Friday 31 March 2017
Tuesday 28 March 2017
PORTER-CABLE 690LR Router Review: RAW Powerrrrrr….
A router is one of the most useful tools in your arsenal, especially a compact router that will allow you to move the tool around freely and especially a plunge router that will allow you to begin cutting at any point on the material that you want to work with.
Routers allow you to hollow out grooves or ‘routes’ and this allows you to trace all manner of complex shapes. You can use them to cut the ends off of pieces of wood as you would do a saw, or you can cut intricate patterns as you might do with a jigsaw. Moreover, you can use them for making attractive fluting patterns, for rounding off corners, for punching holes…
In short, this is one of the most versatile tools out there and it’s something you definitely want to invest in. But if you’re going to be buying a tool that’s so important and so valuable, then of course you need to ensure that you’re buying one that is going to be up to the challenges that you throw at it.
The PORTER-CABLE 690LR is a nice looking router but is it one that you can actually use on a daily basis? It’s affordable, but are you making big compromises in terms of power here?
Great Design & Extreme Power
The PORTER-CABLE 690LR is a slick looking piece of kit with a chrome and black colorscheme. This is a small detail but I am personally a big fan of any tool that uses a monochrome aesthetic. Why? Because normally, tools will tend to use the colorscheme of their particular branding. Dewalt is yellow and black for instance.
This is fine, except when you have tools form a few different companies, you end up with a very colorful workshop which isn’t a great look!
The PORTER-CABLE 690LR is nice and conservative in its color palette and that is ideal for a tool that’s going to fit in no matter how you decorate. It also looks good in terms of the obvious build quality and it feels equally good in the hands.
In terms of performance, it has pretty much everything you could ask for. The 11 amp motor offers up 1 ¾ peak horsepower. That’s some pretty good performance and especially for the price. Excellent power to cost ratio right here! The speed is 27,500 RPM which is also pretty good but something missing here is adjustable speed settings. A bit of a bummer seeing as you can get that option in cheaper devices but not the end of the world for most people who will be working primarily with wood.
There’s also a cam-lock lever which allows for simple adjustments of the coarse height and motor release. Micrometer depth adjuster is accurate to 1/128 inch, which is perfect for getting a very precise looking groove in your wood. Bit removal is fast and easy too and in short, it has a lot going for it.
Pros and Cons
So what are the pros and cons of this device?
The pros are the power, the excellent build quality (it’s machine cut aluminum, which explains the great look and feel) and the look of the thing. This is a nice premium feeling and looking tool with enough power to make easy work of most jobs.
The cons are the lack of speed adjustments, which is a bit of a shame and there’s no mention of electronic speed control. In our experience, we found that the cuts were very clean and smooth and generally we had no trouble with it. But if you’re looking for the most consistent cutting possible, then that is something to consider.
A few people have also mentioned that the position of the switch placement and the convenience of the lever release are not as useful as on previous models. We didn’t find this to be a problem but it is something to consider.
Conclusion
Overall, this is an excellent tool that provides great speed and power for the price and that has a particularly premium feeling build-quality. The only real disappointment is the lack of speed adjustment, while some find that the position of buttons and levers could be better. If you’re not picky though, you’ll love this router!
source http://www.toolerant.com/porter-cable-690lr-router-review-raw-powerrrrrr/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/porter-cable-690lr-router-review-raw.html
PORTER CABLE PCC670B Review: Too basic for a Reciprocating Saw?
A reciprocating saw is an incredibly useful tool to have around the house. This is a tool that isn’t particularly precise and that doesn’t have much finesse but that makes up for it with sheer versatility. In many ways, this is just as versatile as a hand saw but then adds a lot more power on top of that and gives you something that you can use to cut through pipe, branches, thick pits of wood, sheet metal and more.
And that’s precisely what you will need for a lot of jobs – something that’s ready to go and that can reach into small gaps or be used at odd angles. Perhaps the best way to describe this tool is as being ‘unfussy’. And that’s an incredible advantage for a lot of home improvement and DIY tasks.
But while the tool might not be fussy, you’re still going to have some minimum requirements here and there are still some basic things you need to look for. The question is whether the PORTER CABLE PCC670B is up to the task and whether it can become your new partner in crime for a wide range of household tasks.
Product Description
Well this one kind of does. In fact, it looks a little like a prop from the next Ghostbusters film. It’s off to a good start.
The tool is also capable of some fairly decent power to match the beefier design. It has a max speed setting of 3,000SPM and a good stroke length of 1”. Importantly, you also get variable speeds to help you cut through a range of materials, which means it is suitable for use with sheet metal. The tool is also surprisingly small and light, which is great for reaching into smaller spaces. In fact, it is just 14.5” in length, which is perfect for getting into small spots.
As you would expect, the blade exchange is tool free, which means you can quickly and easily swap out the blade to ensure you have the right one for the job.
But the real question is what this tool is like to use. And the answer is that it is really rather nice. The power is impressive in action and you’ll have no problem sawing through branches and through a wide range of piping, metal and thick wood. Of course this still finds itself at the budget end of the spectrum but it feels very good to use and being so light combined with the power means that you’ll have no problem working in a range of different settings.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons here are what you would expect from a mid-range recip saw but with a few more positives than negatives. We really enjoyed using this cordless recip while we reviewed it and especially because it was so light, so relatively powerful and so easy to use. The stroke length is decent too.
But of course the drawback is simply the limitations that are inherent for a tool of this nature. You could get more power if you spent a little more, it would be nice to have a light for instance or a rotating shoe – and you could always get a better stroke length too which would mean your blades lasted longer.
But then you’d pay more. For this budget, this is a great deal.
