September 30, 2010
Zircon Leak Alert
While we were poking around the Zircon website looking for information on their water level, we stumbled onto this helpful (and inexpensive little item). The Zircon Leak Alert is just that, a little gizmo that alerts you when conditions get, well, wet.
We've built houses with souped up water bugs that are tied into the house alarm system, but why go through all that trouble if you can just get a three pack of these things for $25 (well, one reason is that an alarm company will call you when you're out of town...but that's what you get for $25).
Might as well get a few and drop them in the basement here and there.
Amazon.com
September 30, 2010
Milwaukee Announces The. Best. Contest. Ever.
Milwaukee is giving away free tools for life to the biggest knucklehead on the block. In order to be considered for the prize (which is actually $500 of cordless tools each year for 20 years), you must have some kind of permanent Milwaukee tattoo on your body. Honest truth. The best part is that they've set up a website (milwaukeeink.com) so you can be witness to the insanity. If you're inked up already, go to the site and submit your tattoo for consideration. If you're not, then you have until December 2011 to decide what tool you want to see on your bicep every day for the rest of your life. If you just got home from the tattoo parlor and have a nice, new image of a Bosch Bulldog on your thigh...ooooo...sorry, you're not eligible. No free tools for you.
The deal is that there is open voting which chooses the monthly winner ($300 in 12 or 18-volt tools) and then from those 15 monthly winners a grand-poobah-set-for-life tool pimp is chosen by a judge.
We can't wait to watch this unfold. We can see it now..."hey, the dude with his entire back tattooed just won the monthly prize...maybe I can one-up him by tattooing a bandsaw on my face!"
In all honesty though, this is a great way to reward their most loyal (and extreme) customers, and it's waaay out of the box. Good stuff from Milwaukee.
Go to Milwaukee Ink for more information and voting.
Daydream about spending $500 a year on Milwaukee tools at Amazon.com
The press release is after the jump...
Continue reading: "Milwaukee Announces The. Best. Contest. Ever."
September 29, 2010
Sears Spend and Get Sale...And Win a Sears Gift Card from Tool Snob
For the remainder of this month which is actually...um....today and tomorrow, Sears is putting on something called the Spend and Get. The principal is simple...spend some dough....and get a gift card back. The hitch is that you have to use the gift card by the end of October.
The amounts of the gift cards vary with how much you're willing to shell out up front:
$10 card for a $75 purchase
$20 card for a $200 purchase
$50 card for a $500 purchase
$100 card for a $1,000 purchase
Sears is also giving us two $25 gift cards (with no expiration) to hand out to you guys, so leave a comment at this post if you want to be in the running for one of them. Just let us know what you'd buy with it. We'll give one away in a random drawing and for the other we'll pick the entry we like the best. So go ahead and enter, it's like free money. We'll do the drawing in two weeks (or maybe one week, if the turnout is good...we're not particularly 'official' here).
Our third bit of Sears news today is that there's another Friends and Family sale this weekend. According to Sears,
Sears' Friends and Family Sale is back on-line and in stores this weekend! Tools, electronics, grills and more are 10% off.
The sale will start online Sat, Oct 2, 8 PM CT until Monday, Oct 4, 4 AM CT. The nationwide in-store sale is on Sun, Oct 3, 6- 9 PM, but dates and times are a bit different in a handful of cities (Raleigh, Cincinnati, Miami, Dallas, Boston, and Seattle). You can visit Sears for more details.
As an added bonus, there's a chance to win up to $1,000 in Sears gift cards in the Sears Family and Friends Sweeps this week! Follow this link to enter the contest.
September 29, 2010
What Makes a Good Contractor?
It's our experience that contractors are just generally strange people. The skills needed for success in that role are varied and impressive. It's a workout for both the left and right side of the brain. You need to...well, lets let Mark Clement say it for us...
We particularly like that he's actually yelling this from a rooftop.
Make sure to check out his website and radio show at myfixituplife.com.
September 29, 2010
DeWalt DC012 Heavy-Duty Worksite Charger/Radio - Review
DeWalt, masters of the job site radio (and thus the people directly responsible for us having to listen to miles and miles of evil sports radio) have just released an upgrade to their enduring, 'on-every-site' stereo to the DC012. They were also nice enough to send us one so we could check it out. We did, and in the process we saw a million faces and we rocked them all.
