Porter-Cable 7518 3-1/4 HP Speedmatic 5-Speed Router
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $617.10 -- our price: $285.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

When it's time to step up to a bigger router, Porter-Cable's 7518 should be on your list of contenders. It has as powerful a motor as you can find on a router and a reputation for accuracy and dependability. It's designed to work with bits as large as 4 inches in diameter and has electronic soft start and five speeds, to ensure that you'll be able to use those giant panel cutters safely and smoothly. The large bit capacity also makes it a great poor man's shaper when mounted on a good router table. Like most of Porter-Cable's routers, this model features their autorelease collet system, which does a good job of eliminating the problem of frozen bits and the need for rapping on the collet to remove them. Of all the routers we've tried, Porter-Cable's are among those with the lowest vibration and cleanest cuts. One thing we wish Porter-Cable would improve on is the lack of a spindle lock, which means that two wrenches--and potential knuckle wracking--are involved in bit changes. But given that a router's real value is measured by the results it produces, we'd still recommend the 7518 as one of the best routers available and a great choice for any shop. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Ideal for table mounting
• Soft start for smooth performance
• 5 speed 15-amp motor maintains constant speed under load
• Aluminum motor housing prevents heat build-up
• Auto release collets

Reviews (42)

Great for table AND handheld routing
Don't be afraid to take this thing out of the table and use it in your bare hands!

This things works fabulously, both in the table and in my hands.For the table, it's a no brainer... this thing rocks and, being Porter-cable, you will NEVER have a hard time finding accessories.It is the standard.

About the hand-held use though:It's big, but the handles are great, makes getting a good grip on it super-easy.In fact, it's the most comfy fit to my hands that I've found (though I have not tried the Milwaukee 3.25hp router).Also, the weight, solidity, and power of the thing makes it such that it doesn't jump around and jerk like my lighter 1 3/4 HP Dewalt.Between its weight and power, it's actually a fantastic hand router, and cuts any wood (as a previous poster stated) "like butter".

I've used it for fairly delicate, precision work in tight areas as well and the really big stuff.Heck, The only time I've even made a bit chirp was when I was using a 2" long, 1/2" flush trim bit on the full thickness of solid 1.75" alder, and I was "trimming" just about the full diameter of the bit... that was just plain stupid of me.The router barely seemed to notice... the bit, however... well, it's resting in "piece(s)".

I would not necessarily want it as my only router in the shop.If it were my only one, I'd go with a 2 1/4 hybrid, because there are definitely times you do need something more manuverable for light trim work.But, if you have the option to buy two (or already have one) having a small packaged 1 3/4hp (or even PC's little 7/8"hp deal) partnered with this one, then you have a near unbeatable routing setup.

Good for handheld work too
A lot of people have reviewed this router so I'll just add something new that I didn't see in other reviews.Many people are using this router primarily for router table work.I use it for handheld work too and find its considerable weight to be advantageous there, because it helps keep the router on top of the work. And it cuts like butter. Also the router's power seems to prevent the kind of sudden jumps that smaller motor routers are prone to.

The industry standard
If you don't like horsepower and beefiness, than you may want to buy something else.On the other hand, if you want the toughest, most powerful router you can get, than this ones for you. This router was designed to be used in a router table with big bits. I have owned this router for 9 years. I make raised panel doors for a living.This tool has never failed me.I've been through three router tables, but only one router.Porter Cable could easily jack the price up on this router and it would have no problem selling. I own 7 routers.If I could only have one, it would be this one. ... Read more

Asin: B0000222V3
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Routers    4. Fixed-Base Routers   

