One problem some oscillation multi-tool fans may face is the difference in blades between brands. The blades from one brands cordless multi-tool will most likely not fit your corded multi-tool from another brand, that is unless you are using some type of commercial or homemade adapter.

A company called Versa-Tool is trying to end some of the confusion caused, by selling a one-blade-fits-all solution. They offer a complete selection of oscillation tool blades, everything from fine cut to carbide blades, that fit a great number of oscillation tools on the market today, even ones you have never heard of. Sound great right? The problem, some of the most popular multi-tools such as the Dremel Multi-Max and the Rockwell Sonicrafter are not compatible.

If you own one of the other tools listed below you should be all set.

[:cicn:] Amazon

We have all been in situations where we just can't read the vials in our levels. Sometimes the room is just to dark, but often it can be as simple as an inconvenient shadow. If only levels had built in lights we would never have this problem. Well, there are a couple brands that offer levels with lights, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for one more.

The Lightning is the latest level from Swanson Tool Co. to offer on-level vial lighting. The level has three vials that are all lit with long lasting LEDs that run on only two AAA batteries. A push of a button turns the lights on and off, and an automatic shut off feature will kick in after 10 minutes of non-use. This box beam level has an accuracy of .0005 inch per foot, so you know you are getting a tool that is

made for the pros. Some other features include a V-groove added on one side of the level to make sure you are centered when leveling any round stock, and a channel-groove added to the opposite side for leveling square corner stock.

The Swanson Lightning levels will be available in 24” (BLL240) and 48” (BLL480) sizes for around $45 and $65 dollars. What, you want magnets? Add an extra $10 to those prices and you can get the magnetic versions that use strong rare earth neodymium magnets (BLL24M & BLL48M).

Swanson

Have you ever found yourself in a dark room with a 16 penny nail in one hand, a 2x4 in the other, but you seem to be without a hammer. If you had one of the Jameson Work lights, you would be in a well lit room and you would have no problem using your Jameson work light to hammer away on that 16 penny nail; at least that is what Jameson claims. Knowing that this is the same company that makes portable tent lights for the military, their claim is probably true.

To ensure all of this protection, the Jameson high intensity work lights use fluorescent bulbs that are suspended in a shatterproof protective tube shield and use thermoplastic elastomer handles and endcaps that are designed to absorb impact. These lights are made for use in battle zones and other harsh environments, so they do not run cheap. The lights are available in 13, 24 and 50 watt models with prices ranging from $100 - $150

Jameson Lights - [:cicn:] Sears

It's a bird, it's a plane, nope, it is just a wild saw blade on the loose. A home security camera captured video of a 3-foot blade tearing down the homeowners yard after a construction worker started up the saw he uses to cut into the street and the blade somehow came loose.

I am sure the homeowners were thankful for the free lawn edging, but the neighbors were not pleased when they found a 3-foot gash in the side of their house. After the construction worker found that nobody had seen his little mishap, he retrieved the saw blade, reattached it, and continued his work without letting anyone know about the problem.

This is just another example of saw blades coming loose likely because the blade was not installed correctly. When working with any saw, it is always best to check the saw blade at the beginning of each work day. A simple 10 second check could save your life or one of your co-workers. Video after Read More.

Via - NewsNet5

No, I am not talking about drugs here, this is a family blog. The new Jointmaker SW is the little brother to the Jointmaker Pro. As odd as it may sound, the Jointmaker can best be described as a hand tool variation of the table saw.

The SW in this latest Jointmaker version stands for single wing. So while you lose quite a bit over the Jointmaker Pro's double wing design, you also lose a bit in cost. This brings the price from $1300 down to $900. However, you also lose in the features department; the SW only bevels 45 in one direction and 15 in the other.

The JM-SW (Single Wing) is big news. Rather than utilizing two sliding tables that are bridged (for most cuts), this saw functions similarly to most sliding table saws--there is one sliding table and one static table. The Jointmaker SW features the same linear bearing system as the JMP v2 on one side and is opposed by a static, extruded aluminum table.

Still an amazing tool, just not for everyone. (Video after Read More)

[:cicn:] Bridge City Tool Works

It has been a while since we have heard anything from Senco about their new Fusion cordless nail guns, but a new batch of information has come out that points to a release coming this May. If you are in the market for a new cordless nailer, it would probably be wise to wait one more month and see what Senco has to offer in person.

