Did You Know?

Whenever you invest in a heavy piece of equipment or even a small hand tool, it is recommended for safety and quality purposes that you perform routine maintenance before and after every use. Not only will this keep your equipment clean and in working condition, but it will also keep you safe. Here are a few maintenance tips that you should use to ensure your equipment is up to par:

1 – Check for dull, broken or bent blades on your different saws. Starting a job with a less than perfect blade may not produce the results you intended for, which can botch a whole job and cost you lots more time and money in the long run. Blades that are not in the right condition can also lead to injury if they break while using your saw or if you force a dull blade. Make sure you are routinely changing/sharpening blades to stay safe.

2 – Clean any dust away from all of your machines. It is inevitable working in a wood shop that you will have wood dust on all of your equipment. When using your machines, make sure all wood dust is cleared off the piece of equipment that you are working with. This prevents any kick back of dust when you power up the machine, which can potentially damage your eyes. This will also make sure that your equipment does not get clogged up with dust, which can cause it to malfunction. A dust collector is recommended on all of your heavy equipment to keep the dust out of the air and your machines.

3 – Oil your tools as much as possible. Check to see if all moving parts are working correctly and in good order. Once you are done cleaning out all the dust and debris, put a few drops of oil in all the gears and moving parts. Some equipment has specific parts that need consistent lubrication to keep it running well.

4 – Examine power cords and check batteries to make sure nothing is leaking or damaged before using.

By performing these simple tips you will be kept safer and your equipment will last longer. Trust us – we’re the tool experts.

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!

Every home needs a tape measure.

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.

While taking on home improvement projects yourself may be a great way to save on time and money, sometimes it just isn’t worth the risk. Certain tasks and projects are going to need a skilled hand and a professional level of expertise. If you’re thinking of tackling any of these projects on your own, most likely it’s best to call in a professional:

• Extensive electrical work

• Plumbing underneath the house

• Roofing work

• Pouring concrete

• Siding above ground level

• Any task in which you aren’t totally confident

By taking the time to reexamine your skills, the risks associated with the job, the tools you have available, and the time you have to work with, you may decide that doing it yourself is not the best option. Once you’ve made the decision, it’s time to look at alternatives or contact a professional in your area. Check the phone book, internet, or ask around to get a feel for what professionals would be best for the job as well as the kind of price range you’re looking at. Remember, complicated projects are worth spending more for. Poor jobs in areas like electrical work or plumbing can spell disaster for your home in the future.

Q:

Will the New Delta 78-138B 36″ Biesemeyer Rail and Tube and the Delta 78-055B 52″ Biesemeyer Rail and Tube work on the older Delta saws.

Biesemeyer Rail and Tube

This rail kit will work on older saws. The two holes in the new and old tables are only different by a couple of thousandths and the user may not have to do any drilling. If drilling is required, it is a simple job. Although there are basic similarities, the New UniSaw and the Beisemeyer Fence system are completely redesigned. Differences include that front tube is now extruded and not steel, the table of the saw is bigger, so the Biesemeyer fence is longer. Because the table is longer the tableboard will not fit older shorter tables on old UniSaw or Contractor Saws.

If you would like to use this rail kit with an older saw the older Biesemeyer Universal table boards will work as long as you drill the mounting holes through the table board.

If you want to be assured of a proper fit for your older model UniSaw the Delta BC30 30″ and the Delta BC50 50″ Biesemeyer Commercial Fence systems are an excellent choice and will not require any special effort to work with your current saw.