I’ve technically lived in five cities so far if we include my college town (Minneapolis, New Haven, London, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles). And I’ve come to realize that as a creature of habit I eventually start frequenting a couple different venues that all have similar things in common. I think every man should have a couple of these. Let me explain… … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
The Grizzly G0513ANV is a bandsaw that takes up a lot of space, delivers a lot of power and that can generally up your game when it comes to cutting things.As woodworkers, we love cutting things, and so any tool that promises to cut things faster, more effectively or more deeply is always going to be a winner. The Grizzly GO513AN is just such a tool, offering the kind of power and performance that you would demand as a professional working in full time production.
Unfortunately, the price also reflects that somewhat – at $925 this is pretty cutting too! Even for a professional, that’s a serious investment and when you’re spending that amount of cash it’s highly important that you ensure you’re getting a tool that is up to task.
In this review, we’ll be assessing the Grizzly GO513ANV to see if that is the case…
The Grizzly GO513ANV is a hefty looking piece of equipment but is also clearly well made with great production values. Right away, you will feel as though you are getting your money’s worth at least in terms of the size and weight of the thing. That weight is pretty good for keeping the unit stable too while you’re working, so you don’t need to worry about it rocking and wobbling around like some other bandsaws are prone to doing. The colorscheme is black and orange which looks nice enough and should blend into most workshops nicely.
There’s a big stable surface for working on here, which should help to make your work considerably easier and give you the easy ability to move pieces around underneath. It’s made from cast iron, so there’s no flimsy plastic to be found. This feels very solid too so you won’t feel considered leaning your weight on it. The blade is also impressive at 17-inch, allowing you to cut nice and deep through very thick woods. With 12 foot cutting capacity and a 16-1/4 inch throat, this will make mincemeat out of most jobs that you task it with.
And on that front, of course it is the 2HP motor that is the real star of the show. This will power through wood and a lot of other materials and in our review period with the tool we found that extra power to be really rather impressive and very useful indeed. The tool has an ISO 9001 factory designation, so you know it can perform.
It’s not all about power though! Fortunately, the Grizzly GO513ANV also delivers in several other regards and has a lot of extra features. There’s the deluxe fence for guiding straight cuts for instance, the micro-adjusting geared table for getting everything aligned just perfectly and the miter gauge. All this makes it very easy to set up the tool just as you want it and to make precise cuts.
There are also two dust ports as well as an easy quick-change mechanism for the blade. You get two blade speeds (1700 and 35000) and a fair bit more as well. In short, this comes with the full roster of features.
While this might seem like a lot of money if you aren’t used to buying factory grade equipment, it’s actually very good value for what you’re getting. This is an incredibly powerful, versatile and feature-rich tool and one that will be capable of handling pretty much any task you can dream up.Of course nothing is perfect. While there aren’t too many complaints here, the included saw could have been a little bit better. Likewise, you might need to make some of your own readjustments to get it to perform optimally out the box.
In conclusion, the Grizzly GO513ANV is one of the best value propositions out there if you are looking for a factory-grade bandsaw. It has all the power, functionality and performance that you could expect for the price, it’s very well made, very solid and all-in-all just a fantastic product that won’t see you wrong!
So what do you think about the Grizzly GO513ANV? Will you be adding it to your own arsenal? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/grizzly-g0513anv-review-a-factory-grade-powerhouse/
A good bandsaw can make all the difference to any workshop by giving you the means to make precise cuts through a wide range of materials and to the extent that you are able to cut precise shapes and even intricate patterns. Bandsaws are also particularly easy to use as they have their own base and their own plate for working on. This means you can simply take your piece of material over to them and start cutting; there’s no need to clear space where you’re working or to struggle trying to manually saw without knocking things over with your elbow.
Adding a bandsaw to your repertoire is definitely a good call if you are a DIYer or woodworker then, but the question is how you go about choosing the right one. There are a lot of different options here and they can range quite drastically in terms of their power and their versatility. Some will take up a good half of your workshop and have their own stand. Others are small and can be added to any existing table top. Knowing the kind you need and getting the right one is key if you want to avoid wasting money while ensuring that you are able to tackle every task that you need to.
Read on to find out if the Grizzly G0555LX is the bandsaw you’re looking for.
The Grizzly G0555LX uses a cast iron frame with a precision ground cast iron table. That should tell you right away that this is a powerful tool with some serious build quality going on. Cast iron tables make a big difference over plastic alternatives, as they allow you to put some real pressure on the table without worrying about it bending, warping or wobbling. Likewise, the weight of the bandsaw itself is also ideal for putting some pressure on and still feeling like the thing is stable enough to allow for perfect precision. This is a big machine too, with a floor to table height of 43”.