The Senco Fusion uses an 18 volt battery to compress a nitrogen filled cylinder; it is the use of this compressed nitrogen that drives the nails. The Fusion is powered with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) battery that can reach an 80% charge in only 15 minutes and deliver up to 500 shots on a single full charge. The guns weigh in at 6 pounds, which is said to be nearly 2.5 pound lighter then the competition.

The Senco Fusion FN55AX 18-gauge Brad Nailer will fire slight head and medium head straight strip brad nails between 5/8” to 2-1/8”. The Senco Fusion FN65DA 15-gauge Finish Nailer will fire angled strip finish nails between 1-1/4” to 2-1/2” in length. Both models feature a sequential or contact trigger switch, tool-free depth adjustment, an LED work light and will include a 2 year tool warranty.

Senco Fusion Tools

Actually I am only telling you a half truth. The latest bits from Lee Valley will give you a square hole and does use a drill, but there is more to the story. This new tool is actually a fancy square hole punch that uses a drill bit to remove most of the wood material. For those of you wondering, yes, it functions almost exactly the same way as an electric mortise machine.

I showed you the first Systainer radio modification here, and now comes another from the Contractor Talk forum. Of coarse the advantage of building your own radio is the option to use just about any parts that you want.

Contractor Talk forum member Winchester chose to use a JVC-R600 car radio that comes complete with iPod controls. To get his 12 volt DC radio to run off of 120 AC, he is using a simple computer power supply. Using a computer power supply comes with a few great advantages, the first being plenty of watts to power your speakers. Another advantage is the ability(with a bit of wiring work) to power your USB devices using the power supplies 5 volt rail. Did I mention that PC power supplies are also cheap, and can be purchased for as little as $10. Add a couple more components, and you could have yourself a PC inside of the Systainer; that would be the next logical step.

This build is still a work in progress, so you can follow along if you wish, and take notes for your own build. Though I should warn you not to join the forum unless you are a contractor, they eat DIYers alive.

Contractor Talk

Cordless impacts become stronger, smaller, lighter, and better in just about every way with each new release. Because of this, Manufactures are looking for new ways to make their impact bits and accessories strong enough to be able to handle all the extra torque.

Bosch has just announced their brand new line of accessories specifically designed with the power of impacts in mind. The Impact Tough Line includes Insert Bits (Phillips, Square, and Torx), Power Bits (Phillips, Square, and Torx), Nut Setters ( 1/4” to 7/16”) and Sockets & Socket Adapters (5/16” to 15/16” socket outputs, 3/8” and 1/2” square drives).

The Impact Tough screw driving bits are not only built with stronger tips, but also include something called torsion zone, which helps absorbs some of the torque during high loads. The new Nut Setters feature a larger brass N43 neodymium magnet that is said to last longer and offer better holding power then traditional nut drivers. Bosch will also introduce a family of Impact Tough Hole Saws that are designed for fast clean cuts through metal.

The new Impact Tough accessories will first hit stores in two bulk sets. The first being a 30-piece General Purpose Impact Screw Driving Set (18 insert bits, 7 power bits, 1 bit holder, 3 nut setters and 1 socket adapter) and the second a 21-piece Insert Bit Set (20 insert bits and a bit holder). The hole saws are set to be released in various sizes early this summer.

I have found that regular Bosch bits are one of the few that can last day after day in an impact driver, so these new bits should be something to look forward to.

We have all been in situations where we start working in one area only to realize that we have left an important tool on the other side of the jobsite. The best way to avoid problems like this is to always have your tools on yourself at all times. Of coarse this is not always possible because of size and weight limitations.

Say bye bye to this problem forever with the new DogBoss tool transport system. Now all those extra tools that you just don't have room for, can be kept on mans best co-worker. The DogBoss can be easily adjusted to fit most larger dog comfortably, allowing them to carry up to 40 lbs. of tools. Keep one of your tool bags full of dog treats and you will have one loyal happy co-worker.

The DogBoss is available exclusively at [:cicn:]Duluth Trading for $49.95, and comes with a training manual and DVD.