Woodworking

Stanley 87-792 8-Inch Long MaxGrip Adjustable Wrench Top Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:14:00 +0000

A very well made tool, well machined and nicely balanced. It has a comfortable grip and does its job well. I'm becoming a big fan of Stanley Tools.Get more detail about Stanley 87-792 8-Inch Long MaxGrip Adjustable Wrench.

Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base This instant

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:16:00 +0000

First things first: when you buy an edged tool, you WILL have to hone the blade. Planes WILL need to be tuned. This one didn't need to be honed or tuned much, and was in working shape in about 20 minutes, about the average, in my experience, for decent woodworking tools. After that, it worked like a charm. The rounded, enameled handles are a little slick if your hands get sweaty, but this is a pretty minor flaw. The blade is excellent and holds its edge through several hours of shaping white oak staves, and the 2-screw blade leveling system, though it has more play in it than I usually like, is rock solid once you get it set. This is a tool that should give good service through at least 2 generations, all for under $20- pretty good deal if you ask me.Get more detail about Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base.

Milescraft 1212 Sign Pro Router Signmaking Jig Immediately

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:16:00 +0000

If I paid full price I think I would have sent it back. Not very sturdy parts. It does do the job its intended for, but for what it cost at regular price, it could have been beefed up a bit.Get more detail about Milescraft 1212 Sign Pro Router Signmaking Jig.

Incra T-RULE06 6-Inch Precision Marking T-Rule Best Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:15:00 +0000

Have not used the tool yet, but I think it will be very helpful tool.Get more detail about Incra T-RULE06 6-Inch Precision Marking T-Rule.

Shark 10-2204 Dowel/Dovetail/Detail Saw Get it now!

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:16:00 +0000

I initially bought this saw because it's advertised as being able to cut dowels or plugs flush with a surrounding surface. I tried this a few times, and was fairly disappointed - it cut easily enough, but scratched the surrounding surface badly! After more research, I learned that a true flush-cut saw does not have any "set" on the teeth (i.e. the teeth aren't bent out from the saw plate. Some set is important to prevent the saw plate from binding in deeper cuts, but it means that the teeth will scratch the surrounding surface if it's used as a flush cut saw).
I eventually bought a true flush cut saw from a popular Canadian woodworking/gardening retailer, and was amazed at how much difference that made. The teeth are truly flush with the saw plate, which means they won't scratch your workpiece when you flush cut a dowel or plug.
Not so on this Shark saw - the teeth do have set and will scratch your workpiece if used for flush cutting. Some significant time spent with a sharpening stone could theoretically remove this set, but the impulse-hardened teeth would make this more difficult, and it would be hard (for me at least) to justify that time and trouble when ready-to-use flush cut saws are available for only a few dollars more.

Second, this saw is advertised as "Ideal for dovetails..." While it may be strictly FUNCTIONAL for dovetails, it's far from ideal. The vast majority of saw cuts made when creating a dovetail are effectively rip cuts, which means you're cutting along or parallel to the grain of the wood. This type of cut is fastest and most efficient when done using a saw with rip style teeth. This Shark saw has teeth shaped for CROSSCUTS (perpendicular to the wood grain), so it's optimized for slicing through wood fibers in this orientation. It will still make rip cuts, but these cuts will be slower and potentially harder to control than they would be with a rip-specific saw. In other words, you could use this saw for an occasional dovetail, but again, it's definitely not "ideal".

The third descriptor in Amazon's title is "detail" saw. Finally an accurate description of an appropriate use for this saw! It does a fine job with small crosscuts and general trimming tasks, and leaves a fairly smooth surface. Nicer saws are available for these general small crosscutting tasks, but this is about as good as it gets for the price.

In summary: If this had been called a "Detail/fine crosscut saw", I would have given it a much higher rating. However, it's NOT a flush cutting or dovetail saw, and shouldn't be advertised as such. If you're looking for good saws for these specific tasks, look elsewhere.Get more detail about Shark 10-2204 Dowel/Dovetail/Detail Saw.

Stanley 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape Buy Now

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:16:00 +0000

The FatMax has a durable look and feel, but make no mistake, obsolescence is built-in. After a year and a half of occasional use, the spring broke and is not replaceable.Get more detail about Stanley 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape.

Milescraft 1213 Complete Door Mortising Kit Order Now

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:15:00 +0000

I disagree with other reviewers who trashed this product. I am a contractor and I have owned a number of templates and jigs over the years.

I bought this one because I was impressed with the variety of templates included. For the price, I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. I threw away the little nails that came with it and used #6 screws to secure the frame. From that point, it worked great. Instead of a large router, I just used my cordless laminate trimmer - very light and maneuverable.

I love the tool. I gave it a 4 rather than 5 only because I thought the materials used could be better. Actually, I would rate it a 4.7 if I could.Get more detail about Milescraft 1213 Complete Door Mortising Kit.

Renaissance Wax Decide Now

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:16:00 +0000

Product is every bit as good as advertised. Easy to use, works like a charm. I will order again.Get more detail about Renaissance Wax.