Conclusion
Overall, the PORTER CABLE PCC670B is a great reciprocating saw. It is rather basic but it offers decent power and decent portability at the same time and it doesn’t cost the Earth. What’s more, is that it sports a really awesome design that looks a lot nicer than most of the other reciprocating saws on the market. That’s not important but it’s certainly more than welcome!
source http://www.toolerant.com/porter-cable-pcc670b-review-too-basic-for-a-reciprocating-saw/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/porter-cable-pcc670b-review-too-basic.html
Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw Review: Awkward to use?
Miter saws can help make life easier for DIYers and woodworkers in a vast number of ways. First and foremost, these types of saws allow you to enjoy absolute precision in your cuts and even in your bevel cuts without having half the headache that you would have otherwise. Sure, you can make precise angled cuts with a jigsaw or even a handheld saw if you have a ton of patience and you’re willing to draw a ton of pencil all of your wood and rub it out a thousand times, but with a miter saw, there’s no need to show your working and there’s none of that headache. Instead, you simply place the wood onto the base, angle the saw precisely where you want it and then push it down to cut through the material.
This means that you can focus more on the parts of woodwork you enjoy (because making perfectly angled cuts is probably not it!) and it means that the end result will be something that’s a lot more precise and a lot more attractive.
So a miter saw is a considerable upgrade for your workshop that will fundamentally change the way you work in a very positive way.
The big question though, is what kind of miter saw you need, how much you’re willing to pay and what features you can’t do without. In this review, we’ll take a look at the Milwaukee 6955-20 to see if it is the one for you.
Product Description
The design looks impressive too. This is an industrial looking piece of equipment in red, silver and black and it has a weighty construction and good quality feel. 15 amps of power isn’t shockingly high for a 12inch blade but it should suffice for most and combined with the well-made design, it’s enough to cut through most materials you’ll throw at it (note: throwing things at it is not how you use this tool!).
Some nice extra features are also included, which you might expect of a relatively higher-end tool like this. For instance, you get dual ‘job-site lights’ which will help to illuminate the workspace. There’s also an integral dust channel which the manufacturer states will hoover up 75 of all dust for you.
Pros and Cons
The power is quite good here at 3.3HP, the build quality is nice and the size, sliding and bevel options are all good. There’s a sturdy fence too and good capacity. The 9 positive bevel stops are welcome too. So what, if anything, is missing?
Well, the first thing that is a little less than stellar is the position of the handle. This isn’t a big issue and it will also be a matter of opinion. But in our testing, we found that the handle was in a bit of an unusual angle which made it somewhat awkward to use. The vertical capacity could also be a little better and the increment on the bevel scale leaves something to be desired.
There is also a slight omission in the lack of a laser. Now, there’s no hard and fast rule that all miter saws must have a laser and you may find that you personally don’t need one. But we do like to see them and it is something that we felt was missing during our review.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great miter saw – don’t let our few complaints put you off! Sure, there’s no laser and in a couple of ways the design could be better. But the overall message here is that this offers great power and versatility in a well put-together package!
source http://www.toolerant.com/milwaukee-6955-20-miter-saw-review-awkward-to-use/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/milwaukee-6955-20-miter-saw-review.html
Sunday 26 March 2017
SKIL 4495-02 Review: Is this your corded orbital jigsaw?
The SKIL 4495-02 is an orbital action jigsaw and once you’ve seen one at this price, you’ve probably seen them all.
We’ve reviewed several budget jigsaws lately and most of them are the exact same story: they do everything you need them to and usually have just one or two extra flourishes or nice design features to set them apart somewhat.
That’s not a bad thing though. What’s key here, is to identify precisely what it is that you look for when you buy a tool and then to read our review to see which one ticks the most boxes. That normally means looking at your tools as though they’re situated somewhere in a Venn diagram. You’re not going to be able to get all the features you could possibly want unless you’re going to spend a fortune and that means you need to choose which things are most important to you. You then find the tool that best represents the point where those ‘killer features’ meet.
So for example, you might choose portability and power. Or you might choose price and features. Or you might choose power above all else.
We’ve reviewed the SKIL 4495-02 to see what mixture of performance, functionality and cost it offers. Let’s see if it’s right for you…
Product Description
The SKIL 4495-02 is a fairly unassuming tool from the look of it. It has a very rounded design which we find quite appealing and this is capped off with a handle that arches at the top with a trigger at the front. It’s all very nicely laid out and easy to reach whether you have big or small hands.
The colorscheme is red, black and grey and while it feels quite plasticky, it is also solidly made and doesn’t feel as though it’s going to break if you drop it.
Now, what about that ‘features Venn diagram’ that I teased in the intro? Which features does this tool bring to the (work) table?
Well, the answer is that it mainly revolves around power. This is a 6 amp jigsaw that also comes with an orbital action. 6 amp is rather high for a tool at this price, which means you’re going to get some serious oomph and this should help you to chop through all kinds of materials. Adding to this is the orbital action. That means the blade will use a somewhat elliptical motion and this is ideal for when you want to cut through tougher materials and are less concerned about being pretty. In short, this has got the power and the skills to really make short work of whatever material you challenge it to take on.
Other than that, you also get a few additional extras though, which make this a good fit for even more people’s diagrams. For one, it has a laser which is something we always like to see on tools that revolve at all around precision. It also gives you the option to adjust your speed and that is very useful when you want to cut through metal or other materials. It’s versatile then as well as being powerful.
Pros and Cons
But like we said, you can’t have it all. The SKIL 4495-02 does have some limitations and for the most part, these are focussed on portability. The SKIL 4495-02 is a corded tool, which means you need to work near a power outlet and which means you need to consider your cable management as you position yourself around the work surface. Not a huge issue for a lot of people but definitely one thing to consider.
