Friday, August 29, 2008

Flip



Tool tip of the day........


A common misunderstanding about planer blades is that the blades are not reversible.

They are! Get double the use out of the blade by simply turning them over!

Thursday, August 28, 2008



Tool of the day.....



Porter Cable introduces the new 390 low profile sander

-3.5 Amp EnduraTech Motor for increased performance and durability
-Electronic Load Control for 42% faster material removal
-EnduraTech Motor Technology has 71% fewer wear components for 5-10x longer motor life
-Electronic motor brake reduces spin-down time by 73% for increased productivity
-Mechanical pad brake reduces free-spin to virtually eliminate gouging
-Low profile design reduces sander height by 31% for better control and finish
-Variable-speed, 7,000 - 12,000 OPM for optimal removal rate on a variety of materials
-Optimized ergonomics with rubber grip for comfort and control
-Integral dust port accepts 1" and 1-1/2" vacuum hoses for optimal dust collection
-Amps: 3.5 Amps
-Orbits/Min: 7,000-12,000 opm
-Pad: 5", 8-hole
-Abrasive Type: Hook & Loop
-Length: 5 "
-Width: 12 "
-Height: 4 "
-Weight: 2.1 lbs
-Shipping Weight: 4.25 lbs
Avalable now starting at $136.50

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

DW718 Tip



Mike N's tip of the day





On the Dewalt DW718 remember the back fence can be removed for a full 16'' crosscut and a 10'' 45 degree cut!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Cast away wings





Tool tip of the day.......



To precisely level the cast wings on your table saw
- First tighten the bolts tight enough to hold the wing in place
- Second use a straight edge or level, place on top of table saw
- Third use a rubber mallet and adjust the wing as needed
- Lastly tighten the bolts

Get Jigy with it




Tool of the day........




Porter cable introduces the new 77240 24'' Omnijig -Variable-spacing template design allows the user to create joints of varying widths
-Half-blind depth gauge features several preset router bit depth stops for creating dovetails in different thicknesses of wood
-On-board instructions simplify the process by virtually eliminating the need to refer to an owners manual
-An accessory storage case is available.
-Base features tabs with holes for mounting to a bench
-Self-aligning template eliminates the need to measure during set up between different jobs


Many different accessoriess avalable. Such as: bits, templates, stops, dust collection and storage cases
Avalable now for $599.00

Monday, August 25, 2008

Chop Chop



Tool of the day.......


Dewalt Introduces the new DW717


Features:
-Exclusive bevel detent system - 7 positive stops delivers fast accurate repeatable cuts
-Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops improves productivity & ensures cutting accuracy
-Optimizes cutting accuracy
-Machined base fence support maintains fence perpendicularity with blade for cutting accuracy
-Dual horizontal steel rails with linear ball bearing consistent accurate cuts
-Exclusive cross cut stop positions cutting head for maximum vertical cut capacity
-Best in class cross cut capacity 12" at 45° angle using back fence design
-Vertical cut capacity nested crown up to 6-1/4"
-Tall sliding fence supports up to 6" base molding to the left of blade & up to 3-1/2" to the right of the blade
-Miter capacity left 60° and right 52° for greater versatility
-Bevels 0-480 for increase cut capacity
-Cam lock miter handle provides fast locking action of miter table
-Horizontal handle improved ergonomics provides increased comfort
-Designed for use with the DWS7085 LED worklight or DW7187 DEWALT® adjustable miter saw laser system
-Lightweight (51 lbs.) with built-in carrying handle for easy portability

Saturday, August 23, 2008

STUCK?



Tool tip of the day.....

When using older hammer drills remember to lock your bit in place when using hammer mode or your bit will be forced into the shaft and will become stuck!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Oil, Your friend



Don the tool man's tip of the day.....






To address the myth about oiling your air tools, it unfortunately is sad but true that people don't think you have to!

YOU DO!

The mechanics of an air tool involve rubber seals that unless oiled will dry up and crack causing your air tool to fail making you very unhappy.

The correct way to oil your air tool is 2-3 drops of oil at the beginning of the work day.

Do not over oil or you will gum up you gun!

Find it right

Tool of the day......









Bosch introduces the DLR165K range finder



-Pocket-Sized Only 4" tall
-Four Measuring Reference Points - Back, front, swingout extension pin for measuring from inside corners or channels, or center of optional tripod
-Three Measurement Systems — Feet and inches, decimal feet, and metric
Length, Area and Volume Measuring Capability —
-Continuous Measurement Mode — Measurement automatically adjusts when walking-off distances
-Continuous Laser Mode — Reduces the number of key strokes when making rapid sequence of measurements
-Indirect Length Measurement Mode — Calculates inaccessible distances that cannot be measured directly due to obstruction or lack of reflecting surface using Pythagorean theorem (a2 + b2= c2)
-Ergonomic Soft-Grip Area — For sure grip and comfort

Now avalable for $181.00

Thursday, August 21, 2008

To warranty or not to warranty that is the question




Tony the tool man's tip of the day.......





