Woodworking Tips and Tools http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com Woodworking tips, tool reviews and a discount store Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:54:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 en hourly 1 The table saw is the heart and soul of wood shops http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/the-table-saw-is-the-heart-and-soul-of-wood-shops/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/the-table-saw-is-the-heart-and-soul-of-wood-shops/#comments Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:49:37 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=44 The table saw is the heart and soul of most work shops. I thought it appropriate to share with you a review I recently ran across on ConsumerSearch.com. The review is quite comprehensive in that it review table saws that should meet all needs – from the most basic to the most accomplished.
You will also find that the prices for table saws on this site are considerably below the estimated price listed in the review. So feel free to shop.

Best Portable Table Saw
Bosch 4100DG-09
*Est. $820
Reviews give Bosch the lead among portable table saws, and say the newer Bosch 4100 saws are the best ever, with an improved blade guard system plus a true riving knife to prevent kickback. The most full-featured table saw in the line, the Bosch 4100DG-09, adds a digital rip fence for extra precision. Reviews praise the Bosch 4100 table saws for accuracy, convenient scales, easy blade changes, onboard storage and dust control. The soft-start 15-amp motor has electronic torque control to regulate the output to match the workload. Owners love the wheeled "gravity rise" stand that snaps open or folds flat in a single, lever-activated motion. The only safety feature missing on this portable saw is the flesh-sensing blade brake found on the more expensive SawStop Contractor Saw CNS175-SFA30 (*est. $1,600), but SawStop is the only company that offers this, and its contractor saw costs twice as much.
Fine Woodworking contributor Gary Katz provides the most detailed review of the Bosch 4100DG-09 contractor table saw, including photos that show how the new blade guard system works. Popular Woodworking, a publication with several articles about table saw safety, also tests the Bosch table saw. At Amazon.com, owners review and rate the Bosch 4100DG-09 as well as the less expensive Bosch 4100 and Bosch 4000-09 table saws. Earlier reviews at Consumer Reports and Fine Homebuilding cover the Bosch 4000-09, which lacks the improved blade guard.

Best Budget Table Saw
Ryobi BTS21
*Est. $250

Reviews recommend the Ryobi BTS21 as the best budget-priced portable table saw. It has a dust port plus a large cutting and ripping capacity (27 inches), a two-year warranty and conveniences such as onboard tool storage. Tradeoffs for the low price include a noisy, less durable universal motor, some loss of accuracy, and the lack of important safety features. If you can afford it, experts recommend a Bosch table saw. Even the low-end Bosch 4000-09 (*est. $460) has a better blade guard system, but the Bosch 4100DG-09 (*est. $600) is even safer, with a true riving knife to prevent kickback.

Most reviews cover the Ryobi BTS20, the similar but preceding table saw, rather than the Ryobi BTS21. However, at HomeDepot.com, owners review the current Ryboi BTS21. We found the best comparison tests at Fine Homebuilding. Tests at Consumer Reports are more recent, but much less detailed. Earlier comparison tests at Woodworker's Journal also cover the Ryobi older BTS20, as does the buyer's guide at Popular Woodworking.

Best Contractor Table Saw
SawStop Contractor Saw CNS175-SFA30
Est. $1,600

This long-awaited table saw incorporates the SawStop flesh-sensing blade brake that prevents losing a finger, plus a riving knife and excellent blade guard. These are the same safety features found on the top-ranked SawStop Cabinet Saw (*est. $3,470) but on a more affordable open-legged contractor saw. Reviews say it runs and cuts smoothly, with excellent dust collection through a four-inch port. Cast iron wings (*est. $190) cost extra. A mobile base (*est. $160) or handled jobsite cart (*est. $200) are also available. The warranty is for two years. If you can't invest this much in a contractor saw, the portable Bosch 4100DG-09 (*est. $820) has the same safety features except for the flesh-sensing technology.

Many comparison reviews of cabinet saws praise the SawStop safety features, but the SawStop Contractor Saw is too new to be included in tests of contractor saws – with the exception of an excellent review at Woodworker's Journal which includes a preproduction model of the SawStop. We found the most detailed single-product review of the final version of the SawStop Contractor Saw at Taunton.com, which also publishes an online video of the saw in action. The review at Toologics.com is by an experienced woodworker who's also used the SawStop Cabinet Saw. Earlier, Popular Mechanics gave the SawStop an award for safety features unique among contractor saws.

Budget Contractor Saw
Ridgid TS3660
*Est. $550

The Ridgid TS3660 is the most-recommended budget choice among contractor saws, with high-end features for its price. It comes with cast-iron wings and trunnions for stability, accuracy and low vibration. A Poly-V belt running on machined pulleys also reduces vibration. The three-year Ridgid warranty converts to an outstanding lifetime warranty as soon as it's registered. Some owners report problems keeping the blade aligned on the Ridgid TS3600, and the dust port is sized for a shop vac rather than a true dust collector. Safety features are even better on the Bosch 4100-09 (*est. $600), but this portable saw has only a minimal table.

