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DEWALT DW708 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw by DeWalt Average Customer Review:  Tools & Hardware list price: $1,150.00 -- our price: $599.00 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review DeWalt packs it all into this 12-inch compound miter saw: the big blade, the double bevel, the double rail slide. Very impressive. Finish carpenters who want to miter crown molding (up to 5-1/4 inches) vertically and framers who demand a 12-inch crosscut capacity will love this saw's 12-inch blade. The double bevel, of course, means you flip the saw instead of the wood, a great feature for those working with long molding or in confined spaces. The saw bevels to 45 degrees both ways and has the ability to bevel up to 48 if the need arises. The double rail slide is definitely burlier than the old single rail design. Both rails slide on self-cleaning, dust-sealed bearings, too. What really gets us is the weight and balance of this saw: it slides smoothly through cuts, bevels are easy to set, and the miter gauge swivels lightly (all of which speak to the saw's excellent design). You can miter 50 degrees left, 60 degrees right. We also appreciated the cam-lock miter gauge on this saw--the handle simply clamps down, which makes switching angles noticeably quicker than with a twist-lock miter. DeWalt's D-handle is designed for right-handed use, but the trigger is big enough to use comfortably with your left hand if a particular cut requires it. The saw also has a depth-stop adjuster in case you have to cut a quick dado or two at the job site. The easy-to-read stainless-steel miter scale, with 11 positive stops allows you to lock in the most common angles quickly and, thanks to the cam-lock miter, it's also easy to dial in precise cuts just over or under the positive stop--a feature finish carpenters, in particular, will love. The electric blade stops the blade quickly, which saves time and makes work safer. The saw doesn't have a safety switch--which is fine by us, since some safety switches can be downright dangerous--but it's something to consider if you're doing residential or remodeling work where children might stumble across your tools. --Jon Groebner ... Read more Features Reviews (121)
Asin: B00002231F |
$599.00 |
INNACURATE AS HELL...just lke all dewalt tools
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DEWALT DW705S 12" Heavy-Duty Compound Miter Saw by DeWalt Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $573.00 -- our price: $279.00 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review For a burly saw with a big blade, DeWalt's 12-inch compound miter saw is surprisingly lightweight (40 pounds) and portable. This saw makes smooth cuts through the thickest of stock, crosscuts a two-by-eight with ease, and--with its extra-high adjustable fence--miters crown molding up to 6-5/8 inches nested vertically against the fence (a timesaving feature that's reason enough for some trim carpenters to buy one). The fence also slides away for bevel cuts. What impressed us the most was the weight and balance of this saw: the blade lowers easily into the cut, bevels are easy to set, and the miter gauge swivels smoothly. The saw's nine positive miter stops (detents) let you lock into the common angles quickly, but you can still dial in a 1/2 degree off the detent without the gauge dropping back into the stop. The detent plate is made of sturdy stainless steel, too, so it's hard to imagine it developing any slop even after years of use. The gauges are easily accessible and easy to read (what's more frustrating than having to lean around the saw to set on angle?). The saw miters up to 48 degrees on both sides and bevels left to 45. Unlike some of their competitors, DeWalt mounted their saw with a burly blade guard that retracts smoothly and doesn't interfere with your line of sight. DeWalt's D-handle design favors right-handers, although the trigger's wide enough to use fairly easily with your left hand when cutting left-side miters. The saw doesn't have a safety switch--which, frankly, is fine by us, since some safety switches can be downright dangerous--but it's something to consider if you're doing residential or remodeling work where children might stumble across your tools. --Jon Groebner ... Read more Features Reviews (63)
Asin: B00004YNWW |
$279.00 |
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Bosch 1587AVSP Progressor Top-Handle Jig Saw Kit by BOSCH (S-B Powertools) Average Customer Review:  Tools & Hardware -- our price: $134.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Bosch invented the jig saw, and, with their Progressor top-handle model, they're getting close to perfecting it. The Progressor 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 Reviews (85)
Asin: B0000223GF |
$134.99 |
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Bosch 1710 4-1/2" 7.5 Amp Small Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch by Bosch Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $160.00 -- our price: $79.45 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Features Reviews (7)
Asin: B00005RHPK |
$79.45 |
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Porter-Cable 9735Quick Change Tiger Saw by Porter-Cable Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $135.83 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review If you're looking for a low-cost, effective, reliable reciprocating saw without alot of extra bells and whistles, Porter-Cable's Tiger saw might be your best bet. It's amongthe lowest-priced professional-grade saws on the market, but lacks none of the power andperformance of its competitors. The Tiger saw features trigger-controlled variable speeds(0 to 2,600 spm), a 10 amp motor, and a 1-1/8-inch stroke length. The saw also features atool-free quick-change chuck. It doesn't have orbital action or the vibration-dampeningcounterbalance found on some of the more expensive saws, but unless you're a full-timedemolition and destruction specialist, this is all the saw you're likely to need. The Tigersaw is plenty tough enough to make just about any cut, and it comes with Porter-Cable'sreputation for reliability. --Brian Trinen ... Read more Features Reviews (14)
Best flexible recip we've had so far.Professional (or almost) at hobbyist price - you can't go wrong with this saw. My wife has been using it for rough cutting a carousel animal she's been working on with very long blades and it worked great for the initial "rounding" of the animal (now...is it a tiger or a bear? - only time will tell). I'd buy it again or another if I burn this one out!
