Makita RF1101KIT 2-1/4 HP Industrial Router Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $389.99 -- our price: $249.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Power, precision, control--that's what you get with Makita's two-in-one 2-1/4-horsepower router kit. This router is industrial-grade, with rugged, all-ball-bearing construction and the quietest motor in its class. Makita designed its industrial router kit for the serious professional and loaded it with features that help produce top-quality results in materials ranging from hardwood to plastic. The router motor features, among other things, electronic speed control, variable speed settings (from 8,000 to 24,000 rpm), and a soft start. These features make it easy for users to match the router speed to the bit or cutter diameter and to the type of material being cut, resulting in a more precise and accurate cut. The router comes with both fixed and plunge bases, along with the accessories you'll need to handle most routing jobs. An on-board speed chart makes it easy to decide which setting to use for any given material. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Fine depth adjustment knob provides more accurate plunge cuts
• Quietest motor in its class
• Powerful 11 AMP 2-1/4 H.P. Makita made motor
• Variable Speed Control Dial (8,000-24,000 RPM) to match the speed to the material being cut
• Electronic Speed Control circuitry monitors and maintains RPM under load

Reviews (9)

Another quality tool from Makita
This is one fine router!It has a nice soft start feature which is truly soft.the noise level is low, well at least as low as you can get with a universal motor zipping along at 24,000 rpm.it is the quietest mid-level router I have used.While important, these features are truly secondary to what really matters in a router: the finished product.The vibration is nearly non-existent, which translates into silky smooth cuts.Couple this with a quality bit from Freud, Amana, or CMT and you are truly in business.
This kit comes with a fixed base and a plunge base.I use the fixed base for the most part and have found it to be up to the usual Makita level of quality.My only reservation about this base is the rudimentary height adjustment system.Once an adjustment is made, the action of closing the locking lever will often cause a minor change in the setting.This leads to a sort of trial and error method, which can be time consuming.Not being a professional, however, time is my least valuable asset.If I had to worry about time, it might be a problem, but then if that were the case, I could justify a shaper.
The plunge base included the kit is as smooth as the rest of this tool.The plunging action is nice and silky, and the lock/release lever is perfectly positioned.The method of securing the motor in the plung base is another time consuming affair (relatively speaking) it requires the use of **GASP** a phillips screwdriver.
All in all, I don't think anyone would be dissatisfied with this router kit.A quality system from a quality company!Having said all that, it must be noted that this particular market segment is highly competitive, with many outstanding router kits available in this price range.With such a dizzying array of permutations, it would be hard to make a bad purchase.

Makita Router
I was having difficulty in making consistent dovetails on maple and birch for cabinet drawers.I was using a Porter Cable dovetail Jig (see my review) and a 25 year old Craftsman router.After much frustration and detective work I determined that the router was largely responsible for the majority of my problems.The depth setting would change and it is hard to set precisely plus the bearing has a small amount of play which greatly affects the dovetail setup.I purchased the Makita router and almost all of the consistency problems were solved.I have not used this machine for anything else, but have no criticisms on its construction or operation to date.A high quality tool at a reasonable price for the part time hobbyist and woodworker.

Great router, but LOOK OUT!!!
This is a terrific routher, but beware!After about a minute or so of use I felt some chatter in the 1/2" spiral bit I was using.I checked to make sure the bit was secure in the collet -- it was -- but I discovered the collet body was coming unscrewed from the armature shaft!(The collet body is the piece that accepts the 1/2" and 1/4" collets and is supposed to stay put when you change collets or bits).I tightened it back on with a hefty screwdriver and a collet wrench and cautiously went back to work....

Once again the collet body started to come loose, but before I could shut off the motor the collet body (with collet and bit still attached) flew off the armature shaft and whacked me in the groin - OUCH!!!

Fortunately the bit didn't impale me, but let me tell you, I was VERY lucky to hobble away with the family jewels intact.

Again, I re-attached the collet body and this time used some high-strength thread locking compound to hold it all together.This was several weeks ago, and so-far, so-good.The router has been a thing of beauty ever since.

So...
1. Make sure you check that your router arrives fully assembled so parts don't fly off unexpectedly.In addition, the package arrived with a troublesome rattle that turned out to be some other loose parts floating around in the case.
2. Stop IMMEDIATELY if you feel or hear abnormal vibration or chatter.

I also recommend replacing the stock baseplate with the PC690 baseplate (about $11) since it's easier to center the PC baseplate due to the flathead vs. panhead screws.At least Makita makes this router so it can be used with the baseplates and jigs I made for my old PC690!That was a very smart thing for Makita to do. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OQME
Subjects:  1. Makita    2. (Maketa)    3. (Mikita)    4. Routers    5. Fixed-Base Routers    6. Plunge Routers   

DEWALT DW682K Heavy-Duty Plate Joiner Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $300.00 -- our price: $149.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

