HTC HTC2000 Universal Mobile Base
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $54.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

If you're like us, you've crammed more tools into your workshop than can really fit. Luckily, an HTC universal mobile base (or two) can make a world of difference. The base is sturdy and easy to assemble, plus--unlike any other mobile base on the market--it adjusts to fit virtually any large woodworking machine, forming squares from 12 by 12 to 36 by 36 inches and rectangles as big as 20 by 52 inches. Holes at 1-inch increments let you choose any shape in between, and wheels at all four corners make it easy to maneuver. Roll one tool in; roll another tool out. Moving equipment around a crowded shop has never been this easy. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Four wheels for well-balanced performance
• Side rails come with holes spaced every inch
• Can hold shop tools weighing over 400 pounds
• Easy to unlock and move

Reviews (106)

Better than expected
I've got a very small shop and a Delta contractor's tablesaw with two cast iron wings weighing 250+ lbs.As soon as I assembled the saw (by myself) I realized I had a problem:mobility.After a search I picked the HTC2000 for its weight capacity and customer recommendations.It's super.Assembly was a snap, and with the help of the assembly instructions, I got the saw on the stand by myself very easily.I heartily recommend this equipment for the amateur or the pro.At $55, it's nearly a give-away.

Myles Hurlburt/Wausau WI
I had purchase this for my JET Table Saw. It works great. It worked so well I purchased another one for my Bansaw. The flexibilty in moving your tools around is a great convienence. I would recommend this product to anyone.

Not for Heavy Table Saws
I bought an HTC2000 mobile base to go under a 400 lb. table saw.It couldn't raise the table saw comfortably even though it is rated to handle that much weight.I ended up swapping with the big Shop Fox base that's rated at 600 lbs. from my band saw and put the HTC2000 on the band saw.It handles the 200 lbs. of the band saw just fine.The HTC2000 is a good mobile base, but I wouldn't put over 300 lbs. on it. ... Read more

Asin: B00002262M
Subjects:  1. Mobile Bases    2. Band Saws    3. (Bandsaws)    4. Drill Presses    5. (Drils)    6. Jointers    7. Shapers    8. Table Saws    9. (Tablesaws)    10. Universal Bases   

Bosch 1587AVSK Top-Handle Jig Saw Kit
by Bosch
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
-- our price: $129.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Bosch invented the jig saw, and, with its top-handle models, it's getting close to perfecting it. The 1587AVSK has a nicely shaped handle, tapered where other saws are not, and a nice rubber grip that lets users (of all hand sizes) steer the tool firmly in hand. (Some toolmakers ignore ergonomics, but not Bosch--and we appreciate it.) The safety mechanism works well with the trigger, and the cut is super smooth. We like the variable-speed dial, the light weight, and the foot plate's plastic cover, which ensures that surfaces won't get scratched as they can by saws with metal plates. The blade-change system--if a little tricky at first--works great. No question about it, this jig saw keeps up Bosch's reputation as one of the prime movers in the power tool industry. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• 4-Stage orbital action adjusts blade motion - To match workpiece and cutting task
• Powerful 5 Amp motor, 500-3100 SPM
• Tool-free blade change system - For fast and easy blade changes
• Exclusive multi-directional blade clamp mechanism - For superior blade hold
• Low-vibration design - Ensures extremely smooth operation

Reviews (68)

Great saw but...
this is a great saw because it is well balanced and operates very smoothly. The case is very good with metal clasps that are durable, however the built-in storage area inside the case never stays closed so every time I open the case I have to stuff the spare blades back in and close the storage cover. I have had some problems with this saw that include the quick blade change mechanism, it would not release the blade easily and would not tighten all the time. I had to return it and get a new one, I bought it at Lowes so it was easy to return for a new one. Last week I droped the saw and bent the shoe so I need to replace that part but I think I'll upgrade to the Bosch 1590EVSK

Great jigsaw but documentation should be better
I graduated from the Sears Craftsman "aren't all jigsaws the same?" mindset when I was blown away by this great saw.I found myself with limited access to tools and needed to build; this saw handled every task beautifully.Thick, thin, rip, crosscut, bevel--smooth, powerful, and accurate.The tool-less blade change is a real luxury.

