Editorial Review

To be honest, we looked twice at the price, certain the folks at Amazon had made a mistake. But sure enough, they're right--and so is the price. Porter-Cable makes some of the best pneumatic tools in the industry, and these nailers are two prime examples. The 16-gauge is sturdy, compact, lighter and quieter than you'd expect with a grip even smaller hands can get around. Great balance, easy depth-of-drive adjustment, and a pleasure to use. Similarly, the 18-gauge is light but rugged, comfortable and maneuverable, even in awkward places or after long runs. Some other features we like: a special hardened driver blade, a sequential fire trigger, a visual reload indicator, a safety located behind the driver guide for driving brads in tight spaces and an easy-to-adjust depth guide. Both guns have directional exhausts, too. The pancake-style compressor has a six-gallon tank and easily runs both guns at the same time. It's light, portable and doesn't want much from you in terms of maintenance--it's oil-free and Teflon-coated. Some other reasons to like it: a high-flow regulator, an easy-to-read air pressure gauge, automatic thermal overload protection, an industrial-style quick-connect body in the air outlet, and a long-life motor with replaceable brushes. We can't imagine this deal will be around forever.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 135 psi, 2hp, 6 gallon pancake style compressor
• 300 PSI, 25' vinyl air hose, one air hose fittings (1/4" male plus & coupler), and pipe joint tape
• Finish anywoodworking project with this limited edition kit
• 16 gauge, 3/4"–2-1/2" finish nailer (model FN250B)
• 18 gauge, 5/8" –1-1/4" brad nailer kit (model BN125A)

Reviews (59)

It's a keeper!
Based on the good reviews from the Amazon Community, I bought this for my husband for Valentine's Day.Yes, I agree with other reviewers that the compressor is a little noisy, but they all are, and this one more than makes up for noise with its portability.(And I was able to talk him out of our big old compressor for MY shop...)The first thing he did was whip together a nice display shelf for a friend.After that he told me he REALLY wished he'd had it 2 weeks earlier when he was cussing over installing crown molding and trim around the windows.Since I'm the one who had to fill and sand nail-holes, I wish he'd had it, too.
It took a little adjusting, but he was able to get the settings just right so the nails go in perfectly flush with both nail guns.
So far he's enthusiastically built 2 beautiful kitchen drawers---and drawers were something I couldn't get him to build for years---so I'm glad I bought this for him!
I did my market research, and there was no way I could buy separate components and come anywhere near the price of this package.This is really a good deal, and (of course, since it's Porter-Cable), excellent quality.

Funny how it works like that....
I also couldn't agree more with all of the other reviewers.I got the kit for Christmas from my wife and I absolutely love it.I'm fairly new to the home improvement/carpentry game, but I am very excited to tackle some new projects (mostly putting up some molding).I have used the gun briefly so far to build a desk, and it went SO much faster than it would have otherwise.

MORE IMPORTANTLY.. I actually first came across this Amazon page because I was upset that I never received my free staple gun (mine was actually bought from Home Depot).It definitely looks as though I am not the only one.Yesterday (4/3/05) I sent a nice little email to Porter-Cable thru their website and told them that I was not alone in my hunt for the free staple gun.Wouldn't you know that about 10 minutes ago the UPS guy just showed up with it!I was blown away.They haven't even had time to respond to my email yet.So anyways, don't give up hope... I imagine they should be coming soon.I mailed my rebate away either in late December or early January, if that helps to give a time frame.

You will never use a hammer again
I agree with all the other great reviews.Trust the reviews they are right on the money.You can't go wrong with this set. Also, Amazon is definitally the best price.With the $$ off, free shipping, and no sales tax, the big orange store can't compete.
The only problem is the free stapler that some of the reviews have referenced.I couldn't find any paper work for a free stapler and it doesn't look like anybody is receiving it.It looks like it was too good to be true. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Air Tools    4. Combo Packs    5. Nailers    6. Brad Nailers    7. (Nail Guns)    8. (Nailguns)    9. Finish Nailers   

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

• Fastest and safest blade change system on the market
• 2-Speed feed rate system for rough and finishing stock removal
• Patented cutterhead lock virtually eliminates snipe
• Full range depth stop for any thickness from 1/8" to 6-12"
• Blade zero indicator to set the cutterhead the exact thickness of material

Reviews (76)

Not Real Happy with it or Delta
I purchased my Delta 2 speed finishing planer last Oct or Nov, I could check on which but it is not that important. At first I was thrilled. The unit made short work of rough lumber. The depth stop was outstanding. Snipe? I really didn't notice any. I have only done a couple of projects with it but those I've done entailed planing 4/4 cherry and oak to 3/4" and on some of the cherry 1/2".
I was working on the cherry project when I noticed the depth stop didn't. It set just fine but I could lower the head without so much as a slowdown. I also noticed sometimes boards would feed a few feet in (these are 4' lengths) then sieze up. I also started to notice the dreaded snipe.
I called Delta technical support and the woman I spoke to said open up the side with the stop and adjust the nut. She didn't say where to adjust it to so I tried up and down to no avail. She also said the siezing was caused by perhaps dirty feed rollers and if I put the speed control in the middle (neutral) the rollers would rotate freely. NOT SO, to clean the entire surface requires random runs to position the rollers to different stop points.
I finally took it in to the local Porter Cable/Delta repair facility. When I picked it up the repair guy was noticably condenscending. Perhaps I didn't bother to read the instructions? Did I even have the instructions? Could I read? He accused me of breaking it (causing the stop to not work). He came just shy of saying the snipe was due to the flimsy little feed tables on infeed and outfeed and to fix it I need to build a good perfectly level feed table for both sides.
Hmmm, ok but have you checked the price? This thing cost more than my Jet (or Delta) table saw. For that money I don't expect to be buying flimsy. At any rate, the Jet Planer is way beyond my budget so I am stuck with the Delta. If the two were close I'd give this puppy only one star, sell it and get the Jet.
By the way, I have yet to determine if the 2 speeds really do anything. The pitch sounds the same, the feed rate appears the same, and the finish looks the same. If anything, the slow speed finish might actually be smoother. It is close either way.

Feeding problems galore
Bought the planer mid-summer 2004.Before the end of the year the planer began requiring "help" to keep the boards moving.Periodically it would just hang, burning the board.A quick nudge was needed to continue feeding.

Normal maintenance includes cleaning the rollers.The manual says to use a scotch pad and soapy water.I also adjusted the outfeed roller per the manual.This would fix the problem for a while, but it would slowly go back to its old ways.Eventually it gets so bad it requires a constant pushing or pulling to get the boards to feed continuously.Dangerous, frustrating, and leads to poor results.The finish when it works is amazing, but I have found the machine to be a poor substitute for a heavier duty unit.I am only a hobbyist, building boxes and some small furniture.

great planer but ....
I have been making cabinets for the last five years and in that short amount of time I have used three different planers. This is the best one I've ever used. First off what really impressed me was that there was not that much assembly required (unlike most of delta's products). Second the finishing speed on the planer nearly eliminated the need for sanding (a big plus in my book). Lastly the blades seemed to hold up well. The first time out of the box I put it to work on a set of hard maple face frames and doors. Only at the end of my planing opporation did the boards start to show signs of planer marks (by that time I had put over 300 board foot of material through that planner). The planer marks were small and were easily taken care of with a cabinet scraper. Though out the entire process I only found one case of snip in a board and after that I have not detected any more cases of snip. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was the dust chute was not included rendering the planer usless with out it. Luckily I had read some of the reviews before I bought this planer so I knew I had to kick down the extra mony for the dust chute to start planing right out of the box. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Sometimes, half an inch makes all the difference. But that's not the only reason to step up to the 735. Its powerful 10,000 rpm motor will handle anything you feed it--oak, walnut, exotics--with absolute ease. The three-knife cutterhead will make 96 or 179 cuts per inch, depending on which speed setting you choose. Mess is minimized with the fan-assisted chip ejection, which literally vacuums chips off the cutter-head and blows them out the exhaust. The 735's automatic carriage lock will save you from snipe by reducing the movement that causes it--what a great idea. We also love the redesigned thickness scale--it's big and super-visible, even in poor lighting. Those who do repetitive cuts will appreciate the turret depth-stop; set your most-used cuts to it once and you're always assured of accuracy. The home woodworker will be thrilled, and the professional's expectations will be more than met. This is a winner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Solid 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base provides for rigidity
• Three knife cutter-head for superior surface finish
• Fan-assisted chip ejection system aids in the removal of debris
• Two-speed gear box, 96 or 179 cuts per inch for the finest finish
• Automatic carriage lock minimizes the movement that causes snipe

Reviews (53)

Good Little Planer
I got my DW734 on sale at a great price and have used it in my shop with great success. I have used it on all kinds of wood hard and soft and it has done an excellent job. So far no need to sharpen or replace the blades, although I would not have expected to at this point

I wouldn't even consider purchasing this planer without the optional infeed and out feed extension tables. I think Dewalt should consider including them as part of the package rather than as an option.