Continue reading: "DeWalt DC012 Heavy-Duty Worksite Charger/Radio - Review"
September 28, 2010
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Eric F.)
We've been impressed with most of the laser review thus far, but this one brings 'thoroughness' to a previously unseen level. Reader Eric does a nice comparison to a few other models on the market. He also explains the economics behind Bosch not including a receiver with the level (a criticism levied by a few other reviewers). Read on for a little head to head to head to head level action...
Introduction
In my current occupation as a Energy Auditor and Home Consultant I don't have the need to use lasers as much as I did when I was a draftsman or carpenter but I did put the Bosch GLL2-80 features to the test and compared them to what I have experienced in the past. My first experience with a dual axis rotary laser was years ago when I purchased a Porter-Cable/RoboToolz RT-7690, the Porter-Cable is one of 3 tools I compared the Bosch laser to; the other two a DeWalt DW082 mainly for size comparison, and lastly a ZipLevel by Technidea for what a laser level can't do.
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Eric F.)"
Ryobi RLS1351 Portable Flooring Saw
Looks like the Skil Flooring Saw now has some competition from Ryobi. The Ryobi Flooring Saw is a pretty similar item with all of the same basic features; rip cuts, crosscuts, lightweight, and decent dust collection.
Comparing the saws side-by-side, the Skil seems to have an advantage in functionality with better cutting ability (at a 45 degree miter, the Skil can cut 8-1/2" and the Ryobi can cut 8" and at 0 miter the Skil can make an 18" cut and the Ryobi an 11" cut). The Ryobi claims, 'best in class' dust collection, but we're not sure exactly how that's quantified.
There are also some odd discrepancies between the Ryobi site and the Home Depot site (where the Ryobi saw is exclusively available). First, HD calls the saw the 'Ryobi Laminate Saw,' which is only annoying because it meant we had to spent an entire three minutes looking for it. Secondly, HD says the tool weight is 23 lbs and Ryobi says 18 lbs. The Skil is 25 lbs, so either way the Ryobi is lighter, but still, what's up with the two different numbers? It's likely that HD means 'package weight,' even though they put the number as the 'tool weight.' If we didn't make so many typos ourselves, we'd call that, 'some sloppy internet work.'
At $150, it's the same price as the Skil as well.
At Home Depot
September 27, 2010
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Brian B.)
We took a little break from our Bosch-a-palooza laser review extravaganza, but now we're back with it, lead by reader Brian B. who, like many others, has something to say about what's included in the package....
When I first got the Bosch GLL-2 80 Laser Level I was stoked. I am finally done struggling with my crappy $15 laser pointer with a line painter lens and a bubble all on a mini tripod tool. (See Photo) Even describing that thing is annoying and time consuming just like using it.
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Brian B.)"
Zircon WL25 Pro Water Level
Water levels are great. They're cheap (all you need is a piece of tubing), accurate (water finds its own level, duh), and can accomplish things that the most expensive laser levels can't (going around corners). The only drawback is that they require two people; one on one end of the tube and one on the other end of the tube.
We saw the Zircon WL25 in a store today and thought it was worth a mention, if for the only reason that it brings this ancient technology into present day by adding some electronics and in the process removes 50% of the workforce needed for operation.
It looks like what you do is hang the level where you want it and once you're around the corner, the level lets out a noise when the water reaches the pre-established spot.
The reviews at Amazon are actually pretty luke warm, with some complaints about the noise as well as the accuracy of the sensor.
There are two versions available; one with just 25' of tube and the sensor piece, the other is the 'pro' version with the tube, the sensor, easy fill nozzles, and a coupling so you can attach the tube to a length of garden hose.
Basic kit $25 at Amazon.com
Pro kit at Sears $40 at Sears
September 24, 2010
September 23, 2010
Gear Keeper
Have you ever been in a mall and seen a mother who has one of those tether things for their kid? You know, where the kid is actually on a freakin' leash? He can stray around, but if he gets too far, momma gives a sturdy tug to get him back to home base. We think those things are completely insane but when you carry the same principal into the tool world, it's a bit different.
So substituting, 'kid' with 'tool' you have the Gear Keeper. It's a leash for your tools; one end clips on the belt, the other on the tool. The line is coiled like an old-school telephone cord so it doesn't hang and cause a trip hazard if you clip the tool to your belt.