Personally, I am also not a fan of the variable speed trigger. It’s nice to have the option to change speed right there, but for me, it’s a bit too easy to speed up when you don’t mean to. And speaking of speed, it doesn’t actually tell you what the maximum SPM is, which is a shame. It also doesn’t offer bevel cuts.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great tool that offers a lot of power and a lot of versatility. It doesn’t have it all but if you care more about power and precision than you do about bevel cuts and portability, it’s a good buy.
source http://www.toolerant.com/skil-4495-02-review-is-this-your-corded-orbital-jigsaw/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/skil-4495-02-review-is-this-your-corded.html
SKIL 3386-01 Bandsaw Review
How do you go about buying tools? This is an important question and one that every new woodworker or DIY hobbyist will face when they start out with their collection of tools.
The problem is that you won’t be able to afford tools that offer everything you want until you’re a bit further along with your hobby. At the same time, you might not even know precisely what you want if you’re just starting out.
Seeing as you can’t actually test tools until you have them in your possession, this also just makes it all the harder. Numbers can only tell you so much: but how does the tool actually perform in real-world use?
The solution of course is to read reviews like this one (well I would say that!) but also to know what it is that you’re looking for specifically. And to know that, you need to know the kind of work you’re going to be doing and what your objectives are.
What level of expertise are you? Are you a complete beginner or have you got some experience under your belt?
What kind of materials are you going to be working with? Will it only be woods? Thick woods? How much power do you need?
Once you know what you need to do, then you can start to think about which tools you need and what features and specs those tools need to have.
Have a think on this and then let’s consider this review of the SKIL 3386-01.
Product Description
The SKIL 3386-01 should be able to offer this for you but is more aimed at beginners/intermediate woodworkers rather than pros or those with a lot of experience.
The tool itself is only one speed, which means you’re not going to be cutting through tough materials and at 2.5 amp, it’s not the most powerful tool either.
That makes it better suited to working with thinner materials. So if you work with delicate woods and make lots of nice precise patterns, then it will be a good fit.
While it’s not exactly going to win any awards for its pure power though, the SKIL 3386-01 does have a good number of features and options. The articulating LED light is great for instance and will give you a clearer view of what you’re doing. The 1-1/2 inch dust port is also great for helping you keep your area clean. The rip fence is there for helping you make straight cuts too and the rack and pinion table makes it easy to adjust the angle and the height.
The tool also looks rather nice. It is mainly red and has a somewhat rounded design, while being quite thin in profile. All this means it should fit nicely into your workshop and it’s actually quite light for moving around.
Pros and Cons
This is a very affordable bandsaw that is well designed and easy to use. For making precise cuts it will do the job just nicely as long as you are working with thinner, easier materials. Just make sure you know what you’re getting.
And when you start getting even a little thicker, it’s also important to know that you’re going to experience a fair amount of vibration. That’s one downside of having something so light. Nice for when you want to move it around but not so nice for when you want it to feel stable and to stay in one place!
Conclusion
Overall then, this is a cheap band saw and that comes with some pros and cons. It’s nice and beginner friendly, it’s light and easy to move around and it has the basic features that you’ll be looking for. If you want to work with thicker materials though, you’ll need something a little more powerful. And prepare for something that feels a little light and that shakes a fair bit during use…
source http://www.toolerant.com/skil-3386-01-bandsaw-review-2/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/skil-3386-01-bandsaw-review.html
Craftsman 1/3 HP Band Saw Review
When it comes to choosing a bandsaw, you have a broad spectrum of tools available. At one end of the spectrum are those absolutely gigantic tools that take up half of your workshop and deliver multiple horsepower in order to rip through any material with scary precision. At the other end of the spectrum, you have those bandsaws that are on the budget end and that are suitable for making detailed cuts but only as long as you are cutting soft, thin materials.
The Craftsman 1/3 HP is a bandsaw that finds itself somewhere between these extremes but certainly a little more geared toward the hobbyist. This is a tool that wears its power on its sleeve as a 1/3HP and that tells you instantly what it is all about.
But who is this bandsaw for? Is it good value for money? Is it the best? And if you’re a hobbyist with a home workshop, should you consider adding it to your arsenal of tools? Read on and we’ll dive in a little deeper in our full review…
What are you buying?
But don’t get me wrong – this is still a well-made, versatile and powerful bandsaw when it sticks to what it’s good at. The Craftsman 1/3 HP is smartly designed in black and grey with the Craftsman logo and if it looks at all familiar, that’s because it is pretty much the same bandsaw as the Rikon 10-305. The main difference is the branding and the price which is a little more affordable.
What is nice is that this tool has a solid cast iron surface for working on and a great, well-constructed frame. It feels sturdy and when you consider that it’s technically ‘lower end’, this is always nice to see. The bearings do make some noise when the blade turns and it’s not perfectly seamless but we can say that in our experience, cutting through 4/4 wood, it has been great to work with. The cut depth is 4-5/8” and it has a 9-5/8” throat.
Other features include the fact that that cast-iron table tilts from 0-45” for cutting bevels.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons for this device revolve largely around the build quality and the power. This is a well made device. As mentioned, it’s essentially the same thing that Rikon is offering except without the branding, which makes it cheaper. You get the same cast iron table, the same option to tilt said table for making bevel cuts and the same good quality construction.
But this device is also very limited to doing a particular type of work – cutting through thin wood. If you want to cut through thicker wood, if you want to cut through metal, or if you want something that gives you more space to work, then you’ll want to go bigger than a 10”. Perhaps the biggest shame is that there is only one speed setting, as this would have been a useful feature even with the lower horsepower.