The saw itself is 14 inch, which gives some great cutting depth. The maximum cutting height is 6”, while the throat is 13-1/2”.
The Grizzly G0555LX is CSA C22 certified, so you know you’re getting a good quality product that could potentially be used in a professional setting. Of course, for the relatively low price though, you know that you’re not going to get the very highest power. This is a 1HP motor, which is certainly better than a lot of hobby-grade bandsaws but at the very lower end of what you might consider using professionally. It’s still a good value proposition in terms of pure power-to-cost ratio though and for that reason alone it is worthy of praise. It has two speed settings, which are 1800 and 3100 RPM.
Numbers can only tell you so much, but we can report happily that this is a great tool to use that really glides through most things you throw at it. It feels sturdy and stable and for the money, you really couldn’t ask for more.
The advantages of this device largely revolve around its relatively low price compared with the power that you are getting. This is a great performer and it will impress time after time. It is heavy, weighty and powerful and comes with all the extra features you’d expect like the dust port, fence and miter gauge.
The only drawback for some will be that this is a 1HP and not a 2HP. It’s perfectly understandable for the price but the question you might ask is whether it’s spending just a little bit more in order to get something that does offer that slight upgrade in power.
The other thing to be aware of is that it does not come with the stand, despite it being shown in many of the pictures.
All in all, this is a fantastic bandsaw that really delivers in terms of the power, the build quality and the weighty construction. It has plenty of features and in short, does everything that you could hope it to for a relatively low price. This will be more than enough for hobbyists and ample for most professionals too!
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/grizzly-g0555lx-bandsaw-review-cheap-good/
The Delta 28-400 is a bandsaw that takes up a lot of space and that can handle professional tasks for any advanced hobbyist or small professional service. Bandsaws are tools that hold a saw taut between two large wheels and drive it with a powerful motor. This then allows you to move a piece of wood (or sheet metal in some cases) around underneath in order to make straight cuts – or even shaped or patterned cuts.
This is one of the easiest ways to cut through wood and the fact that most bandsaws come with their own, large table for resting the material on only makes life easier for you. This is a brilliant addition to any workshop for all those reasons. Let’s take a look at whether the Delta 28-400 is the right choice for your own workflow…
This is a large machine that comes with a heavy duty steel frame and an aluminium trunnion table support. It is made in an industrial looking silver/grey and has the kind of heft and sturdiness that we like to see from more expensive tools. Of course, this does have quite a large footprint, so if you’re going to be slipping it into your home office then it may pay to take some measurements first to make certain that it is going to fit in nicely!
Size wise this also has some benefits. It’s very heavy, which ensures that it’s not going to wobble and rock while you use it. That cast iron table also benefits from being ‘oversized’ at 15 ¾ inch by 18 7/8 inch. This gives you plenty of room for moving things around and getting the right angle and it’s a very welcome inclusion. That table also tilts up to 45 degrees, meaning you can use it to make bevelled cuts. And to further mimic the benefits of a compound miter saw you also get a positive stop so that you can quickly find the right angle.
What really matters though is the way that a bandsaw cuts and this gives you plenty of power thanks to its 14inch saw and its 1HP motor. That’s enough to cut through thick wood with ease, as well as non-ferrous metals. There’s a two-speed pulley, which is an important feature on any bandsaw if you intend on cutting through metal (faster saws do not work with sheet metal). Of course 1HP isn’t quite as powerful as 2HP and for some people that’s going to be a downside. But it is still plenty powerful and will be more than most hobbyists need and enough for a lot of professionals too.
The advantages of the Delta 28-400 revolve around its stable construction, it’s good cost-to-power ratio and the fact that it’s a 1HP motor driving a 14” saw – which is more than enough for the vast majority of tasks. This is a large, powerful machine that is going to give you a lot of scope when it comes to cutting through things.
In terms of the build quality though, the blade does rattle a little which is slightly disappointing when everything else is so strong and durable feeling. Likewise, it’s a bit of a shame that it doesn’t come with a fence. You can fit this yourself of course, but it’s something that you would get with a lot of other devices included. And speaking of value, it is also not quite as affordable as some other 14” bandsaws with 1HP.
As long as these issues aren’t deal breakers for you though, then you’re going to find that this is a well-made and very capable bandsaw and one that makes a big difference to your cutting capabilities.
Overall, this is a good choice for anyone that is looking for a bandsaw capable of handling all but the very most challenging cuts. It’s obviously less powerful than a 2HP with a 17” blade but it’s going to be more than enough for most people and certainly for hobbyists. It’s good value for money even if it lacks a couple of features.
So, what do you think? Will you be picking up the Delta 28-400? Let us know in the comments below or feel free to check our many other reviews for more bandsaw options!