The first thing we noticed about the DeWalt plunge router is the amount of debris it whisks out of the line of sight. This feature--unique to the DeWalt--really works. A shop vac simply hooks up to the hollow right support column. We cut groove after groove in test boards, and, as promised, the wood chips and sawdust disappeared out of sight. Of course, hooking a shop vac hose up to a router puts constraint on the tool's mobility, but if you're concerned about dust in the workshop, you'll love it. The router's full-wave electronic speed control holds a constant rotation (up to 22,000 rpm); when the router encounters increased load (a knot, say), its 2-horsepower engine automatically accelerates. The tool's soft-start mechanism also eliminates the jumping common to other models. For plunge applications, this DeWalt makes precision measurements a snap with its rack-and-pinion macro- and microadjusters, which allow meticulous woodworkers to dial depth to 1/128 of an inch--perfect for decorative and high-grade inlays or wherever you don't want to waste anymaterials. We found that the case-hardened, polished-steel guide rods provide an extremely smooth plunge, and, thanks to a spindle lock, changing bits is a quick, one-wrench affair. With 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets included in the package, this router makes it easy to get a good groove going. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 2hp motor
• Electronic variable-speed 8000-24000 RPM with constant speed under load
• Built-in dust extraction
• Rack and pinion depth adjuster, with micro-fine adjusting
• If you find a better price elsewhere, Amazon.com and Tool Crib will match that price and beat it by 10% of the difference. Call Tool Crib at (800) 358-3096, Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CST and Sat. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. Some rules and restrictions apply.

Asin: B00002232V
Subjects:  1. Plunge Routers    2. Routers    3. (De Walt)    4. DeWalt   

DEWALT DW733 12-1/2" Portable Thickness Planer
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $718.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

DeWalt's sturdy four-column planer is a great addition in any workshop--and, because it's easily portable, transition to the job site is always an option. Thanks to the largest material support table of any portable planer on the market and a tight-locking cutterhead, boards feed through effortlessly with minimal snipe. We also liked how easy it is to measure precise cuts with the turret stops (set at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of an inch). There's also a calibrated depth crank that adjusts 1/16 of an inch with each full rotation. Unlike other portable planers, DeWalt's provides an easy-to-read gauge of how much material each pass removes as well as the amount left over on the original board. Rather than using double-edged knives, this model takes two big M2 high-speed steel knives with single-surface cutting areas that deliver an impressive 64.1 cuts per inch. Changing knives took us a mere 10 minutes (and we were new to this design) and--better yet--they can be resharpened multiple times rather than discarded after one use. Powered by 15 amps with a no-load speed of 10,000 rpm, DeWalt's easily transported planer is a nice combination of high performance and convenience. Each planer ships with an extra set of knives, magnets, and wrenches. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Magnetic gauge holds knives in place, making changing knives easy
• Includes an extra set of knives and dust hood, an $84.99 value
• Four-column head lock secures cutterhead to eliminate snipe
• Extra long infeed and outfeed tables provide 33 inches of material support
• 15 amp motor rotates the cutterhead at 10,000 rpm, making 64 cuts per inch

Reviews (126)

If a woodchuck could chuck wood
I like this planer just fine.However I must admit that this is the only one I have ever used.I had a friend who had a maple tree fall in his yard.We went our and ripped about 40, 12" x 30" x 3" blocks with our chain saws. (without a ripping chain).The blocks were in terrible shape.I have run these through this planner and now have 40 pieces of 1" x12"x30 beautiful marbled maple.I had to run each piece through about 20- 25 times to get all the chain saw marks out.So I would guess that is about 2500 board feet of nasty rock hard maple.NO PROBLEM.This thing is like a ginsui knife,I took one of the pieces and ran it through to see how fine I could finish it, a buddy of mine needed a custom size cutting board for his kitchen cabinet.I hardly need to sand it when I was done.The one problem I had was when I bought it the screw that holds the handle on was not long enough and I stripped the hole, but it stays on with gravity just fine. I Also would like two speeds, as with most of my reviews this is my fault for not spending the money.