Bad design backed up with terrible support
The planner arived and I was able to use it right away.The snipe was not bad and the finish was fairly good.There is barely any noticable finish diference between the two speeds on hardwoods.After less than 100 board feet, this all changed.

The sprockets are made from sintered hardened powder metal.They break under light loads and are expensive to replace, even though they are probably purchased for under 20 cents by Dewalt.Dewalt has now changed to a different material sprocket that so far is holding up.It is too bad that they did not stand behind their product and issue conversion kits or issue a recall for the known design flaw.

The rollers are also weak.Even when removing 1/64" on narrow boards, they do not have the force needed to push the wood past even brand new knives.I'm forced with manually pushing the boards thru the planner.That is until I purchase a new one - not Dewalt.

The knife design is poor and prone to breaking down the knifes.They can not be sharped.They have an edge on both sides, so you can use them twice at $45 a pop.

The on-line service is a joke.The narrest service center is an hour away for me and will require taking a days vacation due to their limited hours of operation and no weekends.

Save your self the headache, and don't by this piece of junk.

Kevin - Appleton, Wisconsin
Decent planer, but very lousy knives.Planing less then 100 board feet on hemlock and white pine and the blades are already junk, plus they're expensive to replace.DeWalt should really construct some better knives
... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Bosch's 10-inch Worksite table saw might just be the best of the current bunch. Benchtop table saws--which weigh 60 to 100 pounds and are light enough for one person to carry from the truck to the job site--have increased in popularity in recent years. They set up easily on a workbench or sawhorses and generally feature stable components that make them great for pros and serious hobbyists alike. Although at 60 pounds the Bosch is lighter than any other saw in its class, this saw is no lightweight. It sports a die-cast undercarriage and powerful 4.4-horsepower, 15 amp motor--burly components that make it a serious, albeit slight, contender. Conveniently, the Bosch comes ready to use right out of the box; we were making cuts about 10 minutes after the UPS delivery. Plus, it's the only benchtop table saw with an arbor lock, so mounting the blade is a one-wrench affair (less chance for busted knuckles). The wrench--like all those that come with Bosch tools--is forged, rather than stamped, and so there are no sharp edges that dig into your hand during blade changes. It's a small detail, but one that matters and one that's typical of the attention to detail paid by Bosch engineers.

A flip of the paddle-style on/off switch initiates the soft-start electronics, which ramp the blade up to speed quickly without any disturbing jolt. The electronic feedback, popular on many saws today, keeps the blade turning at a constant speed, no matter what the load. The fence is the heart of any table saw and we found Bosch's to be a beauty. It's well machined and locks securely and accurately to the table. The cam-lock handle is padded, seats flush, and feels good to use. Like the comparable DeWalt saw, the Bosch features an extendable fence that makes it easy to rip four-by-eight panel material. It feels solid and slides smoothly, and the scales are easy to read. (There's even a built-in magnifying glass to cut down on the squint factor.) As with all the new Bosch tools, wrenches and removable items store nicely onboard the saw. The fence snaps into a holder on the side of the saw and stays put, and the miter gauge slides into a slot on the front of the tool--yet another small detail that we appreciate. The bottom line? The Bosch is a powerful saw that handles big stock without bogging down. --Mark McDonald ... Read more

Features

• Large tabletop measures 29 by 21-1/2 inches (width by length)
• 4.4-horsepower 15 amp motor delivers excellent power
• Soft-start technology ensures smoother start-ups and quieter performance
• Precision rip fence with Square-Lock technology delivers precise cuts every time
• Response system senses torque demand and instantly delivers more power to the blade

Reviews (117)

THE Best portable table saw EVER
I have been a carpenter for over 20 years.I have never used a portable table saw as nice as this one.Very Happy

Excellent saw but now having problems
I've owned my saw for almost 2 years and I do finish carpentry along with some general carpentry and I am always loading and unloading this thing from my truck. I love the acurracy, smooth start and steady power. I have always had problems changing the saw blade because the inside blade gaurd gets in the way when taking the blade on and off. I've had to grind the corners off the gaurd to eliminate this problem. More recently the mechanism that tilts the blade wont tighten up and I can'tfigure out how to adjust this, now I have to take it in to a service center. Also the stand has problems locking in the upright position.
This sounds like I dont like the saw but I really do, I am just frustrated with these issues and I dont have time to drop my saw off for several weeks while it gets repaired.

No Portable Saw Deserves 5, But This Is The Best By Far
I'm a home remodeler, so I really pay attention to the portability of a job site table saw, as well as its performance. On both of these levels, the Bosch is simply the best. I've used, owned, or researched just about every job site saw out there from the major manufacturers, and side by side, there really is no competition. I know a lot of folks eventually pit the Bosch against the DeWalt, however, I found it impossible to believe that the DeWalt fence system, as smooth as it is, can withstand the day-to-day abuse a job site saw must endure. Yes, the table top of the Bosch is easily marred, and the splitter ain't worth a damn; however, for what it is, and what it is supposed to do, the Bosch is the one to get.

Oh yeah, as I stated above, no portable table saw out there, not even the Bosch, merits a 5 star rating. The very nature and purpose of a portable table saw means that some things must be sacrificed in its engineering and construction, usually on the performace end, or on the portability end (sometimes both!) It just seems crazy to me to expect the performance of a cabinet saw when portability is required as well. Something's gotta give!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bosch    2. (Bosh)    3. Saws    4. Table Saws    5. Bench-Top Table Saws    6. (Tablesaws)    7. (Portable)   

Editorial Review

Routers don't get any bigger and tougher than this Hitachi workhorse. It has the solid construction, horsepower, and features we've come to expect in a top-of-the-line router. Its heft goes a long way toward eliminating vibration, working with the soft-start motor to cut out torque at startup. Despite its nearly 12 pounds, it actually handles as well as most 3-1/4-horsepower routers we've tried in freehand applications. It has a 1/2-inch collet and a wide sub-base opening, making it suitable for working with all but the very biggest panel bits. It features electronic variable speed, so the router makes clean cuts in a wide range of different materials. We found the controls to be within easy reach of the handles, and though this isn't the quietest router we've used, it comes pretty close. We like the unique eight-position handles that let the tool be adjusted to the worker rather than the other way around. While this is a topnotch plunge router, it's also an excellent choice for table mounting, and many people choose this model for exactly that reason. This is an all-around solid tool that offers more bang per buck than many competing models. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Hitachi exclusive 5 year warranty
• Powerful 15 amp motor
• Three-position side handle with easy-to-reach controls
• Electronic dial-in variable-speed control
• Multislide scale and scale index system

Reviews (73)

Hitachi Router
This is an excellent router for the price. This is my second one. The first one lasted about 6 years of heavy use.