Contractor saws aren't the most popular type of table, so the comparison tests are fairly old – covering the Ridgid TS3650, similar to the newer TS3660. The Ridgid TS3650 is the top budget choice, based on thorough comparison tests, both at Taunton's 2006 Tool Guide and in Woodworker's Journal. Woodworker Phil Bumbalough provides a more detailed single-product review at Benchmark.com, and we did find one owner-written review of the newer Ridgid TS3660 at HomeDepot.com. Owners provide some useful criticisms of the Ridgid TS3650 at the Ridgid Plumbing Forum and at Lumberpost.com.

Best Hybrid Saw
Steel City 35900G
*Est. $1,350 Compare Prices

The Steel City 35900G is the first hybrid saw to incorporate a true riving knife plus a heavy granite table top that's more stable than cast iron. This new table saw keeps all the features that reviews praise in earlier Steel City table saws, like a tool-free blade guard and excellent dust control. Reviews also praise it for ease in cutting sheet stock. Though expensive, reviewers say the 1.75-hp Steel City table saw could easily be the centerpiece of a workshop devoted to precision woodworking. The saw carries a five-year warranty, ten years on the granite top. The only safety feature lacking is the SawStop flesh-sensing blade brake found on the more expensive SawStop Contractor Saw (*est. $1,600).

Wood Magazine is the first to include the Steel City 35900G hybrid saw in comparison tests, even comparing it with the cast-iron-topped Steel City 35670. Single-product reviews of the Steel City 35900G in Popular Woodworking and Woodworker's Journal highlight new safety features as well as the granite top, and an article on safety features at Popular Woodworking makes note of the riving knife and blade guard system. Earlier comparison tests in Fine Woodworking and Tools of the Trade Online cover the Steel City 35601, now the 35670.

Best cabinet saw
SawStop Cabinet Saw CB31230
*Est. $3,470

Big and heavy cabinet saws provide more power and precision than other table saws. The three-hp SawStop cabinet saw earns top ranking partly for its unusual safety – with the flesh-sensing blade brake to prevent cuts, plus an excellent blade guard and riving knife. But reviews also say its performance, ease of use and dust control are unsurpassed. The only drawback (besides its price) is that it lacks castors. It's also available in a five-hp version, but reviews say a three-hp cabinet saw is powerful enough for almost every user. The warranty is for two years. The same blade brake is now available on the less expensive SawStop Contractor Saw (*est. $1,600).
We found the best comparison tests of the SawStop cabinet saw in Taunton's 2008 Tool Guide, which includes results from the annual survey of readers of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. Workbench, Popular Woodworking and Tools of the Trade Online also include the SawStop cabinet saw in excellent comparison tests. Detailed single-product reviews in Woodworker's Journal and Woodcraft magazine evaluate the SawStop saw not only for its unique safety features but for performance, ease of use and build quality as well.
Davis Wells Deluxe Heavy Duty Table Saw Davis Wells Deluxe Heavy Duty Table Saw Paypal 1 Bid US $1,000.00 21m
Craftsman Vintage TABLESAW FENCE SPACER BAR VGC Craftsman Vintage TABLESAW FENCE SPACER BAR VGC Paypal 13 Bids US $20.50 57m
Craftsman Table Saw Extension W Fence Rail Bolts 8 Saw Craftsman Table Saw Extension W Fence Rail Bolts 8 Saw Paypal 5 Bids US $41.00 1h 6m
Craftsman Molding Cutter Table Radial Arm Saw Blade Craftsman Molding Cutter Table Radial Arm Saw Blade Paypal 6 Bids US $34.78 1h 14m
Craftsman Table Saw Rip Fence Guide 8 113 Model Craftsman Table Saw Rip Fence Guide 8 113 Model Paypal 0 Bid US $19.99 1h 26m
BRAND NEW IN BOX DEWALT TABLE SAW BRAND NEW IN BOX DEWALT TABLE SAW Paypal 6 Bids US $361.00 1h 35m
Skil 10 15 Amp Table Saw 3400 Power Tool Skil 10 15 Amp Table Saw 3400 Power Tool Paypal US $129.99 2h 27m
Ryobi NEW Rip Fence for BT3000 3100 and Sears 22811 Ryobi NEW Rip Fence for BT3000 3100 and Sears 22811 Paypal 2 Bids US $45.00 2h 53m
Ryobi BT3000 BT3100 Dual Slot MITER TABLE NEW Ryobi BT3000 BT3100 Dual Slot MITER TABLE NEW Paypal 3 Bids US $26.70 2h 55m
Sears Craftsman Table Saw Miter Gage Gauge Square Sears Craftsman Table Saw Miter Gage Gauge Square Paypal 4 Bids US $15.00 2h 56m
Sears Craftsman Table Saw Extension Fence Extension Sears Craftsman Table Saw Extension Fence Extension Paypal 4 Bids US $27.75 2h 57m
NEW Jet Miter Gauge w Aluminum Fence NEW Jet Miter Gauge w Aluminum Fence Paypal US $34.99 2h 58m
Kreg KMS7101 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge USA NEW Kreg KMS7101 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge USA NEW Paypal US $97.99 3h
Sears Craftsman 10 Table Saw Fence Hardware Sears Craftsman 10 Table Saw Fence Hardware Paypal 22 Bids US $46.00 3h 2m
Craftsman Sears 10 Table Saw Stand Craftsman Sears 10 Table Saw Stand Paypal 7 Bids US $30.33 3h 7m
Sears Craftsman 10 Table Saw Extension 27 Sears Craftsman 10 Table Saw Extension 27 Paypal 5 Bids US $20.50 3h 11m
Table Saw Router Table Shaper Step Gauge Depth Gauge NR Table Saw Router Table Shaper Step Gauge Depth Gauge NR Paypal 2 Bids US $5.24 4h 22m
RYOBI ETS 1526AL TABLE SAW 10 1500W ALUMINIUM TOP 240V RYOBI ETS 1526AL TABLE SAW 10 1500W ALUMINIUM TOP 240V Paypal 0 Bid US $209.85 9h
Elu E 35171 Table Stand Elu E 35171 Table Stand Paypal US $16.15 12h 58m
Digital Angle Gauge Gage Set Table Saw Blade to 01° Digital Angle Gauge Gage Set Table Saw Blade to 01° Paypal US $29.00 13h 46m
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]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/the-table-saw-is-the-heart-and-soul-of-wood-shops/feed/ 0 LumberJocks 2010 Winter Woodworking Awards http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/lumberjocks-2010-winter-woodworking-awards/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/lumberjocks-2010-winter-woodworking-awards/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:08:10 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=42 The LumberJocks Winter Woodworking Awards 2010 have been announced. These unique woodworking awards are chosen based on votes from readers, and the entries are always very interesting.