Great Litte Machine!
You will be hard pressed to find a planer that will do a better job than this DW733.Set up was a snap, maybe an hour to remove from the box and double check all adjustments.If you do the basics - keep knives sharp, in and out tables adjusted properly and provide support for long pieces - this machine will give you great results.Snipe is minimal to non-existant. The dust hood & my 650cfm dust collector eliminates 95% of all chips.

Excellent Product
I bought this planer 10 months ago and just got around to using it.I am impressed!Set up was easy right out of the box.The planer makes super smooth cuts with no snipe.Dewalt has upgraded to a 3 knife model, but it is hard to see how they could improve on this one.The dust hood does a good job with my shop vac attached with very few chips ending up on the table.
The only negative I have found so far is the carrying handles.If you don't carry it level the planer can shift on the telescopic handles and pinch your hand. ... Read more

Asin: B00004OCHZ
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Planers    4. Bench-Top Planers    5. (Planners)    6. (Plainers)    7. (Surface Planers)    8. (Portable)   

Delta 17-900 16-1/2" 12-Speed Drill Press
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $403.22
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

If your projects require you to drill with big bits or if you find yourself attempting to drill with precision under questionable circumstances, this heavy-duty 16-1/2-inch drill press from Delta will help you get out of your, um, hole. Running off a 3/4-horsepower motor that can be wired for either 115 or 230 volts, it gives you an impressive deep plunge length of 3-3/8 inches and holds up to 5/8-inch-diameter bits. Solid cast-iron construction and a 3-1/8-inch column give it the industrial feel and durability we look for in this type of tool. You'll enjoy the rotating work base--which bevels, of course, 45 degrees each way for drilling angles--as well as the depth stop that can be set quickly and easily with microadjustments and a locking mechanism, great for repetitive drilling. While other models sometimes place hard-to-read speed and belt charts under the top cap, Delta uses a wide, clearly legible chart to explain how to configure the belts for each of 12 speeds (250 to 3,000 rpm). And, thanks to the smooth, cool-running induction motor inside, you're not likely to find yourself shopping for a drill press again for an extremely long time. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• 0-5/8 inch chuck capacity for use with a variety of drill bits
• 3/4 hp induction motor for powerful, smooth drilling action
• 12 spindle speeds--250 to 3,000 rpm--for drilling a variety of materials
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (13)

Great piece of woodworking machinery
I purchased this drill press over 2 years ago and have nothing but praise for it,its a workhorse.I've drilled treated 4x4 post,100's of boards and even metal plating all this without even a wimper its one solid machine.When i purchased this machine it came complete ,all parts and accessories were in box unlike some other tools and machines that i have purchased in past years and the ease of assembly it was a breeze.I had it set up and boring holes in wood in just under 30 minutes ,its a very well put together machine with alot of extra and helpful features that help you get the job done right.I've been a woodworker for over 20 years and have owned other brands that don't even standup to the quality and durability of the Delta 17-900 drill press.75 percent of my woodshop is setup with Delta machines and accessories the other 25 percent with another well known brand.I put my machines through their paces day in and day out and Delta products haven't let me down yet.The delta model 17-900 drill press is very worthy of the 5 star rating i gave it and i highly recommend it as well as other delta machines to anybody looking for quality and durability in woodworking machinery.

Good Unit
While this is my first and only drill press, the unit seems to be very nice.

I recieved this as a Chrismas present from my wife, we had looked at several units and this on had the best price for features....

First off the the instructions were very clear considering that alot of the parts came preassemblied. Took only about 1 hour to set up and every thing went very smooth. It did take 2 people to put the head onto the post but even this went very smooth!

Speed adjustments are very easy with the pop up cover and tension adjustments. The fact that the unit uses a Morris tapper for the chuck is great. The depth adjustment is very easy to use and quick to set!

Fit and finish seemed to be very good. There is some play in the table but from what we saw on other units they will also have the same problem due to the way the rack is held in place to the post!

I only gave 4 stars because this is my first and only drill press and it runs a little loud!

