I stumbled across a link that lead me to Clam Clamps . It is a sweet little clamp that will clamp... well... miters. I have never seen anything like it before, but I am sure it would come in handy. The price is a little high at $75, but if it really does what they say it can do, then maybe it is worth the price. You also have to look beyond trim work. This bad boy looks like it can clamp any wood that has a 45deg miter. For me, this would really come in handy for joining columns together.

They also have a video showing just how much clamping pressure you can get out of the clamp, so be sure to check it out.

 

 

 

Happy Easter to all of you and your families.

Milwaukee has come out with some new hole saws that just make sense. First the Big Hawg™ hole cutters

"Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces new Big Hawg™ hole cutters, specifically designed for drilling large holes in rough wood applications with the speed and longevity that HVAC, plumbing, and other professional contractors require. With its aggressive tooth form, the Big Hawg hole cutter cuts up to ten times faster than bi-metal hole saws. The Big Hawg hole cutter features three hardened steel teeth, which cut up to 600 holes in wood without needing to be resharpened."

Key Features/Specs

• Aggressive tooth geometry for up to ten times faster cutting than hole saws
• Deep gullets for easy plug removal
• Three hardened steel teeth provide maximum durability against unintended nail impacts.
• Cuts up to 600 holes in wood without needing to be re-sharpened.
• Diameter: Range from 2-1/8” to 6-1/4”
• Accessories available: Big Hawg arbor, Big Hawg pilot bit, Big Hawg diamond file
• Available March 15, 2008

One question though, why not carbide teeth? Everyone knows carbide is better. Though I do think this is a change for the better, I just dont see why they didn't go all the way with it.

Second comes Milwaukee's Ice Hardened™ Hole Saws. They utilize a new cryogenic hardening process that is supposed to be better then the century old heat treating process. They also have some new Sawzall® Blades that use the same hardening process.

"Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces Ice Hardened™ hole saws, a new generation of hole saws that offer up to 50% longer life than the competition and are ideal for metal and wood cutting in a wide variety of HVAC, electrical, plumbing and maintenance/repair applications.

Key Features/Specs

• Ice Hardened for up to 50% longer life than the competition
• Matrix II bi-metal teeth for greater durability
• Positive rake angle for fast cutting
• Radiused tooth back reduces stress on teeth
• Deeper gullets for fast chip removal
• Functional slot geometry for easier plug removal
• Available March 15, 2008

Are these new hole saws better, faster, stronger? I dont know. I guess we will just have to wait and see. I challange Milwaukee to send me a set that I can test out on the jobsite. :)

Only a few years ago, you would have one heck of a time trying to find a 23 gauge pin nailer. Now you can find one at just about any quality tool store. In just the past few years the quality and features of pinners has really shot up, going from a max length of 1 3/16" to now 2". This has a lot to do with the popularity of the Grex line. It really kind of amazing that a gun can shoot such a nail. Is it possible that the 23 gauge will replace the 18 brad nailer? Probably not, but Cadex doesn't seem to care.

Cadex now has a gun that will shoot both headless and slight headed 2" 23 gauge pins. The Cadex CPB23.50 . This means greater holding power, with still the very small hole of a 23 gauge nail. The price on this gun isn't cheap, at $300, but it is still around $40 less then the Grex counterpart. Now I have used Grex pinners in the past, and know they make quality tools, so I wonder how the two would compare. The only difference I can see, is the ability of this gun to shoot the headed nail, but it only goes down to 5/8" where the Grex 650 will go as low as 1/2". For me the headed feature far outweighs the lack of its ability shoot an 1/8" smaller nail. With my Grex copycat on its last limb, this might just be my next toy gun.

 

 

 

 

Specs:

 

• Shoots: 23 Gauge pins & 23 Gauge Brads
• Capacity: 120 nails
• Pressure: 65-120 PSI
• Weights: 2.6lbs
• Dimensions L x W x H: 9-3/16" x 2-3/8" x 8-7/8"

 

Features:

 

• Trigger Safety
• Anti-Dry fire Mechanism
• Built in Blow Gun
• Lightweight & well Balanced
• Fine Precision Nose for easy viewing & aiming
• Operates on 1/2 Hp. or larger air compressor
• Ideal for invisible fastening in all hardwoods
• Rear exhaust
• Rubber nose tip
• Handy carry case
• Belt hook
• Magazine sight window
• Swivel coupler plug