Ralph Bagnall knows woodworking. He’s been working with, selling and training people on woodworking hardware for more than 20 years, and his website, Consulting Woodworker, is a great place for information and answers.

Between Ralph’s blog, video reviews and the free plans posted on his site, any woodworker from novice to expert can find a treasure trove of information.

Right now, he’s reviewing the newest tools from FastCap and then giving the tools away to his email subscribers. If you aren’t lucky enough to win, be sure to check out our selection of FastCap products at Tools-Plus.

A portable circular saw or cordless circular saw has become the most frequently used cutting tool for do-it-yourselfers. With the right set of blades, you can use a circular saw to cut wood, metal , plaster, concrete, or other masonry materials. An adjustable base plate lets you set the blade depth for your work piece, and it also pivots from side to side for bevel cuts.

Most professional carpenters use a standard drive  7 1/4″ blade circular saw. The model has a sawdust-release pipe that connects to a collection bag. This saw also comes in a worm-drive model. Some carpenters prefer the worm-drive saw for heavy-duty cutting. Worm-drive saws offer more torque at any given speed. As a result, they are less likely to slow, bind, or kick back when sujected to a heavy load. 

The 6 1/2″ blade  circular saw is both lightweight and more versatile than its bigger brother but it is also less powerful and is limited when cutting bevel cuts or material that is thicker than 2x stock.  

The 4 3/8″ blade trim saw is well balanced and lightweight for easy handling. It has a high power to weight ratio or 7.8 Amps and 11,000 RPMs. With the proper diamond blade, this saw can even dry cut stone and masonry.

Cordless Circular Saws have become more powerful than anyone could have anticipated. The Milwaukee 0740-22 28 V Metal Cutting Saw boasts 3200 RPMs and can cut a 2″ galvanized pipe  in a single pass. Nothing can top the performance of this tool in terms of cutting speed or overall run time.

To get full use from your circular saw, you’ll need an assortment of blades designed for specific cutting tasks. Your collection should include at least one general purpose combination blade with carbide teeth. In addition to cutting wood and sheet material, you can also use a circular saw to cut masonry and thin metal with the appropriate abrasive blade.  Get the most out of your saw by inspecting your blade regularly and changing it as needed. You know how difficult it is to use a dull knife in the kitchen, so don’t forget about your circular saw blade! Also, because circular saw blades cut in an upward direction, the top face of the work piece may splinter. To protect the finish side of the work piece, mark measurements on the back side and place the good side down for cutting.

According to a recent press release, Hitachi Lithium Ion tools will now be covered under an extended 10-year warranty. You can feel safe and secure knowing that each of the Lithium Ion tools purchased from Tools-Plus.com is now backed by a high quality warranty that is sure to keep your tools running at their best for years to come.

This industry leading 10-year Lithium Ion tool warranty is retroactive and applies to Lithium Ion tools purchased since their initial launch back in August of 2006, so you don’t have to worry about being left behind. Hitachi customers who purchased applicable Cordless Lithium Ion tools before this 10-year warranty announcement will automatically be covered and are not required to register or re-register their tools, which is great news for builders or hobbyists that don’t always have time to register tools to get the necessary coverage they need.

Categories of tools that are currently covered under this 10-year warranty include:

• Cordless Lithium Ion Driver Drills

• Cordless Lithium Ion Hammer Drills

• Cordless Lithium Ion Impact Drivers

• Cordless Lithium Ion Impact Wrenches

• Cordless Lithium Ion Circular Saws

• Cordless Lithium Ion Jig Saws

• Cordless Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saws

• Cordless Lithium Ion Blowers.

To view the entire warranty online or for more information regarding this innovation by Hitachi, go to www.hitachipowertools.com, click on customer service, and then warranty information for complete details. Also, to pick up power tools backed by this fabulous warranty, be sure to check out the selection at Tools-Plus.com!

As times are tough, more homeowners are looking to do their own home improvements without the help of contractors. While in some situations this may prove to be smart savings, in others, it’s a sure fire way to add frustration, expense, and agony to your project. Some people just may reap the most benefits by hiring a contractor. So which is better for you?

When you start projects that you’ve never done before, it’s really easy to get in over your head. Most TV home improvement shows tend to make things look easy, when in reality; it may pose a greater challenge. To determine whether or not you’re up to the task, try testing out a small portion of your project or attending a class at your local home improvement center.

Another great idea is to research and flesh out all the details before starting to look at how-to guides. Check out material costs, what Power Tools you may need, and how long the project could take. If you don’t think you can hack it without making a mistake or becoming terribly frustrated, hire a contractor. Feel good? Try your DIY project.

Remember too, these are tough times for contractors, so be sure to shop around to see if you’re getting the best deal. You never know, it could actually end up being a lot easier to hire a contractor at a great price than to do it yourself only to save a few bucks but end up with a weekend-long headache.