Conclusion
Overall then, this is far from being one of the most powerful bandsaws in town but it’s not trying to be. What this is instead, is simply a highly functional bandsaw that looks great, performs really well and is made from high quality materials – especially the cast iron table. It’s just icing on the cake that it costs less than comparable models thanks to the slightly less well-known branding.
In short, the Craftsman 1/3 HP is a great choice for anyone who wants an affordable table and doesn’t need to cut through metal or very thick wood. In that case, it will offer some of the best value for money and certainly won’t let you down.
For everything else, look for a bigger model!
source http://www.toolerant.com/craftsman-13-hp-band-saw-review/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/craftsman-13-hp-band-saw-review.html
Friday 24 March 2017
What are the Top 7 Garage Door Opener Brands
A Garage Door Opener is a device that has motorized tasked to open and close garage doors. Wall mounted switches and remote controls carried by the owner are how the device is accessed.
These are the top seven Garage Door Opener Brands in the market today.
An American company engaged in the business of high performance garage door opener. They introduced the first garage door with built in wi-fi, smart phone enabled products and wireless garage accessories. Chamberlain’s headquarters are in Elmhurst, Illinois. They are the world’s largest manufacturer of residential garage door opener. Voted as one of the top brands of garage door openers, and was chosen to be a the ‘Top Choice’ by Best Reviews. Richard L. Duchossois owns this family business. It is a subsidiary of The Duchossois Group.
Founded in 1923, and known as the Alliance Manufacturing Company. It produces consumer, industrial and military products. It was in the year 1954 when the company produced its first garage opener unit. When the company entered the home and shop vacuum market in 1983, this is when they changed its name to Genie Home Products. In 1994, the company was bought by Overhead Door Corporation. Alliance, Ohio is the base and headquarters of the company. Dennis Stone is the President and Chief executive officer of the company. United States and Canada is where the company is served.
Sears is a subsidiary of Sears Holding, an American holding company and is headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. It owns retail store brands such as Sears and Kmart. Kenmore and DieHard is also owned by Sears. 1,503 retail locations are operated by sears holding under the mastheads of Sears, Kmart, and their subsidiaries. It is the largest retailing company as of 2014. The garage door opener is under Sears Appliance & Hardware.
An American company engaged in the line of tools, lawn and garden equipment. It is controlled by Sears Holdings.
Craftsman was awarded “America’s Most Trusted Brand” in 2007 and in 2009, named as brand with “highest expectation”. Most of its products are advertised to have an unlimited lifetime warranty.
LiftMaster has been in the industry for over 45 years and has led the industry in safety, quality and innovation. They lead in the professional installation of residential Garage Door Openers, as well as major manufacturer of Commercial Gate Operators, Telephone Entry Systems and related Access Control products. Their expansive line of state-of-the art products are designed to fit any lifestyle or application. They provide the latest technology and innovations in safety and security, performance and connectivity. Liftmaster corporate is headquartered in Elmhurst, Illinois.
A Canadian company and a world leader in the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of garage door and garage door components. The company started as a small factory located in Montreal.
Napoleon Spring Works and Lynx Industries combined their 60 years of experience and resources to create the best and most complete manufacturer of hardware, springs, sectional doors, and garage door openers in the world. Napoleon Lynx distributes in over 40 countries across the globe. They also manufacture trolleys, drive gears safety beams and logic boards.
The post What are the Top 7 Garage Door Opener Brands appeared first on By: AClickAwayRemotes.com.
source http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/top-garage-door-opener-brands
Wednesday 22 March 2017
Black & Decker BDEJS600C Jig Saw Review: Inexpensive or just CHEAP?!
A jigsaw is a tool that you will find nearly no end of uses for. Like all the best tools in your workshop, this is something that you will want to reach for on many occasions for both precise and careful work, as well as more ‘rough and ready’ work that involves just slicing ends off or making little changes.
What’s amazing about the jigsaw really, is just what a huge difference a small design change makes. This is essentially a reciprocating saw but with a nice flat shoe added on the end. What that means, is that you can then lean against the surface that you’re cutting, thereby stabilizing the tool and giving yourself hugely more control and precision while you’re working.
This then means that you can use a jigsaw for a vast range of tasks, including plunging holes, cutting intricate shapes (jigsawing) and even doing fancy things like bevelling if your tool comes with the feature.
This is a tool that everyone should have in their workshop, but how does the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C stack up?
Too basic?
When you dive in a little deeper, you’ll find that this tool goes a little beyond the bare minimum and actually offers a fair amount of features and options for something so affordable. Power and speed wise, you have a 5 amp motor here, which can generate up to 3,000SPM of cutting power. That’s pretty middle of the road but what’s more impressive is all the additional features thrown in. These include orbital settings (called ‘curve control’ here) to help you rip through tougher materials when you need to, the option to make bevel cuts with actually quite a few angles to adjust to and speed settings too.
All that means you’re getting pretty much everything you could want from your jigsaw, despite it all being somewhat basic. In our review period, we tried using just this jigsaw for a while and what we found, was that it was perfectly adequate and actually was up to most of what we could throw at it.
Of course if you want more serious power, then you’ll want something a bit more expensive but otherwise, this has got a lot going for it!
What are the Pros? What are the Cons?
The most impressive features regarding this jigsaw are definitely the things it didn’t have to do. Power is middling and that’s to be expected but getting the orbital settings, bevel option and even speed adjustment is all very nice and means that you can perform most jobs with just this one, relatively affordable tool.