Judging from their website, Gear Kepper seems intent on creating a tether for every imaginable object that man has ever carried since he days as a cave-dweller. Check out the selection here.
September 21, 2010
This Old House Pumpkin Carving Contest
Our favorite annual event (other than watching Tony Romo lose in the playoffs) is the This Old House Pumpkin Carving Contest. This year's deadline is October 20th (with open voting between the 21st and 28th). Details on how to enter are here, but don't even bother unless you've got some serious skills. Your 12-year-old son's one-toothed jack-o-lantern isn't going to cut it here.
TOH has a lot of other nice Halloween articles here.
Paslode Cordless Roofing Nailer
Last week at The Remodeling Show, Paslode released their version of the Cordless Roofing Nailer that Duo-Fast announced earlier in the month. Other than the paint color, it's the same tool, so if you prefer orange over blue, boy is this your lucky day!
Check out what we had to say about Duo-Fast's nailer here.
September 20, 2010
Wheeler-Rex Mantis Band Saw
For some reason, when we first saw the picture, we thought the Wheeler-Rex Mantis was a little homeowner band saw that wouldn't look out of place sitting on a garage workbench. Then we saw the video and realized how big it is (it actually has attached wheels so it can be pulled around like luggage). As it turns out, it's a 110 lb, $2,500 piece of heavy-duty, industrial grade plumbing equipment.
It can handle up to 6" pipe and is available with a flat vise or a chain vise. The body can flip up and be used as a vertical band saw.
Check out the video:
At Underbid
September 17, 2010
September 16, 2010
Dremel 6800-01 Trio - Review
Dremel recently released a funky looking tool called the Trio (and were nice enough to send us one to review). In the great Venn diagram of power tool abilities, it seems to overlap with 'rotary tool,' 'router,' and 'RotoZip (aka spiral saw).' We're generally wary of tools that try to do too much (seems like they usually end up doing not too much of anything) but because of our very high regard for Dremel, we had hope and were looking forward to digging into the Trio.
As it turns out we found some good and some bad. Unfortunately, more of the latter than the former...
Update: we heard from Dremel and as it turns out, we were using the Trio in an incorrect manner. We've updated the review with some clarifications. Amazing, eh? We write a post about tool safety and then rip this thing out of the box and start using it without reading the instructions...."
Continue reading: "Dremel 6800-01 Trio - Review"
Flowtron LE 900 Leaf-Eater Mulcher/Shredder
Really?
Are you really wearing your Hall & Oates pants in the press image of the Flowtron Leaf-Eater?
"Whoa-o here she comes...she's a Leaf-Eater."
The Leaf-Eater is (obviously) a portable leaf shredder. Set it up over a bag or a barrel and start stuffing leaves in. Simple. Elegant. Beautiful.
According to Flowtron, you can condense 11 bags on leaves into a single bag. Pretty good ratio. You can also capitalize on the cauldron look of the thing and stand in your yard pretending you're all three witches from Macbeth.
There is a smaller model available (LE 800) which works at a ratio of 8 bags to 1.
The Flowtron costs about $150 (smaller version is $130) and is available at Amazon.com
September 15, 2010
DeWalt 12-Volt Max Cordless Screwdriver - Review
A few months ago, we packed up and headed out to DeWalt HQ (they call it Black & Decker University), and got a first look at their new 12-volt line (our post on the subject is here). While there, we got to get a little time with the tools, but we were anxious to get them out in the real world.
So thankfully, DeWalt recently sent us a sample of their new 12-volt cordless screwdriver and we've had a chance to introduce it to some jobsite tasks (as well as some non-jobsite tasks that we designed only to push the tool to the edge), and here is how it fared...
Continue reading: "DeWalt 12-Volt Max Cordless Screwdriver - Review"
Milwaukee's New Sawzall Blade
UPDATE: We just saw that Jay from CopTool got his e-hands on some videos of the blades, so we shamelessly stole them and added them to our post. Make sure to also check out what Jay has to say about the blades here.