One of the first companies to design plate joiners, DeWalt makes one powerful slot-cutting tool. Some people argue that joiners are joiners, and while it's true that a slot is a slot, how you cut it makes a heck of a lot of difference. What impresses us about DeWalt's plate joiner is the stout, dual rack-and-pinion fence. Operating with striking smoothness, the fence locks tightly in place and ensures that the joiner's blade and fence are always parallel--which means accurate joints every time. The DeWalt is also the only plate joiner on the market with a fully adjustable tilt fence: the face plate tilts 0 to 90 degrees, so you can join work at whatever angle the job requires (22-1/2 degrees, say, if you're working in octagons). Cabinetmakers will appreciate the convenience of being able to make flush cuts at 0 degrees without having to remove the fence. The 6-1/2 amp motor spins the tool's carbide blade at 10,000 rpm, making remarkably quick, clean cuts. We found the gauges easy to read and easy to set, a big plus (there's nothing worse than wrestling with or squinting at a tool every time you make adjustments). DeWalt's joiner also has preset stops for all common biscuit sizes and there's a handy vacuum adapter that allows you to hook up suction to keep dust in the shop to a minimum--always a good idea. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Includes dust bag and vacuum adapter
• 6.5 amp 10000 RPM motor
• Dual rack and pinion fence for accurate joints every time
• One piece fence is adjustable and tilts 0 to 90 degrees
• 45-degree locating notch in fence allows indexing off the outside surface of a mitered joint

Reviews (72)

best choice for moderate use
I won't bore you with repeating the specs or features of the biscuit joiner as the other reviews cover them quite well. I've had this tool for about 6 months now and am delighted with it. I had the porter cable model which is quite a bit more expensive. I found it to be bulkier to use than the DeWalt and a lot more likely to slip away from your alignment marks than the DeWalt. This cutter has pins on both sides of the blade that go a long way to help keeping the cutter in line with the wood.. The only drawback is that the dust chute will clog with the dust bag installed when cutting into long grained softwoods.
Having owned both the porter cable and the Dewalt I must give a big nod to the DeWALT. Smaller and easier to use and a few $$ less.

Suprise, suprise
Just received my DW682K.Opened the main shipping box and I was plesantly suprised to find a box of 1000 Porter Cable assorted biscuits.Then I opened the actual Joiner case, and found a set of four Dewalt wood chisels inside in it's own handy carrying case.There was no mention of either of these in the product writeup.Haven't plugged it in yet, but for $149.00, free shipping, and my added "bonuses", how can I go wrong?Not sure if everyone has or is going to get the extras, but I'm one happy camper right now.

Accurate First Time, Every Time
Didn't think I needed one of these ... but boy was I wrong.This baby is worth every cent.It's fast, accurate, and durable.DeWalt has an excellent product here! ... Read more

Asin: B00002232S
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Plate Joiners    4. (Jointers)    5. (Biscuit Joiners)    6. (Biscut)    7. (Cutters)   

DEWALT DW369CSK Heavy Duty 7-1/4" Lightweight Circular Saw with Composite Shoe
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $238.00 -- our price: $129.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

DeWalt designed this replacement for their popular DW359 circular saw to be the lightest and most powerful saw available. The result is a professional-quality tool that weighs 9.8 pounds and uses a big 15 amp motor to deliver a maximum of 2,200 watts--just about 3 horsepower. That's a technical way of saying this saw can deliver the power necessary to take on the toughest work on any construction site. The saw's magnesium base plate and guard are part of the key to the low weight. It has a slimmed-down handle, which we found more comfortable than the one on the old model, and a slimmed-down body, which allows for better cut-line visibility. When redesigning the saw, DeWalt also swapped the previous model's 15 amp switch with a 22 amp switch to make burn out at start up less likely. We really like the big 56-degree maximum bevel capacity, and the bevel detents at 22-1/2 and 45 degrees. Both bevel and depth-of-cut adjustments are quick and easy tool-free operations. Designed with professionals' needs in mind this is a powerful full-featured saw that is likely to stand up to a long life of tough work. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Functional lower blade guard reduces guard hang-up
• Lightweight contractor-grade saw, 9.8 pounds
• Innovative composite shoe withstands an 8-foot drop
• 56-degree beveling capacity with stops at 22.5- and 45-degrees
• Clear blade line-of-sight from any user view

Reviews (7)

Sometimes the hype itself is enough
Black & Decker's blurb states "DeWalt boosted the power with a 15 amp motor that produces 2,200 maximum watts out at 5,800 rpm."
If the saw works on 120 volts and draws 15 amps it uses 1,800 watts, by definition. Claiming that it "produces 2,200 maximum watts..." implies that it CREATES 400 watts FROM NOTHING -- clearly an absurdity. Add the "composite" (plastic) baseplate with the hidden corner lopped off, and it sounds like B&D takes its customers for fools.

Best compromise circular
The 369 doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but it does everything well.After much hands-on testing against the Bosch, Milwaukee and Porter, the DeWalt turned out to be the best compromise.It is light.It fits small and medium hands better than most. It has a blade brake. Excellent line of sight to the blade contact point. It has a small footplate with the left rear corner cut out.This makes it very maneuverable in tight spots. Yes, it will not follow a fence as easily as a saw with a long footplate, but a good carpenter will have no problem with this. The only thing I totally dislike is the spindle lock. It is a crude metal part with a finger-unfriendly shape and it requires a bit of pressure, so changing blades is unpleasant.Overall, this is the best circ I could find for my needs (remodeling contractor).