The bad, the good, the ugly green router.
I purchased the Hitachi M12V several months ago and have used it quite a bit since receiving it. This is my first plunge router so I do not have a great base to compare from. I'll start with 4 problems that I have with this model. First, since I had no previous experience with plunge routers, I was heavily relient on the user manual for setup and use. This is a mistake. It is a bad translation from some engineer that didn't really no what the tool was built for. It did get me on the road to using this router, but a friend with a plunge router or maybe a book on plunge routing will help out more. Second, the plunge action binds sometimes. I attribute this to putting uneven pressure on base plate and now make a conscious effort to apply even pressure. The first time a bit jerks down into your work, you will know what I am talking about here. My third complaint is that the bit tightening is awkward. I can see how this would be an engineering challenge with any plunge router. Maybe the key here is don't change the bit alot. Have a couple other dedicated routers for chamforing or other types of routing you do frequently and do not need plunging action for. The last problem is not really with the router, but with this $29 micro adjuster. Don't waste your time. The adjuster came as part of my package so I have it...in a drawer. This thing is called a micro adjustment knob although the adjustment is on a course threaded rod. How can you call it micro? Also, the 1/2 straight bit included in the package when installed, and the plunge mechanism adjusted all the way up cannot accomodate the micro adjustment knob. The rod it is on does not have enough threads to keep it on the router. My suggestion here is if you really need this 'fine' adjustment, replace the coarse threaded rod with a fine threaded one and some new nuts. You can get a knurled knob that will substitute and be better than the oem knob.
Now for the praise. This machine will go through any thing I throw at it (depending on the sharpness of the bit). As well as heavy cutting, I use this for inlays. Some of the review talked about the heaviness of this router, I have not found this to be a problem. In fact when doing the inlay, more mass gives less vibration and better stability. The slow start works great and the variable speed is a godsend. I rate this product with the second highest rating because it has become a tool that I know if it were taken from me, I would buy another.... unless someone gifted me one. hint hint.

Can be a safety hazard
I have purchased & used 2 of these routers in the past 3 years. They last about 1 1/2 years until the problems start. My first router is a safety hazard if you do not pay attention and are not very careful. First, I must say that I am a professional woodworker, so, this router was used every day. Mainly using core box bits & bull nose bits as well as round over bits. I use it on woods from the hardest of maples & osage to cedars. When the router is working it is a very nice machine for the money. But, the first one just stopped working while pushing through the workpiece. Then, without warning, it took off again. Luckily the soft start helped before it took the wood and tossed it or worse case, a finger. I use these routers under a table. Outside of needing an extension for half inch bits, which is a problem for most machines of this type. Once a depth is locked, it will jump off a little while working. You must keep double checking depths. But, for the money it is a good machine. Well, my second one is now beginning to hicup a bit after about 1 1/2 years. The electronic speed control is not doing it's job and the router begins to speed up and slow down at will. I am now waiting for this one to stop. For the hobbiest, it's probably a nice buy. For the person that uses the equipment every day, pay the extra and get a reliable & safer unit. If this machine just stops on you, unplug it quickly and get out of the way! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Plunge Routers   

Editorial Review

Hitachi’s redo of the well-built C10FS took a great saw and made it better. Laser cutting line? Done. Taller fence? Done. More legible scales? Done. The soft-start, belt-driven, 12-amp motor reduces vibration, and you get the same impeccably smooth ride on the slide that its predecessor offered, thanks to Hitachi’s linear ball-bearing system. At a mere 44 pounds, it’s a great contractor saw for job site work, trimming studs, crown molding, plywood, decorative veneer and hardboard, even aluminum sash materials--and unlike other saws, it bevels left and right. This Hitachi is dead-on accurate every time, with a smooth action and comfortable, secure grip. Our favorite update to this saw is undoubtedly the laser cutting line--who wouldn’t want that? It’s a little spendy for the average home woodworking hobbyist, but with tools, you really do get what you pay for.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Hitachi exclusive 5 year warranty
• New laser cut guide delivers highly accurate cuts
• New high flip fence design for extra support
• Frontal bevel scale makes reading angles easy
• Soft-start, belt-driven, 12-amp motor reduces vibration for superior results

Reviews (42)

Awesome!
After reading reviews here I was concerned about purchasing this saw. I took the plunge today and went and grabbed it from a local store.

My main concern was the accuracy. When adjusted correctly, the saw should cut so that the kerf ends where the laser mark lands. It does exactly that. I used a Starret combo square to mark a 90 cut and lined it up with the laser and sure enough, this thing is dead on. I also used this same sqare the check run out of the laser since some of the reviewers here mentioned it was off 1/64th and the end of the cut. No its not. I set the square on the fence and checked the laser at 2 feet and its less then a 64th at that range.

BTW, I own a DeWalt 708 (12 inch slider). This saw is better in every way with exception to slightly less cutting capacity.

significant flaw
Look for the other reviews that give this 2 stars.I make custom cabinets and furniture, and from time to time do interior trim and some remodeling, and I don't like to give painters alot to do except paint - gaps and mitered joints "cheated" w/ caulk or filler is not acceptable, and obviously doesn't cut it when working w/ clear finished work. I've had 2 of these in 2 yrs and both have had the EXACT same problem.It's hard to actually explain, and in fact the Hitachi reps I've spoken to don't even seem to understand it but I'll try to make some sense of it here.
The saw IS NOT( based on my experience ) suitable for high end furniture/cabinetry/trim work.As the one other reviewer mentions, reliable 90 cuts have been impossible. I've had to try the R&L fence cheating and while that can work, it doesn't seem to stay set for long and also it's a nuissance to have to remember and/or compensate for out of plane fence positions.But the biggest trouble I have is that regardless of bevel the cuts are NEVER accurate to the miter angle, regardless of the dimensions of the piece being cut. No matter the setting it's off by at best 1/32 and at full extension, up to a 1/16. I believe the flaw is either in the head joint knuckle and is either a factory casting flaw or poor milling or perhaps the arbor but so far that hasn't seemed to be the real issue.I've spent literally hours trying to adjust and tweak, and nothing works.As for the head deflection, these aren't radial arm saws, push on any slider and they move but I'm very careful to let the tool do the work and not push or lean on it so that's not the issue either. The shame is that this is such a smooth cutting machine and does have the power to handle most jobs but except for being a faster than cutting by hand, or having to remember how to use a single bevel saw, I wouldn't use this for more than siding, maybe exterior trim or sloppy mediocre paint grade trim - to help out those poor painters of course.If the tool manufacturers keep making sloppy cutting saws, the painters won't have to worry about work too often.
Last for anyone who might be dazzled by the laser option, it's not worth much, you better not expect it to be accurate to the cut you need. It's better than guessing but you will still need to creep up to your tick mark if accuracy is what you expect in your work.
I have on of the 1st generation DeWalt 12 dual bevel sliders and except for the wobble all 12" blades have it's still dead nuts accurate.I've had the Makita LS1013 before and it has squareness issues too.Why doesn't someone at DeWalt snap out of it and make a 10" version --- but a little quieter would be nice, mine is a screaming ear buster!