On the downside though, this is a corded device and that means you’re going to be stuck in one place while working – somewhere near a power outlet. This won’t be an issue for most people who work in a home workshop, however it does means the cord can get in the way while you’re trying to work. If there’s one reason to upgrade from this at a later date, that would be it.
Conclusion
All things considered, this is one of the most versatile, powerful and well-made jigsaws you’re likely to get for this money. It’s not the most powerful tool in the world, not the most premium in terms of build quality… but if you’re looking for something that will handle any job you throw at it, that will give you all the more interesting and useful features that you would get with a more expensive model and that will be reliable; this is it!
source http://www.toolerant.com/black-decker-bdejs600c-jig-saw-review-inexpensive-or-just-cheap/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/black-decker-bdejs600c-jig-saw-review.html
Ryobi P514 Review: The best budget reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is one of those tools that isn’t particularly precise or glamorous but that you will find yourself using on countless occasions nonetheless. This is pretty much as straightforward as it gets: essentially amounting to a trigger with a saw attached to the end. It doesn’t have any fine angle adjustments, you won’t be using it to create decorative flourishes and it probably isn’t going to be your tool of choice for any job that requires a lot of precision.
This is the tool for pretty much… everything else.
Whether you need to saw the end off a pipe, cut off a tree branch, sheer off a piece of wood that’s jutting out of your fence or perform any other task that requires force and speed over finesse… that’s when you’ll reach for your recip saw.
And that makes it actually incredibly useful – particularly for anyone who does a lot of DIY or work around the house and definitely on job sites.
The best part? A recip saw doesn’t have to be an expensive tool and you can actually get something pretty capable for a small price. In this post, we’ll be looking at the Ryobi P514 which we reviewed over the course of a few days and which we have now had a chance to form some concrete opinions on.
Product Description
There is some information missing from the manufacturer’s listing. For example, we can’t find mention of the cutting length, which will impact on what it is capable of cutting and how it will handle various different types of material. All we can say is that while we were reviewing the product, it seemed to handle most materials well and even some sheet metals – so it’s probably fairly average in this regard.
What this saw does mention and what is a big plus point, is the fact that it has an adjustable speed setting. That means you can change the speed to better suite any given material and this is something that we always look for in our recip saws. It’s not always present at this price point though, so that’s a good thing.
Other than that, you have the usual tool-less blade removal clamp, which is great for quickly swapping out the blade depending on the work you’re doing, you have a nice and ergonomically designed handle with overmolded rubber and you have a rear handle for stabilizing with the second hand which is useful. It also has an electric brake, which is a nice safety feature we always like to see.
Pros and Cons
This is a budget reciprocating saw and in that sense, it really is rather by-the-numbers. This isn’t going to set your world alight! That said though, it’s still a very good saw on the whole and we really like the adjustable speed setting, the rear handle and the basic functions.
That’s probably where you’re interest in this recip saw will hinge. If you’re looking for something a little more potent than your usual ‘cheapy’ saw and are willing to occasionally grab the back with an extra hand, then this might just be a good choice for you.
Conclusion
On the whole, this is a great reciprocating saw that does everything a reciprocating saw should. It’s not especially pretty, doesn’t really have any exciting extra features but certainly does have it where it counts. It’s a good choice for a range of household tasks and a saw that we feel happy recommending to DIYers and those who enjoy a little home improvement. You’ll be reaching for it often and it’s not going to let you down!
source http://www.toolerant.com/ryobi-p514-review-the-best-budget-reciprocating-saw/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/ryobi-p514-review-best-budget.html
Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw Review: A High Quality Tool?
A band saw is a tool that offers a high level of power and precision, all in a single fixed position that’s ready to go to work whenever you need it to. This is a considerable upgrade for any hobbyist workshop and opens up a wealth of new possibilities for what you can create. This is a tool that stands for precision and power and that will take up a permanent spot in your workshop thanks to its size and the fact that it has its own table for resting the materials you’re working with on.
In short, a band saw is a considerable upgrade for most people and one that you should definitely consider adding to your repertoire if you want to start creating things with a little more precision and finesse. Whether you’re looking to cut detailed patterns into your wood, whether you want to make beautiful bezel cuts, or whether you just need to make some curved lines – the bandsaw is your friend.
But does the Rikon 10-305 hold up in practice? Is this bandsaw enough for your requirements? Read on and let’s find out…
Looks fairly standard but…
More importantly, unlike some other – less expensive – bandsaws, the Rikon 10-305 does not shake and vibrate violently when you’re using it. This is a big pro as that can otherwise be quite an unsettling feeling – you are working with a very sharp saw going very fast after all! This is thanks to the body being made from steel, which is definitely an upgrade over the plastic that you’ll find in many competing products.
The quality is also felt and welcome in the cast iron table that you’ll be working on. It’s a nice and large table too at 13-3/4” x 12-1/2”. Cast iron tables are common in bigger units but it’s rare to find it in something this small and light.
It also does okay in terms of power – the 1/3HP motor is a step up from several others and this allows for some serious work power when you need it. You also get the usual fence for making nice and straight cuts and micro adjustable guide post for raising and lowering the guide post.
There are a few things that are notable in their absence here though. For one, there is no option to tilt the table, thus meaning no bevel cuts and there’s no miter gauge either. We also though it was a shame that there was only one speed setting, as some cheaper units do offer adjustable speed.
Finally, it would have been nice to see a laser. This is something that a lot of tools are missing but it would still be nice to see as it does help you to cut with confidence knowing that things are lined up nicely.
The Good & the Bad
The general idea behind this saw is to offer the kind of quality you normally get with larger saws but for less expense and without taking up so much space. And to be fair, that’s pretty much exactly what you’re getting here. The power is pretty good but what’s more impressive is the sheer build quality. The cast iron table, the steel chassis and the overall feel of this tool is beyond what you might normally expect at the size.