As a first time user I encountered a few bumps in the road:First, the instructions say to turn the blade change handle counterclockwise 3 turns and insert/twist the blade.Much frustration and repetition and still no luck (is it me or is it the saw?The blade won't budge!).Finally I just kept turning the handle counterclockwise and with 6 turns there was enough laxity in the shank to turn the blade and center it on the guides. Whew. I was off to the races! But it takes me 5 or 6 turns every time (definitely NOT 3). Second, the saw came with a nice assortment of blades (including the Progressors) but they looked nothing like the Sears blades I have used for 20 years. No big deal for the pros among you, but why are the teeth angled up instead of down I wondered?And what is the best use for all these different kinds of blades?No clues in the owner's manual, so I went to the "home center" closest by and looked over the selection of Bosch blades and read all the packages. I can't say I picked up much knowledge as the fronts and backs of given packages were inconsistent in their descriptions, and the descriptions were inconsistently worded between blade types. Hey Bosch, lots of room for improvement here! All the blades that looked like woodcutting blades made great, smooth cuts, so maybe it doesn't matter that much. I uased them on walnut, cherry, andfir. Third, the 90 degree detent has a fair bit of play and takes some tinkering to get the base truly square.Once I got it squared up and tightened down there was no drift despite hours of use--unlike my two Craftsman jigsaws that liked to drift and flex, requiring frequent readjustment and gnashing of teeth (my teeth, that is).

Bottom line for you Sears diehards (excuse the pun): get a real jigsaw a start having fun.If you look around, most HD stores are still stocked from the Christmas special bundle deal: the 1587 plus a free variable speed Bosch 5" orbital sander (which works wonderfully, by the way).

I'll be buying more Bosch.

Great Tool!!
I own a small home improvement/remodeling company, I use this tool frequently and really like it. It has plenty of power, cuts fast and accurate and is one of my favorite tools. the fit/ finish is excellent and the blade change is super easy once you know how (it takes less than 10 seconds) I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S90L
Subjects:  1. Bosch    2. (Bosh)    3. Saws    4. Jig Saws    5. (Jigsaws)    6. (Saber Saws)    7. (Sabre Saws)   

Hitachi C10FSB 10" Dual Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw
by Hitachi
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $649.00 -- our price: $399.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Take the versatility of a fully functional dual bevel compound saw, add in a smooth operating slide, throw a 12 amp, single-phase 60 Hz motor "under the hood," and you’re got the Hitachi C10FSB 10-inch dual bevel sliding compound miter saw. This saw works effectively in both wood and aluminum sash applications. A built-in soft-start feature, electronic speed control, and a no load speed of 3,800 rpm combine to ensure clean, accurate miter, bevel, compound, slide, groove, and press cuts every time. The slide works almost effortlessly and can handle work pieces up to 3-11/32-by-12-9/32 inches or 3-9/16-by-11 inches, with press cutting capabilities for narrower work pieces up to 3-11/32 inches square. For bevel, miter, and compound cutting, the saw bevels 45 degrees right and left of center, with a miter range of 0 to 45 degrees left and 0 to 57 degrees right. Positive stops are provided at the most common miter angles, but the saw can be positioned securely at any point along the scale. For added versatility, the saw’s vice assembly mounts on either the right or left side of the base and can be raised or lowered according to the work piece height. Blades are easy to remove and install. A polyethylene V-belt protects the saw’s motor against overload.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Hitachi exclusive 5 year warranty
• Belt-driven motor with soft start and electronic speed control
• Deflection guard that disperses chips away from operator and helps align cut lines
• Linear ball bearing slide rail system prolonged accuracy
• Positive miter locking system that holds firm at any angle

Reviews (6)

Great saw, mediocre packaging
I am restoring my old home, and also spend quite a bit of time helping like-minded family & friends do the same.I have just received my Hitachi C10FSB and overall am very pleased with the purchase.Except for zero degree bevel needing an easy to-do adjustment, all other angles were spot on as delivered.The saw has a great blade, and overall fit and finish is excellent.