unpleasant surprise
Do not buy this saw unless you have actually held one of them in your hands, and realize what you are buying!!! The Amazon website for the DeWalt DW369CSK is deceptive, although I am sure this was unintentional.None of the pictures show the rear left corner of the saw's composite baseplate.The rear left corner of the baseplate DOES NOT EXIST!The baseplate is not a rectangle, as one would expect.Rather it is a rectangle with a large part of one corner "missing". Because of this, the left side of the saw's baseplate is only 8 1/2 inches long.This, together with the placement of the main handle (grip) of the saw, make it more difficult to make a straight cut by running the saw's base along a fence. I called the DeWalt technical assistance hotline and asked why the base had been designed like that.The man was very nice, but he said that he didn't know, but it may have been to save weight. By the way, the DeWalt website has pictures of the saw, but none show it from an angle that lets you see the "missing" portion of the base.
If you do framing, this saw might be OK.However, if you use a circular saw to make furniture, and you use it to do precise cuts of large sheets of plywood by running the saw along a fence, then you want a saw with a base which is long, especially on the side which rides along the fence. I have since learned(by actually looking at the real saws, not pictures) that there are still plenty of these available.The DeWalt DW364 is one of them.It is an older style, which is a bit heavier than the newer 369CSK, and it does not have a detent at 45 degrees.But it is completely adjustable for squareness, and it has plenty of power, and it has a BIG FOOT. The Porter Cable saws have large rectangular bases. Some other saws have a small triangle missing from the left rear corner of the base, but no other saw that I have seen has nearly as big a cutout as the DW369CSK.The Milwaukee 2390-21 is one of them, but even with the cutout, the remaining straight portion is longer than the entire base of the of the DeWalt DW 369CSK, and you can easily keep it square as you move it along a fence.While all of the alternatives to the DW369CSK that I have listed are heavier than it is, they are easy to hold and are well balanced. I recommend that you choose one of them.
I had searched the web and read reviews of circular saws before buying (and later returning) the DeWalt 369CSK, and the reviews showed that it was light, had detents for two angles of cut, had a composite base, and cut at a good rate if given a good blade. No mention was made of the strange shape of its base.
While at Home Depot last night, I asked another shopper, who happened to be a professional carpenter about the DW369CSK.He said that he had bought one but he returned it as defective because the motor burned out quickly.He said that he got one of the Porter Cables and it works fine.
I recommend that Amazon add a picture of the DW369CSK which shows the base so a potential customer can make a more informed decision. I have made a number of purchases through Amazon and am very happy with them.This is the first item that I have returned. ... Read more

Asin: B000068871
Subjects:  1. Circular Saws    2. Saws   

DEWALT DW3278 Circular Saw Rip Fence
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $19.00
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Features

• Fits all DeWalt saws
• Attaches to saw for straight, accurate cuts
• Made of heavy duty metal
• One year warranty, one year service contract, 30 day no-risk trial

Reviews (2)

Great Circular saw accessory
This item allows for straight, consistent cuts with your circular saw.Makes tasks like shaving doors, ripping, and similar functions quick and easy.It attaches to your circular saw in a matter of seconds, and requires no tools.Don't go without one of these, you will use it more than you think.

DeWalt circular saw rip fence
This product is a musthave for any user of a circular saw.It isessential in making accurate cuts when ripping wood into narrower pieces. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RH4D
Sales Rank: 5702
Subjects:  1. Fences    2. Circular Saw Fences   

Delta TP300 Shopmaster 12" Portable Planer
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware (01 October, 2002)
list price: $275.37
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Editorial Review

Why buy a planer? Well, it lets you reduce the thickness of your workpieces to exactly what you want them to be. It creates a flawlessly flat second surface, essential in good woodworking. Why buy this planer? Here's our list of why we like it: It has a fantastic 12-inch wide by 6-inch deep capacity to tackle large jobs. The patented cutterhead system raises and lowers on four large, precision-ground columns. Depth of cut can be adjusted in a wink with a top-mounted handle. A patented cutterhead lock stabilizes the cutterhead for total rigidity and superior snipe control. Double-edged--meaning reversible--high-speed steel knives double your cutting life. Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables and a stainless-steel base provide a smooth surface for moving stock, and the tables fold in for storage in minimal space. The prices on these planers have come down quite a bit in the past few years, and this one, with its quality and many features, is a great buy. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 15-amp motor for maximum power
• Feed rate adjusts under load for optimum planning
• 12-by-6-inch capacity to tackle large planning tasks
• Adjustable, folding extension tables for easy storage
• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (10)

Cheap, easy, lowCPI, snipe, uTables, uLife Blades
I was looking cheap, just to clean up some rough-hewn boards.The bottom-end Lowes had was the TP-305 (12.5" vs TP-300 12.0", otherwise EXACTLY the same) for $199, so I got that.

Into and Basics
First off, the TP-305 is single speed.Fine for my purposes.As someone else said, if you're doing "fine woodworking", you'll sand with high-grit before calling it done.

Everything is metal, and the handle on top doubles as a foam covered transfer roller.It's very solid and stable, you know, for a "portable".

The belt drive is about 3/4", versus about 2" for the Hitachi and DeWalt.Conversely, the belt on the Delta is fiber reinforced black rubber, like a fan belt, rather than being clear, plain rubber.

There is supposedly a chain-drive for gear reduction, but I haven't dismantled it yet to lubricate them.

Setup
Second, it was a snap to prepare.I pulled it out of the box.It's maybe 75 or 80 pounds.OK if you lift right, or 2-person lift otherwise.It included the planer assembly, a dust chute with 2 fasteners, a hex wrench which fits in a slot on top, a magnetic blade tool, and a crank handle with hex-head fastener.

I put it on top of a table.No LRF support, and there was a little flashing on the bottom, so don't unpack this onto a nice table.Something like this should be bolted down.The deck holes are 1/4", one on each corner.I used some washers and deck screws and that was more than enough to keep it stable.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
You NEED earplugs.Yes, it is "quiet" compared to some shopplaners/jointers, it's still loud.Earmuffs should be OK, but I opted for spongy/expanding 33db earplugs.No problem there, but I was definitely deaf to the world.