Asin: B00004TR97 |
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Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 Horsepower Electronic Variable Speed Plunge and Fixed Base Router Kit by Bosch Average Customer Review:  Tools & Hardware -- our price: $219.00 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Bosch's 1617EVSPK is a strong entry in the 2-1/4-horsepowercombination router market. Solid, all-magnesium construction makes theBosch durable and lightweight, while special touches, such as woodenhandles on the fixed base and contoured, soft-grip handles on the plungebase, add to the comfort of users and give the tool a look ofdistinction lacking in some of its competitors. Of course, looks areonly skin deep, and this router has plenty to offer below the surface aswell. At its heart, a powerful 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor deliversconsistent results at variable speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm. Theexclusive precision centering design ensures bits are perfectly centeredin the router base, a handy feature for maintaining accurate cut lines.A wider-than-average base opening provides superior visibility andallows the Bosch to accept larger bits, while a micro bit-depthadjustment system makes fine-tuning fast and easy. Unlike manycomparable routers, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is designed to move from base tobase without the use of tools. Instead, it clamps solidly into place forquick and easy transfers. What's more, the motor never rotates whileadjusting depths, allowing you to stow the power cord on either sidewhere it's out of the way. --Carl Thress ... Read more Features Reviews (79)
Asin: B00005RHPD |
$219.00 |
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Panasonic EY6431FQKW15.6-Volt 1/2" Cordless Hyperformance Drill Kit with Two Batteries by Panasonic Tools & Hardware list price: $217.92 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Impressively compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use,Panasonic's 15.6-volt drill/driver fits into tight spaces where other(bulkier) drills won't. But what really sets this drill apart from thecompetition is its unique electronic speed control. Unlike other drillson the market, this Panasonic delivers full torque at any speed, so youcan apply up to 390 inch-pounds of torque while still maintainingcontrol. That makes it a smart buy for plumbers, electricians,carpenters, and even woodworkers--in short, anyone who wants a small,compact drill that packs a lot of torque and is built to last. Itweighs just 4.4 pounds (with battery) and is (only!) 8-3/16 incheslong. The 1/2-inch chuck takes bigger bits. The hard-rubber handle isvery easy to grip during constant use, even if you have smallish hands.In addition, the forward/reverse switch is easy to reach with yourtrigger hand. In fact, the tool's superior ergonomic design--never mindits great performance--is enough win some people over. The tool lacksan onboard bit holder, but that's about all it lacks. The packageincludes two 2 amp NiCad batteries (slightly more expensive kits comewith the Panasonic's long-lasting 3 amp batteries), a universalcharger, and a hard-plastic carrying case. --Jon Groebner ... Read more Features Asin: B0000223NR |
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DEWALT DW2518 30-Piece Rapid Load Set by DeWalt Average Customer Review:  Tools & Hardware list price: $49.00 -- our price: $29.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Features Reviews (2)
The "accessories" which came with this kit leave something to be desired.The quick lock chuck is fine.It appears to be of decent quality (origin unknown) and doesn't have too much slop when inserting a bit.By the way, it's too big to fit in the clam shell case.The bits on the other hand come from at least three different countries! So the end result is that I like the case and chuck, that's where the three stars come from (actually I would rate this kit as 2 1/2 stars if I could) but consider most of the bits and drills in this kit to be throw away junk.... ... Read more Asin: B0000649EJ |
$29.99 |