Of all the things we saw on our last trip to Milwaukee (the heated jacket, the new line of hand tools, the new battery, etc.), the one thing that made a real lasting impression was the new Sawzall blade design that they have in the works. We've spent way too much time working with recip saws and seeing the functionality of the new blades was almost too much to take. But, as with the battery, there was an embargo on the information while they ironed out the final few details, so we had to stay mum about it all until now. But we got word late yesterday that we can now blab, blab, blab. So, if you're a contractor, listen up, because you're going to like this...
Continue reading: "Milwaukee's New Sawzall Blade"
September 14, 2010
DAP EnergySaver High Performance Air Leak & Gap Sealant - Review
A while back, DAP sent us a tube of their new EnergySaver Air Leak & Gap Sealant. It's been sitting on the desk for a while because, well, who cares about sealing their house in the middle of July? Not us, we've got mowing to do. But the seasons do change and here we are. So last week we cut open the tube, prepped a few window casings, and checked out the label to see if there are any specific instructions that go along with the product. Which is exactly where problems started...
Continue reading: "DAP EnergySaver High Performance Air Leak & Gap Sealant - Review"
Recoil Saw
One of the cool things about running this site is the opportunity we have to showcase little oddball tools built by lone-wolf inventors. This time around, it's a guy (John) who has devised a way to make hand sawing go faster.
Continue reading: "Recoil Saw"
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Mike K.)
Yet another round of the Bosch reader reviews...here we see how the tool fares against an engineer...
As an engineer for an industrial wood products manufacturer and a part time "handyman" for friends and family I'm exposed to a variety of projects that until a couple weeks ago could have been accomplished more efficiently had I already had a Bosch GLL2-80 laser level. I purchased a different brand laser level years ago that was not self-leveling that was essentially worthless because the set up time to level it made it more trouble than it was worth.
When the Bosch GLL2-80 arrived I immediately took it out of the box, turned it on, and was very pleased to have level lines running throughout my house without the need for manual adjustment.
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Mike K.)"
September 13, 2010
Stitches in a Leg and Other Thoughts on Tool Safety
I just got word that a good friend of mine did a nice slice and dice on his leg with a circular saw. He's a smart guy, conscientious, very experienced with tools, and just generally has a good head on his shoulders, but he was rushing and took a few short cuts. We've all done it. He's all stitched up now and it's not looking like there's going to be any lasting damage, but it's a serious reminder that no matter who you are, how good you think you are, how experienced you are, as soon as you let your guard down you're putting yourself in a whole lot of danger. It's a very fine line between confident (which is good) and cavalier (which is potentially deadly).
I try to maintain a healthy hatred of a few tools; table saws and chainsaws mostly, and to a lesser degree circular saws. Each time I step up to bat with one of these monsters, I try to remind myself what it can do and how quickly it can do it. Thankfully, I've thus far been free of any major injuries, but I've had a few near misses over the years. Here are the details on three of them...
Continue reading: "Stitches in a Leg and Other Thoughts on Tool Safety"
Sears Ugly Winners Announced
Sears went and chose the three winners of their ugliest room competition. We wholeheartedly disagree with two of their choices, but we're on board for the third (the center one).Our horse in the race (our reasons here) didn't even show, but the guy with the stuffed animal heads did! And also the guy who's too lazy to pry up the carpet tack strips! Travesty.
Check out the results here.
September 10, 2010
Duo-Fast DFCR175C Cordless Roofing Nailer
It's been a busy time for nail guns. First, Bosch hit the scene with their Full-Force Technology, a big advancement in air-powered guns, then, a few months ago, Senco introduced the Fusion cordless nailer, which combined pneumatic strength with a cordless single fuel source. And now, here's Duo-Fast with another first: a battery/gas powered coil roofing nailer.
Last night, we were lucky enough to sit in on a conference call with Duo-Fast as they introduced this fella to the world and afterward we had a cup of tea with an imaginary friend and had a nice little Q&A about the tool.
So this is the first cordless coil nailer?
Continue reading: "Duo-Fast DFCR175C Cordless Roofing Nailer"
September 9, 2010
Irwin GrooveLock Pliers - Review
So as not to use the name of Irwin's competitor in the review, we'll use advanced subterfuge techniques which will ensure that you'll have no idea who we're talking about. You'll basically need a Navajo code-talker to figure it out.