C10FSH The Best There Is
There is no better miter saw out there, period. I have owned all of them, and this is by far the best. Mine is almost 2 years old and is still perfect, as it was right out of the box. I bought a Forrest chop master blade for it that cuts without chipping, and I think this combination is the best possible. The laser is just for lining up your cut, once you begin you should not move your part so no need to see the line. If you have it adjusted correctly it will cut where the line was. I find that I can split a pencil line or cut to either edge of the pencil line if I want to simply by lining it up first. It is really great when cutting an angle that is undetermined, just mark it and line it up with the laser line, then cut. If you need the line on the other side of the blade just make a cut in a piece of scrap while holding it still and adjust the laser line to the cut.
After almost 2 years of constant use, this saw is still right on the money. I will buy it again if I need another. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

A good filtration system is as important as any tool in your shop, and the Jet AFS-1000 is a pretty inspired machine. Like other systems on the market, Jet's uses a two-filter process: an outer filter removes particles up to 5 microns in size and an inner, three-pocket filter traps particles as small as 1 micron. The electrostatic outer filter easily withstands three or four washings, and the inner filter can be blown clean easily with compressed air. On the power end, Jet's three-speed, 1/6-horsepower motor filters to 1044 cfm on high speed. The outer filter is well sealed and provides efficient intake. However, what really sets the AFS-1000 apart from most filtration systems is its remote control and timer features. Since these systems are most effective when placed high or hung from the ceiling, being able to control all of the unit's functions via remote control is a feature we quickly decided we wouldn't want to live without. The timer, which can also be set via remote, affords you the option to set it and forget it. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Comes with an electrostatic filter that is electronically charged to attract many more dust particles than other standard filters
• Filters 98% of all particles 5 microns in size and 85% of all particles 1 micron in size
• Runs quietly
• Includes a remote control for convenience
• Comes complete with eyebolts to either hang the machine from the ceiling or to sit on on a workbench

Reviews (77)

Good Machine, Horible Customer Service
Over the past three months, I have purchased 4 Jet woodworking machines including this one, to the tune of almost $2400.Until recently, I was planning to purchase a Jet Planer Molder and Performax Drumsander, but based on my recent experience with the WHM Tool Group, who makes this equipment, I am having second thoughts.Although I am for the most part happy with the machines I've purchased, when I was assembling my table saw, the fence that came with the saw did not match the one in the instructions, and I had to spend a considerable amount of time on hold with the WHM customer service department to find out how to mount it to the saw.I can live with that, but as I began to use the saw I discovered that although two arbor wrenches are required to change the saw blade, only one came with the saw. Although I don't think it is too much to ask that they throw in two $6 wrenches with a $1500 saw, I thought, I'd just order one from the WHM website.There I found that the Shipping for the $6 wrench would be $19.99.I sent a note to WHM regarding this requesting a reply, and did not receive one.When I called a week later, I was curtly told that the saw comes with only one wrench.When I asked why it would cost $20 to send a $6 wrench that would fit in a standard letter sized envelope, I was told that they do not ship via U.S Mail, and that was the end of the conversation.I ordered the wrench to the tune of $26.70, and was surprised again to find that it was back ordered with no expected date of delivery. I sent a copy of this rating to WHM tool group to give them a chance to respond, but again have received no response almost a week later.For what ever it's worth, if customer service is important to you and you don't want to have to purchase things that should come with the tool and then be charged three times the value of the item for shipping and handling you might want to consider another brand.

No way to review when new unit fuse blows
Just purchasd the unit based upon all of the favorable reviews. Maybe I'm in the minority but when connecting the power and hitting "ON"...poof, the fuse trips. I reset the fuse, try again, and...poof, the fuse blows. The third try was not a charm. Based upon a new unit doing this, I have to rate it 1 star. Perhaps I will spend a little more and by the USA-made JDS.

Good investment with many applications
Solid construction and performance all around; the unit is intended for ceiling mount but is just portable enough for my purposes. Considering the many favorable customer reviews here, I'm not alone in endorsing the AFS-1000B and have no regrets having purchased one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vacuums    2. Dust Collectors    3. Air Cleaners    4. (Vacumes)    5. (Vaccuums)    6. (Vaccums)    7. (Vacums)   

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

• Microfine depth adjustment
• Variable speed
• Plunge/Fixed bases
• Soft start
• Constant response circuitry

Reviews (78)

Information on switch problem
Ok, Do you want to put this whole switch issue to bed?I took my non-functioning switch out last night and disassembled it.The switch is fine, there are no electronics inside, it is a standard toggle switch.The problem is it is the wrong switch for this application.When I opened mine there was at least 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of saw dust packed in there.So the only problem was that the contacts were being held open because there was saw dust between therm.I just cleaned all the dust out and put it back together and it worked fine.

There is a new Bosch part number for the replacement switch, which indicates a design change.I hope the new switch is sealed, but I don't know yet because I haven't received mine in the mail.If it is not I'm going to look to find one that is the right size and amp that is sealed and it should stop this issue altogether.

I think mine failed sooner than most because I have used it in my router table more than free hand routing and my table has an enclosed area for the router which does get pretty dusty, I think static draws the dust in from the outside because the switch body is pretty well sealed from the inside workings of the router.

Good Luck

Awsome router kit
Simply put, this combo kit is the one to get.Powerful and very easy to use.The soft start and variable speed are very nice.The case is comes with is pretty nice, bits and wrenches have a spot inside as well.I've only logged about 15 hours with it and have only one complaint, the switch stopped working.I took it apart and cleaned it up and it worked fine again.But other than that I've loved every minute with it.I'm a carpenter and furniture making hobbiest.Definately worth buying.Bosches portable table saw is very good also.

Best tool in my shop
This is the best tool I own.The second best is my bosch sliding compound miter saw.Coupled with my bench dog router table this router will do anything, raised panels or whatever.It is very smooth and quiet for a router. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bosch    2. (Bosh)    3. Routers    4. Fixed-Base Routers    5. Plunge Routers   

Editorial Review

The HyLoft overhead storage system is a clever, clever concept, executed neatly. Just one 4-by-4-foot unit give you 35 cubic feet of storage that space previously wasn't there. Imagine installing these on either side of the garage door opener: you'll create storage space out of nothing. Multiple units can be aligned to fit nearly any space, in a L-shape or T-shape, for whatever available ceiling space you have, and each unit holds up to 250 pounds. The open grate design allows you to see what’s stored above--a feature we really like. The finish is clean-looking and super durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of installation, either--only the most basic skills are needed. Tools required are standard household fare: hammer, adjustable wrench, stud finder, and drill. For innovation, ease of installation, and good old American ingenuity, we give this baby five stars.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Patented, unique, and truly innovative
• 4-by-4-foot storage unit holds 250 pounds
• Installs with ease and is height adjustable
• Frees up space intended for vehicles and maximizes unused space
• Stores large and odd shaped items not ideal for cabinets

Reviews (21)

Great Storage System
The Hyloft is perfect for us, as we have a high ceiling in the garage and lots of things we want to save.I ordered 2 systems thru Amazon and initially tried to install them.I watched the video yet found the studs to be very difficult to locate.

Via the Hyloft website, I found a local operation to install them.The company, however, needs to make money as well and required me to have at least 4 units to install versus the 2 I bought here.I completely understood, especially given the drive time and fuel costs.

The Hyloft system itself is a great way to expand your storage and provide an archival system for things you just can't throw away.

I'm very happy I worked through an expert company who installs these daily.It took them less than 2 hours to install 4.They had to drill thru steel to access the wood stud, which was even hard for them.They Hylofts are now perfectly aligned along the ceiling which looks very clean.The extra cost was well worth it.

THESE ARE THE BEST!
I just recently gutted my garage and played my own version of Clean Sweep. Couldn't have done it without these. We installed 3 and it took several hours but WELL WORTH IT! Highly recommended, you'll be more than pleased!

Great Space Saver!!
I bought two of these and cannot believe how much they hold.It took my husband three hours to install with much of that time finding the first stud.Someone wrote a review about their unit only having two support beams, but each of mine has four as pictured.My huband said the instructions are easy to follow and the assembly is painless.I just love how nice they look and how much stuff I was able to pile on them. ... Read more

Features

• No-mar pads with onboard storage to protect work surface
• Free FinishPro 15 18 gauge finish nailer
• NeverLube technology-no lubrication required
• Two-year warranty
• Adjustable depth-of-drive and easy-clear latch-to clear jams fastNo-mar pads with onboard storage to protect work surface

Reviews (3)

Paid a lot more locally but I still think it's worth it!
I was installing hardwood flooring and rented the hardwood nailer. I was going to buy a cheaper model finish nailer, but the local tool store had four of these "special" promotion package deals for $279.99. I needed it right away, so I grabbed one and am very happy I did. Shot about 200 2" nails into 3/4" maple flooring with no problems. Have not tried the brad nailer yet, but based on the 41XP I will love it!