Also, goggles are a must.These two things are silly and simple, but just in case you didn't know.This might not be so important if they ever get immunology and organ cloning down, but since you're limited to one set of eyes right now, best protect them from flying debris.

If you want to reach, adjust, oil, or perform ANY maintenance, unplug your machine."I thought I was safe but something fell and flipped the switch" wouldn't quite cut it with your friends.

ALWAYS operate with the dust chute in place.The motor blows air into it and it sends the chips out the back.Without it, A) You'll be covered in vertically launched curls, and more importantly B) The top of the cutter head will be exposed, which is very not safe.

Keep distractions and horseplay away from this machine.This is not a toy, it's an 8000 RPM spinning blade of doom.No playing.Period.OK?JUNIOR!?!?!Are you LISTENING TO ME!NO PLAYING.Ok.Good.Serious machine.

SNIPER, NO SNIPING!
As a portable planer goes, the fold-out tables are fairly small.I tried using Skill brand roller stands on each side to help hold the workpiece, but this planer loves to snipe on ingress.

Tilt your board down into the planer about 5 degrees, and don't cut deep and you'll limit it.Even so, every board has a 2-3" spot that's maybe 1/32" thinner than the rest of the length.

Egress snipe is alleviated by lifting ever so slightly on the workpiece for the final stretch.If you don't get it, you'll hear the motor change speed as it chews into the end.It's really just the design of the rollers.I think you'd probably get snipe even if you made your own full-length table flush with the input.

With 12" boards, snipe was not very noticeable, whereas with 4" boards, it was always very noticeable.

Blade Lifespan
The blades that came with it do well, but it's only 2 blades. It goes through them fairly quickly.Newer wood is fine.I made several passes on both sides of rough hewn cedar.All was well. I sent through some 12" rough cedar with 25 year crusty paint, and it wasn't really happy with that.

It's 2mm per turn and on 12" stock with fresh blades you can do that.When you get to 1/3 turn and it still drops the RPMs significantly, you're past the life of the blades.

I got to this point after removing 3/16ths from each side of 40 feet of 4" wide cedar, and about 1/8th from each side of a 6' long 12" piece of paint encrusted cedar.It seems that the wider board heats the blades more, especially the old, rubbery paint, and once they heat up, the edge fades MUCH more rapidly.

Signs your planer blades are dull
The machine emits dust and not curls.
The machine leaves roller rubber on the workpiece.
The wood peels along the grain in very thin strip.
The motor slows down, but there is no output.
The rollers stop feeding.
The workpiece becomes polished, even glassy.
The workpiece is noticeably warm to the touch.
Running the workpiece through a second time at the same setting till slows the motor.

Blade Replacements
I'm thinking I'll see if I can design the same at http://www.emachineshop.com out of something harder under heat, but you know, since I don't REALLY have the skill for that, I picked up a couple sets of spare blades when I got the planer.The spares were $26/set and made of "High Speed Steel".I don't know the specific grade, but truly, they went south REALLY quickly on the wider, painted boards.

Blade Swap procedures
The swap is fairly easy, though they are initially installed with an impact wrench.Breaking the screws the first time gave off sparks on three.Freaky.Anyway, you access the six screws by:
A) Unplug the machine.Yes, UNPLUG IT.Switches have been known to fail in this universe.Don't risk it.
B) remove the two thumbscrews on the top.
C) Remove the dust chute
D) Turn the head with "the tool" such that you an access one side of the head. Adjust the machine height, or rotate the head such that the tool clears the handle/rollerbar.
E) Loosten the screws such that the black plate ALMOST comes loose.Test one screw for proper sizing.I think this is about a 16th of an inch.
F) Use the little split magnet tool to scoop under the blade, lift up off of the retaining pins, and pull out.
WARNING The blade may be hot if it's recently been used, especially if it's really dull.
G) spin the blade.
WARNING The sharp side of the blade is SHARP!I know this seems like an idiot thing to say, but if you aren't careful, I will mock you for your bloodletting experience.Yes, I'm secretly watching you.
H) Slid in, align such that it drops down properly (ie, the retaining pins are in the holes).
I) Tighten the screws, starting with the ends and working your way in.In generaly, thumb-tighten all of them, then torque them down afterward to make sure alignment is good.
J) Repeat for the other side of the head. (ie. always swap/replace BOTH blades at the same time).

Miscellaneous
Check your belt shroud, a burgundy curve of plastic on the top right of the machine.Mine had too much flashing in the channels and didn't seat properly.I didn't notice until it had been carved/sanded away severely.

The deck plate is polished steel.You can see the cutter head and rollers clearly in it.It's really cool, and might come in handy should something jam or clog.REMEMBER NOT TO TOUCH THE HEAD WITH YOUR FINGERS UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE CUT.

Yes, I used first and second person in a review.

Despite the warning that this is not a toy, etc., it's VERY fun, or at least satisfying, to see what a machine like this can do.

SUMMARY
This is cheap. Snipe will happen.Rollers, an assistant, or a full-sized and aligned table are greatly helpful.Blades dull quickly on older wood with old rubbery paint.

