Archive for August, 2009

Tracks

With Festool, DeWalt and Makita making Track saws we often get asked what tracks will work with what saws. Well if you own the DeWalt Saw good news! The DeWalt Saw had been designed so that you can use it on DeWalt Tracks as well as the Festool Tracks and the Makita Tracks since it has slots which will fit any of these tracks. DeWalt also can be used on both sides of its track. This is especially useful when plunge cutting counter tops where the space behind the back plunge cut is too small to fit your saw. You can make your cut on the front of the counter and then just slide your rail so the other side is on the next line you need to cut, and you only need to flip the saw around. The Festool Track and Makita Track have an extra slot on the top for attaching certain accessories, this slot means the Festool and Makita saws can only be used on one side of the rail. The advantage of the secondary slot on the top of the rail is that you can attach various accessories such as the anti-kick back stops or the parallel guide system.

Dust Collection

It is always handy to have some form of Dust Collection hooked up so that you don’t end up with sawdust all over your workshop. All three saws have a 1 3/8″ internal diameter for their dust collection port and will work with the same dust collection equipment. If you don’t already have a dust collector a Wet/Dry Vac that doubles as a dust collector is a good choice. Also many of these Dust Extractors have auto on off features that will detect when your tool is in use and will only run when needed. This is a great way to cut down on noise in your shop and also power use.

Clamps

Makita Track Clamps, DeWalt Track Clamps & Festool Track Clamps are interchangeable with any of the other manufacturer’s tracks since they all use the same sized slot.

Saw Blades

BloomingtonMike: over at festoolownersgroup.com tried out both the DeWalt and the Festool saw and found that the Festool Saw Blades work just fine with the DeWalt Saw, but that the DeWalt Saw Blades were just a little too large to work with the Festool Saw. He did note that with a little grinding on the mechanism for the riving knife on the Festool Saw that the DeWalt Blades should work on the Festool Saw, though we can’t recommend this.

According to a recent release from Metabo Corporation, a leading maker of power tools and abrasives, tool users aren’t just fawning over new tools for their clever features or comfortable grip. In fact, the company just conducted a survey with a variety of tool users using a system of ten features.

The ten features evaluated in the survey included battery charging time; work time per charge; comfort (size, weight, balance); power/torque; tool life/durability; weight; length of warranty; whether the tool was recommended by someone else; inclusion of a worklight; and battery service life. In the end, the results were surprising: two out of the top three features rated in the survey related to battery life.

A similar, unrelated cordless drill study recently completed by an independent global research firm also supported Metabo’s findings and determined that the  importance of battery performance with tool users increased from 2008 to 2009, mostly shown by the increase in the use of lithium ion tools.

So what does this mean for tool fans? Keep on the look out for more tool companies to start innovating their batteries to stay on top of the market.

Back to school season is here and it’s time that you take a moment to review what you know about your tools. No matter what your skill level, it’s always important to know the ins and outs of your tools. Not only is it safer, but it can actually help you complete your next project faster and easier than ever before. You wouldn’t try to drive without knowing how to turn the key, right? The same principle should be applied to your tools.

Over the next few weeks, take the time to “go back to school” and learn the ins and outs of how your tools work, how you can use them safely, and what you can do to make your next project easier. A few moments out of your day to read the manual, watch instructional videos, or to check out tool blogs can help you use your tools smarter while preparing you with the knowledge to buy better tools in the future. You know the basics. Now it’s time to take those skills to the next level by going back to school.

Also, be sure to check out Tool-Talker regularly for more info on tools, tool safety, and other important lessons that can help you grow your knowledge!

More often than not, a ratty old piece of furniture can be salvaged and saved at a fraction of the cost of buying a new piece. When Grandma’s armoire or Dad’s old desk is about to hit the last yard sale of the season, try refurbishing it instead with some of these great tips for repainting furniture.

1. Repainting furniture can be a great way to revitalize your home, however, it’s practically useless if the furniture is already in bad shape. Check to see if the condition of the wood is good and then sand or dispose of as needed. Hardware can be easily replaced, so don’t focus on it.

2. The first thing to do if you’re painting furniture is to sand it lightly to rub off any coatings that could prevent the paint from sticking. Be sure to use a gentle method if you’re working with antiques. Remove all hardware.

3. Next, apply a coat of primer, which can help prevent stains from bleeding through the new paint.

4. Primer must match the type of paint you have chosen. For furniture it’s best to use a satin or semigloss finish in either a latex or an oil-based paint. Never leave primer unpainted.

5. Once you’ve primed, now it’s time to paint. Latex paint is great for painting most furniture pieces without the odor of oil-based paint, although oil-based paint can offer more stain resistance. Either way, be sure you repaint your furniture in a well-ventilated room.