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/delta-28-400-band-saw-review-does-it-have-all-the-features-you-need/
There are several tools that every woodworker or DIYer should have in their collection. Most will want a router for instance, you’ll probably have a jigsaw and you’ll likely find that a bandsaw comes in handy occasionally too. But then there are those other tools that perform specific jobs. These are a little more exciting in some ways because they provide you with something unique and they help to make your workshop stand out from the crowd.
The WEN 3975 is just such a novel example of a tool. This is a benchtop bandsaw, meaning that it holds a saw taught between two wheels and that it can be used to make detailed cuts. What is a little different though is that it is aimed at cutting metal and is only 5”. If you’re someone who cuts a lot of metal then, you might well find that this is a useful tool to add to your collection. But is it well made? Who is it for? What are the specifications like? We’ve reviewed the product so that you can decide if it might be right for you…
The WEN 3975 doesn’t look a whole lot like a traditional bandsaw. It has a much more horizontal design and looks a bit more like a pivoting orange ring attached to a black metal base. It’s well made though and the orange and black colorscheme (typical of WEN) gives it a nice, professional finish.
The WEN 3975 looks different because it is different. The smaller wheels are useful here because cutting through sheet metal of course requires slower cutting speeds. But the WEN 3975 gives you plenty of option so you can rest assured that you’ll be just fine cutting through woods and other materials as well. Specifically, the WEN 3975 can cut at anything from 125 to 260 feet per minute. That adjustability is very important here, because it gives you the option to tailor the speed for the precise metal that you are going to be cutting.
The pivoting nature of the main body of the unit is also important as it allows for bevelling meaning that you can make a range of angled cuts. This lets you cut anywhere from 0 to 60 degrees. The WEN 3975 can be used to cut pipes up to 5” in diameter or can cut rectangular materials as large as 5 x 4-7/8. That is surprisingly thick for a 5” bandsaw and especially when you consider that this device is so compact for easy storage. Numbers can only tell you so much though. What’s more useful is to know what a device actually feels like to use. And in that regard, we are happy to say that during our review we found it very easy to cut through brass, aluminium, copper, steel and a range of other metals. The light weight and portability is a really nice additional benefit and the 4.5amp motor is more powerful than you probably expect it to.
There’s also a two year warranty and a lot of very positive reviews from other users.
There is very little bad to say about this bandsaw. The only downside is that this is not going to replace your tabletop bandsaw or even a regular handheld. Rather, this is a specific tool for a specific job and as long as you are aiming to cut through metal, you are going to find that this is an excellent addition to your repertoire.
The positives then are that this device cuts so easily through metal, that it is so portable and that it is so well-made and comes with the guarantee from WEN. It’s a great addition to your workshop.
To conclude, the WEN 3975 is perfect for anyone who needs to cut through metal regularly. It’s a bit of a niche product but if you happen to need that niche, then you’re going to be very happy with this excellent tool. We can highly recommend this tool and think it will come in handy in many different scenarios.
So, will you be adding this to your own workshop? Let us know in the comments below and feel free to let us know if we missed anything!
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/read-this-review-to-find-out-why-the-wen-3975-is-a-unique-band-saw/
When reviewing tools, I like to think of them in terms of possibilities. Sometimes a tool is simply there to make life a little bit easier: it helps you to perform jobs more quickly and easily and thereby takes away a little stress and brings some more joy to the act of building furniture and other wooden items. But other times, a tool actually increases the number of things you are capable of doing. Sometimes, a tool will present you with exciting new opportunities and allow you to make stunning items that you never could have made before. Perhaps that means you can make something more intricately decorated, or maybe it means you can work with materials that were otherwise off-limits.
And this is the case with the WEN 3962. This is a bandsaw that gives you a decent amount of power and lets you slice through different materials. It comes with its own stand and takes up a lot of space in your workshop, making it a definite ‘presence’. And when you look at it, you just know you’re going to be able to do all kinds of things that you couldn’t before.
But does it really open a world of possibilities? Or is it disappointingly limited?
There is always something nice about getting a tool with its own stand. It makes a big impact to the layout of your workshop and means that you can work with it much more quickly and easily – without having to move all the bits of wood and piles of sawdust out the way first.This is an imposing figure with four legs and a large, powerful looking bandsaw sitting on top. It provides a generous amount of space too, with a 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inch work table that can bevel to 45 degrees for making bevelled cuts or finding a more comfortable angle. The design is sleek and black and the whole thing has a certain heft that makes it feel good quality as soon as you start using it.This bandsaw takes 72 inch blades and powers them with an impressive 3.5 amp motor. This gives you some real cutting power and is capable of going six inches deep and 9-3/4 inch wide. The two available speeds are 1520 and 2620.