This winter's categories is Yin Yang. To put it simply, build a project using contrasting woods or stains that shows off your woodworking skills and creativity, and win prizes based on the votes of your peers.

To learn all the details, check out the LumberJocks 2010 Winter Woodworking Awards.

]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/lumberjocks-2010-winter-woodworking-awards/feed/ 0 Best Router Combo Kit: Bosch 1617EVSPK http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-router-kit/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-router-kit/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:04:23 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=37 The Bosch 1617EVSPK router kit was top-rated in its category by ConsumerSearch.com, Consumer Reports, Amazon and various other respected consumer reviews. Also included is a short review of the product to assist in your decision.

Best Router Combo Kit: Bosch 1617EVSPK

The 2.25-horsepower Bosch 1617EVSPK woodworking router combo kit earns top ranking in more comparison reviews than any other model, leading the pack by a wide margin. (Woodworking router combo kits combine one motor with two bases: a fixed base for table-mounted and trimming work and a plunge base for cutting grooves in the middle of a work piece.) Reviews say the Bosch scales are easy to read, bit changes and depth adjustments are easy and the router excels in overall comfort. The newest version of this model lets you adjust bit height from above a router table, a major convenience. If you don't need both bases, you can spend less on the Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 (*est. $150), which has a fixed base only.
Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 NEW Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 NEW Paypal US $219.99 2h 34m
Bosch 1617EVSPK 225HP Plunge Fixed Base Router Kit Bosch 1617EVSPK 225HP Plunge Fixed Base Router Kit Paypal US $189.99 10d 16h 12m
BOSCH 1617EVSPK 2 1 4 HP ROUTER KIT FIXED PLUNGE BASE BOSCH 1617EVSPK 2 1 4 HP ROUTER KIT FIXED PLUNGE BASE Paypal US $203.00 16d 14h 33m
BOSCH 1617EVSPK COMBO PLUNGE FIXED BASE ROUTER PACK BOSCH 1617EVSPK COMBO PLUNGE FIXED BASE ROUTER PACK Paypal US $189.99 21d 20h 48m
Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2 1 4 HP Plunge Fixed Base Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2 1 4 HP Plunge Fixed Base Paypal US $189.99 21d 23h 18m
Bosch 1617EVSPK Combo Plunge Fixed Base Router Kit Bosch 1617EVSPK Combo Plunge Fixed Base Router Kit Paypal US $259.99 26d 23h
 
]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-router-kit/feed/ 0 Best Fixed-Base Wood Router: Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-fixed-base-wood-router-milwaukee-body-grip-5615-21/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-fixed-base-wood-router-milwaukee-body-grip-5615-21/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:00:40 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=32 The Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 fixed base router was top-rated in its category by ConsumerSearch.com, Consumer Reports, Amazon and various other respected consumer reviews. Also included is a short review of the product to assist in your decision.

Best Fixed-Base Wood Router: Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21

Reviewers recommend the Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 as an excellent first router -- easy to learn to use. It's designed so you can hold it with one hand, and it's lighter than most routers at just 8.8 pounds. This single-speed 1.75-hp Milwaukee wood router lacks dust control, but does have self-releasing collets, so bits are easily changed. Reviewers say height adjustment is easy even when the router is table-mounted. Like most Milwaukee tools, it comes with a five-year warranty. For more versatility, consider the more powerful variable-speed Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit (*est. $250), which includes a plunge base as well as a fixed base.