But you are also going to miss out on a few features at the same time. No bevel cuts, no laser and reportedly the saw that comes with the package is also not great. Oh and you’ll need to buy your own stand if you want one…
Conclusion
Overall then, this truly is a high quality saw for the price and size. It doesn’t have every bell and whistle attached but that is perfectly fair considering what you’re paying and how compact the unit is. For most purposes, this is more than good enough and it’s nice to use something that feels premium too! Click here to find out what bandsaw i think is best.
source http://www.toolerant.com/rikon-10-305-bandsaw-review-a-high-quality-tool/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/rikon-10-305-bandsaw-review-high.html
PORTER CABLE PC600JS: The best Orbital Jigsaw for Beginners?
Knowing where to start with all the tools is actually one of the hardest parts of getting started with woodwork or DIY. There’s just such a wide range of different tools to learn and to get to grips with and then there are all the different settings and features that they all boast. Which tools do you start with? Do you get a router? A miter saw? A jigsaw? Or do you just start out with some basic hand tools to begin with? And which features do you need? Do you need to spend a lot of money for your jigsaw to be worthwhile? Do you need orbital settings? Bevel settings? Should you go for corded or cordless? How much power do you need?
These are tough questions but the answer will ultimately come down to the kind of work you’re going to do and how you feel comfortable working. Suffice to say that tools like a jigsaw can be incredible useful but you don’t need to break the bank.
In fact, a jigsaw is a particularly good choice because it can perform the role of many other tools – making angled cuts or bevel cuts like a miter saw and plunge cuts like a router. And as you will see with the PORTER-CABLE PC600JS, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on one of these to get some decent performance – especially as a beginner.
You’ll upgrade in time but read our review for now to see why we think most beginners should be very happy with the PORTER-CABLE PC600JS.
Small, yet Powerful
The tool also does not scrimp when it comes to the basic features you’ll be looking for. This is an orbital jigsaw and that means it has orbital settings (no duh!). That means the saw will use a more elliptical motion to really tear through tougher woods. Likewise, you also have variable speed settings, which means that you can change between very fast operation and slower operation with no loss in power. The latter is useful for cutting through metals in particular.
Blade exchange is keyless, meaning you can easily swap it out for another one, while the handle is very ergonomic and pleasant to grip onto even for longer jobs.
The tool looks nice too. It’s pretty basic in grey and lighter grey but it is small while still being chunky and well but together. It feels solid and you won’t be worried that it’s going to break or come apart. Vibration is kept nicely minimal too.
Pros and Cons
Those are the pros and it’s hard to really criticize the tool in any big ways in terms of doing what it sets out to do. It’s well made, it has all the basic features and it’s affordable. Materials are a little cheap in places but again, that’s what you expect for the price.
The cons then simply revolve around what is missing and it will be a personal decision as to whether this is a problem for you. Most notably, there is no option for bevel cuts here. For those that don’t know, bevel cuts mean that you can change the angle of the blade slightly in order to cut edges at a slight angle. This creates a bevel finish which is a nice way to elevate the appearance of your work and to give it a less boxy appearance. It’s something you likely won’t be worrying about until you’re a little more advanced though, so this might not be an issue for beginners.
Conclusion
To conclude then, this is a great budget tool and any beginner unsure of where to start out would do well to consider the PORTER-CABLE PC600JS!
source http://www.toolerant.com/porter-cable-pc600js-the-best-orbital-jigsaw-for-beginners/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/porter-cable-pc600js-best-orbital.html
Porter Cable PCC650B Review: A good no-frills Jigsaw?
The PORTER CABLE PCC650B is a mid-range jigsaw that is offers a decent amount of features for its price. It looks good, it does a lot of tricks and it’s very affordable. But is it the jigsaw you’re looking for?
Of course when reading any review of a tool, it’s always important to consider it in the context of what it is that you like and the way you work. Everyone is different and your approach to woodwork is likely to be different from mine, or from a friends. Most importantly, you need to think about the types of materials that you’re going to be working with. If you tend to cut through sheet metal, then you need saws that have adjustable speed settings and long cutting lengths. For thicker would, you just need more power.
But if you only ever cut through thin bits of wood and you’re mainly working as a hobby, then you won’t need to spend a lot of cash on power or speed and you can save some money that way. Likewise, you might decide that lightness, versatility and battery life are things that are more important to you. Again, that means compromising on power most likely but that’s not an issue for a lot of people.
Keep all this in mind and consider the PORTER CABLE PCC650B. Does it suit your needs?
Lightweight & Good Looking – What else?
It’s also relatively small and light, with a nice grippy handle along the top and an easy-to-reach trigger. We found the design to be pleasant to use on the whole and this helped during long jobs.
What’s more important than the look of a tool though, is the way it works. And this is where things get a bit more ‘run of the mill’. Here, you’re looking at a jigsaw that goes up to 2,500SPM, which isn’t anything to write home about. Of course, a cordless tool like this does represent some loss of power in the majority of cases though. And what’s more, is that it’s not so much about the power, as what you can do with it. And this tool manages to put its power to good use in a number of ways.
Firstly, the PORTER CABLE PCC650B impresses with its three orbital settings. This essentially means the blade can be set to move in a slightly more elliptical manner, which makes it more effective at cutting through tougher woods. It also has a variable speed trigger, which means you can change the power on the fly – handy for working with different materials (although it’s a little too easy to apply more power than necessary).You also get a few extra features and design elements that are very welcome. These include a tool-free blade release, which is something to always be on the look out for (it just makes it much quicker to swap your blades while working) and there’s also a dust blower to keep your work surface clear.