These are the first nailers I have ever owned or used, but I am amazed at how easy they operate. Another comment that may interest someone is that the hardwood floor nailer I rented was also made by Senco. Shot over 3,000 nails with no jams. I will definetely look for another Senco next time I install hardwood!!!

See More Reviews
The 1Z0013N product number is for FP41-XP bundled with 18ga brad nailer.There are many reviews of the FP41-XP under another product number.(You guessed it - FP41-XP.)Of the 17 reviews there (as of 09/19/03) all were four or five stars.Sounds like an excellent gun.

Great gun!
I've been installing lots of crown molding with an 18 gauge brad nailer and have been putting off the purchase of a 15 gauge finish nailer, until recently.I decided to go with the best and bought the Senco FP 41XP.I am very impressed with the engineering of the gun.It is well balanced, lightweight, silky smooth and fires reliably without leaving a mark.I highly recommend the Senco FP 41XP(too bad I bought my gun before Amazon decided to throw the FP15 gun in with the deal). ... Read more

Editorial Review

Granted, if you're into home repair, you've got a 25-foot steel tape in your toolbox. But how many times have you grumbled at it when it didn't stay rigid from across the room? Tapes have their purpose, but for estimated measurements of up to 50 feet, the Laser Tape is the way to go. Just point, press "read", and the distance is displayed in feet and inches or metric. It's simple to use and would be perfect for the homeowner trying to calculate how many gallons of paint to buy, how much vinyl flooring to get or even how much fertilizer to buy, provided you've got walls round your yard to bounce the laser off. It is, we must say, a little finicky, and it works best on monochromatic sold surfaces, but once you get the hang of it, it's a handy little tool.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Calculates area and volume
• Measures using sonar from 2-feet to 50-feet
• Laser to target the point to which you want to measure
• Large LCD screen
• Converts feet to meters

Reviews (43)

handy as laser POINTER, absolutely useless as laser TAPE
...this is a good example of "you get what you pay for," I suppose.

This alleged "laser tape" actually uses a sound wave to take its measurement, the laser beam is there mainly for underhanded marketing purposes to mislead you into thinking that you're buying far more advanced technology than you're really getting.

Of course, sonar is notoriously unreliable for this sort of application, and therefore it is hardly surprising that it delivers kinda-sorta accurate rough measurements in all of maybe 3 out of 10 tries.All sorts of environmental factors can easily throw it off: the color, texture, and shape of the object you are pointing it at (flat 90 degree white walls seem to enjoy about 60% efficacy, the highest I ever got with it), exterior noise conditions, how much open space there is around you, etc.

Really the only thing this sonar tape really does well is serve as a bulky, clunky and noisy (it makes a clicking sound during operation, which I wish I could disable) laser pointer---the 9V battery does last a bit longer than the tiny little watch battery that most pen-size laser pointers use.

Thank God the home improvement warehouse I bought it at has a great return policy!

Not accurate
I am giving it two stars because it may be useful for rough estimates.However, it is a disappointment.I got it on sale (close-out, I think) and for interior walls it consistently reads about 5 inches longer than the actual dimension (properly measuring from base.I am sure I will occasionally bring it out of the toolbox for a quick rough measure, but that is about it.I'd return it if I could.

You get what you pay for
I received this as a gift and for my line of work, it works OK.
Don't expect exact accuracy, that's not what it is for. It is very good for me on estimates. Sure I get some obvious errors, but if you read the maunal, you will see that most are addressed there. Why would anyone use this to get measurements for cutting trim..??? That is what a tape is for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Measuring & Layout Tools    2. Distance Estimators    3. (Sonar)    4. (Sonic)    5. (Electronic)    6. (Range Finder)    7. Line Lasers    8. Home    9. Tools   

Editorial Review

Remember how cool we all thought that first Dremel was? We're reliving the feeling with this one: lighter, faster, smarter, better, and stronger. The main improvement over the last generation is the battery source: lithium-ion. There are so many reasons to applaud. Lithium holds its charge up to six times longer in storage than nickel-cadmium batteries, so it's ready when you are. Remember the disappointment when you were ready and your battery was low? That won't happen with this one. It's got a battery fuel gauge that tells you how much life is left before a recharge, so you won't be caught without your Dremel, and if you choose to keep it on its charger, you won't cause memory and shorten the charge capacity. It's small, it's light, it's comfortable and maneuverable; it's everything the corded models are, but without the cord. We love it.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Small and lightweight for easier handling and less fatigue
• 50% more power to handle the toughest jobs
• 40% more speed; the highest speed available in cordless rotary tools
• Holds a charge 6-times longer than NiCd batteries, so it's ready when you need it
• Lithium-Ion batteries can be recharged at any time without damaging charge capacity or run-time

Reviews (16)

Cord or cordless?
I bought the Dremel 10.8v rotary cordless drill for the purpose of removing tile grout. At first it worked well. But, the battery only lasted 45 minutes. Then the problems started. The 1/16 inch grout bits only lasted a few minutes then broke. I had better luck when I was removing 1/8 inch grout because the 1/8 inch bit lasted for hours before it started getting dull. Since the grout bits are not well made, I found another brand that cuts much better, much cheaper in price, and last longer.

I HAD to get the grout removed and this was the only tool I found that would do that. But, after a few days the Dremel broke. I still had grout to take care of, so I bought a corded Dremel to continue the work while the cordless was sent in for repairs. To the credit of Dremel, the cordless was promptly repaired and returned along with a free accessory for my trouble. I started using the cordless again and it stopped working again. This time it just stayed on fast speed. So, off it went to the post office again to send in this thing for repair. It is repaired again, but this time I am using the corded Dremel.

I also tried the tool on other jobs such as removing paint from a window frame, sanding a small section of wood, drilling a pilot hole for a screw, and cutting off a screw that I could not remove. What I found was that the Dremel did a fair job if you have a steady hand. However, some of the accessories either break easily or grind down quickly. And these accessories are not cheap. You can easily spend 3 times the price in bits and accessories than what you pay for the tool itself.

The bottom line is, this thing is mostly good for small work such as crafts. But, can also come in handy when a large drill or sander just will not fit. Just stay away from the cordless.

The best
This dremel is the best cordless rotary tool out there it has plenty of power with power to spare there just isn't enough room for me to say how good it is.Plus the customer support is just amazing they care about the customer and they are willing to help above and beyond.

State of the Art in cordless Dremel tools
I have used Dremel tools for over 30 years and have recently found that cordless tools of any brand add another dimension to a tools user friendliness. I tried a number of other Dremel like tools that were cordless, but none could compare to this tool. If you need a rotary tool like this one, spend you money on this one. You will be glad you did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dremel    2. (Dremmel)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Rotary Tools    5. (Rotery)   

Editorial Review

If only this had been in our toolbox a year ago when westruggled to install a suspended ceiling in the basement. This littleguy puts out an actual laser line vertically, horizontally, or at anyangle. It's wonderfully simple and dead-on accurate. Just position thealignment notch with the guidance of the dual bubble levels, push thetabs to anchor the self-retracting pushpins, and raise the lens coverfor hands-free accuracy. The recessed rubber grip offers sure handling,but this tool also sports an impact-resistant body, just in case.Hardly bigger than a 25-foot measuring tape, this tool will tuck nicelyinto any toolbox and serve decorators, builders, remodelers, anddo-it-yourselfers equally well. It doesn't come with batteries, so havetwo AAs on hand. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Saves time / Easy one person operation
• Projects a 30+ foot visible laser guide line
• Laser beam will not harm finished environments
• Laser skips over small imperfections, moldings, and uneven surfaces, casting a continuous line
• Self-retracting push pins hold the unit on drywall or wood

Reviews (58)

Necessity for the Female toolbox.
Hanging pictures and shelves use to cause friction between my husband and me. Now I do not have to ask for help. The Laser Level is a must have for the ladies toolbox........