Stanley 45-300 Aluminum Carpenters Square Right now

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:16:00 +0000

There's not much to judge on a device like this. It's aluminum, so it shouldn't rust. The markings are clear and legible. It is indeed square (90 degree angle).

But I'm giving it 3 stars due to the obnoxious label on it. It's 3" long and runs edge to edge on the long side. When I tried to peel it off, I only got a little bit of label. I tried a few more times with the same result. The paper is peeling off in tiny pieces, and the adhesive is still stuck to the square.

After a few minutes with a razor blade and goo-gone I'll have it off, and can use it happily ever after. But really, Stanley, use a label that comes off cleanly and easily.Get more detail about Stanley 45-300 Aluminum Carpenters Square.

Lowest Price Milwaukee 6180-20 15 Amp 14-Inch Abrasive Cutoff Machine

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:15:00 +0000

I've had a metal shop for over 20 years and this is the best chop saw I've ever used. I would recommend it to anyone. I shopped around quite a bit and this was a great price.Get more detail about Milwaukee 6180-20 15 Amp 14-Inch Abrasive Cutoff Machine.

Low Price Freud C400 6-1/8-by-11/16-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives, 3-Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:14:00 +0000

These blades are so dull, I couldn't even cut my finger with these. I contacted Freud directly about it and all I received was "thats our blade thats how they come. If you don't like it you should return them to where you bought them. We don't get any complaints about our blades"

Umm YES you do get complaints because I was complaining with him right then. The dull blades I am replacing are sharper than these brand new Freud blades and Freud has ZERO concern.

These are terrible.Get more detail about Freud C400 6-1/8-by-11/16-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives, 3-Pack.

Save Karcher 9.558-112.0 Pressure Washer Vehicle Wash and Wax SoapPac - 12 Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:15:00 +0000

The soap is weak and ineffective. When you add the cost, I cannot recommend this product at all. Do yourself a favor and buy generic soap.Get more detail about Karcher 9.558-112.0 Pressure Washer Vehicle Wash and Wax SoapPac - 12 Pack.

Discount Freud D0640X Diablo 6-Inch 40 Tooth ATB Trim Saw Blade with 1/2-Inch Arbor

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:15:00 +0000

The Porter Cable Sawboss is my go to saw hands down. The only problem is the 6"size and 1/2" arbor is hard to find. This Frued is cheaper than the PC blades, and they're awesome. The first thing I did with this blade was cut down some doors. I always score the top side first to prevent chipping, but for some reason, I made a test cut without scoring and it was perfect. In total, I cut eight doors, two of them top and bottom, without scoring and absolutely no chipping. That's something I might expect from a Forrest blade on the table saw, but not a circular saw. I don't expect that aspect to last the life of the blade, but I'm impressed by how well-made this blade is. If you own a Sawboss, you can't go wrong with this blade - quality and cost.Get more detail about Freud D0640X Diablo 6-Inch 40 Tooth ATB Trim Saw Blade with 1/2-Inch Arbor.

Cheapest MK Diamond 159407 MK-99 10-Inch Dry or Wet Cutting Segmented Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor for Concrete and Brick

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:14:00 +0000

I had the saw and the pile of 60mm thick pavers to be cut (an 800 sq. ft. project total) but alas no blade. None locally, anywhere, and that included the professional places, not just the Big Boxes with shamelessly undertrained personnel. I chanced upon this blade on Amazon and, not knowing the potential life of one blade, bought two. I completed the project with the first blade still cutting as if it were right out of the box.

Use care and patience and plenty of water in your cutting and, I trust, you will experience the same delight in your money being very well spent on this quality blade.

At the time I was shopping online there were, as I recall, 10 reviews, all positive. I can even allow the 10% grumpage standard in reviews, but this was overwhelming. Shipping was exactly as promised. This story has all happy endings, and I delight in walking on my pavers and admiring my work.

Get more detail about MK Diamond 159407 MK-99 10-Inch Dry or Wet Cutting Segmented Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor for Concrete and Brick.

Cheap DEWALT DW713 Heavy-Duty 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:15:00 +0000

I also own the 12 inch miter and Dewalt makes the best saws. I have a 10inch Milwaukee and there is no comparising to the dewalt. Nice cut and built real sturdy. Worth the money.Get more detail about DEWALT DW713 Heavy-Duty 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.

Buying DEWALT DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 05:16:00 +0000

I bought this saw less than a year ago. With less than ten hours on it, the motor burned out. Dewalt told me to take it to a service center which I did. They replaced the motor, but after getting it back I have problems with the saw stopping in mid cut! To make matters worse, I t will not hold a #2 blade in the bottom blade holder. I use Olson blades, and after ruining a dozen, I called Dewalt again, and once again they told me to take it back for repairs. Since the closest repair facility is 50 miles from where live, this is an uneeded time and expense to me. To make matters worse, the service person I talked to told that was " A fragile machine "! I have been scrolling for 15 years, I bought this to replace a Delta 16 inch that finally died. Funny how I never once had to take it in for repairs in all thse years!!!!!