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]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-fixed-base-wood-router-milwaukee-body-grip-5615-21/feed/ 0 Best Cordless Circular Saw: Makita BSS610 LXT http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-cordless-circular-saw-makita-bss610-lxt/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-cordless-circular-saw-makita-bss610-lxt/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:55:20 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=30 The Makita BSS610 LXT cordless circular saw was top-rated in its category by ConsumerSearch.com, Consumer Reports, Amazon and various other respected consumer reviews. Also included is a short review of the product to assist in your decision.

Best Cordless Circular Saw: Makita BSS610 LXT

Reviews recommend this light 7.1-pound Makita circular saw for comfort, safety and convenience. The 18-volt lithium-ion batteries recharge in 45 minutes and hold their charge a long time between uses. The saw has a laser guide and dual LED lights, plus a dust blower to clear the cutting line. The 6.5-inch blade can cut 2X lumber even at a 45-degree bevel, and the saw comes with a 3-year warranty.
Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion Cordless Circular Saw BSS611 Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion Cordless Circular Saw BSS611 Paypal 17 Bids US $75.00 47m
Makita Trim Saw 2 Batteries Charger Case Clean Makita Trim Saw 2 Batteries Charger Case Clean Paypal 1 Bid US $68.95 3h 39m
NEW MAKITA Lithium Ion LXT 6 1 2 Circular Saw BSS611 NEW MAKITA Lithium Ion LXT 6 1 2 Circular Saw BSS611 Paypal US $99.99 20h 54m
Brand NEW MAKITA LCT203W Li Ion DRILLIMPACT DRIVER KIT Brand NEW MAKITA LCT203W Li Ion DRILLIMPACT DRIVER KIT Paypal US $154.00 21h 8m
Makita 18V cordless circular saw Makita 18V cordless circular saw Paypal US $150.00 21h 51m
MAKITA 18V 18 VOLT LXT CORDLESS CIRC SAW BSS611 MAKITA 18V 18 VOLT LXT CORDLESS CIRC SAW BSS611 Paypal US $106.69 23h 57m
Makita BSS611 Bare 6 1 2 18V LXT Cordless Circular Saw Makita BSS611 Bare 6 1 2 18V LXT Cordless Circular Saw Paypal US $99.99 1d 42m
Makita 18 Volt Cordless Circular Saw 5620D Makita 18 Volt Cordless Circular Saw 5620D Paypal 1 Bid US $19.99 1d 9h 29m
NEW MAKITA CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAW 144 NEW MAKITA CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAW 144 Paypal 6 Bids US $67.66 1d 22h 39m
MAKITA CIRCULAR SAW 18 VOLT MAKITA CIRCULAR SAW 18 VOLT Paypal 0 Bid US $45.00 1d 23h 37m
Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion Metal Cutting Saw BCS550 Z Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion Metal Cutting Saw BCS550 Z Paypal 5 Bids US $71.00 2d 15h 5m
Makita 18V 18 Volt Cordless 6 1 2 Circular Saw 5620D Makita 18V 18 Volt Cordless 6 1 2 Circular Saw 5620D Paypal US $109.99 2d 23h 6m
NEW Makita BSS611 18V LXT Cordless 18 Volt Circular Saw NEW Makita BSS611 18V LXT Cordless 18 Volt Circular Saw Paypal 7 Bids US $71.00 3d 1h 19m
NEW Makita BCS550 18V LXT Metal Cutting Saw 18 Volt NEW Makita BCS550 18V LXT Metal Cutting Saw 18 Volt Paypal 4 Bids US $36.00 3d 3h 33m
Makita 18 Volt Cordless Circular Saw Drill Kit Makita 18 Volt Cordless Circular Saw Drill Kit Paypal US $149.99 5d 4h 11m
Makita BSS501 18V Lithium Ion Cordless 5 3 8 Trim Saw Makita BSS501 18V Lithium Ion Cordless 5 3 8 Trim Saw Paypal US $329.00 5d 5h 48m
Makita BSS610 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit Makita BSS610 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit Paypal US $349.99 5d 5h 48m
MAKITA 18V 6 1 4 METAL CUTTING SAW 5046D BRAND NEW MAKITA 18V 6 1 4 METAL CUTTING SAW 5046D BRAND NEW Paypal 0 Bid US $79.99 5d 15h 50m
Makita 18 Volt 6 1 2 Circular Saw Kit Makita 18 Volt 6 1 2 Circular Saw Kit Paypal 0 Bid US $.99 5d 21h 31m
Makita Cordless 12 volt Circular Saw 3 3 8 Brandnew Makita Cordless 12 volt Circular Saw 3 3 8 Brandnew Paypal 0 Bid US $10.00 6d 56m
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]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-cordless-circular-saw-makita-bss610-lxt/feed/ 0 Best Corded Circular Saw: Milwaukee 6394-21 http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-corded-circular-saw-milwaukee-6394-21/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-corded-circular-saw-milwaukee-6394-21/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:49:44 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=28 The Milwaukee 6304-21 was top-rated in itsr category by ConsumerSearch.com, Consumer Reports, Amazon and various other respected consumer reviews. Also included is a short review of the product to assist in your decision.

