Porter-Cable's 1-1/2-horsepower router is popular with woodworkers for good reason. It's reliable, powerful, and exceptionally smooth running--not to mention versatile. While you can get this great tool in a two-handle fixed base, plunge base, or D-handle configuration, this kit--which includes both the two-handle and the plunge base--is the best deal going. We really appreciate Porter-Cable's new autorelease collet, which prevents bits from getting frozen in the machine. It'd be great if Porter-Cable could come up with an alternative to needing two wrenches for a bit change, but this minor inconvenience is far outweighed by the tool's overall quality. In fact, Porter-Cable's focus on simple, quality engineering is the reason for this model's long-lasting success. The router doesn't offer electronic variable-speed control or enough power to effectively double as a shaper, but it is among the smoothest-running routers we've tried, producing consistently clean results. For most applications it offers all the versatility and muscle you need. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Powerful cutting action
• Auto-release collet system
• Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base, includes fixed and plunge bases for versatility
• Long lasting, smooth operation
• One year warranty/30 day performance certification

Asin: B0000222VL
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Routers    4. Fixed-Base Routers    5. Plunge Routers   

Durably constructed with a fully enclosed 1-horsepower induction motor and a die-cast aluminum base to dampen vibration, Delta's combination belt/disc sanding station is designed to make removing both small and large amounts of material a quick and easy operation. To round corners and smooth over large curves, the 9-inch disc sander spins quietly at 2,800 rpm. Its cohort, the versatile 48-by-6-inch belt, cycles 2,200 square feet per minute over a heat-reducing graphite pad that helps increase belt life. In tests, we found it quickly adjusted from horizontal to vertical and locked easily into position for use on 180-degree curves and cutouts. The tool-free tracking knob makes it easy tomaintain belt alignment, and the cast-aluminum worktable bevels 45 degrees to accommodate angles on either surface. We found changing sandpaper on both tools relatively easy, and appreciated the integral 2-1/4-inch port for dust collection. The included steel stand is sturdy and features nonslip pads to help keep it in place. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Belt unit can be used vertically or horizontally for a variety of applications
• Tilting table has a miter gauge slot and can be used with either the belt or disc unit
• Belt tensioning lever and tracking control knob provide easy belt replacement and adjustment
• Built -in dust port for use with a vacuum or dust collector

Asin: B00002236D
Subjects:  1. Sanders    2. Disc & Belt Sanders   

Unveil this secret weapon with the flick of a switch and establish a strong beachhead against dust in your home or shop. Powered by a 1-horsepower, 115-volt induction motor, Jet's 650 cfm dust collector comes with 2.67-cubic-foot bags that grab particles 30 microns and larger. The 9-3/4-inch steel blower wheel is stout enough to handle larger particle-producing applications. The entire unit sits conveniently on easy-to-roll casters, so moving it around the shop is no problem. A unique feature separating Jet's dust collectors from the competition is how easily the lower bag can be removed and reattached. There's a handy flexible metal band that snaps quickly into place--which is a hundred times easier than wrestling with cinch straps. The machine stands only 66 inches tall and is ideal for small shops. There's only one dust port; you have to set up to larger models for two ports. A great carpenter once referred to sawdust as "the indomitable scourge silently mounting in woodshops nationwide." Well, now there's something you can do about it. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• One-year limited warranty
• 1 hp, single-phase, 115-volt motor
• Single-stage design
• Compact size: 27 by 14 by 57 inches
• Bag diameter: 14 inches

Asin: B0000223LM
Subjects:  1. Vacuums    2. Dust Collectors    3. (Vacumes)    4. (Vaccuums)    5. (Vaccums)    6. (Vacums)   

Delta 31-695 6" Belt/9" Disc Sander
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $403.22 -- our price: $269.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Durably constructed with a fully enclosed 1-horsepower induction motor and a die-cast aluminum base to dampen vibration, Delta's combination belt/disc sanding station is designed to make removing both small and large amounts of material a quick and easy operation. To round corners and smooth over large curves, the 9-inch disc sander spins quietly at 2,800 rpm. Its cohort, the versatile 48-by-6-inch belt, cycles 2,200 square feet per minute over a heat-reducing graphite pad that helps increase belt life. In tests, we found it quickly adjusted from horizontal to vertical and locked easily into position for use on 180-degree curves and cutouts. The tool-free tracking knob makes it easy tomaintain belt alignment, and the cast-aluminum worktable bevels 45 degrees to accommodate angles on either surface. We found changing sandpaper on both tools relatively easy, and appreciated the integral 2-1/4-inch port for dust collection. The included steel stand is sturdy and features nonslip pads to help keep it in place. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Belt unit can be used vertically or horizontally for a variety of applications
• Tilting table has a miter gauge slot and can be used with either the belt or disc unit
• Belt tensioning lever and tracking control knob provide easy belt replacement and adjustment
• Built -in dust port for use with a vacuum or dust collector

Reviews (12)

Powerful Sander
The Purchase/Shipping:Amazon made this easy and efficient.The price was discounted from retail and they offered a shipping incentive. The sander was shipped immediately and I received it within a few days.It was carefully packaged.