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Porter-Cable 743-K 7-1/4", 15 Amp Framer's Saw with Carrying Case (Blade on Left) by Porter-Cable Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $157.19 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Porter-Cable's 7-1/4-inch blade-left circular saw is an excellent choice for builders who want a saw with power (it has a 15 amp motor) but that's not as heavy or difficult to handle as a wormdrive saw (it weighs only 10-1/2 pounds). Traditionally, sidewinder saws have the blade on the right side, so most right-handers are accustomed to looking over the saw to sight a line. A left-side blade lets a left-hander cut the same way--and some right-handed users, especially those accustomed to using (blade-left) wormdrive saws, will also appreciate the better blade visibility such a saw affords. In the end, it's really just a matter of personal preference. To lighten the saw, Porter-Cable used lightweight, durable magnesium--whichwon't crack or bend--for the blade guards and part of the housing. The saw'sstill tough, though; in fact, Porter-Cable boasts that this saw can sustain upto a 6-foot drop without damage. This saw also sports a very flat, very strongcast-magnesium table, too, with reinforced ribs that make it very difficult tobend or break. (Can someone tell us why some companies ruin a good saw by givingit a wimpy table?) Porter-Cable took care of the details, too. The no-catch lip on the blade guardhelps ensure the guard won't catch on an edge at the beginning of a cut, and itkeeps a user's hands away from the retraction lever. The 360-degree adjustabletop dust nozzle lets you direct sawdust in any direction, and you can easilyattach a dust bag or a shop vac to collect the dust--a particularly handyfeature for a remodeler who wants to make a couple of cuts indoors withoutmaking a mess. There's also a clip on the top of the saw that lets you clamp thecord off to the side when you're cutting sheet material, so it's less likely todrag behind and snag the edge. A heavy-duty carrying case comes included, too,though it's a little tricky getting the saw to fit inside. --Jon Groebner ... Read more Features Reviews (42)
I also picked up a dust bag and was surprised at how well it worked.It's a little annoying hanging out there but it really catches a lot of dust (nice for working inside people's houses).
CASE - The reason I'm writing this review is that some other reviewers have commented about the case, that it's too small and doesn't have room for accessories like extra blades, the rip fence, and the dust bag...I say, please take another look. The folks at Porter Cable didn't make a great saw, only to have a mental lapse when designing the case. Perhaps the case design is just a bit too clever, and the otherwise great manual didn't give any clues as to how to get everything to fit. So, here goes: Let's assume you have the saw, along with an extra blade or two, the rip fence, and the dust bag, all out of the case. Here's how to get them to easily fit: 1) Blades - Notice the small post in the bottom of the case. It's 5/8" dia., just like it should be for blades, and about 1/3" tall --- good for storing at least two blades. Put the blades on the post. 2) Saw - Put the saw in its normal place, sitting on the left and right "ramps" in the case bottom. Now, the saw holds the blades in place, so they can't get tossed around in there and nick the power cord. 3) Stuff the power cord into the space behind the hand grip of the saw, and to the right of the motor housing. 4) Rip fence - Place the rip fence horizontally across the motor housing, with the "T" end to the left, and the long bar toward the power cord. It's okay if one of the ends at the "T" points upward, because the lid has clearance for it when it's closed. 5) Dust bag - Roll up the bag aound its internal wire frame, just like rolling up a windowshade. Then place the bag in the case, right along the front edge of the saw, between the case handle and the blade arbor. Orient the elbow end of the bag toward the left, so that it "turns the corner" around the dust chute end of the saw. Finally, the right end of the wire frame will need to be "tucked" into place inside the rim of the case bottom (bends the wire just slightly; don't worry, it snaps right back). 6) Close the case lid. If everything is in place, nothing binds at all as the lid closes. Well, if it sounds complicated, just do it once; it isn't. -Took me less than 20 seconds on my first try, and I wasn't even hurrying. True, it would be nice if the case came with metal latches like Porter-Cable's Tiger Saw case. But, if the plastic latches ever break, I'll just cut them away and put metal latches on the case from a hardware store. I like the high impact plastic case better than a metal one, because it absorbs shock better if dropped, and doesn't scratch up my truck bed and tool box, which would then begin rusting. Though I have the largest WeatherGuard saddle-style box, there's still only so much room in there, so the compact case helps. Also, the storage of the blade wrench in the saw's handle is a nice touch. Bottom line - The P-C 743K saw and case have been refined to near perfection, especially for the money, which is why I give them 5 stars.