Although they're technically called tongue and groove pliers or groove joint pliers, they're really only known as Channell*cks and if you consider yourself even remotely handy, you've got to have a pair. They're useful for their ability to grab, clamp, twist, pull, and grip just about anything. The unique opening and closing of the jaw lets a fairly small tool grip on to things that are up to 3 inches wide.
Recently, Irwin has made an alteration to the classic design. Their new version is called the GrooveLock and the jaw adjustment is now done, not by opening the jaws all the way and sliding the lower jaw up, but rather with a little release button at the hinge of the tool. Just press the button and slide the jaw. They sent us a few samples so that we could try them out.
To the user this new button method means a few things:
Continue reading: "Irwin GrooveLock Pliers - Review"
Campbell Hausfeld Tool Kits
Campbell Hausfeld is releasing four new tool kits, all based around their mini-compressors and a fastener. In addition to these two items are a number of task appropriate hand tools.
The kits are (from the press release):
The Home Décor Kit (Model FP260096) is made up of a one gallon air compressor with décor kit and bonus air brush kit. This kit is designed to allow maximize production for a variety of projects that include, but are not limited to, wood crafts, fabric crafts, wall painting, ceramic painting, upholstery, wall art, crafts and window treatments. Suggested retail is $140.
This kit includes one gallon air compressor, storage bag and:
Continue reading: "Campbell Hausfeld Tool Kits"
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Rob T.)
This time around, the Bosch gets the handyman treatment...
I, like others was both pleased and shocked when I opened the package from Bosch....pleased that I was selected to be a tester of the GLL2-80 and shocked when I opened the case and two thirds of it was empty. What else is supposed to be in there?
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Rob T.)"
September 8, 2010
Duo-Fast Winner Announced
We're happy to announce that Dave A. is the big winner of the Duo-Fast gun. It was a tough call and there were a lot of really great entries; there were funny ones, poignant ones, serious ones, and quite a few lame ones. We couldn't bring ourselves to pick a single winner out of all the good ones, so we chose the best ten from the bunch and did a random drawing from those.
And we're happy with the results. Dave's entry was the first one logged in and it falls under the poignant category. Here's what he said:
Continue reading: "Duo-Fast Winner Announced"
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Derek C.)
More successful hands on testing of the Bosch laser...but also more criticism of the lack of receiver in the package....read on...
I am a General Contractor that has a lot of remodel projects so i am use to things being out of level and out of plumb. Before i received the Bosch GLL2-80 i had been researching different lasers in preparation to purchase one. I have owned one other line level previously, it was a Christmas present from a relative and to say the least it was unreliable.
After a few minutes of playing with the Bosch and a quick glance of the owners manual the basic operation is quiet easy. I love how compact the case is, it is just the right size to win a permanent spot in the back seat of the truck.
The First job i took it on we were installing drywall over an old ceiling in a house build in the 1920's. So needless too say nothing was square. Usually i would get the chalk box out and pop a line where the edge of the drywall needed to be to take out any curves in the wall. But we use the GLL2-80 instead, we set the laser line and set each sheet to it.
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Derek C.)"
Craftsman NEXTEC 12-volt Right Angle Impact Driver
We've used two 12-volt right-angle impact drivers (the Hitachi and the Ridgid JobMax) and we're big fans of the category. They're great for a lot of things and the Hitachi in particular can get into spots that are unimaginably tight.
So we see it as generally good news that Craftsman is in the process of releasing a 12-volt right angle impact driver. Overall, we've been impressed with their 12-volt line (finding their oscillating tool particularly attractive), and at first glance, this new one looks like a nice tool at a slightly-higher-than-you-would-expect price.
By the numbers the Craftsman (700 in/lbs torque) tops out both the Hitachi (235) and the Ridgid (650), so it's certainly powerful enough (we compared the Ridgid directly to the Hitachi here).
Other than that, there's not a whole lot to say. The handle is similar to the AutoHammer and we can vouch for the comfort there. The weight is 2.2 lbs, the same as the Hitachi.
The Craftsman will go for just under $100, including a case, a charger, and one battery. It's the one battery thing that sticks us on the price. It just seems expensive seeing as Bosch and Milwaukee both have 2 battery drivers in the $100-$120 range (granted, they're not right angle drivers, but still....).
At Sears
The press release is after the jump...
