News

When Makita comes out with new tools, it seems like they always do it in numbers and such is the case with their new drywall screwdriver line. Makita has announced three new screwdrivers, one to fit each persons needs. All three models feature a 6 amp motor, an aluminum gear housing, adjustable depth locator, and they would not be Makita's without LED work lights. The only difference in the models are the maximum speeds. The FS2200 delivers 2,500 RPM and weighs 3.5 lbs. The FS4200 delivers 4,000 RPM , and the FS6200...

Craftsman has one, Bosch has one, and now Rockwell has announced their own version of the cordless 12 volt oscillation tool. The big advantage that Rockwell has over the other companies, is that they already have a pretty big following with their corded version. This means that you can use most of your corded SoniCrafter attachments with your new cordless SoniCrafter. In fact, I believe the only attachment at this time that will not work with the cordless SoniCrafter is the recently announced SoniShear. The specs for the cordless SoniCrafter are similar...

Paslode must have some really good scientists and engineers on their staff, because they have managed to somehow make a framing nail that is both easier to drive, and has 20% better holding strength over a traditional framing nail. Their new PowerBoost black tip nail coating was specifically designed to help cordless framing nailers, such as the Paslode CF325, drive nails flush into the the hardest of engineered lumber, such as LVL. “Rather than build a bigger, heavier tool with more power and larger fuel cells, we decided to...

If cutting with the SoniCrafter wasn't easy enough for you, their new SoniShear attachment simplifies the task even further. The SoniShear attaches to the SoniCrafter the same as their other accessories, and adds scissor like cutting capabilities to the tool. The shearing blade operates at up to 20,000 strokes per minute, and Rockwell says it can cut materials up to 5/16” thick. Things like corrugated board, plastic packaging (I know we all hate this), leather, carpet, canvas, netting, vinyl sheet, paper, and rubber matting should be no problem for the new attachment....

Anyone that leaves their tools on the jobsite knows that there is always a risk of them growing legs during the night; this is also a problem for contractor's supplies and materials. We all do are best to make sure things are as secure as possible, but we can never really be sure if they will be there the next morning. If you have a multimillion dollar contract, then security guards are probably your best bet; but many contractors are on a much smaller scale. The other day I spotted...

The makers of the very popular Painter's Pyramid are at it again with a spinoff called the Finishing Turntable. The Painter's Pyramid for those of you that don't know, is a simple but ingenious way to elevate your woodworking projects for finishing. The pyramid shape keeps your work piece stable, while the points do little to disturb your finish. The Finishing Turntable as the name suggests, adds the ability to turn your workpiece for even easier finishing. With finishing, less handling usually means less problems and a better looking final result. There...

More and more these days people are moving away from square corner-bead in new construction. Instead, they are turning to a 3/4” rounded bullnose corner bead. This style adds a modern touch to the building, but at the same time has the feel of old Spanish-style missions. But how do you add trim to a rounded corner?

Anyone looking to put out high quality woodwork knows the importance of precision tools. One easy way to make sure your work is at its best is by using tools that are square, level, and flat. Now it would be nice if all our tools came perfectly set from the manufacturer, but the fact is they don't, and the shipping process would most likely ruin the factory adjustments anyway. The DigiAlign from iGaging is a simple tool that takes a lot of effort out of adjusting just about any shop tool with...

Stanley has had pretty good success when it comes to flashlights, so it comes at no surprise that they have added yet another flashlight to their line. This new model loses the popular tripod found on many of the Stanley lights, but gains a nifty clamping system. The clamp opens up to 4 inches, so you should have no problem clamping onto 4x4 lumber and should also work on smaller items. The Stanley 95-891 uses a 3-watt LED light, so in theory the light should be pretty bright. The flashlight also has...

One of the many things I wish I could do is pen turning. Unfortunately I do not have the proper tools, the knowledge, and probably not even the talent it takes to make such works. But for those of you that have the tools and are gifted with such talents, The Pen Wizard might be of some interest to you. You can only do so much to a pen with a lathe, but The Pen Wizard ornamental lathe adds an extra bit of wow factor to your work. With the use of...