All things being equal and relevant to the task at hand....
...this is an excellent piece of equipment for the small shop or any woodworker on a tight or limited budget. Well packed, minimal assembly, easy-to-follow instructions. The handles are a bit spartan and initially awkward to grab but once you lift this planer up a few times and move it about, they get easier to grab and hold on to. As for actual operation, I planed one side of a fairly rough length of 12" Douglas Fir plank into a nice, flat, and smooth surface using just 5 passes. I took my time and used a light touch on the depth of cut adjustment with each pass so as not to bog down the rollers and cutters. Everything worked very well, first time out of the box. Smooth, steady movement of the stock under the rollers and through the planer, relatively low operating and cutting noise, negligible vibration and very good chip deflection out the rear. You won't believe how much "chip" comes out of this planer and, unless you have a collector attached to it, onto the shop floor. But that's another reason why I have a shop vacuum. Looks like the factory did a reasonably good job of adjusting the cutting blades too. Of course, you wouldn't opt for a compact low-priced unit like this one if your budget is bigger or if your usage is regular or heavy. Pros will no doubt pooh-pooh this unit as sub-par but, for the money, this is a remarkably efficient and well-made portable planer with a decent capacity. Just remind yourself that you shouldn't use a Volkswagen Beetle to pull out tree stumps or a Derby thoroughbred to pull a beerwagon.

12" Delta Planer
This planer is decent for the money. I bought it at Lowe's for $199 and it has served me fairly well.

It's getting harder to find the knives for the planer locally so I now need to order them from the Internet, which is fine though if you need a replacement set it's nice to know that you can go and get the blades locally.

The planer doesn't have a height lock so the vibration from the machine will make change the height after planing several boards. Snipe is minimal if everything is in aligned correctly. ... Read more

Asin: B00006K00T
Subjects:  1. Planers    2. Bench-Top Planers    3. (Planners)    4. (Plainers)    5. (Surface Planers)    6. (Portable)   

Delta TS300 Shopmaster 10" Stationary Table Saw
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $409.32 -- our price: $399.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The TS300 sits at the top of Delta's Shopmaster line of table saws and is designed with intermediate woodworkers and serious home do-it-yourselfers in mind. A 15 amp motor spins the blade at 5,500 rpm, providing plenty of power for working with hardwoods. The TS300 has a 22-1/4-by-20-3/8-inch cast-iron table and two steel extension wings, offering plenty of table space, and a 27-inch rip capacity to the right of the blade--more than enough to rip full sheets of plywood in half. (Try that with your average benchtop saw and see how it works.) You can also cut dados (up to 13/16 inch) with this saw, or perform molding operations with a cutterhead accessory. We like the T-square fence on this saw; it's hard to find a fence as reliably accurate in this price range. This saw also come with a good miter gauge for use in crosscutting operations. While the TS300 will provide more than enough saw for home users and intermediate woodworkers, professionals will want to consider a step up to one of Delta's industrial contractor saws. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 15-amp motor for powerful cutting action
• Internal cog-belt drive for smoother power transmission
• 27-inch maximum rip to right of blade cuts past the center of plywood sheets
• T-square fence system for precision cutting

Reviews (13)

Solid work horse
I've had this table saw for over 2 years now and have cut stuff on a regular basis.It keeps on going and never quits.I paid $200 at Home Depot for a floor model.I've definately got my money out of it.It doesn't look fancy like a Dewalt or Bosch but it gets the job done.

Pros -Saftey breaker trips when motor starts to overheat.This feature is great when your boards bind and the moter starts to work too hard.It resets itself after about 30 seconds.The fence and ruler are very accurate.The blade it comes with is carbide tipped and lasts for a long time.The blade is a good compromise between a fast ripping blade and fine cutting blade.I've cut plywood with it and ripped 4x4 boards at a reasonable feed speed.It does require 2 passes since the depth of the blade is 2 1/2".I've finally after 2 years need to replace it.
The saw with stand is heavy duty and stable.

Cons - The rubber leg inserts that fit on the bottom of the legs to protect your floor and absorb vibration will fall off if you move the saw.They are cheap and don't fit tight after a while.I advise to use liquid nails when putting them on right away or they will get lost.The safty shield with anti-kickback easily comes out of alignement if bumbed too hard and requires adjustment often.I took mine off after 2 weeks and have been happy ever since.This saw is far too heavy and bulky with the stand to use as a portable unit unless you are Arnold Schwarzenegger.No side bins or adequate mounting holes to mount a bin to keep the manual and arbor wrenches on the saw.I lost one of my arbor wrenches already.

Warning:Make sure your fence tension lock handle is adjusted with enough tension or else your fence will move when running big pieces resulting in a miss cut.I found this out the hard way.Once the proper tension is found it will stay put.

Great Saw for the money!
Buying my first table saw was an agonizing experience.I had limited room in my garage.I had limited... well, actually, I had NO experience.And most importantly, I had a limited budget.I just knew I wanted to start learning to woodwork and realized one of those bench top models wasn't gonna cut it. After researching all the models in my price range (@$300) I settled on the TS-300.

That was two and half years ago, and I don't regret my decision a bit.I've cut thousands of feet of board with this saw and have very little to gripe about.I've constructed everything from built-in bookshelves to simple planters.As an entry level saw, the TS-300 rocks.

It's rock solid, dependable, and has an accurate, adjustable fence (up to @ 30?).Yes, it's a bit loud (get some earplugs!), the power switch is sort of small and awkward, and the factory insert design is just downright STUPID, but this saw really gets the job done.