Continue reading: "Craftsman NEXTEC 12-volt Right Angle Impact Driver"
September 7, 2010
One More Day on the Duo-Fast Giveaway
We've decided to extend the Duo-Fast Siding Gun giveaway for an extra day. We just posted up a review of the gun and thought that we'd give you all a chance to read up on the tool and enter before we picked a winner. So take a look and if it's something you'd like to own (which is sort of a no-brainer), go on and enter. We'll pick the winner tomorrow...
Read the review here.
Enter the contest here.
September 3, 2010
Craftsman Accutrac Laser Measuring Tool
One time we were at a fishing derby that was held at a golf course. The ponds were stocked with fish and everyone just stood around them with their lines in the water (excitement level: zero). So every time someone would catch a fish, all the other people around that pond would rush over to that area and cast their lines at the spot where the fish was caught. It was pretty strange to watch.
Anyway, that, in a nutshell is sort of how we view the tool industry (or, really any industry for that matter). The tool companies are the fishermen, the bait is the product, and you all are the fishys. Let's explain further; there's Bob the fisherman who baits his line with a nice, big worm (a.k.a. shiny new product). He throws it out there where it floats for a bit (on the shelves at Home Depot). Then along comes the fish (you) la-de-da-ing along and you're attracted to the product, you sniff around it, and decide it's worthy, and you take a bite (drop some cash for it). The fisherman is ecstatic and pulls you in (possibly gaining a long term product buyer). Now, at this point, the other fisherman look over and say to themselves, "what the hell did that guy just do? Whatever it is, we've got to do the same thing!" So they run over the same spot and find a similar worm and toss their lines in, hoping to get a similar fish.
Continue reading: "Craftsman Accutrac Laser Measuring Tool"
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Jim E.)
In this installment of the ongoing Bosch Laser reader reviews, Jim E discusses the laser as well as what other items come in the box (or rather, what other items don't come in the box)...
Much like Richard K. from Florida, when I received my Bosch laser level courtesy of ToolSnob.com, I was surprised by the size of the carrying case, and thought to myself, "Well, that must be because, unlike other laser levels I've used, it comes with many helpful accessories, such as a tripod, laser receiver, etc." Unfortunately, that's not...well...the case. So let me get the negatives out of the way right away. The laser is kind of lonely in its large plastic caddy, as standard delivery does not include a tripod, laser viewing glasses (pretty essential in bright ambient light conditions), remote receiver for pulse mode, a smaller pouch to save tool shelf room, or (according to the manual) the very useful universal holder, which was included in the package sent to me for this review. If paying extra for some necessary accessories is not a problem, however, the Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level is a great tool.
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Jim E.)"
DeWalt DWP611 Compact Router
DeWalt has just announced the release of a new compact router which appears to sit the fence between 'laminate trimmer' and 'router.' It's got that Bosch Colt vibe, but with a 1-1/4 hp motor it's more powerful (the Colt has 1hp) and with the plunge base, more versatile.
We really like the looks of this one. The Colt has been our go-to router for years. As a day to-day-carpenter, there is rarely a need for a full-sized router. We're usually just doing a sill bullnose or a casing bead, nothing too big. So looking over the press release, there are a few things that stand out as features that set this one apart from the competition. The first is an LED set-up that illuminates the workpiece. We scoffed at LEDs when they first started showing up on drills, but now we're full-on Kool-Aid drinkers on the things. The second feature is the plunge base. Having the plunge ability on a small router is a great idea and this seems to be a first for that.
The fixed base model is going to retail for about $140 which is $25 more than the similar Colt kit. The full kit with the plunge base will go for $200.
The press release is after the jump...
Continue reading: "DeWalt DWP611 Compact Router"
September 2, 2010
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Kimber Janney)
...Here we go with number three of the Bosch reader reviews. This is a good one and directly compares the Bosch to a DeWalt rotating laser and a David White builder's level. Also, make sure to check out the link to the Janney's construction company at the end. He's got a cool portfolio (as well as a very cool camera - click on the pic to enlarge).
The first thing that struck me as I un-boxed this tool, was how compact the case was compared to the small suitcase that our houses our Dewalt rotating laser level. The GLL2-80 itself is very compact, 2 inches thick and less than 6 inches square; and very light as well.