The main thing that sets this saw apart from the rest is the magnesium plate.Pick up any other brand and you'll find the bases are usually warped (even if they aren't, just one drop and they will be).The porter cable bases are straight everytime and are stronger than any other brand.The porter cable bases also slide accross materials very smoothly, other brands often catch on imperfections in the wood, not the porter cable. I use my saw for precise rips and crosscuts (because I can't fit a table saw in my shop) so I need accurate and consistant cuts, this saw comes through everytime.I recommend buying a clampdown fence if you'll be doing a lot of rips and bevels that require table saw like accuracy, plus it's nice for routing and a host of other uses. My only minor gripe is not with the tool itself.The case pretty lame.It's fine if you just want to store the tool in a safe place, but if you're doing any job-site toating you might want to invest in something that can fit your saw and it's accessories (like another blade) into one case. I also recommend getting a Freud Diablo 40 tooth blade if you care about making clean cuts.The blade that mine came with is not bad, I use it to cut joists, decking, sheets, or whatever else that doesn't need a super clean cut.Freud makes my favorite blades and this one cuts like butter.It's also got thin kerfs (though it's still very very strong) so it takes less of your wood with it.Perfect match for this saw, rips purple heart and iron wood with ease. I'd recommend looking at the 347K as well to see which side you like the blade on better.I thought that I wanted the blade right at first but after cutting a while with both (my work buddies happen to have both models, lucky me) I found that the blade left was actually better for a right hander like me. The bottom line is you can't get a better saw for the money.This tool will be around as long as you're a woodworker (not sure how long if you're a serious framer, but I suspect it would last as long as any saw (including worm-drives) that you can buy).I got mind for ... $$ dollars at Home Depot (20% of all tools christmas sale) and it the best money I ever spent.Buy this saw.Five Stars. ... Read more Asin: B00004NS0X |
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DEWALT DW423K 5" Heavy Duty Random Orbit Sander with Electronic Variable Speed by DeWalt Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $150.00 -- our price: $89.00 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review DeWalt's 5-inch random-orbit sander is a great tool for professional woodworkers and painters, as well as homeowners looking for a reliable sander for do-it-yourself projects. It has a 2 amp motor that provides up to 12,000 orbits per minute, with a 3/32 orbit diameter. Its controlled finishing system maintains consistent control over the pad speed, minimizing gouging at startup, and the variable-speed motor ramps smoothly between speed levels when adjusted on the fly. While it has less vibration than many sanders we've tried--thanks in part to DeWalt's dual-plane counterbalanced fan--we found that gripping the tool from the side rather than from the top seemed to be easier on the hands. The top grip could get tiresome in extended-use situations. We liked the dust canister configuration on this tool, which uses a simple and effective twist-lock mechanism to help prevent air pressure from popping the canister off the tool. The sealed switch is also a good idea that will help prevent dust contamination problems. The kit comes with the sander, a dust collector, a vacuum attachment, and the case. --Brian Trinen ... Read more Features Reviews (27)
Asin: B00002232Y |
$89.00 |
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Delta 37-1956" Professional Jointer by Delta Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $670.97 -- our price: $519.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review For those seeking a midsize jointer for the long haul, this 6-inch model is a great find suitable for the professional workplace or serious home woodshop. Powered by Delta's trusted 1-horsepower induction motor, the three-blade drum spins quietly in its cast-iron bed. Adjusting with rack-and-pinion precision, the fence tilts 45 degrees in and out with positive stops at 90 and 45 degrees for beveling and chamfering applications. Delta realizes the use of heavy machinery carries a great risk of injury; consequently, they designed this jointer with a large, easily accessible on/off paddle switch at shoulder height on the right side--a feature for which we have much respect. Thanks to industrial-grade infeed and outfeed tables, even longer 6-inch-wide planks get the support they need as you remove up to 1/2 of an inch of material to the collection port on each pass. So you want to increase your edge on the competition? Delta feels the same way. --Justin Paul ... Read more Features Reviews (39)
Suggestion: hold off until you can afford the next Delta model up (I believe that is the 360). It may be 2X the price, but well worth it. Also, the Ridgid is an outstanding buy at $399.00.