Pros and Cons
This tool is a great choice for anyone who wants something fairly basic that they can use for a range of jobs at home. It’s not terribly exciting: it doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary and power is middling. But it’s also great to use, light and portable. It’s affordable too and in short, good value for money.
The biggest criticism is that it would be nice to be able to lock the speed setting so that it’s not constantly on analog control. It’s just a little too easy to squeeze the trigger harder than intended and then speed up. But that’s more of an issue for fine craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great jigsaw for the price. This obviously isn’t for professional woodworkers but then it makes no claim to be. For hobbyists and those looking for something with a few additional features, the PORTER CABLE PCC650B has pretty much everything you’re looking for.
source http://www.toolerant.com/porter-cable-pcc650b-review-a-good-no-frills-jigsaw/
source http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/03/porter-cable-pcc650b-review-good-no.html
Monday 20 March 2017
Sunday 12 March 2017
Tuesday 7 March 2017
Actionable Steps to Setup Your Genie 37337R and Genie G1T BX Remotes
If you lost your Genie remote control for your garage door opener, then you need to replace it and reprogram a new remote with your garage door opener.
Getting a universal garage door remote is just one way of replacing it. In choosing one however, you need to consider the garage door opener that you have at home. Make sure that the Genie remote that you purchase is compatible with your opener.
The Genie 37337R and G1T BX Remotes
The Genie 37337R remote and the G1T BX remote are both handy mini remotes that can fit in your pocket. The former can be used to control three openers while the latter can only be used with one opener.
The 37337R is a closed-confirm remote that informs you whether or not you have properly closed your garage door. You no longer wonder if you have left your door open. The G1T BX, on the other hand, is compatible with openers that have frequencies of 315MHz or 390MHz.
Steps to Setup Your Genie 37337R Remote
In installing this remote, you need to make sure it is compatible with your current Genie garage door opener. Check if your opener has a serial number of 10 or higher. You need a network adapter for the remote to work with a single opener. You may need more if you intend to pair the remote with two or more openers.
To start, remove the battery cover on your remote and place fresh batteries on the remote. Remove the network adapter port cover on your opener and insert the network adapter into the port with the antenna facing down. If the installation is successful, the green LED will come on. If not, check if there is power.
After installation is done, program your remote. Press the button at the end of the network adapter. The green LED light will stay on then the blue LED will start flashing. Right after, press a button on your remote and you’ll see the green LED flash and hear two beeps. The blue LED will blink twice and go off. This completes the programming.
You can now test your Genie 37337R remote by pressing it to check if the garage door opener responds.
Steps to Setup Your Genie G1T BX Remote
If your garage door has the learn button, program your remote by pressing the button on your opener. The opener’s LED light will blink rapidly. Then, press and release the button on your remote. The LED will stay on. Press again the remote button and this turns off the LED light. Press again the remote to see the garage door open. Programming has been completed. Test the remote by pressing the button, if the door opener responds it has been programmed successfully.
For those with program buttons on their openers, look for the program button and press it until the LED turns blue. Release the button and the long LED light will blink in purple. Afterwards, press and release the button on your remote. The long LED will stop blinking and go steady purple. Press the remote button again so both LED lights blink in blue and go off. Press the button for the third time, and the opener will respond. This signals that the remote has been properly programmed.
The post Actionable Steps to Setup Your Genie 37337R and Genie G1T BX Remotes appeared first on By: AClickAwayRemotes.com.
source http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/genie-37337r-and-g1tbx-remotes
Friday 3 March 2017
7 Ways to Improve Your Home Security In 2017 Plus Tips on How to Secure While On Vacation from Most Respected DIY Travel Bloggers
7 Lessons Learned in 2016 to improve My Home’s Security without Spending Too Much
Now that 2016 has come to a close and 2017 has started, it is essential to look back to the year that was.
As a homeowner, take note of the mistakes that you have done and the lessons that you have learned. Ensure that you apply these lessons as a new year comes along.
Here are the seven lessons in security that you can start doing in 2017 without hurting your budget:
Befriend your neighbors.
This is a quick and easy way to keep your home secure, especially if you’re always traveling. Be friendly towards you neighbors and get to know them. Be sure that you befriend those that you trust and trust you in return. This way, you can always ask them to look after your home or apartment while you are away. They can easily notify you when something is weird in your home. You can always return the favor by looking after their home or doing something for them.
Automate your home.
This might be an investment that you have to make on your end. Automating your home gives you control whenever and wherever. You can set up your lights and appliances to turn on at certain times of the day to fake inhabitants in the house. Burglars are less likely to break in when there is light and noise inside the home. In addition to security, home automation also provides convenience so all the lights are already turned on when you get back home from work.
Secure your exterior doors.
Improve your exterior doors so you have a fighting chance against burglars. This includes your garage door, front door, and back door. Choose solid doors instead of hollow ones. Install a dead-bolt lock to add an extra layer of security. Forget that old trick of hiding the keys under the potted plant. This puts your home’s security at risk. For your garage door, choose an opener with added security features. This prevents anyone from hacking into your garage without your knowledge.
Lock the doors and windows.
This first step is most often forgotten by many people. Oftentimes, you leave the house mindlessly as you rush to work or to school. However, making sure that everything is locked before you leave is a must to prevent undesirable people from snooping and getting inside your home. There might have been times where you have forgotten to lock the bedroom windows upstairs yet everything in your house is safe. But it’s better to keep an eye out for possibilities.
Keep an eye out for break-ins in your neighborhood.