Piece of junk
I bought this thing from a local home improvement store thinking it would be handy to use for hanging items on the wall and providing layout lines for flooring, etc.Wrong!The retractable pins that are supposed to hold it to a wall or ceiling or whatever, retract continuously and it won't stay in place. The laser line is practically invisible so it was of no use even if I had a project where I could just set it on the floor. It does seem to be fairly impact resistant proven by the number of times the pins retracted and it fell off the wall plus throwing it across the room out of frustration didn't seem to hurt it.However, it was a piece of junk before I threw it and it's still a piece of junk.I don't even know where it is anymore and I don't care.

Very Helpful
Too bad I didn't have this years ago.

Very handy!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Measuring & Layout Tools    2. Line Lasers    3. Marking Tools    4. Home    5. Tools   

Editorial Review

Freud's 8-inch Super Dado set produces some of the smoothest square-bottom grooves and rabbets possible. Stacked dado sets like this one are more accurate and reliable than wobble dados, which leave a rounded bottom in the groove and can cause splintering and chipping. Freud's Super Dado set is especially good at producing smooth, chip-free results in plywoods and veneers. It features Freud's unique kickback-reducing design for safe dadoing even when used in a radial-arm saw. The set includes two outside blades, six four-wing chippers, and a set of shims, and it stores in a handy protective case. It adjusts in 1/32-inch increments, and even finer increments using the included shims. This Freud set is among the best-manufactured and well-designed dado sets available. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Covered by Freud's limited lifetime warranty
• Thick micrograin carbide tips
• Kickback reducing design
• Chip-free, flat-bottom cuts in plywood and laminates
• Includes storage case and shim set

Reviews (123)

Freud is top shelf in my book
Excellent tool with superb craftsmanship.Freud is top quality in my book.

I recommend paying extra for better
I used to do all of my ratteting and dado cutting with various size straight/rabbet router bits and a homemade jig/guide fence system.I figured I'd bite the bullet and buy a dado blade.After doing some research and getting over the sticker shock of the average $200-$250 price range for most dado sets, I figured that I go for the SD208 for only $90.I figured that since it is from Freud, it can't be all that bad, no matter how much cheaper it is than the other models.Overall, I think the SD208 is a good buy COMPARED to all of the other dado sets and their prices of 2-3 times more than the SD208.More specifically, here are my thoughts:

POSITIVE:

1) The storage/carrying case is great.Durable plastic with an arbor-like post to mount the blades on.

2)Price.As I said, this blade is a comparatively good deal compared to other sets in the $200-$250 price range.

3)Shims are included.From what I've been told, some sets don't include shims.I can't verify that, but this set does indeed include shims.I believe there are 5-7 differenly sized shims.

NEGATIVES

1)My biggest gripe with this set is that the bottom of the cuts are far from being flat.Whether using the outerblades by themselves, or using them with different configurations of chippers, each cut bottom has multiple ridges/blade marks.

2)Shims aren't size labeled.Freud gives a great little chart showing what size chippers and shims are needed for differentcuts.However, the shims aren't labeled at all.They are merely blank circular cuts of metal.However, as any woodworker knows, you should always run your own test cuts for any job...so I'm in no way livid with Freud.It would just be a little nicety if they could label the shims.

As I said, I think the SD208 set is comparatively a great blade for its price, when viewd against other sets.However, I would recommend not skimping on price and upgraded to one of the higher-end Freuds or a Forrest set.

Try to get it sharpened
I run a small woodworking shop and I purchased the Dial-A-Width Dado.I think it is a great dado, but it has a -12 degree grind on it.Every sharpening shop in Denver cannot sharpen it without buying an expensive computer program for their machines and they will not buy it unless they can make enough off the sharpening to pay for it.I called Freud about having them sharpen it and they said they are not in the sharpening business.Buyer beware. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Blades    4. Table Saw Blades    5. Dado    6. (Tablesaws)   

Editorial Review

Since its invention by the ancient Egyptians, the pocket holejoint has become a favorite among modern framers and other woodworkersinterested in creating strong joints for their projects. The Kreg K2000ProPack pocket hole jig contains everything you'll need to createperfect pocket holes, all from a trusted leader in the field known forproviding quality products. This kit is designed to help woodworkersplace pocket holes in their ideal location on any surface, regardless ofthickness, and even includes project plans and detailed instructions foruse. It's a must for any woodworker who either uses pocket hole jointsor has an interest in trying them. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Comes in a molded carrying case
• Horizontally spaces holes at 9/16, 7/8, and 1-7/16 inches on center
• Three positions to center holes in 1/2-, 3/4-, and1-1/2-inch thick material
• Two wing supports hold wider material
• Step block and riser block included for 1/2-inch and 1-1/2-inch material

Reviews (49)

Fast and Simple Pocket Holes
This is a simple tool that gets the job done.I bought this unit because it is portable.I have used in on the job with much success.A cordless drill will handle most soft woods, but a plug-powered drill will be required for most hardwoods.

I would recommend viewing the videotape if you have never used pocket hole construction.I would also recommend getting the Kreg Right Angle Clamp.

This tool is a great time-saver and well worth the money.I highly recommend it.

A Note of Caution
Yes, pocket hole joinery is wonderful but pocket holes aren't going to stop global warming.

A lot of reviewers seem to think that pocket hole joinery is the answer to everything. Instead, it should be viewed as another opttion. Some of the items that you need to be aware of include:A. a large, elliptical hole results, B. you can't make plugs to fit the holes that are left behind, C. You now have metal in your wortkpiece, so don't hit it with a saw blade.

You can buy plugs to fit the hole. They are expensive and aren't made in my favorite wood, mahogany. Also, they never seem to match well anyhow.

Also, the case the comes with the equipment is designed for shipping the stuff to you, not for use in the shop. After removing certain things, there are big holes in the case that are useless and things rattle around.

Finally, this works great but $125 is a lot of deniro for what this is (mostly plastic). $80 seems like a fairer price. Still, I give it five stars because it s easy to create really strong butt joints.

Worth every penny
The Kreg jig has the perfect combination of versitility and accuracy.It is an invaluable addition to any tool collection whether a proffesional contractor like myself or a weekend diyer.Pocket hole joinery opens up a new world of joining techniques from the obvious like cabinet face frames to attaching fridge end panels securely and unobtrusovly to the floor. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Hang new kitchen cabinets, tile the bathroom wall, install a border in the baby's room, add shelving to your home office--the Black & Decker BullsEye laser line generator and stud finder is the tool for the job. In fact, the BullsEye is two tools in one. The built-in stud finder works at depths up to 3/4 inches and provides both an LED and alarm indicator to signal when you've reached the edge of a stud. Once you locate the studs in the wall you're working with, you can then hang the BullsEye at the appropriate height using either the included drywall pushpin (for drywall surfaces) or the keyhole insert with a standard screw or nail (for all other surfaces). Activate the self-leveling laser lines, and the built-in pendulum levels the unit automatically. Depending on the light conditions in your work area, the laser lights should be visible up to 10 feet in either direction. No more chalk lines or straight edges. Just a clean, accurate guide for where to place your fasteners. The included target cones are effective up to 50 feet in either direction of the unit, providing an overall work surface of up to 100 feet in length. The BullsEye works best indoors and is intended for the home enthusiast. Professionals will likely want something a bit more versatile (the BullsEye works only on a true horizontal axis, so it can't determine plumb or set a straight line at any other angle).--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Target cones enhance visibility of light at long distances
• Laser line automatically levels
• Stud finder detects studs through walls up to 3/4-inch thick
• Rubber overmold provides comfort and grip when handheld
• Hanging pin fastens unit to wall for hands-free convenience

Reviews (25)

How did we live without this?
This tool is WONDERFUL.It's the best stud-finder we've ever used.It actually is accurate!I just used the laser level to hang borders in three rooms, and the job went a whole lot faster and smoother than I anticipated.Worth the investment!