There is no question this is a great 6" jointer, as other reviewers have said.However, there is a design flaw (are you listening, Delta?) mentioned by other reviewers. Why should I have to reverse the pulleys to get the belt properly aligned?ESPECIALLY SINCE SETUP INSTRUCTIONS EMPHASIZE THE NEED FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT! There, I feel better. I also have another minor complaint with setup.The third bolt that attaches to the base through the dust chute could be a challenge for big armed, big handed guys.I managed, with very little wiggle room. Overall, results with this jointer are impressive. Out of the box, the Delta performed flawlessly.No question, I'd give this product 5 stars, if not for the above-mentioned gripes. I highly recommend purchasing a Delta 22-580K 13" planer to complement the jointer.I did, with no regrets.Now that's a fine product, worthy of 5 stars. At the end of the day, the jointer and planer make a fine team. Asin: B00004Y73O |
$519.99 |
Fence Biggest Drawback
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Delta 22-58013" Two-Speed Finishing Planer by Delta Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $788.00 -- our price: $349.00 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Delta calls its 22-580 a finishing planer, but it's really two planers in one. A dimensioning speed of 60 cpi allows you to shave rough wood to its desired thickness quickly and accurately, with virtually no snipe. Then, with a single pass at the quicker finishing speed of 90 cpi, your wood comes out ultrasmooth and ready to go. The razor-sharp, double-sided M2 steel knives are powered by a 15 amp, 120-volt, single-phase motor. Bells and whistles like a blade zero indicator (which lets you set the cutterhead to the exact thickness of your wood), patented cutterhead lock (which eliminates snipe), and easy blade-change system add to the value, as do the oversize infeed and outfeed tables, which make it easier to glide your wood through the machine. Overall, this is one solid piece of machinery. --Carl Thress ... Read more Features Reviews (76)
Asin: B0000648AS |
$349.00 |
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Delta 28-276 3/4 HP 14" Professional Band Saw, Open Stand by Delta Average Customer Review:  Tools & Hardware (01 October, 2002) list price: $535.00 -- our price: $439.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Delta's 28-276 band saw is a smart buy for the serious hobbyist interested in curve cutting and light resawing. The 3/4-horsepower 120-volt motor delivers smooth, quiet, reliable power, while the saw's nine-spoke wheels deliver more accurate tension on the blade, greatly reducing vibration. The heavy cast-iron trunnions likewise minimize vibration to the blade. For curve cutting, the large 16-by-16-inch table provides excellent support for workpieces, and tilts to 45 degrees for bevel cuts. The saw handles stock up to 6-1/4 inches thick with a throat capacity (the distance from frame to blade) of 13-3/4 inches. The lower blade guide on this saw rests only 3/4 inch below the table, which significantly minimizes deflection in the blade, a big plus. When the saw is not in use, the tension-release lever extends the life of the blade. It also makes switching blades quick and easy. The saw comes equipped with a 4-inch dust port, a smart feature you won't find on many other band saws on the market today. Package includes 3/4-inch woodcutting blade and instruction manual. --Jon Groebner ... Read more Features Reviews (11)
Asin: B00006JZZS |
$439.99 |
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JET JDP-17MF / 354169 Drill Press Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $579.00 -- our price: $399.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review A staple in the professional woodshop, a drill press should be able to perform grunt work, yet quickly adjust for precision applications. Jet's 16-1/2-inch model does just that. Made of cast-iron and heavy-gauge steel components, this press spins bits up to 5/8 of an inch with 16 speeds from 200 to 3,630 rpm. A 3/4-horsepower induction motor drives the belts, and, for your convenience, it can run off either 115-volt outlets (for which it comes prewired) or 230-volt sources. The large 13-3/4-inch worktable glides easily with rack-and-pinion adjustment and tilts 45 degrees right or left to accommodate your needs. Two features we like are the positive depth stop on the left side, which quickly adjusts and locks in place via three nuts, and the built-in lamp, a nice touch some competitors don't offer. Changing belt position is a snap after flipping open the hinged metal cover, and, to personalize the press for your comfort and peace of mind, you can adjust the tension on the spindle return spring, as well as lock out the start button to protect others in your absence. This industrial-style drill press is a tool any professional or serious home woodworker can depend on. --Justin Paul ... Read more Features Reviews (37)
Asin: B00004T9L0 |
$399.99 |