Delta drill press
When I recieved this baby, I thought it looked pretty good.
However The parts in the box were from two different models.
and the holes in the base did not fit the column base. five holes in the column and four in the base..Delta has not yet fixed this problem.. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223AX
Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Stationary Drill Presses    3. (Drils)   

JET JJ-8CS / 708458K 8" Woodworking Jointer
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $1,639.00 -- our price: $1,099.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Front and rear safety knife guide
• Extra long (9 w by 66-1/2-inch L) cast iron bed
• Three-knife cutter head
• 2hp, 1ph, 230-volt motor
• Easy-to-read infeed depth scale

Reviews (5)

LOOK ELSEWHERE IF YOU WANT GOOD SERVICE
I recently purchased the 8" jointer from jet after a good deal of research.When it arrived, the finish was o.k.It looked good, except for the front of the machine which was quite rough and had not been ground down after casting.Otherwise, it is a great looking tool.
I finally got it put together and wired up (about four hours total).I turned it on and it jumped to life.When I say jumped, I mean it started abruptly with a jerk, instead of smoothly and gradually.It also sputtered as it turned off.Upon further inspection and after smelling burning rubber, I opened it back up to have a look.There were black shavings all over the back of the machine, which turned out to be the belt.
I called the Jet service number.The guy told me to take apart the motor to tighten a set screw that was supposed to have been factory set.Very time consuming.That wasn't the problem.I called back and he told me to readjust all the pulleys and belts, which I had already done before calling.I did it again and that wasn't the problem either.He said he would send out a local Jet rep to look at it.Well that was four weeks ago.Not only was no rep sent out, the original service rep whom I had spoken with stopped returning my calls, would not answer repeated messages, and basically ignored me for a month.Finally, I got fed up and left a message in no uncertain terms that he needed to call me back that day because I needed this thing to work.It was jurting my business and it had been over a month.I said if they would not help me, then I wanted to return the machine.Only then did he get in touch with a local rep.
This guy called me the same day.I told him about the chunky motor and the black shavings.Guess what, he told me that the engine performance was normal and the belt could continue grinding itself away until it finds it's "natural position" - for up to a year.I find both of these things hard to beleive.At this point, however, because of the month of unreturned calls, it was apparently too late to get a refund or a new motor from Jet.You would think such a well known company would make more of an effort to satisfy it's customers.
I also own a Powermatic 66 saw, a Record lathe, a Craftsman bandsaw and a Rugged planer. None of the other tools in my furniture shop start or stop roughly at all, only the jet.I feel that I have now exhausted all of my options and am stuck with a tool that is slowly grinding itself away and service techs that could not care less.If I had it to do over, I would have gone with the Delta.

A great jointer with a couple of minor comments
Overall this is a great machine and I am glad to add this one to my woodworking tools. Putting it together is not easy, just the top weighs about 350 lbs. and you will need some help carrying this thing on top the stand. After securing in place everything should be easy with the exception of the belts which was not preset very well at least in my machine, so I have to loosen the motor mount base and slide for adjustment. It's like working in your car's motor. The manual wiring diagram did not match the motor wire color coding, so I have to call Jet for help, they are very helpful and will explain everything so you could hook it up. I don't blame them for not giving a male plug cord end since there's a lot of plug pattern to guess from. You will need to wire the shop for 240V. I am very happy with the machine, it works very well, and the long bed is really a good choice if you have the space.

