandsaw/ |
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