You can radically expand the capability of this saw.I've added a mobile base, an out-feed table, a sacrificial fence, shop made zero clearance inserts, and a dust collection port on the bottom.(The latter two REALLY helped with the sound issue).I've bought several nice blades (including a dado stack), and several standard jigs which work well with the TS-300.If you're new to woodworking and limited on space and funds, this saw will serve you very well.

The best advice I can give you is no matter what saw you get, BE CAREFUL!I got pretty haphazard regarding safety after a few months.That was until I nicked the tip of my thumb with the blade.Thankfully, it healed up perfectly, but it could have been really bad.Don't be stupid like me.Always take your time and use safety devices.Never view push sticks, feather boards, and splitters as a hassle.Your fingers will thank you!

Good choice for the price.
I purchased this saw as an emergency replacement one night. Paid $271 at Lowes. I feel I got my moneys worth from this purchase. Many saws I looked at were much cheaper feeling for more money. I rate this saw as a homeowner model, its really too weak for every day use. It will just pull my 8" dado, you have to go slow. It rips 1x4"s well and thats what I cut the most. Overall its a great saw for what you get if its $300 or less. It did better than expected. I actually got the fence to square up on the first try. The best low priced saw I've seen. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JZZL
Subjects:  1. Saws    2. Table Saws    3. Stationary Table Saws    4. (Tablesaws)   

DEWALT DW321K Heavy Duty Variable Speed Top Handle Jig Saw Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $182.55 -- our price: $119.88
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Whether at home, in the basement, or at a remodeling site, DeWalt's 5.8 amp jig saw makes cutouts the way they should be: quick and hassle-free. Vibration-dampening rubber grips soak up the shocks, making it easier to hold the line, and the counterbalance design places the weight squarely over the shoe. Need a fast cut? Flip the orbital adjustment switch to position four (maximum swing) and cruise through material at up to 3,100-inch-long strokes per minute. For more precise cuts in high-visibility areas, use the zero setting (orbitless motion) for a cleaner edge. Thanks to an adjustable blower on the right side, sawdust is whisked out of the line of sight, a feature we always appreciate in a jig saw. The shoe locks on this saw seem sturdier than the one on DeWalt's cordless model and the shoe easily adjusts--with a tool-free lever--to slide forward or backward for flush cutting, and also bevels 45 degrees to both sides. No wrenches are required to change blades, either: simply pull and turn the top, remove the old blade, and replace it with the desired universal or T-shank--a handy, timesaving design that is unique to DeWalt. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Tool free blade changing
• Accepts universal and T shank blades
• Includes dust blower and kit box
• Orbital action for faster cuts in wood

Reviews (42)

Be wary
The jigsaw is my main power tool I use it for about 90% of my work so I need a good one so I was pleased to find this one at a pawn shop for about sixty bucks. I love this saw it is straight and true with plenty of power. The blade change system is easy to use. I read a lot about people having problems with the soleplate adjustment lever coming loose, but i just tightened the screw on the clamp and I have never had a problem with it. However be very wary of this saw I have talked to a few people who have bought this saw and taken it back after about 10 minutes. Just be wary. If you don't like to gamble go with the Bosch (I just got the cordless one, looking forward to recieving it) but if you can find a good one it is a great saw.

Worst DeWalt I've owned.
First, let me state that I generally like DeWalt tools (can't say enough good things about my dw364 7-1/4" circ saw).This poseur, Bosch-wannabee, on the other hand, is horrible.I recently bought a Bosch 1587AVS, and I can't get over the similarities between the two as far as features and design.Beyond these basics, when it comes to functionality, the Bosch wins hands down.

The DeWalt still works, but after ruining about $60 worth of panels I was cutting for a small home project, I immediately went to my local tool purveyor, and picked up the Bosch.Needless to say, after a half hour of cutting with the Bosh, I knew I had found a lifelong keeper, and gave the DeWalt away to a friend who'll be using it once in a blue moon for small projects.Here are my problems with the 321K:

1.TRACKING.Cannot get this thing to track straight.After ruining one panel because the saw drifted, I clamped on a straight edge/guide to a fresh, new panel.While using the guide I forced the saw's footplate/base to follow the straight guide (no easy task, as it kept wanting to pull).This did not work since the pull was so strong, the blade actually popped out of the roller guide even with the base hugging the guide, resulting in a horrendous cut.Another panel ruined.In addition, the wacky tracking also results in a fair share of bent blades. I've used $50 Black and Deckers that tracked straight lines more accurately.The Bosch isn't absolutely perfect, but it's head and shoulders above the DeWalt when it comes to tracking, and the tolerances are now close enough for my needs. Bosch's 1590 appears to have a heavy duty blade guide for those who need very precise tracking.

2.BLADE HOLD.Using U-shank blades, I found that blades periodically pop out after extended use.The keyless blade change system, while convenient, just doesn't provide enough grip to keep a tight hold on blades.It seems that the system loosens from vibration after extended use. Might also have to do with the additional vibration caused by blade bind from tracking issues. This is dangerous, and frustrating to say the least.In comparison, I have not encountered this problem with the Bosch.

Pass on the 321K, and get a Bosch instead.I think Bosch has the reputation as the gold standard in jig saws, and after using one of their products, I can see why.