Misma and Electrical
Make sure that you're manual's model# and picture match, and then, BEFORE you start putting it together, you need to check that all the wiring for your motor is finished and installed like it is in the instruction manual!!! It is a great tool, that performs and the fit and finish are excellent, BUT, ours was not wired as the manual said, so it got put together, and then we realized that there was no hardwiring (cord and plug),to the motor. For the price, I think that Jet should update the manual AND, at least,send the necessary cord and plug. I did not call Jet, so I don't know for sure why our jointer arrived without any wiring. The 4 stars is due to the above, the jointer itself has already proven that Jet was a good choice. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223M1
Sales Rank: 11169
Subjects:  1. Jointers    2. Stationary Jointers   

Porter-Cable 557XXX Professional Plate Joiner Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $410.00 -- our price: $199.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Though this Porter-Cable tool is priced higher than comparable DeWalt and Makita models, the 557 is Amazon.com's top-selling plate joiner. Its success is perhaps due to its very powerful 7-1/2 amp motor--the largest in the industry--which turns the blade at 10,000 rpm and does an excellent job of making clean cuts in any kind of wood. As well as cutting slots for the standard no. 0, 10, and 20 biscuits, Porter-Cable's joiner features an exclusive, full-thickness, FF biscuit developed especially for cabinet face frames. Another unique feature of the Porter-Cable joiner is the 2-inch blade (included), which is small enough to make cuts in stock as narrow as 1-1/2 inches. We found the microheight adjustment works well, allowing for precise biscuit placement. The tool is well balanced and comfortable to use. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• The micro height-adjust knob allows precise biscuit placement
• The powerful 7.5 amp motor delivers smooth, accurate cuts
• Includes 2- and 4-inch diameter blades for standard and face frame biscuits
• The unique fence adjusts from 0 to 135 degrees to ensure accurate mitered joints
• The top handle is attached directly to the fence for maximum stability

Reviews (72)

Gold
If you want the best then stop here.I have had absolutely NO problems with this tool.It is extremely accurate and very light and easy to use.
As long as you take care not to abuse it I am sure that it will last a few lifetimes.
From picture frames to bookcases to birdhouses it has never failed to deliver.I don't understand the negative reviews (maybe no one can measure accurately these days);-}

Great product but lousy shaving collection system
I bought this biscuit cutter about 4 months ago, relying on the reputation of Porter Cable products. Although I have been quite pleased with the operation of the cutter (easy to use, good manual, versatile second blade cutter, etc), I have been quite disappointed with the bag collection system. The shavings keep plugging up the port thus rendering the bag useless after only 2-3 cuts. You constantly have to detach the bag, unplug both the port on the cutter and the bag, then reattach to continue cutting. If you're doing a lot of biscuit cuts at one time, this inefficient dust collection process becomes very tiresome and time consuming. I would have expected a better design from a Porter Cable product.

Excellent biscuit joiner
Purchased this in Jan. 2005 and so far very happy with my second PC tool (my other is a plunge router).I had used a friend's Freud biscuit joiner previously, and this is definitely a big step up.I also looked at the DeWalt, but this had a couple of advantages.First, comes with 2" blade for smaller FF biscuits (not many joiners will accomodate this, although I must admit you may not use it that often).Second, unlike most bicuit joiners I've seen, the front handle is attached to the fence.This makes it much more stable and less likely to slip on a larger workpiece.Adjustments are very easy to make.The fence adjusts fully to just about any angle including 0 degrees with just the turn of a knob and with no pieces to add or remove.I also like the very handy and accurate fine depth adjustment.

Before you buy, be sure to read the negative reviews regarding some plastic bearings wearing out--I haven't encountered this problem, but I haven't had it that long either.With $25 off from Amazon, $30 mail-in rebate from PC, and included 1000 biscuits (500 #20, 250 #10, 250 #0) from Amazon worth about $15-20 it turned out to be only slightly more expensive than inferior competitors.