Assembly:Fairly simple.The parts list on the first page of the manual incorrectly describes stand parts, so look carefully at the pictures in the manual, and follow the instructions.The sander itself is partially assembled and simple to complete.

Quality:The attachments are acceptable, but some of the plastic parts are not well molded and don't fit snugly.This is not a particularly big deal, because the plastic parts aren't under stress.The stand is adequate.The rest of the machine is well-made.One caveat: there is a fairly large gap between the pressure plate and the rollers, and this allows the sanding belt to bow, which can cause ripples on the surface you are sanding.Practice with old 2x4's or other scrap to get a feel for the machine.Also, the sander I received came with one incorrectly-sized metric bolt, which held up the assembly until I found the correct bolt at a local hardware store.

Function: A powerful machine.It comes with an 80 grit belt and disk, and it's a good idea to pick up some finer-grit belts/disks.The sander cuts fast, puts out a lot of wood dust, and is loud.If you use it in a closed area, hearing protectors are recommended for work that takes more than a moment to complete.

Summary:Overall a good performer.The attachments, manual and stand are only adequate, but once you turn on the sander, you're too busy to worry about its details.

Good, but not as good as I'd hoped
I always had a picture in my mind of Delta tools being the ones to buy if you could afford them. As my first Delta tool purchase this one just didn't live up to my internal hype.

On page 10 of the manual, it says the screw for changing the position of the sanding arm can be adjusted with the supplied hex wrench, but I found that the screw was the wrong size. I called Delta and they sent the correct part (part #1346365).

I also ran into the problem mentioned by another reviewer where the parts for the stand are labelled differently from picture to picture. Too bad I didn't read that review before I assembled the unit. It would have saved me a lot of time.

All-in-all it seems like it will function well, but it's not as perfect as I'd hoped it would be.

great woodworking tool
For anyone with a home workshop this belt/disc sander is a must. I build many small projects and having a sander like this is going to save me time and frustration. Delta makes fine tools with good instructions for the user. ... Read more

Asin: B00002236D
Subjects:  1. Sanders    2. Disc & Belt Sanders   

Dremel 1680Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $169.99 -- our price: $179.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Reset button protects motor from overheating
• Variable speed of 500 to 1,600 strokes per minute
• Electronic feedback control
• Extended 12-by-16-inch cast-iron table evenly supports workpieces
• An extra-smooth finish provides effortless workpiece manipulation

Reviews (19)

If only it would get here
I'd love to say how the product works but it has not arrived !!!
It has been on order since Nov 16,2004 and you still say you can get 1 day delivery or usually ships in 24 hours !!! Now I do not have a Christmas present for my husband and I thought I ordered it in PLENTY OF TIME !!!!
update:today is 12-30-04. It says my order shipped on 12-21 but UPS says they never got it. I am cancelling this order and returning the items I did get. I am so dissapointed.

Good Saw- Bad Motor
Bought this tool over a year ago but only used it for a total of about 30 hours before the motor "burned out".The tool is solidly built, blade changes are easy, and overall I was quite happy with all aspects of the tool until, of course the motor went.Called the Dremel people, it's out of warranty and to get it fixed is cost prohibitive so I'll have to buy a new saw.If I had confidence that this event was a fluke I would buy another Dremel 1680, but another reviewer had a burned out motor with very little time on the saw.It's a shame because other than the motor this 4 star tool, alas a great saw with no motor is a $149.00 paper weight.I think I have to drop 3 bills on a Dewalt 20".

The good, the bad, but nothing ugly
After looking at the various scroll saws available, I chose this one because of the 90 degrees of table angles available (only the Craftsman also has that feature) and the fast angle settings which lock into the metal positioning plate which make returning to various settings very quick.I also had excellent experiences with Dremel products in the past.

The only problem experienced so far was the similar "clanking" sound another reviewer mentioned, but I was able to fix that by removing the two screws which hold the motor cover in place, adjusting the holes and re-installing it so the weight on the motor shaft no longer hit the inside of the cover.

I also agree with one of the other reviewers that the switches are tiresome after a while because they are so small and somewhat difficult to operate under the rubberized dust covers.