Handy, but not super accurate
This is a really good product idea, but unfortunately mine didn't live up to expectations. My laser level is about an inch out of level over 10 feet. That's probably within building specs, but I figured a product packing a laserbeam would be a lot more accurate.

I have some walls that are 20 feet long. I'd hoped to put this level on the wall and hang a bunch of pictures along a level line, but I can see the few inches of error when I look for it, and that'd drive me nuts.

I only use it for jobs that my spirit level can't span, but that are still under about 10 feet. Anything bigger and I get the chalk line out.

Great Tool
I love this tool. We built a new house and I used it for hanging curtain rods, verticla blinds, pictures and shelves. Our wall decorations look organized and very stylish. I like the fact that you can mark on the adjacent wall.

We have these shelves for my kids room that are beautiful but are a total nightmare to hang. It took me 3 tries at our previous house to hang them because there is no room for variance. I hung them in 1 try using this tool.

I have read other reviews where people complain about the holes left when hanging the device and it's nonsense. It really is a pin sized hole.

This is the best tool I have purchsed in 10 years because it saves me so much time when doing projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Measuring & Layout Tools    4. Line Lasers    5. Scanners    6. (Stud Finders)    7. (Studfinders)    8. (Stud Sensors)    9. (Stud Sensers)   

Editorial Review

While there are a number of rotary tools on the market made by a host of different manufacturers, the Dremel Moto Tool is the one they all strive to copy. Dremel's MultiPro variable-speed model is great for a huge range of projects, from home improvement tasks to hobbies and crafting. It has a continuously adjustable speed range from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm, which allows the user to effectively work with materials as soft as balsa wood and as hard as ceramics. The flexible shaft that comes with this model is great for working in tight spots many rotary tools can't touch. The kit also comes with an assortment of accessories and a handy carrying case. Others may copy it, but Dremel has been making rotary tools so long they've come close to perfecting the idea. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Variable speed, from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm
• Quick-change collet
• Flexible shaft attachment, 77 bits, and two clamps
• 5-year warranty

Reviews (23)

I love my dremel
After more than 10 years of heavy use (maybe abuse) my Dremel 395
finally died last night.I can't get a new one fast enough, but I thought I might take the chance get a newer model.Alot could have changed in ten years, but after reading the reviews of the newer 395D and 400 models it sounds they would never stand up to the way I use my Dremel.So I think I'll be getting another trusty 395.

Great Tool & Value
Wanted one of these since was a kid.Finally (at 40) bought one and cant figure how I used to do projects without one.Anyone considering the kit without the flex shaft should reconsider.The flex shaft makes this the most versatile tool I own.

VERY VERSITILE....
I recieved this tool as a christmas gift in 2003. I make decorative boxes of all types and thought it would be handy for sanding tight radius, especially inside the box cavity. It does this duty extremely well, I am able to effectively remove all saw marks in those real tight area's and achieve a nicer finished product. What did surprise me was how many other task's I can use this little powerhouse for. I find myself using it for carving contours on the outside of the boxes a lot, with the variable speed you can maintain control easily, following the grain pattern, no matter how wild it may be. Then using one of the fine pointed stones, I can undercut the contour and polish it out, leaving a real head scratcher of a detail not usually found in decorative boxes. I use it to end cut drawer handles that are too small to chop with a saw, and to trim "keys" on mitered corners. Every time I am trying to think of a way to accomplish some wild (dumb?) way to accomplish something with wood I end up reaching for the dremel. With the flexi shaft, vari speed and "pencil" end it is so easy to control, that you can let your imagination get the best of you and still accomplish the finish you are looking for. Every one know's the common capabilities of this little tool, cutting, carving, sanding, grinding, etc, etc, but there are more.
I have had and used this tool for a year now and have had zero problems with it. I too wish I could find some finer sanding tubes, up to 220 would be nice, but I have made some using a worn out tube, 220 paper and super glue. Not a glamorous looking device but it works. When using the stones to polish wood they do clog up, just touch them to a rubber sanding wheel cleaner and they clean right up. I made blocks to hold all the differant attachments, and the case sits in one of the bins under my worktable. I am very happy with this tool and would recommend it to anyone for light, tight work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dremel    2. (Dremmel)    3. Rotary Tools   

Editorial Review

The Wave is the flagship of the Leatherman line, and we would argue that it's the company's most versatile multitool to date. It comes loaded with 17 different tools, including everything from pliers to screwdrivers to wire cutters. We really like the Wave's quality construction, its four locking blades, and the fact that the user can get at the knife without having to open up the whole tool--a nice improvement over the original model. While nobody's going to replace a tool set or do major auto repairs with the Wave, it's absolutely invaluable for a wide range of quick, on-the-spot jobs. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Includes a nylon belt sheath
• Blades that are accessible from the outside of the tool
• 17 tools in 1
• 25 year warranty
• One handed opening

Reviews (70)

Nice tool! Sheath not very "Deluxe".
The tool looks very useful and well made but the sheath looks like a piece of junk.

Don't leave the bedroom without it
I have had the wave for years now, and I have finally worn it down to where I need to get a new one.This thing has been at my side and provided me with countless experiences of being able to fix something ON THE SPOT.The weight is not too heavy at all for me. The scissors work great (I have even cut stainless steel shim with them).The pliers have been used for numerous fixes and the jaws of mine have finally worn smooth.The wire cutters have worked great.The hard wire cutter has never failed me unless I am trying to cut steel cable (a difficult task for any pair of plier-like cutters), but even then I can still manage to do it.The screwdrives have been abused yet still function very well.The blades accept a good sharpening and last for a good while after sharpening.The file is bar-none the BEST file on any multi-tool I have ever seen, and is better than most dedicated files I have used.The diamond file is spectacular.The single-handed blade opening and single-handed plier opening are features I have come to depend on.This is just a great tool that allows me to GET MORE DONE!The leather sheath is also very rugged yet quickly became supple and remains a durable home for this tool.
No, it's not the perfect tool for any one specific task, but it is a very useful tool nonetheless and serves it's purpose without fail.I am amazed mine has lasted as long as it has considering how often I use it, which is pretty much every single day.If I am wearing pants or shorts with a belt, then I have my leatherman.The only nuisance is I have to remember to pack it in my luggage prior to flying!
Worth every penny, and then some.

A nice try with room for improvement
I am a hunter, knife collector, long range bicycle rider, fisherman and construction worker. I have used a leatherman wave for the past 7 months. While it is by far the best multi tool I have ever seen, it most definitly not without it's faults. The biggest general problem is the tiny standard blade. It will cut paper and a few other things, but it's not suitable for large tasks. Another problem is the "wire stripper". This lousy feature is not much better, if any than a standard utility knife at stripping wire. Stripping wire like this simply wastes time. The well made scissors could easily be replaced by real wire strippers, or you could make the tool larger and fit both which would make this a far better device for those who use tools for a living. The final problem is a lack of a small phillips screw driver. This is a a very important tool which I hope will be included on future models. I personaly think leatherman would do well to make their tools fifty percent larger so they could include bigger blades, a real wire stripper and a much smaller philips screw driver. The wave is tiny and making it a little bigger would not really sacrafice portability. Even with it's problems this tool has served me well. If you have a need for such a tool the wave is the best out there. By the way, I never did get a tool adaptor so I don't know what to tell you about those. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Swiss Army Knives)    2. (Knife)    3. (Multitools)    4. Camping Accessories    5. Hand Tools    6. Multi-tools   

Editorial Review

The lightweight and portable Mr. Heater MH9B propane heater is amust for anyone looking to stay warm in cold conditions. Designed foruse indoors or out, the MH9B heats up 200 square feet of spacequickly, safely, and efficiently. A spark-to-light ignition andautomatic low-oxygen shutoff system make the MH9B a safe alternative toother heaters. Use it in the garage or workshop, while camping, at thecabin, in the fish house, while hunting--anywhere you need to stay warm.Pack it in your car trunk for roadside emergencies, or fire it up as abackup heater on those cold nights when the power goes out in your home.Freestanding or wall mounted, this is one heater you'll feel confidentusing for years to come. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Runs for up to six hours on one disposable propane cylinder
• 4,000 or 9,000 BTU radiant propane heater
• Low-oxygen shutoff system operates automatically
• Designed for indoor/outdoor use
• Uses the standard 1-pound disposable propane cylinder

Reviews (29)

Little Heater is a Big help!
This heater has a small footprint and doesn't take up much space.It is working great in our garage as a supplement to our electric heater.It is nice and toasty up close to it, and it warms our 2 car garage up slowly to a decent level to do woodworking.It is perfect because my second electric heater was tripping the circuit breaker whenever I used power tools.