One other note--the problem some reviewers mentioned about the fence not being flush when set to 0 degrees was only a problem with the model 557, Type 2.All of the new PC biscuit joiners being sold (including the one I got from Amazon) are Type 3, in which the problem was fixed. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YKUO
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Plate Joiners    4. (Jointers)    5. (Biscuit Joiners)    6. (Biscut)    7. (Cutters)   

Sjobergs SJ1600Full-Size Jointer Workbench
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $500.00 -- our price: $399.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• 10-year warranty
• Overall size: 66-1/2 by 24-1/2 by 34 inches
• Bench size: 61-1/2 by 19-3/4 by 34 inches
• Solid laminated top made of Nordic birch
• Two vises/mortise and tenon joints

Reviews (12)

Functional bench (but low quality)
I've been using this bench for 1.5 years and am moderately happy with the functionality of the bench. However, as other reviewers noted, the legs are low quality and inadequate. Also, the metal shaft on the vises has started to rust.

The included bench dogs and hold down that came with my bench are nice.

My biggest complaint about this bench is that it really isn't very stable for handwork. When hand sawing, the whole bench rocks front to back badly. I guess I could build a new set of legs for the bench, but if I had time for that then I'd go all the way and build my own bench from scratch.

better than nothing
I only rated this a 1 star because I'm hoping to help the average rating get down to 2 stars which is where it really belongs. Most of the other ratings are pretty accurate. I wish I had read them first but I notice today that sometimes this item has reviews and sometimes it doesn't. The first several times I went to review it it said I was first. I don't get that, but whatever. Ok here goes.

This would be a good bench for say $200-250. At $369 or so it is seriously overpriced. The packaging is really inadequate. My bench top arrived with some cosmetic gouges on the sides. Since they were on the sides and not too bad I'd didn't bother sending it back. Not that I can imagine it would help. I expect it is pretty unusual to get an undamaged top given the box it comes in.

The top as others have said is not really that thick. It has trim to make it look impressive. The legs are pretty much a joke. Pine 2x4 studs would be an upgrade. The top is only attached by two lag bolts. That said, it doesn't feel as flimsy as I expected. I do plan on doing some reinforcing.

I would have returned it but I've been procrastinating for years to build my own workbench and I just haven't gotten around to it and have used makeshift benches. This is a step up from that just nowhere near as big a step as I had hoped when I order it.

Sjobergs SJ1600 Full-Size Jointer Workbench
I was completely disappointed with this workbench. First the packaging was completely inadequate. There were gouges in the top of the workbench. The metal for the vises was rusty and the apron that the vises used was cracked rendering the vises unoperable. Their were knots on the top of the workbench. While this might not be bad in itself the manufacturers chose to use the knotted wood for the bench dog holes. There is a knot directly adjacent to the bench dog hole. I don't know how this would hold up over time. I have returned the item without replacement. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223QR
Sales Rank: 2709
Subjects:  1. Work Support    2. Workbenches    3. (Work Benches)    4. (Work Tables)   

Bosch 1275DVS 3" x 24" Variable Speed Belt Sander with Bag
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• 10.5 Amps, 1,150 SFPM power for professional applications
• Variable speed dial for fine finishing or fast stock removal
• Rugged design specifically built for production sanding jobs
• Magnesium transmission housing reduces overall tool weight
• Adjustable front handle folds away for close work

Reviews (1)

Stupid Design, can't flush sand with it. Bosch blew it.
The picture shown for this sander shows a sander able to flush sand to the belt side of the sander. This error caused me to purchase this rediculously designed belt sander. Bosch, I have normally loved their tools. But this makes me feel like never buying another bosch tool again. Instead of redesigning the sander and motor housing for the 3x24 belt, they used the same frame and body with different rollers and platina for the 4" wide sander to save them design costs and changes. So what does this do,, yep, leaves a full one inch over hang of the motor housing over the belt.. How STUPID. you think they could have at least modified it to push the rollers and platina out to the side so it would be flush like the 4 inchers. but no.If you want a tool designed to save Bosch money and with no care as to the end user,, you or me,, then buy this piece of garbage. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223H8
Sales Rank: 15472
Subjects:  1. Bosch    2. (Bosh)    3. Sanders    4. Belt Sanders   

Bessey K3.531 31" Max Opening K-Body Clamp
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $59.50 -- our price: $37.04
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Glue resistant
• Advanced hand-clamping technology
• All-steel design
• For gluing applications
• Nonmarring

Reviews (72)

I couldn't have said it better
I was going to write a review of the Bessey cabinet clamps but I read what Alan Freedman said and I couldn't have said it better.So, to use Alan Freedman's comments (which I totally agree with)....