Directly from ANY manufactures warranty....

MILWAUKEE will repair or replace any part on a product which, after examination, is determined by MILWAUKEE to be defective in material or workmanship for a period of five (5) years* after the date of purchase. Return the product and a copy of proof of purchase to a MILWAUKEE factory Service /Sales Support Branch location or MILWAUKEE Authorized Service Station, freight prepaid and insured. This warranty does not apply to damage that MILWAUKEE determines to be from repairs made or attempted by anyone other than MILWAUKEE authorized personnel, misuse, alterations, abuse, normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or accidents.




This includes but not limited to Brushes and Cords.










Tiny tiny.....



Tool of the day.....




Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces a new industry first - the M12 HACKZALL™ Reciprocating Saw, a compact, lightweight saw designed for powerful, versatile cutting in tight spaces for virtually all tradesman as they tackle plumbing, electrical, remodeling and HVAC applications. Featuring a 12V LITHIUM-ION battery, the HACKZALL™ cuts over 80 pieces of 1½" PVC on a single charge. The 2420 delivers a ½" stroke 3,000 times per minute for a smooth yet aggressive cut, and utilizes a keyless QUIK-LOK™ blade clamp to ensure quick and easy blade changes. The lightweight design offers less user fatigue as well as one-handed operation. Compact design makes it easier for users to access tight spaces or awkward angles. The HACKZALL™ features a variable speed trigger that provides increased user control and all-metal gear case and gears that live up to Milwaukee?s legendary durability. Additional features include a Built-in LED Light and Battery Fuel Gauge that displays the remaining run- time. Backed by Milwaukee's 5-Year tool warranty and 2-Year battery warranty, the 2420-22 comes with two 12V LITHIUM-ION batteries, 30-Minute charger, 2 Hackzall™ blades and carrying case.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Kapex


Kris's Festool of the day.....






Why spend $1300.00 on a slide miter saw when your nearest competition is half the price?






First of all at 47lb. its one of the lightest slide miter saw on the market, The zero clearance cut makes it the most compact by the motor sliding on the rail instead of the bars sliding. It's the only variable speed slide miter saw and duel laser on the market. The 10 1/4 or 260mm saw blade cuts 6 5/8 crown in nested position and 4 3/4 x 3/4 tall off the fence so basically it is the same capacity as a 12'' saw. The mmc electronics's keep a constant speed under load. And last of all used with the Festool dust extraction the Kapex becomes 91% dust free!

Standard equipment includes hold down clamp, angle transfer device for trimming inside and outside corners and a 60 tooth universal blade.

Optional accessories include :crown stops and a range of blades for all material.

Wobble Wobble



Kris's tip of the day......






Have you ever wondered why you high end saw blades don't give you a quality cut on your table saw?

More than likely your blade is heeling (not aligned with your miter gauge slot) . I find that the best way to check this is with the miter gauge. First make sure there is no slop in the miter gauge, some gauges have adjustments. With older miter gauges you can use a center punch to ping out the bar, this will take out the slop in the miter gauge. After that cross cut 2'' material on both left and right sides of the blade. this will determine which way the blade is out, adjust the saw and you should be golden.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Save to save time and money!




Jeff's advice of the day.....



What people don't understand is that a warranty is worthless without a receipt. When purchasing a power tool with a warranty PLEASE keep your receipt so we can quickly process your warranty and get your power tool back to you quickly. This is not our doing IT IS THE MANUFACTURER so don't get mad at us!








Monday, August 18, 2008

Chuck! Why is it stuck?

Mike N's tip of the day.....





Wondering why the chuck on your drill won't close all the way?



Inside your drill chuck there is a screw that holds it in place. Occasionally this screw wiggles loose causing the chuck to stop from closing all the way.
To fix this problem simply find the right screwdriver and tighten the screw COUNTER CLOCKWISE and this should solve the problem.
If you continue to have problems take your tool to an authorized service center.

Makita's cool new toy


Corbin's new tool of the day.....