I loaded the batteries, placed it on a counter and switched it on and into the self-leveling operation. Immediately, a constant red line marked the perimeter of our 1000 square foot main level (open floor plan). This continuous red beam was so different from the rotating laser, so much calmer; I couldn't help smiling. My six year old just said, "That's awesome."
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Kimber Janney)"
International Woodworker's Fair Coverage at Woodworker's Journal
We just discovered that Chris Marshall from Woodworker's Journal was at the IWF this year and he brought a video camera. Jay from CopTool picked out the non-uber-woodworkery videos and posted them up, with some commentary, here. If you're interested in the full compliment of videos in all of their clamping, dovetailing, and biscuit joining glory, you should head directly over to Woodworker's Journal IWF page. Here's a video on the Porter-Cable pocket hole system (discussed here) that should whet the appetite...
By the way, we've spent some time hanging out with Chris Marshall and not only is he a great writer and extremely knowledgeable, but he's a really great guy as well. It's worth following him over at WJ.
Milwaukee Red Lithium
Remember that whole thing about us going to Milwaukee earlier in the year and the part about, 'there are things we saw that we legally can't talk about until Milwaukee tells us we can?" Well, we just got word that the embargo has been lifted and that we can finally spill the beans about their new Red Lithium battery.
Q. So what does the battery offer?
A. More.
Q. More what?
A. More.
Q. More?
A. More.
More everything. More run time (up to 40% more according to Milwaukee). More speed (20%). More torque (20%). More charges (50%). And more durability in extreme conditions (operable at 0F).
We saw this battery in action and it's no joke. Particularly impressive to us was when they started pulling tools out of the freezer to show off its cold-weather abilities. Living in the northern part of the country, we run into the lithium-ion vs. winter problem a lot, and this new battery was a clear winner in this department.
Red Lithium is ready to go for the M12 and M18 platforms so in the next few months Milwaukee will be releasing 8 new tools which will come with the Red Lithium battery (the ones we saw at the Symposium) and from that point on all of their tools will transition to the upgrade. We recall being told that the new battery will not effect the price point of the tools. Also the battery will be available as a stand-alone so you can upgrade your existing Milwaukee tools.
We really like the theory behind this move. Why bother tinker around with individual tools making them better, when you can just improve the fuel system and thus upgrade your entire line in one sword swipe? Pretty crafty and a definite bonus to your end user.
Milwaukee tools at Amazon.com
Press release with more information on the battery is after the jump...
Continue reading: "Milwaukee Red Lithium"
September 1, 2010
August 2010 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob
Other than deal with the oppressive heat, we did quite a bit of Tool Snobbin' this August. So if you're looking for some extreme cold weather gear, we've got that covered. If you're looking for some interesting saws, we've got that covered too. Or maybe you just want to watch a video of a robot in action...
We're also in the process of giving away a Duo-Fast Coil Siding Nailer, so if you're interested, go here for details. In other contest news, the Bosch Dual Plane Line Laser reader reviews are dribbling in and you'll be seeing us post more of them in the days to come.
August's Tool of the Month is the Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver, because it's just so damn nice. It's great to see such an evolved version of a standard, old-as-the-hills tool.
We already have a handful of reviews half-written for September so keep an eye out.
Tool of the Month
All Reviews
Air Tools
Benches, Stands, and Storage
Clothing
Cordless
Distractions
Fasteners
Glues and Adhesives
Hand Tools
How-To
Jigs
Lawn/Garden
Levels
Lithium-Ion
Metalworking and Welding
Monthly Roundup
Painting
Power Tools
Promotions
Safety
Sharpening
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Adam B.)
...and here's the second of our Bosch Laser Level reviews. This time around, Reader Adam B. discovers a few ups and downs with the tool (mostly ups)...
It wasn't terribly long ago that a crafty engineer thought, "I can build tools with frickin' laser beams!" Since then, there have been a plethora of tools ranging from useless (laser guided scissors, anyone?) to "How did we ever manage without these things?" Laser levels are a shining example of the latter. I have used a number of them myself, ranging from $15 "Is my picture straight" levels to Hilti cross-hair and rotary levels. Such levels have proved indispensible on job sites, particularly when restoring homes built over one hundred years ago. Thus, I was very excited to find a shiny Bosch GLL-80 sitting on my doorstep.
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Adam B.)"
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The Renovation Continues....