Tools-Plus Tool Talker Blog

There are always holdouts when “the next big thing” comes around. While having the latest iPhone is nice, your life probably won’t be significantly improved by the seemingly endless apps you now have access to. If you are a woodworker, you know better than anyone that the newest tools aren’t always the ones that work best, all the more reason to “hold out”. However, one company with a funny name is redefining the word “clamping block”, and holding out against it would be unwise.

Despite failing elementary school spelling class, the minds behind the BLOKKZ Universal Clamping Blocks are paving the way for a new kind of woodworking. Gone are the days when specialty clamps are the only way to carry out difficult joints. With the UCB5R20 on your side, you can use standard clamps to easily accomplish the following joints: miter, splice, wide angle, single miter, hold down, frame, rabbet, finger, single miter, and acute angles. With these BLOKKZ clamping blocks on your side, even scarf and finger joints won’t give you any grief.

This is where you are saying “what’s the catch” right? Well, the ripple effect can happen when you are using these clamping blocks. Fortunately, the solution is extremely simple; you can remove it from your work piece by steaming, or you can prevent it altogether by taping the included non-slip neoprene pads to the blocks. If your work area is overrun with specialty clamps that rarely do anything but gather dust, maybe it’s time to show them the door and introduce the UCB5R20 from BLOKKZ.

Large, unwanted tree limbs splayed across front yards and streets, taking power lines down to their grave with them. This grim scene was repeated over and over across all of Connecticut and the whole New England area. Our own Tools Plus Warehouse Operations Supervisor, Johnny, was among the over 800,000 homes and businesses left without power after Winter Storm Alfred dumped 8-12″ of snow. He couldn’t even get out of his driveway, due to all the fallen branches and tree limbs! One can only imagine the stream of obscenities that filled the air when he first saw this:

Luckily, Johnny had a Worx WG303 16″ Corded Electric Chainsaw. After he unsheathed the saw from its (included) scabbard (which keeps the chain clean and dry), he went to work.

For a guy like Johnny, the WG303 is just what the doctor ordered. The chain automatically re-tensions and it won’t ever kick back.  ”To get started, it’s oil and go. From taking it out of the box to using it, it’s a matter of minutes.” He raved about how well the 16″ chainsaw worked. Despite weighing just 11 lbs, “it has surprising power, and can handle…I cut 10 inch limbs man.”

“I thought I would use this for cleanup work…but it was strong enough to do the whole job.” While using the phrase “cuts like a hot knife through butter” has turned into a cliche due to overuse, that describes to a T the ease of operation Johnny had with the Worx WG303 16″ Chainsaw.

Being an avid movie buff, the Oscars are something I look forward to every year. Even if my favorite movie of the year isn’t nominated or a particular moving performance won’t be recognized, I always have a blast matching up who I believe deserves Best Actor, Best Picture, etc. to what the academy chooses. The Oscar-equivalent for contractors, woodworkers, and metalworkers has to be when Fine Woodworking & Fine Homebuilding unveils their annual Tool Guide. The special edition issue is more than just doling out awards, though; the experts offer many tips to help newbies and seasoned workers alike carry out a multitude of different jobs and to choose the right tool for them.

The 2012 Tool Guide contains many “tool tests” for a wide range of power tools and machines. Take the Heavy Duty Midi Lathe category, for example. The experts put 5 of the best “midi-lathes” through a series of tests to determine which one is the best. In this case, Delta’s 46-460 12-1/2″ Variable Speed Midi Lathe is the clear winner. Unlike many lathes (including the other ones tested) the Delta model does not lose a lot of speed (only 20%) when operating at a lower speed. It also is reversible, whereas most of the others aren’t. Its 1 HP motor allowed the experts to turn full-size bowl blanks with ease, whereas the weaker motors gave them headaches. Test after test worked in the 46-460′s favor, and so it snagged the award for best overall lathe with ease.

Unlike the Oscars, the results in Fine Woodworking & Fine Homebuilding’s 2012 Tool Guide are not based on popular opinion. The best tools are chosen by workers just like you who want to use the tools best suited for their line of work.