I was not impressed with was Hitachi's packaging.Upon reciept I could see about 1" of the back of the slider protruding from a small hole in side of the box.Upon opening I found the saw had shifted from its cardboard cutout restraints, allowing the slider to poke out of the box.The bevel was not locked or restrained and was free to flip-flop during shipping.Luckily everything checks out okay.

I cannot comment on how competitors package their saws, but as noted in other reviews it is clear that Hitachi does not package their saws for individual home delivery.This is the only thing keeping the C10FSB from getting 5 stars.

Excellent Saw
I have had this saw for about six months and I absolutely love it.It is very smooth and it cut square right out of the box.I like the smaller size better than the 12" Dewalt Slider and the price cannot be beat.My only minor complaint is that a "D" style grip would be more comfortable.Overall an excellent saw for the price.

great saw
Just bought my second saw.My first one still works great, I just couldn't pass up this great price.This saw cuts strong and true.The problem of the dual bevel system was fixed in this newer version.I use this saw every day and it works great. A plus. ... Read more

Asin: B00007J8CG
Subjects:  1. Saws    2. Miter Saws    3. (Mitre Saws)    4. (Mitersaws)    5. (Mitresaws)   

Delta 50-155 Universal Miter Saw Stand
by Delta
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $254.59 -- our price: $149.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This is a rough-and-ready stand that will accommodate virtually any miter saw, but it's the oversize wheels that let you cart your saw practically anywhere--even up and down stairs--that really make it a winner. Built-in rollers support longer stock and are smooth right out of the box. The aluminum fence comes with a stop for easy duplicate cuts, and a stock-lift inhibitor keeps your cut piece from picking up after the cut. Sturdy steel legs adjust to your preferred work height, and when you're done, the stand folds quickly and easily, ready to roll. It's 84 pounds without a saw, but you'd never know it. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Folds and unfolds quickly to roll on and off of job site for quick set up
• Aluminum adapter rails accommodate any manufacturer's saw
• Aluminum fence for added support of longer materials
• Adjustable steel support legs for increased stability
• Adjustable steel rollers facilitate correct alignment of longer stock

Reviews (68)

What in the @#%!
Do you have to pay extra for all of the required parts?And do you have to pay even more for the instructions?Amazon, what is wrong with your company?I would highly suggest not to buy anything from amazon that is suppose to come in more than one piece.This looks like a nice stand, however, right now it is just a big paperweight as I can't even mount the saw to the stand.Do yourself a favor, buy elsewhere!

Delta is now Black&Decker
Being a profesional builder, I have used Delta products for years, they have been dependable tools. Recently I found out I could no longer get parts for my Delta tools because these parts are no longer being manufactured. Seeems that when Black & Decker bought out Delta, they decided not to provide any more service to existing Delta products. I've owned a few B&D tools before and can tell you they just don't last. I will not be buying B&D/Delta tools any longer.

Great once assembled.Fence may not work with 12" saws.
Now that it's assembled, I really like this thing.It's sturdy, easy to work, and easier for moving my 12" miter saw than it was to carry the saw in my arms.Best of all, once you drop the legs, the saw is ready to use -- no need to work from the floor or set-up a makeshift table or clamp the saw down or hassle with additional supports for long boards.

Mine arrived in good shape with all parts and instructions.The manual can also be downloaded from Amazon before you order.

The extension fence was a key reason for choosing this stand.It turns out that the fence cannot, normally, be used for larger saws such as my 12" DeWalt.(The cover of the manual shows two setups - one with a smaller saw and one with a larger saw - note the absence of the fence with the larger saw.)Aluminum supports are included that clamp across the top of the frame and bolt to the larger saws.Besides accommodating wider saws, the supports hang past the front and back of the frame to support deeper saws.The added depth requires that the saw be mounted toward the center of the frame so that the supports won't interfere with the wheels when the stand is folded.The trade-off is that it makes the mounting location for one of the fence brackets inaccessible.

Fortunately, my saw is no deeper than the frame.I used a hack saw to cut the aluminum supports to the depth of the frame so that I could mount the saw toward one end without interfering with the wheels.I managed to just clear the fence bracket location, but I still had to give up the clamp on the other side.This probably won't work if you have a sliding miter saw with a very deep base.(It's not so simple as just moving the saw to the end away from the wheels.)