Best Corded Circular Saw: Milwaukee 6394-21

Reviews praise the 7.25-inch Milwaukee 6394-21 circular saw for smooth, accurate cuts, easy adjustments, excellent balance and comfort. It has an electric brake for safety, a Quik-Lok cord attachment and onboard blade-wrench storage. The Tilt-Lok handle adjusts to keep the saw balanced, and a front handle provides extra control. The 10-pound Milwaukee saw can bevel to 50 degrees, useful in many remodeling and construction projects. It carries a five-year warranty.
Vintage 1953 Milwaukee 6 1 2 Circular Saw Case Vintage 1953 Milwaukee 6 1 2 Circular Saw Case Paypal 19 Bids US $56.00 45m
Milwaukee Tiltlok 71 1 4 Circular Saw No Reserve Milwaukee Tiltlok 71 1 4 Circular Saw No Reserve Paypal 2 Bids US $37.56 2h 26m
MILWAUKEE 6377 WORM DRIVE CIRCULAR SAW 15 AMP MILWAUKEE 6377 WORM DRIVE CIRCULAR SAW 15 AMP Paypal US $69.99 17h 26m
milwaukee circular saw 18v 165mm li ion milwaukee circular saw 18v 165mm li ion Paypal US $112.96 20h 41m
Milwaukee Circular Saw 7 1 4 15a with tilt lok adjust Milwaukee Circular Saw 7 1 4 15a with tilt lok adjust Paypal 0 Bid US $90.00 23h 31m
milwaukee 18v sds drill LI ION milwaukee 18v sds drill LI ION Paypal US $193.70 1d 21h 16m
milwaukee jig saw 18v li ion m series milwaukee jig saw 18v li ion m series Paypal US $242.15 1d 21h 21m
New Milwaukee 6370 21 Metal Cutting 8” Circular Saw Kit New Milwaukee 6370 21 Metal Cutting 8” Circular Saw Kit Paypal 7 Bids US $171.27 2d 2h 40m
CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAW CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAW Paypal 0 Bid US $597.49 2d 15h 47m
Milwaukee 6310 20 18V 6 1 2 Cordless Circular Saw NEW Milwaukee 6310 20 18V 6 1 2 Cordless Circular Saw NEW Paypal US $59.99 2d 19h 56m
NICE Milwaukee 10 1 4 Circular Saw 6460 NICE Milwaukee 10 1 4 Circular Saw 6460 Paypal 0 Bid US $199.99 3d 19h 39m
Milwaukee 6365 7 ¼” 13 Amp Heavy Duty circular saw NR Milwaukee 6365 7 ¼” 13 Amp Heavy Duty circular saw NR Paypal 0 Bid US $49.95 4d 2h 22m
MILWAUKEE 7 1 4 IN 15A WORM DRIVE SKILL SAW MILWAUKEE 7 1 4 IN 15A WORM DRIVE SKILL SAW Paypal 2 Bids US $75.00 4d 17h 14m
K06 SWITCH MILWAUKEE 6365 6370 6377 6378 CIRCULAR SAW K06 SWITCH MILWAUKEE 6365 6370 6377 6378 CIRCULAR SAW Paypal US $15.35 5d 5h 51m
BRAND NEW MILWAUKEE V18CS 18V LITHIUM ION CIRCULAR SAW BRAND NEW MILWAUKEE V18CS 18V LITHIUM ION CIRCULAR SAW Paypal 5 Bids US $119.63 5d 14h 5m
Milwaukee Magnesium 7 1 4 Tilt Lok Circular Saw Milwaukee Magnesium 7 1 4 Tilt Lok Circular Saw Paypal 0 Bid US $52.99 5d 15h 50m
JRS3 POWER TOOL CORD SKIL 77 HD77 MAG77 WORMSAWS JRS3 POWER TOOL CORD SKIL 77 HD77 MAG77 WORMSAWS Paypal US $18.25 5d 21h 25m
Milwaukee 6955 20 12 Dual Sliding Miter Saw W Digital Milwaukee 6955 20 12 Dual Sliding Miter Saw W Digital Paypal US $708.43 6d 19h 54m
Milwaukee 6477 20 7 1 4 Worm Drive Circular Saw Milwaukee 6477 20 7 1 4 Worm Drive Circular Saw Paypal US $203.26 6d 19h 54m
Milwaukee 6370 21 New 8 Metal Cutting Saw Case Milwaukee 6370 21 New 8 Metal Cutting Saw Case Paypal US $324.26 6d 20h 59m
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]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/12/best-corded-circular-saw-milwaukee-6394-21/feed/ 0 Top-rated woodworking power tools make great Christmas gifts http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/top-rated-woodworking-power-tools-make-great-christmas-gifts/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/top-rated-woodworking-power-tools-make-great-christmas-gifts/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:44:05 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=25 Christmas is rapidly approaching and many of us have not yet decided what to give that special person in our lives. I remember while growing up, every year at Christmas we always selected a new power tool for my father. Many fathers, husbands, boyfriends and other men like me like, use, and appreciate woodworking power tools. More and more women also use woodworking power tools around the home and on the job. Thus, woodworking power tools make a great gift at Christmas or any other time.

