I don't know that there has been a single type of tool that has been more popular at a given time, then the oscillating tool is today. The main reason behind this, is the fact that most of these tools have all come out at around the same time. Rockwell, unlike Bosch and Dremel, is relatively unknown, but has a few things that are helping them out. One being the popularity of their JawHorse which I have seen discussed in a number of tool related message boards, another is their infomercials. Which is also how the Fein MultiMaster was first sold.

The Rockwell SoniCrafter is right up there with the more expensive Fein MultiMaster in terms of power. The MultiMaster is listed as having 250 watts, and the SoniCrafter is listed as having 2.3 amps. We multiply the amp times the volts to get the watts. 2.3 amps x 120 volts = 276 watts. This is probably the peak output, so I am going to call them even at 250 watts. I have never used the MultiMaster, so I can not do a side by side, but the specs seem to be pretty much equal with the same oscillation angle of 3.2 degrees, and a similar speed range of 11,000-20,000 oscillations per minute.

The SoniCrafter feels really solid in my hands, and is well balanced. It is comfortable to use with either hand or both at the same time. I was actually surprised at how well the body of it is built, and doesn't feel cheap in any way. The location of the variable speed dial is near the back of the tool, which does make it almost impossible to adjust with one hand. I assume it was placed in the rear to prevent accidental adjustments.

The little things make me happy. The 10 foot cord is really nice, and in my opinion should be the minimum size included on most power tools. 6 foot cords don't cut it. In addition to the good size cord is a built in hook and loop tie that will keep that long cord manageable. One of my complaints about the Dremel was the lack of a good Allen wrench holder. This is not a problem with the Rockwell as they have a holder built in to the back of the SoniCrafter.

The 72-piece SoniCrafter kit I am reviewing also comes with a dust extraction kit, that can also be purchased separately later if you buy one of the smaller kits. As seen in the photo, the dust kit attaches to the bottom of the SoniCrafter using a clip, and is held in place by the sanding pad at the other end. It comes with a couple different size fittings that allow you to fit it to your vacuum or dust extractor. It works surprisingly well for sanding, picking up most of the dust. This is probably due to the tight fit of the dust attachment against the back of to sanding pad. The Dust attachment can be used while cutting, although it doesn't work as well and it will limit your cutting depth. Only taking a few seconds to remove and attach makes it easy to switch between tasks. Continued After Read More

Build Priceless Memories with Inexpensive Projects this Father’s Day

SKIL and Lowe’s Partner for Building Memories Contest

MT. PROSPECT, IL – Make this Father’s Day special by spending a lot of time with Dad instead of a lot of money. SKIL Power Tools and LOWE’S Home Improvement are offering inexpensive projects designed to provide hours of priceless memories for kids and dads alike. In addition, you can take advantage of the opportunity to enter your family fun project into the SKIL Building Memories Contest for a chance to win one of more than a hundred different prizes.

Kids and moms can surprise dad by choosing one of four project plans and getting all the materials they need at participating LOWE’s locations. The project plans are available both in LOWE’s stores and at www.SKILBuildingMemories.com, along with a complete list of materials and tools they will need. Then, all you need to do is capture the building and bonding process with video or photos and enter your completed project for a chance to win. Plans range in difficulty level and are appropriate for children ages 4 and up. Entries will be judged based on the quality of the completed project shown. The top entry for each project plan will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip for four to a Worlds of Discovery park of their choice. Worlds of Discovery Parks to include, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio,  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Sesame Place, Adventure Island and Water Country USA.Prize package includes hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare and more.

Just in time for Father’s Day, the contest kicks off May 11 and ends July 10. Eight second-place winners will each receive a SKIL Benchtop Workshop including a table saw, miter saw, drill press, grinder and band saw; 20 third-place winners will receive a SKIL 18V Lithium Ion Combo Kit; and 100 fourth-place winners will receive a SKIL Power Wrench. Winners will be notified by mail on or about September 1, 2009.

For official Building Memories contest rules and for additional information visit www.SKILBuildingMemories.com.

Did you know May is national construction worker hand safety month? I didn't think so. I was planning on talking about the benefits of using gloves while on the job, when I read about hand safety month over at Toologics. They also list a number of interesting hand safety facts, like: a third of all injuries in the construction field happen to the hands, and 76% of those are cuts and abrasions.

Those stats indicate that a good number of those injuries probably could have been prevented buy wearing a good work glove. This is something I know first hand after a fluke cut on my thumb with a very sharp putty knife, which resulted in a trip to urgent care and 6 stitches. A work glove might not have prevented my injury entirely, but it probably would have reduced the cut size.

Of coarse there are some situations where you can not wear gloves, but it is a good idea to at least have a pair handy for every other instance. I recommend that everyone go out and buy a pair of work gloves, your hands will thank you. I like to use knit gloves with a rubber type coating, but I suggest you try some on and see what you like. Northern Safety has a huge selection of gloves for just about every task.

Work Gloves - Amazon

While it would be hard to put a price tag on your fingers, I think I can safely assume they are worth more then $1500. This $1500 number is the base price of the SawStop Contractor Saw. During this safety week, it would be hard not to include the SawStop brand which truly revolutionized table saw safety. While there are plenty of safety techniques, and jigs that can help keep you safe, even the most experienced table saw user can have accidents. What could be more safe then a saw that wont cut you?

For those of you unaware, SawStop makes table saws that use a braking system to stop the saw blade if it comes in contact with skin. The system works so well it can stop the blade within 5 milliseconds of detecting contact with skin.

SawStop saws detect contact with skin. The blade carries a small electrical signal, which the safety system continually monitors. When skin contacts the blade, the signal changes because the human body is conductive. The change to the signal activates the safety system.

Even though I have never used a SawStop saw, I think they deserve a huge thanks for making safe tools, and continuing their research for future products.

SawStop
Fine Wood Working Video Review