Otherwise, there were a couple of spacing issues that were easily solved by using extra washers.I had to replace four self-threading screws that instead de-threaded, and I had to get four longer bolts after adding washers to raise the fence to the level of my saw base.

While not described in the manual, I was able to insert my own 12" x 14" tray under the fence.The frame has lips and predrilled holes to make this a simple addition. My shop vac fits neatly under the stand during use. ... Read more

Asin: B0000302XG
Subjects:  1. Stands    2. Saw Stands    3. Miter Saws    4. (Mitre Saws)    5. (Mitersaws)    6. (Mitresaws)    7. Work Support   

Better Homes And Gardens Wood
by Meredith Corporation
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
-- our price: $26.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (4)

Great for the Amateur
Whereas Fine Woodworking is primarily geared to the professional woodworker, Wood is geared primarily to the amateur (I read both).There aren't a whole lot of interviews and fluff in this magazine: mostly projects.The projects that are in this magazine really range from bird-houses, to cabinetry, furniture to jigs.Their project designs are very good and usually have cutting diagrams and measurements.

There's also a tip section at the beginning that's pretty good.

I give it 4 1/2 stars!
I have been subscribing to Wood magazine longer than any other woodworking magazine on the market.Though I have been regularly reading Fine Woodworking, Popular Woodworking, Workbench, etc. for years, Wood magazine was the first one I chose to subscribe to.I love it for the honest and fair reviews of tools and accessories, clear and concise furniture project plans, and the down to earth readability of it.Though I was a novice when I first subscribed, my skills have grown over the years and I now regularly tackle advanced projects.Despite this, I still find Wood to be valuable and full of interesting tips.I cannot foresee a time when I will be dropping this subscription!

I highly recommend this to all but the most advanced professional woodworkers out there.If you use nothing but hand tools and regularly finish a piece with multiple coats of shellac followed by a french polish, then this probably is not for you (see Fine Woodworking), but for the rest of us this is a great resource!

Wood-Simply the Best
I have been a woodworker for over 20 years and I believe that "WOOD" is the best woodworker's magazine on the market.They always give the woodworker a load of helpful tips, including: jigs, finishes, tools and advice from other readers.I find the section on solutions to reader problems interesting and informative. The tool reviews are very helpful when shopping for the best value and features for your dollar.The plans and projects are written clearly and full of helpful hints.If you are a novice or seasoned woodworker, and only buy one magazine, "WOOD" is the one for you. ... Read more

Asin: B000071F47
Sales Rank: 817
Subjects:  1. Hobbies & Games    2. Arts & Crafts    3. Handicrafts. Arts & Crafts    4. Crafts (Craft)    5. Woodworking   

This Old House
by Time4Media
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $45.00 -- our price: $15.96
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (16)

They sold themselves out
I had, repeat had been reading this magazine for ten years or so. Over that time they have really changed. I guess it started when they got a new editor four or five years ago. After that the adds changed from building suppliers to lexus ads. I don't like seeing automotive and home stereo ads in my how-to magazine. The information is more akin to Martha Stewart than it is Norm Abrams. Who by the way is hardly in there anymore if at all. Not to mention the new guy, A stray they picked up from ask this old house, what an opie taylor he is. What makes him eligible to write something for TOH magazine. I really miss Steve Thomas. The how-to's though somewhat informative really lack the intricate details. All I can say is thank god Tom Silva still puts in some minutia of his wealth of information. If you'd like a "Better Homes and Gardens plus magazine" then this magazines for you if you want to learn something try Fine Homebuilding or at the least Family Handyman.

Just an ad for the TV show
This Old House magazine is great for keeping up to date on other peoples remodels and what the TV show is doing.It is not however good at teaching you how to do much of anything.There is too much time spent reminding readers that all the "experts" quoted in the magazine can also be seen on the various TV shows.

Compared to the other magazine I get, Family Handyman, This Old House has very little in the way of useful tips and detailed instructions for projects.When projects are explained in detail, they are too high a level for most home handymen.