I have compiled a list of suggest tools to give as gifts this Christmas. The list includes woodworking power tools that were top-rated in their category by ConsumerSearch.com, Consumer Reports, Amazon and various other respected consumer reviews. Also included is a short review of the product to assist in your decision.

From the list below I am sure you will find a quality gift that will bring a smile to recipient on Christmas morning and for many years to come.

Best Corded Circular Saw: Milwaukee 6394-21

Reviews praise the 7.25-inch Milwaukee 6394-21 circular saw for smooth, accurate cuts, easy adjustments, excellent balance and comfort. It has an electric brake for safety, a Quik-Lok cord attachment and onboard blade-wrench storage. The Tilt-Lok handle adjusts to keep the saw balanced, and a front handle provides extra control. The 10-pound Milwaukee saw can bevel to 50 degrees, useful in many remodeling and construction projects. It carries a five-year warranty.

Best Cordless Circular Saw: Makita BSS610 LXT

Reviews recommend this light 7.1-pound Makita circular saw for comfort, safety and convenience. The 18-volt lithium-ion batteries recharge in 45 minutes and hold their charge a long time between uses. The saw has a laser guide and dual LED lights, plus a dust blower to clear the cutting line. The 6.5-inch blade can cut 2X lumber even at a 45-degree bevel, and the saw comes with a 3-year warranty.

Best Heavy-duty Circular Saw: DeWalt DW378GK

The DeWalt DW378GK is a hypoid saw with the motor mounted behind the blade. This makes for better cutting-line visibility and less risk of kickback. It's heavy at 13 pounds, but light for this type. Experts say the added weight can even be an advantage when sawing sheet stock on a horizontal surface. Reviews praise this saw's performance, durability and convenient rafter hook. It comes with a three-year warranty, plus a 90-day "no questions asked" return option.

Best Cordless Drill Overall: Panasonic EY6432GQKW

The Panasonic EY6432GQKW is the cordless drill/driver recommended in more reviews than any other. It's a well-tested model that comparison reviews often rank at the top, even above cordless drills that use batteries with higher voltage. It's nicely positioned, serving both homeowners and professionals at a moderate cost. If you mainly only need a cordless drill for occasional jobs, consider the budget-priced 12-volt Ryobi HJP001K (*est. $80), whose lithium-ion batteries have shorter runtime but hold their charge longer between uses.

Professional Cordless Drill: Makita LXT BDF451

The 18-volt lithium-ion Makita BDF451 driver-drill with ½-inch chuck is recommended in more reviews than any other lithium-ion cordless drill. It's the current pro version in the Makita LXT lithium-ion series, and the 3.0-amp-hour batteries provide long runtime. The Makita BDF451 has three speeds compared with two on the 15.6-volt Panasonic EY6432GQKW (*est. $190), and carries a longer warranty. The Makita uses lithium-ion batteries, which hold their charge much longer between uses, are expected to last longer and run at full capacity even while the battery fades. The main drawback is price.

Best Cordless Screwdriver: Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver

Reviews say the 10.8-volt lithium-ion Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver clearly leads the pack of "mini drivers," outperforming other small drivers and cordless screwdrivers. Its lithium-ion batteries fit up into the handle so it's very compact; reviews say its 1.6-pound weight makes it a delight to use for most assembly and fastening tasks. It's designed to handle 85 percent of the driving tasks for which people usually use a much heavier cordless drill. Bosch also makes a budget cordless screwdriver, the 3.6-volt Skil iXO2 (*est. $50), but reviews say that if you can afford it, the Pocket Driver is more versatile because of its greater power.

Best Cordless Impact Driver: Panasonic EY7540LN2L

The 14.4-volt lithium-ion Panasonic EY7540 cordless impact driver gets top ranking in the most recent comparison tests, with praise for both comfort and performance. This is a pro-level, high-end cordless impact driver, but it's also suited for homeowner use since lithium-ion batteries keep their charge well between uses. The variable-speed Panasonic impact driver isn't the most powerful model available, but reviews say it can handle tasks ranging from small delicate screws to huge six-inch lag bolts. If you don't specifically need an impact driver (which lessens hand fatigue for big projects), the 15.6-volt NiMH Panasonic EY6432GQKW (*est. $190) is a regular cordless drill that gets top ratings.

Best 10-inch Sliding Miter Saw: Makita LS1013FL

Though more expensive, a sliding feature adds more capacity; this Makita miter saw can make very smooth cuts on up to a 2x12. Admittedly this Makita saw doesn't have quite the precision and features of the new Festool Kapex (*est. $1,300), but recent comparison tests find this Makita sliding miter saw close behind in performance and ease of use, and it's far less expensive. The Makita saw has a soft-start motor with electronic speed control, and reviews say it handles thick hardwoods well. The adjustable laser guide has a separate switch.
Recent comparison tests rank the Makita LS1013FL miter saw close behind the much more expensive Kapex (*est. $1,300) for both performance and ease of use. The Makita miter saw can make very smooth cuts on boards up to 12 inches wide, and the soft-start motor with electronic speed control lets it handle even thick hardwoods well. The adjustable laser guide has a separate switch. The main drawbacks are the short one-year warranty and the 45-degree limit to the bevel. The Bosch 4410L (*est. $500) bevels further, but the laser guide and blade changes aren't as convenient.