Knowledge is power and Eric Savelle has been selling generators for over 30 years.  He was a live guest on 1320 WATR, specifically talking about Generac Generators and GenTran Transfer Switches.  Eric covers many important questions and just to mention a few:

• Is it OK to run a generator inside the home?
• How will a transfer switch eliminate the need for messy extension cords?
• Should I keep the fuel tank full or empty?
• What kind of draw is involved in keeping the heat on in the winter?

You can listen to the entire Q&A  audio excerpt  of this program on the FAQ section on each Generac Generator page.

Some additional important information regarding generators:

1. Sizing your generator for usage needs.  Using the Generator Sizing Calculator, you can easily decide which household appliances and systems are necessary. Just add up their running and surge wattage to figure out the right generator for your needs.
2. Registering your generator – In the event of an insurance loss, your customer registration will serve as proof-of-purchase.  Also, the manufacturer will provide you with continued important product information.
3. Maintenance suggestions: Winterizing your generator, including what type of oil to use and how often should it be changed.  Above 40°F, use SAE 30. Below 40°F and down to 10°F, use 10W-30. Below 10°F, use synthetic 5W-30. Oil should be changed after the first 8 hours of operation and every 200 hours of run time thereafter. Utilize the hour running meter which allows you to easily keep tabs on oil changes.
4. Gasoline Recommendations: Use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum 85 octane rating.
5. Features to look for when buying your first or next generator:

• Low Oil Shutdown Feature - Keeps the engine from malfunctioning by shutting the engine down before it runs out of oil. Think of your car if it ran out of oil.
• Electric Start - With the click of a button, your generator will start. Although electric start is definitely easier, some of the smaller watt generators have a pull start, which isn’t too difficult to start as well. Just make sure you have the choke engaged.
• Storage consideration - Handle that folds down for easy storage
• Fuel Capacity - should hold at least 4 gallons and above for many hours of running time before you need to fill up again.
• Overloading protection - Circuit breaker required
• Fuel Tank Construction - Sturdy Steel and large fuel gauge for easy reading.

Generac GP5500 Generator

So,  the moral of the story is, do not wait until the last minute to purchase your generator. Instead, take your time and make an informed decision to receive the best generator….at the best price…best suited for your needs!

Suggestions to Ease You into the Fall and Winter Months

What did you do for Labor Day? I went out to this new Mexican Restaurant that opened up down the street. Not a chain restaurant, but a real Mexican restaurant with a great atmosphere. After that, I went with my significant other to a movie of her choice. Maybe you enjoyed a good barbeque with your family in the backyard during the holiday. Maybe you packed up the essentials, hitched on the camper, and went camping in your home away from home. Whatever you did, I’m sure it was a just what you needed to relax and enjoy yourself.

However, as everyone knows, with the passing of Labor Day comes the beginning of fall. That means the kids are going back to school, the leaves are falling off your trees, and you can start to feel the air getting colder. Let’s be honest, short sleeve shirts and sandals no longer feel as comfortable as they did in July. Pretty soon we’re going to be burying those flip flops in the back of the closest, next to those slippers you bought but never wore. It’s those long sleeves, hoodies, and thermal jackets that you’ll be looking for now. You can shop for various fall/winter clothing from different brands, but many of them aren’t worth the money they cost. Yea, they may look nice but they probably won’t last you for the next fall/winter season.

So what now? Well I have few suggestions. You could look into Carhartt clothing. I’ve never seen a bigger smile on my co-worker’s face than when he swapped his regular socks for some Carhartt Cold Weather Boot Socks. At boot height, they are: 62% hi-bulk acrylic, 20% stretch nylon, 17% worsted wool, and 1% Lycra spandex. These socks are even better than those hospital socks, and you get to take these home. Carhartt’s one of the sturdiest clothing brands sold today. Its apparel is made for rough conditions, and hardworking individuals. We offer some of the best prices (in-store and online) on Carhartt apparel, and strongly recommend you checking them out.

Aside from Carhartt, another great addition to your fall/winter apparel is the Milwaukee Heated Jacket. Milwaukee Tools, recognized as one of the finest manufacturers of power tools, decided to take a stab at clothing.