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY THEM: These are best clamps for squaring up a cabinet side/face frame ever. They work great standing up on a workbench. I consider them an invaluable part of my woodworking shop.

THE OTHER STUFF: These are not the end all. I still use my jorgenson clamps a lot. They apply point pressure (versus even pressure across the face of the clamp) which can be useful for truing up some jobs and clamping some irregular surfaces. The Bessey clamps are pretty heavy which can be ackward when clamping with one hand (and using the other hand to hold the project together).

THE BOTTOM LINE: You can never have too many clamps. I would not have less than a pair of the Bessey clamps in my shop. Four are better.

these are great clamps
My only complaint is the price, but you get your money's worth. I plan to pick up a few more of these sometime in the future. The faces give you square pressure against the stock, which I find really important for edge gluing and cabinet building. I keep a little pressure on the heads for storage. The one time I did not I rotated the clamp head vertically and the clamp body slid down pinching my hand on the way down.

Makes Woodworking an Absolute Pleasure!
My husband has been using his grandfather's pipe clamps for years.After doing extensive research, he finally decided to invest in some Bessey's.Needless to say, it's made his woodworking pasttime even more enjoyable.In fact, he liked these so well that he bought a second, identical set.These clamps are well worth the money! ... Read more

Asin: B0000224BA
Sales Rank: 517
Subjects:  1. Bessey    2. (Bessy)    3. Clamps    4. Bar & Pipe Clamps   

Bessey TGJ2.524 2-1/2" x 24" Regular Duty Tradesmen Bar Clamp
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $14.24
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Non marring pads
• Patented profile rail
• Non-slip locking device
• 1 beam design
• Zinc finished drawn rail

Reviews (3)

Its an extremely well designed tool!
I own several of these Bessey clamps in various lengths, and I think the world of them. I reach for these clamps the most often in my shop. I have never experienced the bar "bowing" like other clamp bars tend to do - not at any length. With a very reasonable pricetag, I think these are some of the better all-around clamps on the market.

Very good light duty bar clamp
If you are going to use this for clamping with any significant force, get a heavier clamp.Working with picture frames and similar light work, or in reduced lengths, this clamp will work well for you.When I stretch it out to ~15 inches and apply enough force to push 2 x 4's together on a biscuit, it flexes by bowing the I-beam in a semi-circular arc.This throws the jaws out of alignment and applies and off center force that causes the joints flex out of square.

In summary, if you are doing light work, this clamp is a great value.If you need moderate clamping force, save your money and buy a more appropriate clamp that won't flex on you.

An essential home craftsman's clamp.
This clamp is the perfect little tool to have around your house when you're building or mending small drawers or chairs. This is not a heavy duty piece, but you can manually tighten it to the point where it damagesyour object. Its important to remember that it doesnt have cushions and youneed to use some kind of wooden or hard rubber spacer to protect thesurface of your object. ... Read more

Asin: B00002245B
Sales Rank: 8476
Subjects:  1. Bessey    2. (Bessy)    3. Clamps    4. Bar & Pipe Clamps   

Baldor 632E 6" 1800 RPM Deluxe Grinder
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $285.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• 6 inch 1800 RPM grinder
• Two-piece tool rest permitting vertical and horizontal adjustments
• Tool rests can be tilted at any angle
• Complies with OSHA standards
• 3 Year Warranty

Reviews (6)

Nice!
This replaced a Delta GR250 that bit the dust after about 5 hours of use.

