Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Shop For Bosch 1591EVSK 6.4 Amp Barrel Grip Jigsaw


I've owned and used quite a number of different jigsaws over the past 30-some years and never really liked any of them. My attitude was that they were mostly a necessary evil at times, but I usually did anything I could to not use one at all. My old one died a couple of months ago, so I bought a cheap Porter Cable. That PC is a pretty nice little saw, with lots of features that I liked, such as an LED work light, but I didn't like it so much when the going got tough. So, I decided to see if there was any saw capable of doing what I wanted to do. After reading lots of spec sheets, reviews and user opinions, I decided to take a chance on this Bosch unit.

It arrived a couple of days ago and I immediately put it to work on a couple tough jobs. All I could say was WOW!

This Bosch is by far, the most capable, easiest to use jig saw that I've ever had in my hands. There isn't a second or third place finisher in this race, as far as I'm concerned. The power, control over the cuts and comfort with the barrel grip is just what the doctor ordered. It's just a very sweet machine. I've changed my mind on jig saws. I love this little saw.

My only gripes are that it doesn't have an LED work light and it only accepts T-shank blades. No big deal. I'll glue an LED on my forehead and use the Universal blades that I have for the light duty jobs that the PC can handle. Maybe..... Dunno if I ever want to use the PC again, instead of this Bosch, so those blades might just turn to rust before they are ever used.

Dunno why many of these top end tools don't have LED work lights. I have a couple of new tools that have them and they are useful at times, like when working under the kitchen counter. Regardless, I love this little saw. Did I mention that?
Get more detail about Bosch 1591EVSK 6.4 Amp Barrel Grip Jigsaw.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

DEWALT DC742KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver


I have had a DeWalt drill for some time. I really like the chuck design which makes placing a drill bit or screw driver bit easy and almost a one-handed operation. The stop when power is shut off is a nice touch as well. The rugged good looks and attractive design seem to be just right. This new drill is smaller in size but just as powerful as my last DeWalt drill. My son now has my first drill and I have the new smaller version.Get more detail about DEWALT DC742KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Makita LCT203W 10.8-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Two-Piece Combo Kit Review


I was quite excited seeing and using tool on the job site,a cabinet installer recommended it to me.

I did not examine his case carefully so i was EXTREMELY disappointed in the poor design, engineering, and materials used in the production of the case.

To start from the outside, the shiny silver covering reminiscent of abs high impact plastic is actually a thin Mylar like film which arrived dented, bubbled and apparently detached from the substrate. The corner reinforcements are purely decorative, and what rigidity the case does have seems to be provided by the thin aluminum frame.

When i opened the case i was further disappointed. the foam is not high density and the tools are not held in the case securely, which is the entire reason for a case. . .

While an empty box is good for packing in drill indexes and accessories, this so called case, appears to protect the tools while in actuality, leaves the tools loose to rattle around with out interior stays or matching foam to hold the drill/drivers in place, on the top half of the case.

Regardless of the fact the "drill" does not come with a chuck (hello open your eyes) or that the product information is poorly written and on the cheapest newsprint i have ever seen, lacking diagrams or part indexes.
I immediately returned the tool for refund.

I'm hoping to have better luck with the Panasonic, i understand they build the motors for Makita, and certifiably in my experience, engineer the cases much better with actual thought as well as quality.Get more detail about Makita LCT203W 10.8-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Two-Piece Combo Kit.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets This instant


This is the second 1617 I have purchased because I liked the first one so well. I have other brand plunge routers but this one is the easiest to use. The step gauge depth design is really great for make multiple passes when going very deep into wood. Plenty of power for almost everything and not so heavy you can't use it for everything. I do a lot of free form work using templates and the Bosch template system is very quick to change out when going from one size to another. I prefer to use the universal screw-in adapter and use brass guides from other manufactures. The Bosch guides are kind of flimsy. Highly recommend this router, especially if you only are going to have one router.Get more detail about Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Hitachi NT65MA2 15 Gauge 1-1/4-Inch to 2 1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer Get it now!


I'm not as experienced with nailers as a lot of the folks that have already posted here. I'm only posting to chime in and say that this nailer seems to be a very fine tool.

My only problem with it was with Bostitch 2 1/2in nails. These nails jammed terribly in my gun. Apparently they are collated at a different angle than the Senco and other nails that are available for 15 gauge nailers. I've run several sticks of Senco 2 1/2in nails without a single problem. Get more detail about Hitachi NT65MA2 15 Gauge 1-1/4-Inch to 2 1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Cheapest Skil 2336-02 iXO 3.6-Volt Cordless Screwdriver


This device is functional but not else. The forward/reverse button is in a terrible place. I can't tell you how many times I've hit it on accident and screwed the wrong way.
It should have been placed on the top. The most damaging flaw is the fact that chuck will not stay still when you try to remove a stubborn screw. The chuck will just keep turning and will not get the screw stared. The drill usually doesn't have enough strength to break a screw on it's on so you have to manually turn the driver, but the chuck will not hold still to do it. Once you do get a screw started it does fine. I would not recommend this drill if you use it on a daily basis like I do. However if you use it occasionally around the house it is a decent drill. I would recommend the black and decker version of this drill. I had it before this drill and it is a much better drill. I wish I would have purchased it again.Get more detail about Skil 2336-02 iXO 3.6-Volt Cordless Screwdriver.