Get more detail about DEWALT DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw.

Buy Kreg KMA2900 Multi-Mark Multi-Purpose Marking and Measuring Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:14:00 +0000

The quality of the product is great. I'm still learning what the benefits of this are. I wish it had both left and right 45 degree angles and perhaps 30 and 60. Also, I would like to go from one setting to another without having to take the screw out. It could be more useful later as I get more experience.Get more detail about Kreg KMA2900 Multi-Mark Multi-Purpose Marking and Measuring Tool.

Purchase Skil SHD77M 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Mag Worm Drive Circular Saw

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:15:00 +0000

I purchase all of my tools (way too many if you ask my wife) from Amazon and very rarely, because I read all of the user reviews, am I disappointed. In this case I didn't listen to the one reviewer who found the problem with the base plate wobble. After a number of hours trying to figure out why I kept failing to get "square" cuts I finally figured out it was this miserable saw. The plate has a heavy 1/16th to 1/8th play that can't be tightened away. It's how the pin that holds the plate is machined.

Thankfully, Amazon stood by this defective product and accepted the return.

I too always go by the user reviews but BEWARE this time, the 4 to 5 star review is deceiving. If you get one of these defective saws you'll be very very frustrated. I'd get something else until Skill fixes this design problem.Get more detail about Skil SHD77M 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Mag Worm Drive Circular Saw.

Order Porter-Cable BN200B 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:16:00 +0000

I own many Porter-Cable tools. They have never failed or disappointed me.

I have an older version of this Porter-Cable nailer and it's a great nailer even after shooting well over 5,000 nails. Of all the tools in my shop, it's one of my favorites. Indispensible for woodworking and trim.
My first brad nailer was a no-name cheapo that shot maybe 100 nails before it was trash.

I purchased this one as a gift.Get more detail about Porter-Cable BN200B 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer.

Where To Buy Porter-Cable PTA9 1/2-Inch SAE Deep Impact Socket Set, 12-Piece including case

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:16:00 +0000

I was looking for some High quality sockets that could stand up to some heavy duty impact jobs such as axle spindle removals, wheel lugs, axle nuts, transmissions etc.....i bought this kit along with the 3/8 kit to match my porter cable Impact wrench and gun. The gun can put out close to 400ft lbs of torque and these sockets have had no problem helping me rebuild my entire car. The black coating is pretty tough and aside from my 22mm they all have the coating still on them and the only reason the coating from the 22 is gone is because its used constantly for wheel lugs. The quality and weight of these sockets are awesome since its chrome vanadium afterall , i see absolutely no reason to buy a more expensive kit , no matter what job you intend to use them for.Get more detail about Porter-Cable PTA9 1/2-Inch SAE Deep Impact Socket Set, 12-Piece including case.

Shop For Youngstown Glove Co. 03-3060-80-L General Utility Plus Performance Glove Large, Black

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:16:00 +0000

I am an electrician so gloves that can pick up and hold small objects are very important to me. These gloves can do that, and are tough enough for demolition. They seem to be better made than those other gloves that fall apart in a couple of months of use.Get more detail about Youngstown Glove Co. 03-3060-80-L General Utility Plus Performance Glove Large, Black.

DeWalt DW2161 21 Piece Screwdriving and Nutdriving Set in Plastic Case

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 05:16:00 +0000

There are (6) #2 Phillips bit tips and (3) #2 Square recess bit tips in addition to #2 Phillips power bit and #2 Square recess power bit. I personally would not need that many Phillips bits nor Square recess bits. Would like to see Torx 15 and some Allen bits.Get more detail about DeWalt DW2161 21 Piece Screwdriving and Nutdriving Set in Plastic Case.

Forrest WW10407125 Woodworker II 10-Inch 40 Tooth ATB .125 Kerf Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor Review

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:16:00 +0000

Forrest has its reputation for a reason. This blade makes very smooth cuts. There are other blades that do quite well, just depends how much you want to spend.

You can probably get something cheaper that does as well as this, but who knows how they hold up. Fueud glue line blades cut just as smooth. But Forrest is the "best".Get more detail about Forrest WW10407125 Woodworker II 10-Inch 40 Tooth ATB .125 Kerf Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor.

Porter-Cable 5553 No. 20 Biscuits (1,000-Pack) Top Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 05:16:00 +0000

I use biscuits now and again, but I always seem to run out just when I need them. These are top quality biscuits and 1,000 at this price, I'll never run out.Get more detail about Porter-Cable 5553 No. 20 Biscuits (1,000-Pack).

Makita 6347DWDE 18-Volt NiMH Cordless Drill/Driver Kit This instant

noreply@blogger.com (Frank C. Sinater) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:15:00 +0000

This is my second 18volt Makita. First lasted 6 years of mid to heavy use and two sets of batteries before the trigger switch failed. Ordered this one to replace it and then found a new trigger switch for the old one and have it working again....great to have two on hand!Get more detail about Makita 6347DWDE 18-Volt NiMH Cordless Drill/Driver Kit.