The Baldor is not cheap, but you'll leave it to the grandkids.I can't comment on the rests, as I've set this up with a OneWay Wolverine jig / rest kit.Good power tools almost fade in the background in use.You simply forget about the tool and complete your task.This grinder is one of those tools.You can actually forget it's running.

I feel the Baldor is a great value.It's far from cheap, but the quality and utility is 100% there.My old grinder was simply cheap, and not a good value even at the low price.

A pleasure to operate
This grinder is light years better than any Asian import grinder out there. The motor is vibration free and runs very strong for only 1/4 hp.

The box was very solid with the grinder shrink wrapped to a piece of woodthat was the same size as the bottom of the box.
The shrink wrap had been torn around each grinding wheel. Since there was Amazon sales lititure in the box, I assume that the shipper at Amazon was checking for broken wheels. Since another reader complained of broken wheels, Amazon obviously reads customer reviews.

Since this is a low speed grinder (1800 rpm), it is really intended for sharpening tool steel, lathe chisels, etc. There are only a few low speed grinders available so this is really a specialty grinder. If you just want a general purpose grinder for sharpening lawnmower blades and such, you probably would be happy with the Baldor Big Red, 1/3 h/p 6" grinder as it turns at 3600 rpm, is cheaper and still has the same great Baldor quality.

The blade guards are heavy-duty cast iron and the exhaust chutes direct all of the waste out the back. This is a blessing or a curse depending on your perspective. The guards fit very close to the sides of the wheel so there would be maximum containment if a wheel were to disintegrate. The spark guards are very stout and adjust easily and stay put.

The wheel guards on all the imports that I looked at other than the Jet 8" have flimsy sheet metal guards with flimsy, poorly adjustable tool rests. I would much rather have the Baldor's heavy-duty guards in place if a wheel disintegrates rather thanone of the imports guards.

I don't have a problem with the tools rests as one other reviewer did. They are very adjustable and very solid for what they are, basic tool rests. (If you are using this for sharpening lathe chisels, you will probably be installing an aftermarket jig anyway). I find them easy to adjust, just keep a wrench handy. My only real complaint was that the ground surfaces were protected by brown plastic packing tape. It required a razor blade and some solvent to get the adhesive off. All in all, a very minor complaint for such a high quality, solid machine.

The eye shields are very solid. They are large and made of 3/16 Lexan and adjust quite nicely. They mount high and out of the way. Time will tell whether they will stay on the machine or I will take them off, but as long as they hold up to the harsh environment, I will use them. The eye shields on all of the imports were pitiful.

The wheels included are high quality Norton Silicon Oxide general-purpose wheels. Not good for fine work like sharpening lathe chisels, but nice and round and balanced. Save them for sharpening your lawnmower blades and put on some Norton White Aluminum Oxide wheels for the fine work.

I could have bought an import 8" or about three import 6"s for less than this high quality 6" but after reading reviews of the imports, and looking at them at the store, I know that I will not ever have to worry - "Is this going to be the time that it will give up the ghost" before flipping the switch. My grandkids will be able to use this tool, and my kid is only 2!

A disappointment
The Baldor arrived with a cracked wheel so the honeymoon was very short lived. Since sparks fly out the rear unabated (along with bits of wheel and tool) I bolted the grinder to a small plywood box I built to contain the sparks and other detritus that spins off any grinder and set it on a non skid mat.

My main problem is with the tool rests. For this money I expect they should be solid and easy to adjust. They are neither. Unless I really crank them down, they will shift when pressing a tool down. Adjusting them with a wrench is difficult on a good day since the bolts are tucked down in between the wheels and the motor. I finally exchanged their bolts for some small plastic jig handles, so at least I can adjust them a little easier.

Otherwise, the Baldor runs smoothly and quietly, now that I have unbroken wheels mounted. For such an otherwise well made machine, it was disappointing to find it such a pain to use. ... Read more

Asin: B0000224JQ
Sales Rank: 8910
Subjects:  1. Grinders    2. Bench Grinders