Best Heavy-Duty Plunge Router: Bosch 1619EVS

Reviewers praise the 3.25-horsepower Bosch 1619EVS as the best wood router for heavy-duty work -- even on hardwoods. As a plunge router, it can start grooves or cuts safely in the middle of a board, so it's versatile. Reviewers like its soft-start variable-speed motor, dust control, two-stage adjustment and self-releasing collets. Despite its 13.2-pound weight, reviewers say the Bosch 1619EVS maneuvers well for handheld use, yet also works well mounted in a router table. The large base opening and 2.56-inch maximum depth make it usable with large bits. The warranty is for one year. If you don’t need this much power, reviews suggest the 2.25-hp Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit (*est. $250), which comes with a plunge base (for cutting grooves in the middle of a work piece) plus a fixed base.

Best Fixed-Base Wood Router: Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21

Reviewers recommend the Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 as an excellent first router -- easy to learn to use. It's designed so you can hold it with one hand, and it's lighter than most routers at just 8.8 pounds. This single-speed 1.75-hp Milwaukee wood router lacks dust control, but does have self-releasing collets, so bits are easily changed. Reviewers say height adjustment is easy even when the router is table-mounted. Like most Milwaukee tools, it comes with a five-year warranty. For more versatility, consider the more powerful variable-speed Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit (*est. $250), which includes a plunge base as well as a fixed base.

Best Router Combo Kit: Bosch 1617EVSPK

The 2.25-horsepower Bosch 1617EVSPK woodworking router combo kit earns top ranking in more comparison reviews than any other model, leading the pack by a wide margin. (Woodworking router combo kits combine one motor with two bases: a fixed base for table-mounted and trimming work and a plunge base for cutting grooves in the middle of a work piece.) Reviews say the Bosch scales are easy to read, bit changes and depth adjustments are easy and the router excels in overall comfort. The newest version of this model lets you adjust bit height from above a router table, a major convenience. If you don't need both bases, you can spend less on the Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 (*est. $150), which has a fixed base only.

Best-value Corded Jigsaw: Bosch 1590EVSK

Reviews say this top-of-the-line Bosch jigsaw comes close to the $295 Festool Trion jigsaw for precise cutting, yet it costs much less and offers tool-free bevel adjustment. The blade-changing system even pops out hot blades, a nice convenience and safety feature. Like the Festool jigsaw, the Bosch 1590EVSK has a soft-start electronic motor and a lock-on button to avoid trigg
er-finger fatigue. The Bosch jigsaw has a dust blower, but it lacks the superb dust control, light weight and extra capacity offered by the Festool.

All of these top-rated power tools are available for prices substantially below the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) from Woodworking Tips and Tools. If you are interested a tool not listed above, or a tool in a different price range you will also be able to find it there.

Merry Christmas, and enjoy the giving of a gift that will be used and appreciated for many years to come. Maybe next Christmas you will lucky enough to receive a gift made especially for you with the tools you gave this year.
Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion Autofeed Screwgun BFR750 Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion Autofeed Screwgun BFR750 Paypal US $199.99 16m
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Brand NEW DC9360 DeWALT 36 Volt 36V Lithium Ion Battery Brand NEW DC9360 DeWALT 36 Volt 36V Lithium Ion Battery Paypal 17 Bids US $106.00 25m
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Dewalt Heavy Duty Cordless Screwdriver Kit NR Dewalt Heavy Duty Cordless Screwdriver Kit NR Paypal US $62.99 26m
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]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/top-rated-woodworking-power-tools-make-great-christmas-gifts/feed/ 0 Tips on Cutting Crown Molding http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/tips-on-cutting-crown-molding/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/tips-on-cutting-crown-molding/#comments Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:16:05 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=23 If you are having trouble cutting crown molding it may be because you are cutting the crown molding in the same fashion as you probably cut baseboard or window or door casing. Baseboard trim and window and door case moldings are flat pieces of wood stock with a profiled face. Crown molding looks nearly identical. But look a little closer. Crown molding has small angled faces as well as a large flat spot on the back of the profiled face. This is done by design.

The angled cuts on the back of the trim are actually oriented at 90 degrees to one another. One of these surfaces is supposed to rest on the wall and the other one is intended to rest up against the ceiling. Take one of your ruined pieces of molding and cut a one foot long piece. Use the inside corner of a framing square to simulate the junction of your wall and ceiling. Hold the cut piece of crown molding inside the square to see what I mean. Note how the back of the crown molding does not touch the wall surface, just the small angled parts of the trim touch the ceiling and wall. Once you understand this relationship, the rest of the job is easy.

