I have been a fan of the Flexeel hoses from Coilhose since the first day I started using them. They were a huge step up in hose technology; improving the hose in just about every way possible. Now comes along the Flexzilla hose line from Legacy to show that it wants to be the next big thing in hose tech.

With a name like Flexzilla the hose better deliver some amazing features. Legacy claims their Flexzilla hose has zero memory allowing it to lay flat even in the most extreme weather conditions. I like the sound of this, a flat hose is a safe easy to manage hose. Flexibility is very important and the hose has been rated to be flexible at temperatures between -40° to 150° F (I would call this extreme). This is all made possible by using a “Premium Hybrid Polymer” material to construct the hose. Couple all that flexibility with a 300 PSI rating, and it looks like we have a winner.

The Flexzilla hose comes in 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch diameters ranging in lengths from 25 feet up to 100 feet. The price is similar to the Flexeel hoses at around $30 for 1/4”x50'.

Legacy Mfg. - [:cicn:] Amazon

Way back in August of 2008 I reviewed the Final Cut Saw Blade with Sanding Disks. Final Cut, if you do not remember, is a blade that uses specially made sanding disks that are attached to its sides. These disks do the unique task of sanding your material at the same time it is being cut, thus saving you a step in your building process. These disks offer a much smoother cut while cutting in just about any application, and I also noticed a few other advantages while using the disks during my previous testing.

Final Cut has just announced that they are now offering their products in the 7-1/4” size. Now anyone that is using a standard 7-1/4” circular saw can take advantage of what the Final Cut has to offer. The 7-1/4” blades use the same technology as their larger brothers, so if you have had success with one size, you are likely to have the same success with any size.

Final Cut blades are specifically designed to work with the sanding disks, and have a kerf that is slightly smaller then the blade width when the sanding disks are attached. This step up in width is what allows the sanding disks to do their final sanding. So while you can use the sanding disks on other manufactured saw blades, it is always recommended that you use one of the Final Cut blades if you can. The 7-1/4” Final Cut costs $19.95 and replacement sanding disks are also available.

[:cicn:] Final Cut

You heard me correctly; this is some truly socking news coming from both companies. The Craftsman name is so linked to Sears, it almost hard to picture it inside of another store. It is almost like pouring Coke into a Pepsi cup, it is just wrong.

Starting in May of this year, 100 select Ace stores will begin selling Craftsman products. My guess would be stores not near current Sears stores. The Ace stores will carry Craftsman hand tools, portable power tools, compressors, vacs, and tool storage; so pretty much everything. Then starting in June, Craftsman will be running a promotion for select tools in which all 4500 Ace stores will have the opportunity to participate.

“This is an exciting, strategic move that expands access to Craftsman for existing and new customers,” said Bruce Johnson, interim chief executive officer and president for Sears Holdings. “Offering an assortment of Craftsman products more broadly through Ace locations will strengthen the Craftsman brand, which already has an incredible reputation for innovation, quality and trust”.

This sounds like a smart move for Craftsman and a smart move for Ace Hardware, but is it a smart move for Sears. As long as they are not competing with themselves, I think they should be OK. But, could this be the sign of a dying Sears, or am I reading to much into everything.

I have worked with a few union carpenters and cabinet installers over the years, and one thing I have learned is that they love their work carts. I am not talking about those little plastic carts, I am talking about a complete workshop on wheels. For the most part they convert some other type of cart to fit their needs, but in some cases they build their own.

So it is not surprising that Portable Carpentry Workshop (PCW) was designed by a union carpenter to meet all of the carpenters common needs; after all he should have a pretty good idea what people are looking for. The PCW is designed to maximize setup time; because all of your tools are already on board and in place, all you have to do is plug the thing in and you are good to go. It holds all of your major tools, including your miter saw, table saw, and even has a built in router table. The miter saw table is mounted on glides so that it can be pushed back to make room for the table saw out feed or extra routing space. Underneath there is plenty of room for your other power tools, and there are two drawers under the table saw mount for your hand tools.

This cart is no light weight, so if you plan on using it on a job you better make sure you are working on a single level building, or you have access to an elevator. A ramp or a friend to get the PCW loaded and unloaded from your truck or van is also probably a good idea.

The PCW might also be a good solution for the person at home that likes to create, but doesn't have all the space needed for a full shop. You can wheel it out of the garage onto the drive way, and be set up and ready to go.

The cost for the PCW is $4850+, but looking at the photos and the video, it looks like it is very well designed. Video after Read More

[:cicn:] Rolling Trades