Also in the package are a dust pot, a fence for making straight cuts and a miter gauge.
When you read the official description from the manufacturer, the phrase that sticks out is:
“Remember when tools were actually powerful?”
It’s true: you certainly can’t fault this thing in terms of its power and the power-to-cost ratio is very good indeed. If you’ve been looking for something that will make it possible to make precise and detailed cuts through tough materials, then the WEN 3962 might just be the tool you’re looking for.The tool is also well made and the extras are welcome too.On the downside though, this thing can be a real nightmare to adjust. Having read other review, we were ready for this but we still found that it could be very hard to find the perfect angle and making adjustments was tedious. Installing new blades is likewise a fiddle and a struggle.
This is a real shame as the tool is otherwise a fantastic value proposition for someone who yet doesn’t have a bandsaw. The problem is that if you are relatively new to woodwork and DIY, then you are likely to find that this is a bit of a challenge to use and that means we can’t recommend it to absolute beginners. This is a very good bandsaw but only if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.
Overall then, the WEN 3962 is a great bandsaw with spectacular power-to-price ratio. It is well made and has lots of settings and features. The downside is that it can be a fiddle to use and adjust and this can take some of the joy out of using it – not to mention potentially leading to imperfect cuts. If you’re willing to work with it and you’re confident in your ability though, then it is highly recommended.
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/should-i-buy-the-wen-3962-bandsaw-read-this-review/
A few weeks ago, I decided to try my hand at screen printing. It seemed like a simple, straightforward process: Get the supplies and make it happen. Well, I made it "happen" and ended up learning a bit along the way. Here's my process and… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I used to hate when things were the same. I grew up in a family where everything was always changing. We never ate the same thing twice, we had no hallowed holiday traditions, no yearly vacation spot, no alarm clocks, no bedtimes, no church, no chore… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I used to hate when things were the same. I grew up in a family where everything was always changing. We never ate the same thing twice, we had no hallowed holiday traditions, no yearly vacation spot, no alarm clocks, no bedtimes, no church, no chore… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
We all have designs, and we all have ideas. And sometimes, they just have to get out of our heads and into the real world. Screen printing is a great way to ink art on just about anything from shirts to posters to wood. If you figure out how to do it right, it's the easiest way to create dozens of copies fast. So here's our look at the right gear and techniques you'll need to get started today. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
We believe in investing in long-lasting, high-quality kitchen gear; things worth saving up for, that you know will stand up to daily use. Opting for a legit forged steel chef's knife, say... one that can be sharpened and honed over and over and will last you the rest of your life, and then some.
But, investment pieces are just that: investments. Those things cost money, and they're well worth it. But thankfully, you can fill in the gaps with a selection of totally affordable and super useful kitchen tools, many of which cost less than a lunch at a local bistro. So with that in mind, here's our list of inexpensive, high-quality, and crazy versatile culinary tools with which you should be stocking your kitchen, all of which come in at less than twenty-five bucks.
… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I have a million e-mails. It's not actually a million, but it makes my soul feel that way. I know this feeling. It happens when I've been staring too long at a screen, clicking reply until I lose track of time and space and what name I'm supposed to sign in the sendoff. (It's Chris. My name is Chris.) The only way to fix it? Get away from the computer, turn on some music, and build something.
So let's go out to the shop and build a box that will never, ever have e-mails in it. Here's a simple woodworking project that can get you back to working with your hands, but isn't too fussy or complicated. And the cool part — it uses just a few basic tools and single board. When it's done, you'll have a stylish, versatile, stacking storage solution that will come in handy in any room in your house. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
The Wen 6502 belt sander is a benchtop belt sander from WEN that offers a great mid-range sanding tool for any hobbyist or semi-pro. While this isn’t the most powerful sander in the world, it is actually capable of handling most tasks with ease and is certainly more capable than you might expect for the lower price point. As with most WEN products, you’re also getting a smart design that is particularly easy to use and set-up and that comes with a full 2 year warranty.
We took some time to put the Wen 6502 belt sander through its paces and this review details our findings in full…
Product Description: Plastic But Well Put Together
The Wen 6502 belt sander is a plastic tool and this means it doesn’t have quite the heft or the coolness to touch that you get from some more expensive workbench sanders. This shouldn’t put you off though, as actually it is has weight, heft and build-quality where it counts.
The total weight of the Wen 6502 belt sander in fact is 40lbs and the majority of that is distributed around the base. This makes sure that the tool won’t slip and slide around as you’re using it and that is not only a great safety feature but also a great feature for allowing you to sand more items more easily. Good foundations are essential for any workbench tool! And that plastic is quite nice to look at too and makes the whole machine feel a little less cold and industrial.