What a disappointment!
I own several DeWalt tools and love them (circular saw, cordless drills), and so I figured this jigsaw would be similarly great. WRONG! The first unit was so bad (tracking and square) that I returned it thinking I must have purchased a lemon (after all - yellow...?). The second unit was identically bad. Blower didn't work, tracking was horrible, cuts were VERY out of square. My 20 year old B&D, "purchased" with green stamps, was far better. The only good thing about this saw is that it has lots of power. ... Read more

Asin: B000022329
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Saws    4. Jig Saws    5. (Jigsaws)    6. (Saber Saws)    7. (Sabre Saws)   

DEWALT DW411K Quarter Sheet Palm Grip Sander with Case
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $92.00 -- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Dust bag included
• Counter balanced low vibration design reduces user fatigue
• Dust sealed switch for increased durability
• Sealed 100% ball bearing construction provides longer life
• Powerful 2-amp motor

Reviews (23)

Excellent tool
I've had this sander for years and put it through more abuse than I'd like to admit and it is still going strong. It has been dropped, used for several hours non stop, and worked nearly to death. It seems to take abuse and ask for more. The brushes probably need to be replaced and the bearings might be on their last legs but the machine still works without a problem. The dust bag now falls off and the cord is showing signs of cracking, but this is hardly a complaint as years of hard use will cause this in any tool. DeWalt is an excellent brand and this sander is no exception. I can only say good things about this tool and recommend it highly.

Nice sanding - no dust collection
I got this free with the 10" Miter saw.Agree with other reviewers that if you are only getting one sander get the orbital, but this is a very nice finishing sander.I had a Makita - but my sister borrowed and lost it somehow.This Dewalt sands as well as the Makita.It also collects dust about as well as the Makita - the catch being the Makita didn't even have a dust bag.I have had no problem with it falling off - it has a little catch that holds it securely, but there does not seem to be any air flow into the bag at all.(And yes - I do use the provided plate to punch holes in the paper!)I suspect something internal is out of place - but haven't bothered to call Dewalt yet.Hey - 10 years ago hardly any of these guys even had dust collection.

Don't waste your $$$$
Poor design.The dust bag is a joke, as it seems to be with all of DeWalt's tools.The sand paper plate for stick on paper is rediculous.Save your $$$$ and your time and purchase an orbital sander. ... Read more

Asin: B00002232P
Sales Rank: 766
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Sanders    4. Sheet Sanders   

DEWALT DW929K-2 18-Volt 3/8" Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $368.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

For many jobs, a small cordless drill is you need. But if you have more demanding projects in mind, DeWalt's 18-volt 3/8-inch cordless compact drill/driver can get the job done. The DeWalt drill/driver operates at 0-450 and 0-1,500 rpm and delivers up to 400 in./lbs. of muscle to bore through wood, metal or masonry. With an all-metal 5-5-5 planetary gear transmission, this workhorse is built to last. But brute force is by no means the DeWalt's only charm. Handy features like an 18-position adjustable clutch, 3/8-inch keyless ratcheting chuck, integrated lock-off button, and electric brake make this tool as versatile as it is strong. Add to that a comfortable grip, light weight (just 4.5 pounds) and ergonomic design, and you have a pretty good contender in the 18-volt class.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• 18-position adjustable clutch torque control
• Compact size and weight (4.5 pounds)
• DeWalt-built Series 3000 motor delivers 400 in./lbs. of maximum torque
• 3/8-inch keyless ratcheting clutch
• Dual range gearing: 0-450/0-1,500 rpm

Reviews (10)

good tool, but batteries are weak
this is a good, solid and reliable drill, can handle rough use and doesnt break.easy to adjust clutch and quick change chuck.only problem is the batteries dont run long even when fully charged, especially when cold. need longer life batteries, get the XRP batteries.

AMAZING
My husband has used a black & decker drill for several years and has "served him well" but it always took forever to complete a job because it was so weak.Well now he flies through projects and even after it fell off a 15ft roof.The battery fell out-- he popped it back in and it has worked like a charm.

Indestructable
I have had one of these for several years and it is my most reliable possession!I dropped it off a roof and onto the driveway and I thought... oh ..., there goes ... down the drain.I picked it up, slapped the battery pack back in and to my suprise, went right back to work! --Bulletproof ... Read more

Asin: B0000649EG
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Combo Packs    5. (Volt)    6. (V)    7. Drill-Drivers   

DEWALT D21008K Heavy Duty 3/8" VSR Drill Kit with Keyless Chuck
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $111.00 -- our price: $59.00
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Keyless chucks can sometimes be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, bit changes are quicker and more convenient, but bit slippage can also be an issue at times. That's not the case with the DeWalt heavy-duty 3/8-inch VSR drill kit with keyless chuck. DeWalt has equipped this tool with a two-sleeve ratcheting chuck that locks shut and holds bits firmly in place. The drill weighs just 3.5 pounds but can power its way through metal, wood and masonry, with bit capacities of 3/8 inches, one inch and 1/2 inch respectively. A 6 amp motor delivers powerful torque and speeds of 0-2,500 rpm, while an advanced brush system automatically stops the tool when the brushes wear out, preventing serious motor damage. The drill is comfortable to hold and comes with a built-in bubble level that lets you know your holes are straight and true. All in all, a very solid performer.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Built-in two-way bubble level ensures accurate vertical and horizontal holes
• 6 amp motor provides more power than any unit in its class
• 3/8-inch ratcheting keyless chuck loosens and tightens by hand for greater bit retention
• All-ball-bearing construction means longer tool life
• 0-2,500 rpm with single gear reduction

Reviews (13)

Excellent drill, powerful & well balanced -- but noisy
This is a very nice, well designed drill.I use it mostly for drilling pocket holes with a Kreg jig.It's so much easier to drill pocket holes with this powerful 2500 RPM corded drill, compared to a slow cordless drill.This drill is super powerful, well balanced, and has a very comfortable hand grip.The Jacobs ratcheting chuck works nicely and has a great feel when tightened.The Dewalt case is also very nice with plenty of extra storage space and metal latches.My only complaint, though, is that this drill is very noisy. I wish Dewalt would focus more engineering on lowering noise output.