In 1980, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was created to market lines of tools in the United States as the result of the success of the Hitachi Koki Company throughout international markets. During the 1980’s the company built its reputation for quality on the success of its pneumatic framing nailer and sliding compound miter saws. Since that time, Hitachi Power Tools have

become a staple in workshops and tool boxes around the world.

According to the official company website, Hitachi has always been committed to innovating current tool technology to deliver a better, more efficient experience for the user. Such dedication to product development has led to a number of firsts and countless improvements in power tool technology. Hitachi has pioneered many tools including:

-Compound Miter Saws
-Cordless Impact Drivers
-Cordless Screwdrivers
-Metal Stud Cutters

In addition, Hitachi is a world leader in metal casting, metallurgical science and plastics technology. This expertise, coupled with Hitachi Koki’s High Speed Motor Technology, Precision Processing and Electronic Control, allow Hitachi to produce lighter, faster, and more durable power tools for the professional.

Tools-Plus.com is a proud carrier of Hitachi Power Tools designed to simplify your next project. Browse through our selection and find out why Hitachi is a name synonymous with quality, long lasting tools that make any job a breeze.

Your workshop is a place to make things happen. Not only can you create and build upon projects, but you can also improve your overall skill in wood working or similar craftsmanship. To keep your shop running safe, here are ten essential safety tips that are important to keep posted at all times:

1.Think Before You Cut

By taking the extra time to consider the task at hand as well as where your fingers are placed, you can avoid becoming one of the countless people injured each year from not paying attention while operating machines.

2.Keep a Clean Shop

Accidents tend to happen in shops that are cluttered and disorganized, so be sure yours stays tidy. Make sure that your work areas are free from items that you could trip over, get caught on, etc.

3.No Distractions

Paying attention to your actions is imperative, especially when dealing with high powered tools. Try to avoid distractions and be sure that you keep your eyes on the blade while cutting at all times.

4.Don’t Rush

Rushing is one of the easiest ways to cause injury. Not to mention, more mistakes are likely to be made. Give yourself enough time to enjoy your craft or hobby.

5.Don’t Force It

Forcing a piece of wood or a blade can cause a powerful kickback that could result in a fatal injury. If you notice your tools malfunctioning, turn them off immediately. Take a minute to evaluate the situation before diving into the problem.

6.Protect Yourself

Wear proper safety gear to ensure that your eyes, hands, ears, and lungs are safe from woodworking related dangers. Tools-Plus.com has a great selection of Safety Goggles, Ear Muff Hearing Protectors, and Dust Masks that are made for keeping you safer while you enjoy your woodworking project.

7.Let the Tool Stop

Giving your power tools enough time to wind down after a cut is essential for preventing injury. Even without power, an operating tool can do a lot of damage.

8.Be Careful of Fumes, Dust

Solvent fumes and airborne dust can cause both breathing difficulties or fire hazards, so be sure that you’re keeping a fresh supply of air moving through your workspace.

9.Wear Appropriate Clothing

Loose clothing or hair can cause severe injury when caught in a machine. Take a minute and make sure that your clothing and hair are kept away from your workspace and don’t present a hazard.

10.Keep Your Judgement Clear

Never work on a project if you’re tired, not feeling well, or not in the right state of mind. By keeping your judgement clear, you can be sure to reduce your chance of injury drastically.

For over twenty years, Tools Plus has been providing craftsmen and hobbyists just like you with the largest selection of tools and accessories on the net. Carrying items from some of the top brands and made affordable to simplify your workshop, look no further than Tools-Plus.com to find the perfect tool to get the job done.

On the official Tools-Plus.com blog, you can be sure to find all of the latest tips on how to make the most of your tools, as well as news, how to’s, product highlights, and other crafting essentials that are sure to make your next project a breeze. Not to mention, from time to time be sure to check us out for exclusive discounts, sales, or other great ways to save on your favorite tools and accessories.

If you’ve got a project, we’re here to help. Let Tools-Plus.com and our official blog outfit you with the tools and know-how you need to get your job done right.

Makita Power Tools started off as a small Repair Shop back in 1915.  Since then, Makita has branched out and is selling all sorts of hand and power tools, from grinders, nailers, sanders and polishers to portable table saws. With the advancement in cordless tool technology, Makita has become one of the leaders in Lithium-ion Technology and their famous LXT series of tools.

Now that spring is almost here, try the Makita 9227C electronic sander/polisher which has become one of our best sellers. Many of our car enthusiasts absolutely love this very powerful polisher. The Makita 9227C has a variable speed from 0 – 3,000 RPM for super slow buffing all the way up to a very aggressive polishing. The electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load. It also has a lock-on button which allows you to use the Makita Polisher at one speed.  Another great polisher is the Porter Cable 7424 car buffer which is guaranteed to bring out the very best finish on the most dull surfaces. What sets this Porter Cable Polisher apart from the rest of the pack is not just the low price, but also the performance and smoothness.

No more excuses for sporting  a dull finish – Get out there and polish.

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