Time is money. So when you find a product that saves you a ton of time, even though it might cost a little extra, you know it is still worth it. The SpeedTape from FastCap is one of these great money saving products. SpeedTape is a double-sided tape that is specifically designed for quick and easy veneering and laminating. I first used SpeedTape on a large paneling job at a new church project here in SoCal. Most of the panels were cut to size at the shop, but the ones that required a custom fit also required some veneering to cover the raw edge.

There are problems that arise when trying to apply edge banding onto a panel that is pre-finished. In the past we would use spray glue because it is faster then liquid contact cement, but this means we would have to tape up the panel and hope we didn't get any glue on the finish. Often, if the temperature was too hot or too cold, we would discovery that the glue would not even hold. In short, it was a pain. When we discovered SpeedTape, it was like a dream come true. Not only is it really fast to install, but the holding strength is amazing. I am a SpeedTape fan.

SpeedTape comes in 1”, 1.5” 2” and 6.5” sizes in 50' rolls. You can even get custom sizes made in widths up to 54”, though I don't know how economical these would be VS contact cement. Prices start at $10 for 1”x50'.

[:cicn:] SpeedTape: FastCap - Amazon

DeWalt might have been the last of the big name manufacturers to release a line of 12-volt ultra compact lithium-ion tools, but when they entered they landed with a rather large thud. While the other brands have released a tool here and a tool there, DeWalt has come out with a full line of seven tools all at once. The new line includes: 1/4” Screwdriver ( DCF610S2), 3/8” Drill/Driver ( DCD710S2), 1/4” Impact Driver ( DCF815S2), 3/8” Impact Wrench ( DCF813S2), LED Work Light ( DCL510), Inspection Camera ( DCT410S1), and Infrared Thermometer ( DCT414S1).

In a somewhat strange move, DeWalt moved away from the pretty much standard battery-in-handle design for ultra compact 12-volt tools, and went with a battery-below-handle design. They wanted their tools to offer a more comfortable grip and have better balance – something they could not do with the battery-in-handle design. This design also allows the user to stand the tool upright, something that the other brands don't do as well. I don't know if the change has had any affect on size and weight, so we will have to see how it stacks up with the competition.

Comfort is great and all, but the 12 Volt Max line is about more then that; the specifications look great and are equal to or better then the tools their competition offers. We will just have to see how everything fares in the real world. The one odd tool in the line up is the 12 volt impact wrench. Impact wrenches are used in tasks that require a lot of torque, so I find it weird to see it in a category that typically trades power for size. Look for these tools in stores later this fall.

I did not know this up until a few months ago, but we lost another great American company last year. The failing economy has claimed a lot of businesses, and back in December 2009 Perry Scaffolding closed their doors for good. It is hard to think that a company that had a foot on just about every jobsite I have ever been on could not survive, but unfortunately stuff like this just happens.

Sure there are other US manufacturers that produce great scaffold systems, but what about the person that wants to add to their existing Perry system? Well it turns out that Mark Starness, who just happens to have been the VP of operation at Perry for 31 years, has started Nu-Wave Scaffolding systems. Nu-Wave is now manufacturing and selling exact duplicates of several Perry products. These products are authorized by and built to the exact dimensions of Perry products and are guaranteed to be 100% compatible. Mark Starness even took many of the Perry staff with him; so it is almost like Perry never left. He has done us all favor.

Nu-Wave Scaffolding Systems via Contractor's Solutions

I just got some weird news from our buddy Nate over at CPO Outlets. Starting July 1st, SKIL will no longer sell or ship their X-Bench Portable Workstation to the state of California. Due to a new environmental law passed in the state, the X-Bench no longer meets the California standards. This is all because of the MDF top that is part of the X-Bench, and its use of formaldehyde.

To make a long story short, during aftermath of the disaster that was hurricane Katrina it was determined that formaldehyde could “leak” from the MDF made FEMA trailers when it was exposed to extreme heat and humidity. Because of this, California has changed their standards for Air Toxic Control Measure for Composite Wood.

SKIL will not be issuing a recall for the X-Bench because it was in full compliance with the state during the period of sales. If you wanted to get an X-Bench, you better hurry while you can. All remaining X-Bench stock in Cali. is required to be returned to SKIL. A successor to the X-Bench has been in the works and will be available in late July, but it is not a direct replacement to the X-Bench, and will not be at the same price point.

It will be interesting to see what other products will be affected because of this. The Festool MFT for example.

Update: I sent an email off to Festool asking if they were aware of the new California standard, and if it would have any affect on their MFT. Here was their reply:

"Thank you for inquiring about the Festool MFT and requirements for sales in California. We are investigating the matter currently as it applies to our MFT product and should have an answer forthcoming shortly."

So there you go; we will all just have to wait and see what happens next. As a resident of California, I am plenty aware of how the state is apt to pass laws and regulations without thinking of the impact or consequences. I think this regulation just might be one of them. I hardly consider California to be a hot and humid climate – Hot, yes, but hardly humid.

[:cicn:] SKIL X-Bench CPO SKIL - Amazon