Otherwise, you have a decent amount of space on the support table is also good enough and has a 0-90 degree angle, which allows you to angle things just as you need them.
In terms of power, you’re getting a 4.3 amp motor which will deliver 3,600 RPMs – not bad and enough to handle pretty much any project that a homeowner is likely to take on. For professionals this may be somewhat lacking but for everyone else, it’s more than ample (pun unintended…).
Pros and Cons: Easy to Use and a Great Experience All-Round
The price is one thing we like about this product. But what we also found to be great during our review period, was just how pleasant the whole set-up was to use. In particular, we found it was very quick and easy to change and adjust the belt, to swap out the discs and generally to use the machine.
There’s a dust collection port (2.5 inch) which we used as well and when you add that functionality in, you have a machine that begs to be used. You know there are some tools in your workshop that you never want to use, only because the amount of set-up and clean-up makes them hardly seem worth… well this isn’t one of those! Rather, it’s a machine that is quick and pleasant to use and even to move around and this means you use it more.
The other pro is the power and when you consider the price, it really is excellent value.
In terms of the downsides… well that would be the power again! As while this is a powerful machine for the price, it is still ultimately a product that is more suited to hobbyists than professionals. That’s fine if you are a hobbyist but if you’re looking for something that will get you through your working day, then you might want to spend a little more and get something with a bit more oomph (ampf?).
The other drawback is that plastic feel. While the device seems durable and certainly had no problems during our time with it, it’s always a little less reassuring using plastic models and so you may prefer to look for something a bit more resilient. It’s also a slight shame that the dust collector wasn’t included… but you can’t have everything!
Conclusion: Excellent Performance and Price
But most people aren’t going to care that it’s plastic and most people aren’t going to need anything more powerful… and for that reason, the WEN 6502 is one of the best sanders for hobbyists and homeowners and is something that we feel happy to recommend.
Additional ressources on toolerant:
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/wen-6502-belt-sander-review/
Gives a whole new meaning to the concept of "finish coat," right?
Woodworker Rob Brown invites us to look at our hand tool collection in whole new light... not simply using the tool only for tasks it was intended for, but as opportunities to see these common items beyond their typical use.… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Jesus taught in parables, and Polonius advised his king "by indirections to find directions out." One of the best things about revisiting classic sports movies as an adult is suddenly realizing all the incredible themes and lessons that were way over your head as a boy, but you likely absorbed through osmosis. Whether you’ve never seen these films or can practically do them as a one-man show, here are seven classic movies about sports that are really about something else… … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
The SKIL 3386-01 is a band saw that you can use to make very precise and detailed cuts through a variety of different materials. This is a great tool to add to your collection if you want to be able to cut jigsaws, patterns or shapes and it can also be very useful for cutting straight lines or sawing the ends off of pieces of wood. But when buying tools, it is important to take your time and consider your options. All tools are not made equally and some will definitely do a better job than others. The key is to find the right tool for your specific job and to make sure that it is well made and likely to stand the test of time.
Does the SKIL 3386-01 hold up?
The SKIL 3386-01 is a nice looking tool that could almost be described as cute. It’s a thin red tool that has a strong, stable base allowing it to sit upright while you run your various materials through the blade. Despite its benchtop nature though, it is quite slim and the design is nicely rounded. In short, it’s a very nicely put together product with some good production values. It also feels sturdy and stable in the hand.
In terms of power and versatility, this is a 2.5 amp, 9 inch bandsaw. That gives you a decent amount of power and during our review time, we found it was plenty capable of all the jobs we threw at it – as long as we worked within its limitations. It’s ideal for cutting our irregular shapes and the power is enough to easily move the wood around underneath without having to apply too much pressure – when using woods and other softer materials.
Also included is a rack and pinion table adjustment. This makes it easy for you to quickly alter the height and angle of the material you’re cutting through and that in turn means that you can not only find the position that is most comfortable for you to work at for long periods, but also find the perfect angle for the intended cut that you want to make. A rip fence and miter gauge further help with making perfectly straight cuts or cross cuts, which will ultimately result in more precise end products.
Otherwise, you have a few nice features thrown in for good measure. There’s an LED light for example, which makes sure that you can see what you’re doing as you cut. There’s also a dust port for easy dust collection.
There’s a lot to like about this bandsaw. The tool is very attractive to look at and while it is quite tall, the thin profile and sleek design help it to blend seamlessly into your workshop. It’s also a joy to use thanks to the pivoting table, the decent amount of power and the extra features like the LED light and dust port.