The "free" stand went together easily, and by not fully tightening all the bolts on the stand I was able to align all the holes before fully tightening down the saw.I did have to add two washers to two of the mounting holes on the top because the metal wanted to bent when tightening the saw to the stand.

The light is bright enough for me as it is not the only light I use near the saw, and it doesn't get too hot to work around.It does however get in the way at times when working with larger pieces if the table is at an extreme angle, but this is normally not an issue.

All in all the saw works fine, and has been reliable.Next time I would spend the few extra dollars and buy the new Delta which is much heavier for less vibration, and has even easier blade changing and tension setting adjustments, both of which I feel are more important features. ... Read more

Asin: B0000302YQ
Sales Rank: 3510
Subjects:  1. Dremel    2. (Dremmel)    3. Saws    4. Scroll Saws    5. (Scrollsaws)   

JET DC-650 / 708640 115 Volt, 1 HP, 650 CFM, Dust Collector
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $429.00 -- our price: $249.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Unveil this secret weapon with the flick of a switch and establish a strong beachhead against dust in your home or shop. Powered by a 1-horsepower, 115-volt induction motor, Jet's 650 cfm dust collector comes with 2.67-cubic-foot bags that grab particles 30 microns and larger. The 9-3/4-inch steel blower wheel is stout enough to handle larger particle-producing applications. The entire unit sits conveniently on easy-to-roll casters, so moving it around the shop is no problem. A unique feature separating Jet's dust collectors from the competition is how easily the lower bag can be removed and reattached. There's a handy flexible metal band that snaps quickly into place--which is a hundred times easier than wrestling with cinch straps. The machine stands only 66 inches tall and is ideal for small shops. There's only one dust port; you have to set up to larger models for two ports. A great carpenter once referred to sawdust as "the indomitable scourge silently mounting in woodshops nationwide." Well, now there's something you can do about it. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• One-year limited warranty
• 1 hp, single-phase, 115-volt motor
• Single-stage design
• Compact size: 27 by 14 by 57 inches
• Bag diameter: 14 inches

Reviews (27)

Great product-Worst Packing!!!
After reading reviews about this collector I decided to purchase one. When it arrived I thought the package was run over by the delivery truck! The styrofoam packing was in shattered pieces and there were bent parts everywhere! The round metal down tube pressed so hard against the metal bag holder that it caved in the side throwing it out of round ( it was actually oval!)Also the mounts were severely bent upwards!! I returned it for a replacement and when that one arrived guess what?...The same thing!! The packing material was again shattered and the identical parts were damaged!! This time I just took the pliers with a cloth and rebent the bag holder to round and bent the down tube mounts back. Is it my bad luck with this or does Jet pack certain items in the worst possible way?? I can understand maybe once but TWICE!!! I give it 3 stars because it runs great, does the job and when attached to a separater is all that it should be. Since I've ordered another Jet product (jointer) and it was packaged like a fortress so I'm certain this an isolated incident.

Great addition to my shop
After setting up the dc650, I couldn't believe i waited so long to get one. I was using a 6HP shop vac, and I figured that would be good enough for my tools. Bad idea... i ended up with a lot of saw dust clogs in my planer, band saw, and especially planer (dw 735 -- an awesome machine) which instantly clogged the shop vac pipes. this dust collector is significantly quiter and far stronger. using 4" is also much nicer than the 2" shop vac tubes.

Note that the unit doesn't come with any tubing ... you'll want to buy some lengths of 4" tubing (not dryer vent tubing get dust collector tubing, preferably clear so you can make sure there are no clogs) and some 4" hose clamps. For my set up, i've put in a variety of hard 4" pipes (sewer pvc) and then put in blast gates, t's, etc and various reducers to hook up to all of my equipment. since my shop space is limited, i move the dust collector around to hook up in to my hard runs or machines directly. my areas is way cleaner and my tools are way happier. get one!

JET DC-650/708640
I bought this Dust Collector just about a year ago. First, I found it almost inpossible to get the standard 30 micron filters to snap in place. On advice from another owner on this forum I purchased a set of 5 micron bags from Penn State Industries to cut down on dust escaping through the filter bags. These bags although they were advertised to fit the DC 650, by the time you got them in place and sealed with the spring loaded 20" retaining clips you end up with bunched up pleats which allow dust to escape through. The DC 650 does work well to collect the saw dust produced while sanding on my Powermatic 2442 lathe but I think there are better designed collectors out there that for a few more dollars wouldn't have these design deficiencies. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223LM
Subjects:  1. Vacuums    2. Dust Collectors    3. (Vacumes)    4. (Vaccuums)    5. (Vaccums)    6. (Vacums)