When you cut baseboard and window and door casing, you hold the wood in the saw a certain way. Your miter box has a flat machined table area and a vertical fence that you use as a guide. The vertical fence happens to be oriented at 90 degrees to the flat table surface. When you cut window and door casing you typically place the back of the trim on the table surface. When you cut baseboard you place the back of the trim against the vertical fence. You use the saw surfaces to simulate the wall surfaces of your home.

Take your scrap piece of crown molding and turn it up side down. Hold it against the saw table and the vertical fence so that the small angled areas on the back of the molding are tightly against each surface. Positioning the molding this way in the saw creates a hollow spot behind the molding - the same hollow spot that exists when the crown molding is in place up on the wall.

Set your saw at a 45 degree angle and make a test cut. After the cut is complete you will see that the bottom edge of the crown molding is the longest part of the molding. This is exactly what you want since the bottom of the crown molding dives into each wall corner while the top of the molding is shorter because it touches the other crown molding on the ceiling surface away from the corner.

I always install an angled filler strip along the entire length of each wall that fills up the hollow spot created by the angled crown molding. This strip is nailed to the horizontal top wall plate that can almost always be found just below the ceiling level behind the drywall or plaster. Drive a test nail about one half inch below the ceiling at random locations to see if you can find this top plate. With this strip in place you can easily and quickly nail the crown molding in place without using a divining rod or mystic powers to locate wall studs or ceiling joists

Below is another video on cutting crown molding that is quite good. You don't need a slide rule, an eagle eye, or a compound miter saw to make dead-on cuts in crown molding. Using this intuitive technique, anyone can cut crown molding easily and accurately by following this video.

]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/tips-on-cutting-crown-molding/feed/ 0 Use the Right Saw to Miter Crown Molding http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/use-the-right-saw-to-miter-crown-molding/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/use-the-right-saw-to-miter-crown-molding/#comments Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:07:18 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=19 To install crown molding, you have to fit the pieces together at the corners. This is usually done by mitering the ends. And you can use either a standard or a compound saw. The techniques for cutting crown are different for each saw, though, so you have to understand how each one works.

Miter Saw — On a standard miter saw, the blade and motor are mounted to a table that can be rotated to the left or right. If the table is set in the middle, the blade cuts straight across the workpiece. Rotate the table, and the blade cuts the workpiece at an angle. This is a miter cut.

Compound Miter Saw — A compound miter saw works the same way. But the blade assembly can also be tilted so that instead of coming down vertically, the blade comes down at an angle. This is called a bevel cut.
Cutting Crown Molding — When you cut a miter and bevel together, this is called a compound miter. And that's the type of cut needed for cutting the ends of crown molding.

This is because crown molding sits at an angle between the wall and ceiling. This is called the "spring angle," and it's not 45°. That means you can't lay the molding flat on the miter saw table, set the miter angle at 45°, and get an accurate cut.
With a standard miter saw, the solution is to stand the molding on the saw table at its spring angle, as shown below left. This works very well, but it's a little fussy to set up.

Miter Saw
Compound Miter Saw

With a compound miter saw, you rotate the table to the proper miter angle, and then tilt the head to the corresponding bevel angle. Then you can lay the molding flat on the table to make the correct compound-miter cut Above right.
BOSCH MS1225 Dust Bag for 4412 5412L Miter Saws BOSCH MS1225 Dust Bag for 4412 5412L Miter Saws Paypal US $15.99 18m
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10 Compound Sliding Miter Saw With Laser Guide TOOLS 10 Compound Sliding Miter Saw With Laser Guide TOOLS Paypal US $109.99 17h 35m
GMC 10 in 15 Amp Slide Compound Miter Saw LSMS10UL GMC 10 in 15 Amp Slide Compound Miter Saw LSMS10UL Paypal 19 Bids US $54.34 17h 59m
10 Compound Sliding Miter Saw W Laser Guide TOOL M 1 10 Compound Sliding Miter Saw W Laser Guide TOOL M 1 Paypal US $109.99 18h 34m
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Ryobi Miter Saw Ryobi Miter Saw Paypal 0 Bid US $35.00 19h 55m
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]]> http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/use-the-right-saw-to-miter-crown-molding/feed/ 0 Eliminate splintering when sawing http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/eliminate-splintering-when-sawing/ http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/11/eliminate-splintering-when-sawing/#comments Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:00:28 +0000 drbob http://woodworkingtipsandtools.com/?p=17 A portable circular saw is the tool to use when you need to shorten a door to fit an existing opening or to accommodate a new layer of thick carpeting. But, even the newest, sharpest blade will tend to splinter the top surface, especially if it's a veneered door.
To eliminate the splintering, first apply a strip of 2-in.-wide masking tape across the door. Clamp a framing square or other metal straightedge along the cut line. Then, slice through the tape and into the door using a utility knife. You should make several firm passes.

Remove the straightedge, but leave the tape in place. Then clamp a perfectly straight 1x4 or 1x6 to the door to act as a saw guide. Position the board so the blade will cut about 1/32 in. to the waste side of the scribed line. Slowly guide the saw along the board to trim down the door. Finally, pull up the tape and lightly ease over the edge with a sanding block.
This no-splinter sawing technique also works well when crosscutting sheets of plywood and wall paneling.

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