Unfortunately nothing is perfect though and the first downside you’ll notice when using it, is that it tends to wobble quite a lot when under pressure. This can be frustrating and especially if you are trying to make a very fine cut.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the most powerful tool out there. This is a powerful bandsaw for the price you are paying, but it is still very much aimed at hobbyists and not those who run their own woodworking business. For those who want something top of the range, you will need to keep looking. Otherwise, this is a cute and spunky little bandsaw.
On the whole, this is a great product as long as you know what to expect. This is not a top-of-the-line machine that’s going to chew through any job you give it. However, it is more than capable of doing simple cuts and is ideal for the hobbyist who wants something that will look good in their workshop and not take up too much space. It’s nice to look at, it doesn’t cost too much and it is definitely a useful addition to your roster if you don’t already own a bandsaw. Overall, this comes recommended for hobbyists.
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/skil-3386-01-bandsaw-review/
There are two types of ‘cheap’ tools in this world.
One type is the type that just works. You pick it up for the first time and it glides through the material that you’re trying to cut into, plunge into, or screw into. It makes work that was previously laborious seem utterly simple and easy and you wonder why you never got it sooner. It just works. Better yet, this type of tool also tends to work for a long time. We’ve all had routers or jigsaws – even cameras – that just stand the test of time and survive multiple falls and drops and outperform themselves at every opportunity.
Then there are the tools that are a little more ‘difficult’. These are the tools that don’t quite work right when you first get them out of the packaging. They require extra set-up, they’re surprisingly fiddly, they keep jamming… maybe they ruin the wood you’re trying to cut through. And in less than a year, you find yourself looking for a replacement! These are the ones that lead people to say ‘well, you get what you pay for!’.
So now the question is: which type of tool is the Black & Decker RP250 plunge router? It’s certainly affordable but can it punch above its weight?
This is a plunge router with handles on either side and that has an almost anthropomorphic design that is very likeable. The device has very visible suspension for the plunging action and a large body so that the two handles look like arms and the springs look like legs. It is nicely made with lots of curved edges and plenty of shine and the black, orange and grey colorscheme is nice too.
As a plunge router, this allows you to punch perfect holes into your surface, or to start from the middle of a piece of wood. This is some great added versatility to what is already a very versatile tool (everyone should have a router). The plunge depth is 2-1/4 inch, which is also very decent. The router also offers a decent amount power thanks to a 10 amp motor and has all the usual features to allow for cleaner and smoother cuts. For instance, there is the gradual start function and the electric feedback.
Also included in the package are a 1/4inch collet and wrench and an adjustable parallel edge guide for making nice straight cuts.
To use, this is an absolute joy. The two handles are very ergonomically designed and the router is easy to move around on your surface. The power is also decent bearing in mind the price and size of the device and you shouldn’t have any problem cutting through most surfaces. It also has a few nice extras and features. Speeds are variable for instance, which is great for finding the right setting to work with whatever material you’re cutting (8,000 to 27,000 RPM to be precise). Then there’s the ‘sightline base’ which is designed to give you better visibility (we didn’t massively notice this in our review but had no problems with visibility), an easy-to-use depth scale for ensuring accuracy, a spindle lock for easy bit changes and a safety-conscious trigger switch.
This is a tool with a fair amount of features and decent performance considering the price and size. It performs well and will surprise you in terms of just how nice it is to use. But it is a low-end router and it’s important that you keep this in mind before you make your purchase. There is no way to attach guide bushings for instance and it can be tricky getting a straight cut. It’s also obviously not the powerful tool in the world – but you knew that already!
Overall, this is a great beginner tool for those just learning the basics and is not suitable for advanced or even mid-level DIYers. But if you get this thing now, you can rely on it to do a good job and it might just surprise you occasionally. And one day in the distant future, you will find it lying on the floor and be pleasantly surprised to see it still works. This is one of the good kinds of budget tool!
Continue with your purchase on Amazon.
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/black-decker-rp250-plunge-router-review/
Note to the wise: a box usually isn't enough. Many tools in the shop need a bit more protection. When tools get neglected, edges get dull and things get lost. A tool roll is a simple way to keep those small collections of specialty tools in top shape and exactly where they should to be when you need them. Here's a simple way to make your own. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Sooner or later, you're gonna have to do it. It may be because you lost a little weight, and now it's time to notch over one more, and you're plumb out of holes. Maybe it'll be due to the fact that different pairs of pants sit on your body at different places. Or it may be that you'll simply had that belt for a little while, and the leather has stretched a bit.