6. In addition to choosing between latex and oil-based, choose the right kind of sheen for your furniture piece. Gloss allows for more shine while flat will work as a matte surface. It’s really up to you.

7. When painting, start at the tip and work down, smoothing paint drips as you go.

8. Once the paint has dried, spot check for any touch ups and paint as necessary. Reattach hardware.

A Voltage Tester is the simplest of tools. Basically telling you whether there is current flowing through a wire while the power is turned on. So you might ask yourself, how can it be improved upon? The Milwaukee 2201-20 Voltage Detector features industry leading non-contact voltage detection technology, and is a versatile tool with uses in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. With its extra bright Work Light and the ability to detect from 90 to 600 volts, this is a handy tool to have in any tool bag not just an electrician’s.  This awesome tool has been nominated as a “Cool Tool”  by Tools Plus along with other innovative Tools by Milwaukee.  Voltage Testers have been around for a long time, but this detection device only has to be held  in front of the wire or receptacle. No longer do you have to bother with leads or plug-in devices.  The 2201-20 is designed so that it easily adds on to the Milwaukee 2217-20 Digital Mulimeter and also the Milwaukee 2266-20 Laser Temp-Gun adding extra functionality to those tools. The Milwaukee 2201-20 runs on a single AAA battery.

Remodeling is making a huge upswing. Remodeling differs from straight construction in that you don’t always know where or what wires or other structural elements are hidden behind walls or under concrete. The new Milwaukee 2290-21 Cordless Sub-Scanner solves this problem. This is the perfect tool for when you need to know what is behind a wall or buried in concrete. With its heavy duty pistol grip and durable rubber over molding this is a professional grade tool made to be used on the jobsite under the roughest of conditions. This tool has the power and versatility that you have come to expect from all of the tools in Milwaukee’s M12 Platform. The Milwaukee 2290-21 Sub-Scanner rolls smoothly on its four wheels detecting rebar up to 6″ deep in concrete as well as telling you the depth of materials beneath gypsum, ceramic tile and marble. This tool can detect the location of wood, PEX, PVC, and metal as well as being able to differentiate between steel (ferrous) and copper or aluminum (Non-Ferrous) metals. The easy to read screen will show you both where the center of a stud is as well as showing you the edges. Voltage detection is also included with this tool so you will know when there are live wires below where you are working.

If you’re a new homeowner, or just starting out on your own, it’s important to have everything you need to get by. Whether it’s the right furniture to the tools, you need to be sure that you can take care of life’s little issues without hassle and keep on going. As you begin to move into your home, make sure that you take care of at least one of those problems by equipping yourself with three essential tools that every home shouldn’t be without:

Cordless Drill

Whether you’re looking to hang up a new picture or install some shelving in your closets, a cordless power drill is a must have in your home. Check out the selection at Tools-Plus.com to choose the right one for you. Remember, even if you don’t plan on using it a lot, still having on on hand is a great idea, especially for those times when screws come loose, hardware falls off and your furniture needs to be put together.

Level

As you look to arrange your rooms and decorate your walls, remember that a level can help you keep things looking straight. As an essential in any home, levels can help out in just about every room of the house. Be sure you grab one today at Tools-Plus.com.

Tape Measures

These easy to use, easy to store tools can be kept on hand just about anywhere. In a drawer or in a tool box, tape measures are great for measuring dimensions of objects, rooms, windows, and doors so you can advance your next project. Don’t get caught without one! Stop by Tools-Plus.com and get yours.

Shopping for power tools can be tough, especially when you’re not totally sure what you’re looking for. To help you out, Tools-Plus.com wants you to consider some of these points for choosing the right power tools for your project:

1. Pay attention to technology developments and see how new features can help you. For example, lithium ion batteries offer much lighter, more powerful performance.

2. Check out local tool distributors and online retailers like Tools-Plus.com for suggestions on what tools may be best for the job. Don’t be afraid to give us a call at 1-800-222-6133 if you have any questions.

3. Consider how you’re going to use to tool. Try to choose power tool options that can allow for you to work easily and effectively. For example, if you’re planning on working in tight spaces, cordless power tools can prove to be a life saver.

4. Make sure you handle the tools before using them. Be sure that it feels comfortable and that you can utilize it for your projects. If you’re looking to buy online, try out a tool at a local store then check out online retailers for a better deal.

5. Always be sure to invest in a high quality charger. Be sure it fits your batteries and offers fast charging capabilities in a tough design.

6. Shop around for tools that may have better features to suit your needs. Don’t just buy whatever tool comes up first. Really look into reviews on the products or ask questions to find out more. Remember, knowledge is power…or, well, power tools.

7. Consider the warranty. If you feel that you’re going to be tough on your tools then look for models that offer extended coverage.