Their result, the light and sleek M12 Heated Jacket. Heated how? Using the same M12 battery that powers Milwaukee’s cordless tools. Fully charged, the battery can keep you warm up to 6 hours. The jacket comes equipped with 3 independent heat settings so you can adjust appropriately as it gets closer to winter. The battery slips into a location at the hip of the jacket so that it isn’t annoying when you’re using it. The material of the jacket is water and wind-resistant, and stands up to the toughest conditions. It’s a great alternative to heavy winter jackets too.

The way I see it, you’re going to be combating the elements of Fall and Winter pretty soon. Think ahead. Everyone knows that the key to a good offense is a great defense.

Written By Joseph Scovill

Delta Machinery Rolls Out With Fall 2011 Promotions

For woodworkers and tool enthusiasts alike, nothing is better than hearing the word “Promotion”. The word lingers at the back of your mind until you have the chance to check out what all the hype is about. Industry leaders with years of experience in the market tend to know a thing or two about customer satisfaction, and DELTA is no different. On August 1^st, Delta Tools and Machinery introduced their Fall/Winter Promotion featuring some of their best in class machines equipped with up to $300 cash back via mail-in rebate, as well as other bonuses.

Products on the promotion include: Delta Table Saws, Jointers, Stock Feeders, Mortisers, Planers, Dust Collectors, and Air Cleaners. All of these products are also backed by Delta’s famous Five Year Warranty. If you’re interested in what products include rebates, just visit our site where we offer a complete list of eligible Delta Machinery.

JET Tools / Kennedy Four Drawer Roller Cabinet: Durability on Wheels

JET offers their name on the Kennedy Four Drawer Roller Cabinet. This JET/Kennedy Roller Cabinet has a powder-coat finish that is resistant to corrosion, abrasions and worst of all, chipping. Mobile and tough; its top, bottom, and back panels are made of 18 gauge steel and are securely welded to the double-wall side panels; giving this roller cabinet a tight and concrete fit. Universal drawer slide system offers unmatchable flexibility of drawer configuration and drawer slide selection. These cabinet drawers are also made of 20 gauge steel, and have three member full ball-bearing slides, with four levels of ball bearings. This allows for effortless feather-light movement even when those drawers are at full capacity.

Afraid of theft? Tools are expensive, and the last thing you need is someone taking a five finger discount at your expense. Knowing this, Kennedy equipped this cabinet with a tamper proof, internal drawer locking system. That means no thief can reach your valuables with a bolt cutter or a hacksaw. JET and Kennedy didn’t rush this on the market either. Ongoing vibration, load impact, and other destructive testing were done to ensure that their product was built right. At a weight of 102 lbs, you can grab the Roller Cabinet by its steel handles, and roll it easily (with 5” casters) into your workshop. With Kennedy products you get American made quality and durability, and JET adds a 2 year warranty for that peace of mind.

Interested in this workshop essential? You can get this Jet/Kennedy Roller Cabinet for only $50, when you purchase any qualifying JET Metalworking Mill or Lathe. The Roller Cabinet is normally value at $700. If you’re the market for a Metalworking Mill or Lathe, grab this roller cabinet too and save. Offer ends October 31^st.

Powermatic Releases Limited Edition Onyx Series Machines

When you think of woodworking machinery, what brand comes to mind? For me, it’s Powermatic Tools. Powermatic has been around since 1921, and this year marks their 90^th anniversary of providing powerful machinery and excellent performance (also known as The Gold Standard). Powermatic’s 90 years in the business (and their increased market knowledge) has allowed them to improve their processes, build a strong bond with customers, and of course, develop superior machines that consistently dominate the market. In 1928, founder Leonard F. Smith introduced the industry’s first Titling Arbor Table Saw. Since then, Powermatic has grown to be a world class leader of industrial woodworking machinery with a 400,000 square foot facility in LaVergne, Tennessee.

In celebration of their 90 years in the business, Powermatic is releasing a line of Limited Edition Onyx Series Machines. Powermatic has chosen seven of their best-in-class machines to undergo a smooth transformation from the famous gold color scheme to a sleek black ONYX finish, adding style to anyone’s workshop collection. As an added value, each Onyx Series machine includes a 90 month warranty and a special bonus item. Check out the seven machines below, and visit our Powermatic Onyx Series section of our site for more information.