But, at some point, you're gonna have to punch a hole in a belt. And if you do it right, it can look perfectly in line with the others, like it's been there the entire time. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I admit it: I'm pretty rough on my stuff, so when it matters, I like to make sure it lasts. Adding a layer of wax adds durability and helps to prevent water saturation, and shed stains and grease. Here are the simple steps to keep your fabric and canvas like new in the shop. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Today is Valentine's Day, and couples of all sorts will be headed out on the town to celebrate. Whether such plans are on your radar, or you're generally interested in looking snazzy without seeming like you just came from a sales meeting, we thought we'd share some basic ideas and tips to, well, nail it.
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A good spindle sander is a basic tool that belongs in every home improvement fan’s collection. A spindle sander essentially allows you to smooth off curved edges and cuts. Once upon a time, these devices would need to be mounted on bench tops and worktops but today, they take a much smaller and more portable form factor, in some cases even being handheld.
An oscillating spindle sander meanwhile is a sander that has a tube that moves up and town as it rotates. This is ideal for quickly smoothing off a curved edge or cut and is a good choice if you find yourself making lots of furniture.
And when it comes to choosing an oscillating spindle sander, then the WEN 6510 is a great choice. Let’s take a closer look in our full review…
Product Description: A Surprisingly Powerful Sander in a Tiny Form Factor
The WEN 6510 oscillating spindle sander is a sander that has been designed primarily for portability and ease of use. It is a great choice for smoothing arcs, curves and contors and should play nice with all manner of other unusual shapes.
One of the great things about the WEN 6510 is just how easily you can swap out the plates and drums. This means that you can quickly adapt your unit to suit the task in hand. And because the device is so light, it can be easily moved around.
Despite the light weight and small size, the WEN 6510 is actually a surprisingly powerful sander. It has a 3.5 Amp motor which is capable of 58 oscillations and 2000RPM. It has a very ergonomic grip and is generally comfortable to use as well as being so light.
Pros and Cons: Portable but Plastic
The biggest pro when it comes to the WEN 6510 oscillating spindle sander is just how quick and easy it is to use. In our testing, we found that it was a simple matter to reach for the sander, set it up for the job we were working on and then get to work with it. There are lots of great little design choices that only further enhance this convenience. The packaging can be used to carry the attachments for example, while the onboard storage is also very impressive and allows you to keep all your spindles, washers and sleeves all in one place. A dust port means you can add dust collection as well, which always helps. And the product comes with a generous 2-year warranty!
As for the downsides, you are getting a somewhat affordable and relatively ‘entry level’ sander here. Despite a more-than-capable motor driving the whole thing, this still isn’t going to be winning any ‘most powerful’ prizes and thus a professional might want something a little larger (though of course that will mean sacrificing some portability)…
Another consideration is that this is made largely from plastic. That would seem to suggest that the resilience won’t be as high as some more sturdily-built sanders – but we haven’t had any problems in our tests and the reviews also seem happy with the durability. There’s also a 2 year warranty to help with this.
Oh and one more big positive would have to be the price. At just over $100, this is a great bargain.
Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Range Choice for Hobbyistss
Overall, the WEN 6510 oscillating spindle sander is a well-design and surprisingly powerful sander that is incredibly small and light. This is a highly versatile machine that will handle most jobs with ease and that won’t take you too long to set up. You can have it to hand and simply grab it whenever you need it.
The only caveat to all this, is that this is a light and budget machine. It’s not going to be the most powerful choice if you’re looking to tackle huge projects and professionals might want to look elsewhere. But if it’s a budget or mid-range product you’re looking for, then this is a safe choice.
In fact, the WEN 6510 oscillating spindle sander often finds itself topping lists of the best oscillating sanders and there are a ton of good reviews for the product. Overall, this is a trusted name and a great device that you can rely on for an appealing price.
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/wen-6510-oscillating-spindle-sander-review/
The Five Love Languages has been on the New York Times Bestsellers List since it debuted in 1995. It’s spawned a series of follow up books, online personality tests, and spin-off community forums. And here’s how you can use that knowledge to learn more about yourself while scoring some quality points with your significant other this Valentine’s Day… … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Spending some time outside is, so to say, a big deal. Disconnecting from everyday life is what allows you to return to it focused, refreshed, and ready for new challenges. And although a weekend in the wilderness might leave you feeling physically exhausted (and hopefully dirty), it's guaranteed will positively impact your mental clarity and general good-feeling in the weeks that follow.