Good for ideas on what to do: Somewhat
Good for how to implent those ideas: Not

Northwest Fan
I've found that the magazine is a good companion to the TV program.Where the TV program often deals with home projects that are far outside the average person's economic means (unlike its early days), this magazine offers details and hints that are useful for all homeowners that like to swing hammers and delight in "demo dust". ... Read more

Asin: B00005R8BL
Sales Rank: 140
Subjects:  1. Home (Houses, Homes)    2. Home Improvement    3. Dwellings    4. Renovations    5. Remodeling    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Equipment and supplies   

Sunset
by Sunset Magazine
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $59.88 -- our price: $16.95
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (17)

Sunset: A Well Rounded Magazine
I've been a Sunset subscriber off and on for years. They are the most well-regarded magazine out here in California, for gardeners, cooks and do it your-selfers.

Each issue offers a regional spotlight, offering travel, lodging and special interest activities. It's a great resource for anyone looking for perhaps a different area to visit.

The cooks section is always great and usually I can find at least 4 recipes to use in my kitchen each issue. Sunset also offers their recipe annuals, which have become treasured favorites in my kitchen. These hardbound books are a compilation of all Sunsets recipes. For those that love bread baking, Sunset offers some simply awesome bread recipes. All recipes are tested first in Sunsets' kitchens, before publication.

Sunsets garden section contains monthly tips and reminders for doing seasonal chores. The planting guides are a novice gardeners best friend. Every issue devotes itself to between two and three garden projects-offered step by step, and again-only after being tested in Sunsets own gardens.

Add to that the many great home design feature and projects, you get a magazine worth 3 times the amount they charge. If you've never tried Sunset magazine, I can honestly say you're in for a treat.

Bring back the good memories of living in Northen California
I moved to midwest a couple of years ago due to a job change. I am bored by the midwest life style. I dreamed of flying back to California all the time and every time I see California on TV, my eyes get wet in a second. Sunset brings the sunshine, color, food, garden and fragrance of California to my life. Everything in the magazine just looks so familiar.
I do hope the magazine report more exciting things I like about San Francisco and Napa Valley, like the county fair, small town July 4th celebration and fireworks, good Chinese restaurants, and organic farms. Oh, the peach at San Rafael's farmer's market is just wonderful. I fly there every year in September to catch the flavor king and flavor queen peaches, the sweet and fragrant grapes, the tender and crunchy cucumber, the lovely peapod, the new crop cashew nuts, and handsome harp player and the nice farmers.....I would call that a good life.

West coast gardener's definitive guide
If you live west of the middle like I do you must also be addicted to this magazine.

I look forward to the release of every issue.Great articles on all sorts of things to do, places to go and gardening tips to savor, this magazine is all you need.

Go back and relish past issues too - there is never a dull feature. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NIOW
Sales Rank: 26
Subjects:  1. Gardening (Garden, Gardens)    2. Home (Houses, Homes)    3. Food & Gourmet    4. Regional    5. West Coast    6. Recipes    7. Cooking   

Family Handyman
by RD Publications, Inc.
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $29.90 -- our price: $19.97
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (16)

Perfect for do-it-yourselfers
This is one of the best sources for ideas on home improvement.Beyond the great ideas, they also give you detailed directions on projects along with a good number of pictures.I have learned how to do a great number of things I used to hire others to do because I thought I didn't have the skills - they make most projects around the house seem accessible, but not by oversimplifying the process.Some may argue that they give too much detail, but this is essential for anyone new to a project and can be breezed through for those that are more experienced.

The only downside is that they give you ideas for things you never knew you needed!

The Best of the Bunch
I am a DIY'er and have not yet found a better home improvement magazine than "The Family Handyman." An easy read with easy instructions for weekend projects, along with many tips and tricks.
When and if I find a better magazine I'll be sure to let you know.

Great for DIY stuff...
My only complaint - only 10 issues per year!!!That means twice a year I have to wait TWO whole months in anticipation for the next issue!!!!

That should about sum up how much I appreciate this magazine...... ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7Q1
Sales Rank: 171
Subjects:  1. Home (Houses, Homes)    2. Home Improvement