JET Tools Introduces Their Jet RED Assurance Service and Support

How many times have you called tech support on the back of your product manual, and gotten someone who is halfway around the world?  It’s frustrating, to say the least. Then you have to wait on hold as each support rep transfers you from extension to extension for about twenty minutes. After an hour of troubleshooting, they tell you that your (fill in the blank) is defective, and that you need to ship it back to the manufacturer so they can send you a replacement. Most of this process is normal for small products like music players and laptops, but not for large machinery like table saws and milling machines. Often the bigger you get, the more hassle it is to get your defective product replaced. However, you won’t have that problem with JET Tools.

Recently, JET introduced its RED Assurance Service and Support (which stands for: Reliability, Expertise, and Dependability). It provides their U.S customers with homegrown technical service and support on every product that they develop. If a JET tool needs service or repair, one of their 750 authorized service centers located in all 50 states can assist the customer. You don’t have to worry about shoddy repair work either, because all service centers are required to be annually re-certified through JET.

When you call U.S Tech Support, someone will pick up the phone right in Nashville, Tennessee. With over 50 years of experience and expertise, these technicians can help you locate the problem and devise a solution. Need a part you can install yourself? Jet has made over 40,000 parts readily available for shipment within 48 hours of your phone call.

Someone might say, “Well, what about discontinued products?”  Large companies are notorious for stiffing you on out-dated products, but not JET. JET supports products up to 8 years after discontinuance. Online, JET provides you with a service center locator. Just type in your zip code, select the radius (in miles) around your town or city, and click Locate. If you want more advanced search results, you can also choose a product category and the service capabilities that go along with it. They’ve made it that easy. JET prides itself on its 9 out of 10 customer rated technical support and customer service. For half a century, JET has been a top supplier of Woodworking, Metalworking, and Material Handling products. When you see the JET RED Assurance stamp, you can rest assured that behind every product comes decades of reliability, expertise, and dependability.

Written By Joseph Scovill

Tiles are both waterproof and durable. What better time to think about tackling a tile project then right now! The summer always means family and friends will be getting together. While you spend a lot of time outdoors, I’m sure you think about making your bathroom look presentable and enabling your mud room to handle the added traffic the backyard pool will add.

One of the most important first steps before you place even one tile on your floor is making sure you prepare the surface thoroughly and plan and design your work carefully. If you take the extra time to prepare, I guarantee you that the time spent will save you a whole lot of aggravation later on. I’m certainly guilty of rushing my tiling project and regretting it in the end.

When planning and laying out your tiling project always remember that the type and the actual size of the tile will affect your overall design and how you work. Obviously the larger the tile the less time it will take to install a room, but large tiles also have their pitfalls, especially if you are dealing with an uneven surface. Visualize your room and dry layout your design using a square, level and chalk line, insuring that your design will be straight.

Tile Floor Layout

When cutting your tile, we recommend using a wet-cutting electric tile saw. However, we do not recommend using one of those throw-away, under $100.00, big box store tile saws with an inexpensive blade.  What we do recommend is buying one of the Lackmond “The Beast” Tile Saws. Now many of you do-it-yourselfers probably have not heard of this company, but our Tile Contractors certainly have.  Lackmond only manufacturer’s products specific to this industry with products such as: Diamond saw blades, grinding wheels, drill bits, concrete saws and tile saws. Too often your tile project is impeded by faulty equipment and a bad diamond blade. When quality counts and you do not want to have to replace a tool a short time down the road, then the Lackmond “The beast” Wet tile saw and Wet Tile Circular Saw is the answer. The Lackmond WTS75L, at just under $200.00, is an awesome deal for a contractor-grade, portable tile saw.

Lackmond WTS750I Tile Saw

Tools Needed for this Project:

Plumb Bob

Chalk and Chalk Line

Rubber Mallet

Tape Measure

Knee Pads

Bucket, Sponge, Rubber Gloves