Sure, you can head into the woods with some sneakers and your book bag from high school. And if that's what it takes to get you out, we're all for it, But when you decide to upgrade the experience a bit, there are a few things you should be sure to bring with you. Good gear is comfortable, more durable, and supportive on rough terrain. So, grab a few pieces at a time, and make all you future adventures more enjoyable adventure. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
My highschool workshop teacher had a saying that's always stuck with me: Keep you edges sharp and your powder dry. While I don't pay much attention to the dryness of my powder these days, I take a lot of interest in my tools. Sharp edges are safer, more precise, less frustrating, and just a lot more fun to work with. Here is one of my secrets to keeping them cutting at their best. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
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The Leica D110 60 m laser distance measure is a no frills laser measurement tool, but don’t let that put you off. For the right audience, this is actually all you need! A laser measurement tool does exactly what it says on the tin. This is a device that uses a laser in order to take a very precise measurement that you can then use for making precise cuts, choosing the right sized piece of wood and generally improving the speed and accuracy of your work. It works by firing a small laser which will then bounce directly back to the device. The device knows how quickly this should happen and thus it can use that information to calculate distance.
That means you can forget using your tape measure to make every cut and can instead start working much more quickly and accurately. This means you can say goodbye to tables that rock around when you place any weight on them and instead enjoy a much higher standard of finished product. It can also be useful for interior design, for making floor plans and for a range of professions.
The Leica D110 60 m laser distance measure is one of the more affordable options from Leica. Other models have a range of advanced features, even including the ability to use a camera to target particular points on the screen and then zoom in to them to take a measurement that way.
But these features aren’t going to be necessary for DIY hobbyists and the like and in that case, there’s no need to spend over the odds. The Leica D11 60 m laser distance measure is a laser measure and nothing more and is perfect for making quick measurements.
That said, there are also some nice additional features. For instance, you get IP54 dust and water resistance, which will be very handy indeed when you’re leaving it lying around in highly dusty workshops. It’s also shock resistance and will survive a small fall and has Bluetooth for quickly sending your measurements to an iPad or laptop.
On top of all that, it’s also perfectly small to fit into a pocket.
Range is 0.20-60mm and it is accurate up to 1.5mm.
This is one of the more affordable laser measures on the market but you’ll still be able to benefit from the recognized Leica brand and the excellent accuracy. This is more than accurate enough for the vast majority of hobbyists and woodworkers and only professional property developers and other industry specialists are really going to need more features.
The flip out extension is also very good and allows you to get a firm grip against a piece of wood or a pillar for example. The small size is also a plus size, as it means you can slip this in a pocket and bring it with you just in case you need to measure something. Yes, you can be ‘that guy’.
But on the downside, you do of course lose out on some of the advanced functionality that you get with more expensive options. IP54 is slightly lesser than the protection you get from some of the others for example. Likewise, the 1.5mm accuracy is a step down from more expensive models like the X310. Then there’s the lack of level (which is missing in all the Leica laser measures). You’re also missing out on some of the sensors that can help to ensure that the device is able to measure at strange angles or around obstructions.
In short, this is a smart, compact and accurate measuring device that can greatly improve the quality of your work. It lacks the most advanced features like the screen and isn’t quite as accurate as the top-end offerings but for most people, that isn’t going to be a problem. For a hobbyist or even a casual professional, there isn’t a compelling reason to spend more than this on a device that ultimately does the same thing as a tape measure.
That said, once you’ve used a laser measure, you won’t want to go back!
Source: http://www.toolerant.com/review-leica-d110-60-m-geosystems-laser-distance-measure/
A woodworking bench is more than just a table to lay your tools and project parts on. Used well, your bench is an all-in-one, three-dimensional clamping solution that will allow you to hold your work on any of its edges or faces. The traditional way to increase the work-holding capability is to place "dog holes" in your bench top, and allowing the, to work in tandem with a face or end vise to secure parts of any size. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
The burger is usually thought of as summer fare — the progeny of some spatula-wielding self-appointed grill master. But true burger fans know that the very best are not cooked over grill grates, but on screaming hot solid surfaces, where the rendering fat and juices stay near the patty, creating not only a crispy exterior, but the deep, caramelized, confit-like richness that defines the flavor of a great burger.
Which means, of course, that burgers are actually year-round food, and armed with a heavy cast iron skillet or griddle, a great way to spend an dark, cold evening stuck inside. If we're gonna have January, than let us always have burgers. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
It's nearing Valentine's Day, and though my sweetheart and I don't usually do gifts, I wanted to make her something special. We're not big on the whole Hobby Lobby, scrapbook-y, shrine to ourselves approach to artwork, but I did want to incorporate a personal element. I recalled the custom DNA portraits I'd seen, and when searching, found the fingerprint prints offered by the same company. While I wouldn't even begin to understand how to go about visualizing DNA, I figured the custom fingerprint approach was probably pretty achievable.
And...it was.
I even figured out a way to make it seem a bit more handmade than the cold, tech-ier versions offered by the online companies. And, it only ended up costing me $6.00 USD. (I'm so thankful I've got someone who would be proud of me for creating an inexpensive DIY route, rather than impressed by how much I spent.) … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