Introducing the new 10.8v Lithium-ion Makita LCT203W


-Ultra compact driver-drill and impact driver offer best power-to-weight ratio
2-Speed Driver-Drill (0-350 / 0-1,300 RPM) delivers 200 in.lbs. of torque in an ultra compact size of only 1.9 lbs.
-Variable speed Impact Driver (0-2,400 RPM) provides 800 in.lbs. of torque in an ultra compact design of only 2.0 lbs.
-Makita 10.8V Lithium-Ion batteries provides longer run time and lower self-discharge
-50-Minute battery charger allows for more work
-3-year warranty on tool and 1-year warranty on battery & charger

This awesome new 2 pack from Makita is a great answer to the Bosch PS20-2 and the PS40-2

Makita has always been known for there outstanding quality and durability in all industry's. This lightweight combo has power and durability all packed in a small package.

On sale now for the introductory price of $199.50 While supplies last

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

HOW LONG IS TOO LONG?




Corbin's advice of the day....


A common mistake made in the world of tools is using a extension cord that is under gauged and too long. When using power tools you should if possible directly plug it into the socket. If you have to use an extension cord make sure you use a heavy gauge cord. it is recommended that you use a 10 gauge cord and as short as possible for larger power tools(table saw, portable planer or other large equipment). For smaller power tools (sawzalls,Skill saws, or any hand tools) use a 12-14 gauge cord and as short as possible.

By doing this the motor will last longer and not have to work as hard when using an under gauged or cord that is too long, makes the motor work to pull power and burns it up.

Help us help you




Kae's helping hand......



When looking for parts for your power tools it is very important that you have your model # and serial #. There is no way of knowing if the part is right if we don't have that information. Unfortunately, all power tool parts are not interchangeable.




Model # and serial # are located on a plaque on the tool usually called a model or cat #.




If you cant find the model # or cant read it, then bring the tool with you and this will help us track down the part you need.

But it's so old!




Mike's Maintenance tip of the day......



Machinery and power tools are a big investment, and maintaining your tools over time is essential if you want to get the most from your purchase.




The basics:


-Stick to the basics: Motor overhauls should be left to the professionals. However, there are some operations that the non-professional can handle


-Perform regular tune-ups: You can keep a power tool ticking by maintaining some basic components


-Restoring vintage iron: With a little TLC WWII-era machinery is still some of the best in the world!






In-N-Out Makita batterys





Josh's advice of the day......


We should all be familiar by now with the new Makita Lithium-ion power tools. One thing i have found is that people aren't all that aware of which batteries can be used with what tool, For example can the 1.5 battery be used in the BHP451 Hammer drill/driver? The answer is YES!
Your next question might be then why does some of the Makita Lithium-ion power tools have a small little block that stops the 1.5 battery from going in? This is on the larger power consumption tools like the BJR181 Sawzall. This prevents the smaller battery from being drained so fast. Thus the performance is decreased.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Tony the tool man




Tony the tool man.......










As a service center for power tools I suggest that maintenance and care be the first and last step of each work day. Caring for the cord and battery will ensure longer use of these items.


Excessive arching or the tool becomes hot early into use could be a brush stuck in the brush holder a bad field or even worse a bad armature!


Make sure any tool that requires oil is provided with the correct oil and kept at the proper level.


Proper accessories (blades and drill bits) will ensure longer use of each tool by not causing the tool to do the work of the accesory.

Monday, August 11, 2008

It's Easy!


Kris's tip of the day......
The majority of portable power tool problems coming in for repair have cord or switch problems.
1-Start by first checking your power supply to make sure its a good plug.
2-Check cords for cracked or broken prongs
3-Check brushes make sure they are making contact
If all else fails take the tool to an authorized service center

HEY YOU STOP!



Mike's safety tip of the day.......





Stolen Tools, 5 common sense ways to prevent tool theft!



1- Keep tools in locked, secure location, not loose in you truck
2- Record Model # and Serial # and keep in safe place (photos help)
3-Don't leave shop or garage doors open even if your inside!
4-Put a identifying mark on all tool just in case your tools are recovered

5-Utilize the Dewalt or Bosch anti- theft systems. They are pricey but well worth it in the end!




Thanks Mike for your submission

Ring.....Ring.......Hello?


Jeff's phone call of the day.....





We recently received a phone call from Ralph asking how he could make sure his table saw and miter saw were at the right angle?



Well Ralph... there are several ways to check this.



The BOSCH DWM40LK








The Steel City 11105 mag Angle Finder









Or just your standard metal angle finder






Thanks Jeff for your submission

Drain me please!



Corbin's tool tip of the day........




Wondering why your compressor is rusty and leaking water?


The most common problem seen on compressors is that the people who operate them don't know that the tank needs to be drained EVERY time you are done using them.


The compression process causes moisture in the lines and tank causing water to build up and if it is not drained, it will cause the compressor to fail and could possibly cause more damage than what its worth to fix it.


Draining is a simple and quick process!


-On the bottom of the compressor is a valve turn it, voila, your done!