Pretty good drill
First off, this drill is now made in Mexico. I'm suspect of how this will affect the durability and reliability of the drill, so whatever positive things I have to say about this drill has that caveat
Next, this drill is extremely comfortable in hand, especially for those with medium to small hands. The weight and balance is exceptional as compared to the Milwaukee Magnum drill that I compared it to. That drill was really heavy and the bulk of the weight was balanced towards the front of the drill - not comfortable. The Dewalt drill is powerful enough to handle most chores but I wouldn't use it to drill cement.
It's also highly noisy (as compared to Makita drills) so be prepared to be numb in the ears or get earplugs. Overall, for the cheap price, I'd say it's a very useable, solid drill. If it were made in the USA and were quieter, I'd give it 5 stars.

Great drill
This drill works fantastic!The first project I used it on was to drill mounting holes for casters into 8/4 rock maple.This drill handled the task perfectly.I have been using this drill for about 6 months now with no complaints.

I use it primarily in tandem with my other cordless drill.I use it mainly to drill the holes and use my other drill to drive screws.

I have not had any problems with the keyless chuck. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JSPI
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Drills    4. Pistol Grip Drills    5. (Drils)   

Quick-Grip 512QCBar Clamp/Spreader
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $21.99 -- our price: $20.89
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Non-marring stay-on pads are soft, pliable, large pads that protect the finish, yet can be replaced
• 12"
• Quick Change Multi-Positioning Jaw locks on end-pin or any position on bar
• Quick-Clip feature on jaw converts clamp into a spreader quickly and easily; no tools required
• Quick one handed operation moves 2X faster than the Original Quick-Grip trigger

Reviews (5)

The most popular size and most frequently used
The big benefit to these is that you get true mobility out of them. While holding a piece of work, lined up, in one hand, you use these quick grips in the other hand to secure the work. If it slips while clamping, it is still a one handed tool to release it, and reclamp it again. Enables you to maintain a professional flow to your work. I feel awkward when using regular clamps in comparison. They require two hands. You could use a spring clamp to hold it together, then get another clamp to give it a final hold, but the quick grip saves you from having to do that.
Having these clamps in a few different sizes is beneficial as well. Small ones are more frequently used, and don't get in the way. The 33 1/2" is great when you need to hold larger projects together, and you can't effectively use two smaller ones to substitute. Additionally the macro clamps give you deeper jaws for a farther reach, enabling you to use them for securing work, to your radial arm saw table for example. They are fast enough to be used for almost any application. Sometimes I use them to secure work when sanding with a power sander. A couple squeezes and they are on, and one squeeze and they pop off.
After getting the smaller ones, and using them, I immediately order two of the 33 1/2" for larger projects, and for tie downs on equipment, including the drill press, and occasionally the radial arm saw.
Their is a small rubber stopper, which you can readily remove, in order to reverse the end, and make it a spreader as well. Something not needed very often, but difficult to achieve without one of these.
One note is that these have built in rubber pads, that completely cover the metal internal end. That is an advantage when you do not want to mar the wood. That and the fact that you can squeeze these with one hand, creates a mechanism that is easy to use, but not something that you would want to use for strength clamping. As a safety measure, these clamp sufficiently for most operations, but a threaded bar clamp, is stronger. So for those operations where extreme strength is needed, these are not the clamps to use. You sacrifice mountain holding strength for the ease of use. For example if I was using a large bit on the drill press, and drilling into metal, I would clamp it with something more. Even the slightest movement in an operation like that, could cause a snag, sending the piece into movement. If you are using just one of them, at the end of a 24" board, and decide to rout the other end, it will move on you. Securing it with two of them, and it is super tied down. You get my drift.
The big advantage of quick grip clamps, is that they handle wood beautifully, even for glue up operations. Hold workpieces more than securely to do the job in most applications, and are so handy that they deserve more than 5 stars. I would feel lost without them. It is another tool in the must have category.

I love this Clamp/spreader
As with the entire quick grip products the features that should entice you to buy and use the Quick-Grip 512QC Bar Clamp/Spreader are the ease of adjustment and the fact that it won't mar even the softest of wood yet still provide ample force for your project. Being able to use it as both a clamp and a spreader is a major Plus over the other clamps available.People with low hand strength or hand pain can use the trigger ratchet used for the adjustment with ease.It only requires a firm squeeze just over the pressure used for scissors.

The Best Clamp in the Market!
I went out and bought a 12" 512QC Quick-Grip Bar clamp/spreader justa few days ago and felt I should have bought it a long time ago. I can domost of the clamping with one hand now. I am not a professional but thistool let me do my work much x faster. The grip is very strong. In one clickyou can loosen it and the other handle on top tightens it. The Rubber gripsprotects wood from being damaged. You don't need to insert anything betweenwood and the grip. I want to buy the bigger length ones when the needarise. Also this is very lightweight and strong. I think every wood workingenthusiast or pro should have it ... Read more

Asin: B000022452
Sales Rank: 2270
Subjects:  1. Clamps    2. Bar & Pipe Clamps    3. Spreader Clamps