The only thing to remember is to keep it away from the sawdust!I like it so much, we're buying another one, so we can ditch the other electric heater.(I'm tired of tripping on cords!)

Reply about Lack of filter ruined my heater.
When I pulled my heater out to use it the pilot wouldn't light. I diagnosed my problem to be the regulator, not the control valve. The guy's statement about using a trap (filter) for 20lb tanks is incorrect.If what he said was true why isn't there a trap (filter) on every gas grill, outdoor heater, and any other appliance that normally uses a propane tank other than the 1lb tank? The reason for the trap (filter) is when the gas supply is delivered by iron pipe. Initially the pipe has oil inside it due to the manufacturing process and to prevent it from rusting before it is put into use. The viscosity of the oil is heavy so the trap (filter) collects this oil and later any scale that may occur from the inside surface of the pipe. Without the trap (filter) the oil or particles of scale could end up in the control valve preventing it from operating properly. If you use copper lines or a rubber gas line there isn't any need for a trap(filter).

About filters....
The mention of filters that I saw was a recommedation for a TRAP, not a filter, as it was called. It is common in professionally installed propane appliances to have a trap. I haven't ever seen a trap used on a portable appliance. The trap is essentially a pipe "T" with a short section of pipe going down, terminated by a cap. The other side of the "T" goes up to the appliance.The trap allows chunks of debris fall into it; it is in no way a filter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Heaters    2. Camping Accessories   

Editorial Review

Bosch builds good saws. This 10-inch sliding compound miter saw has the smooth, easy-to-control action we demand in a slider. This saw's built burly, too--here's a slider that looks likely to survive a tumble off the back of a pickup truck (not that we tested it). The blade guard has good action and retracts well, so visibility and motion aren't restricted when cutting and there's no danger of it binding or sticking. The grip is contoured and tapered for the human hand, no matter the size--but there is a safety switch that makes this saw difficult to use left-handed. Bosch has also cleverly mounted the important wrenches and keys on the body of the saw (exactly the sort of attention to detail that makes toolhounds happy). We tip our hardhats to the good people at Bosch; they've made a great saw. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• Dual rail design - For superior accuracy
• Powerful 13.0 Amp motor, 2.8 max. tool HP
• Crown miter detents - 31.6? miter and 33.9? bevel detents for quick, accurate crown cuts
• Large 25" aluminum base with 3" extension for 28" total length - Provides extra support
• Tall 3-1/2" Fence - For easy bevel set-ups and increased crown molding cutting capacities

Reviews (78)

Bosch rocks
Personally, I think woodworkers around the country should trade in their power tools for credit and replace them all with Bosch.
I started using bosch tools over 12 years ago in a furniture shop, and my first experience with their tools was a jigsaw, which apparently has since reached legendary status.
This particular jigsaw was thoroughly abused every day for years.We'd burn through all the sears brand stuff, replacing them every few months, but the Bosch tools only needed the occasional cleaning and replacement blade.
I saw first hand the kind of torture Bosch tools could withstand and have been a devoted fan ever since.
In addtionl to the durabiltiy inherent in nearly ALL their tools, i've also found them to be highly ACCURATE, which is absolutely required when crafting furniture.
This particular tool carries on the long tradition of high quality, tough, accurate and well designed tools from bosch.
I'd give their tools 6 stars if i could.

You won't beat this deal!
I must admit I was worried about purchasing this saw, because it seemed to cheap (price) compared to comparable Dewalt, Porter Cable, makita saws.However, bosch makes great equipment, and they came through with this one as well.

After setting this up and testing it, I have to give it 5 stars simply because the price is unbelievable, and the saw performs flawlessly.There are a few minor things I would change if I could, but they are minimal and not very important, only matters of design, convenience, etc. see below.

One negative reviewer stated that the detents weren't adjustable, and couldn't believe Bosch would build a saw without adjustments.This is incorrect.In order to adjust the angles on a miter saw, you need to change the relative position of the detents to the fence.On some saws, like the Porter cable, you can move the detents.On others, such as this, you move the fence.(The detents are cast in position and can't be moved).My saw wasn't correct out of the box, so I followed the instructions and loosed the fence and squared it to the blade with a combination square.However, this was difficult to do, and it still ended up slightly out of adjustment when tested on a board.My advice, which made it a piece of cake:Pick a 12" piece of wood with a perfectly straight edge (I used MDF), make a cut, check the square, adjust the fence and retighten, make another cut, and continue until you are dead on square at 90 degrees.This method wasted a little bit of wood, but I got it adjusted dead on accurate in about 5 minutes, and no fumbling around with a square against the blade.

Once I got the 90 degree detent in position, I checked the others making 45 degree cuts in both directions on 6 inch material and the results were PERFECT.I mean dead on perfect.I can't imagine better miters.

Another reviewer said there was play in the detents of 1 degree or so.If you put it in a detent and don't tighten the knob, there is some play, but only like 1/4 degree or so, and if you tighten the knob as you are supposed to, the play is taken up and the blade centers on the detent dead on in the middle, same place everytime I try it.If used correctly, there is no play.

Other positive's:
-Comes with a quality 40 tooth blade.You don't have to buy a new blade to get good results with this saw.Most of the others come with a cheap blade that will cause tear out on your trim.
-Wrenches included for fence and blade, and mounted on the rear of the saw in convenient places.you'll never find yourself without the wrench you need.
-Adjustable slide on left end of saw gives you a little bit of extension in the table, about 4-5 inches.
-No upward kick with startup like my old delta saw, and what I hear from dewalt.I hated my old saw for that.I would line up the cut, and then when I hit start, the saw would kick and make my board jump, and I'd have to line it up again with the blade spinning.This saw doesn't do that, I'm happy to say.

Negatives:
-Dust collection isn't very effective, but I've never seen a miter saw that is.Seems average to me.
-Handle is vertical position.I would prefer horizontal like the dewalt, but I don't think it's worth paying the extra money.Then again, I don't make miter cuts all day everyday.
-Blade guard is a little too cautious in my opinion, and not adjustable.Guard stays pretty low to the table, so when you are lining up the cut, you have to have your eyes nearly level with the board to see your mark.In other words, the guard obstructs your view if you are looking from above the saw at all.Easy fix is to mount the saw in a high position, as most people do with miters anyway.However, if you put the saw on the floor temporarily to do a few quick cuts, this can be a real pain.

Overall, a lot of thought went into the design of this saw.It is well constructed, the quality you'd expect from bosch, and dead-on accurate.It does everything I would expect it to do and more, and at a price that I still can't believe.I had reservations before I bought it, but now I'm thrilled that I did.Thanks Bosch!

great blade
It's great for slicing wood (walnut,maple,redwood,and mahagony) very clean and precise.It can slice just about anything.I have read that the Makita has a nice blade included with their model and the Hitachi with the LAZER sounds cool ($500.00) but this saw was excellent for the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bosch    2. (Bosh)    3. Saws    4. Miter Saws    5. (Mitre Saws)    6. (Mitersaws)    7. (Mitresaws)