Always be in the know for break-ins that are happening in your community. Chances are, this might also happen to you if the burglars come across your home. It is better to be informed and find ways to protect your home from break-ins. Once you know the pattern of the break-ins, you can already take actions in fortifying the security in your home.Always read the newspaper and check the daily news for local crimes happening in your area.
Invest in a wireless security system.
This might be a bigger expense for you, but it will be money well spent. Some burglars are very technical and smart. Even if you have a security system, they can cut the right wires to shut the system down. This is why having a wireless security system can provide you with the peace of mind that you need. Wireless systems have battery-operated sensors to detect motions in the home.
Avoid posting on social media.
A lot of people are guilty of posting their vacations on social media. It’s very common to let your friends and family know that you’ve finally taken that trip to your dream destination. However, avoid spilling all the beans on social media since burglars are sometimes scouring online for information on who’s at home and who isn’t. Don’t post details of your trip online and wait until you get back to spread the news.
My Top 24 Travel Blogs Share Their Best Tips on How to Secure Home While Their On Vacation
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: A couple of tips/thoughts. Choose one or both.
1) Prior to your departure, inform a couple of trusted neighbors or friends that you’ll be on vacation. Ask them to keep an eye out while you are away and report anything suspicious or unusual to police or authorities.
2) Make sure that your Facebook privacy settings are set so that vacation updates are not shared publicly (with potential would-be thieves) and only with friends. Similarly, be careful and aware that any Twitter and Instagram posts can, depending on your settings, also share location data that communicates that you are on vacation…and not at home.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: I do not use any extra security when I’m out. The city where I live in south Morocco is totally safe and this type of measures are not necessary. I would never live in a place with this type of security problems.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: With a house sitter
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: My top tip would just be to have a house sitter while you go away traveling. While this is a typical decision for people who have pets, it should be considered just as important for everyone who leaves for longer periods of time. If that’s not an option, make sure you have at least one car parked in the driveway (if it’s a house), and make sure you have proper locks on all doors and windows!
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Leave lights on, valuables locked away out of sight, have neighbors take your mail in and friends stop in from time to time.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: We don’t really do anything special to secure our home. We make sure to ask a friend to check on our apartment from time to time and since we have a cat living with us, it’s a must to have someone to go over and feed her. Apart than that, we make sure to have curtains down.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: The best way to make sure that your home is secure when you go on holiday is to hire a housesitter. In exchange for free accommodation in your home, this trusted person will take care of you plants, pets (if you have them), and your home. Someone will be living in your house which will deter any potential burglars. If you’re going away in the winter, it’s important to have someone be in your house in case of pipes bursting or gas leaks. In tropical countries, it’s great to have someone in your home so that it gets “aired out” and doesn’t become musty.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: I suggest using a video doorbell so you can see who is at your front door. Statistics show most thieves knock on the front door to check if someone is home before committing a burglary. A video doorbell can ring your phone wherever you are in the world, so you can seem like you’re home, discouraging crime and increasing security while you’re away. We’re actually giving away a Skybell video doorbell at the moment at: http://travelwithbender.com/travel-thoughts/competitions/cyberghost
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: We’re always apprehensive about securing our home while away. We’ve had burglars break in before, and worry always lurks in the backs of our minds.
Luckily, we have family living close by, so we ask them to walk by the apartment every few days. One of them gets a key, with a request to check things out periodically. The same can be done with a close friend or neighbor.
If that isn’t an option, a website like Trusted Housesitters is a great alternative, especially if you’ll be away for a longer period of time. Both you and Housesitting get to vet potential sitters, so you’ll have peace of mind while away.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Think about your use of social media and the message it sends out. Sharing that you’re having a great time somewhere is also telling people that you’re not at home. If you’ve ever previously ‘checked in’ at home, or done other things that might expose where you live, then that might not be a very wise thing to do.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Make sure your door is properly locked, turn off electricity if you’re gone for longer than a month and leave a key with a trustworthy friend who can check back from time to time.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: When I go out while on vacation, I always close the water inlet and also remove unnecessary fuses (except the fridge of course). This way, water leaks are impossible, and electric problem are minimized. I always leave a key to my neighbors also, just in case, and I know they will have a look from time to time, to see if everything is ok.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: 1). We have a Security Safety Box for our important documents, pieces of jewelry, and emergency cash for security and in the case of fire.
2). We do install a CCTV area to keep a record of people going in and out of the house and sensitive area of our home.
3). We make sure someone is home or someone to check the home from time to time to open the lights at night.
4). We don’t share the exact time we are going on vacation in social media and we don’t share it with friends in general.
5). We are connected online when we travel in case of emergencies.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: We use a fake TV or burglar deterrent that give the illusion that someone’s at home watching TV. It’s cheap and effective, and definitely costs much less than a security camera!
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Install motion-activated outdoor lighting. Bright lights suddenly switching on in their face is a good way of scaring potential thieves. We draw our curtains and blinds as well so no one can see inside the house and we tell our neighbors of our vacation plans. That way they can keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: A commonly adopted practice for regular travellers is automating their lighting on a schedule. Many believe this gives the appearance that someone is home, simply because they have their lights turned on in the evening for a few hours and then off at their typical bedtime. While automated lights have been around for some time, it is only just recently that homeowners have been enabled to manage them from their smartphones. Now, with the use of an Internet-enabled device, you can turn your lights on and off or simply set them on autopilot so you don’t have to think about them while you are away.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: We have our guard cats always on duty, who are pretty useless :P, but we have a friend always checking up on our home and cats every couple of days. Having someone come in and out of the home is a great way to make sure it looks active to anyone who may be looking to take advantage of your time away.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Make friends with your neighbours and let them know your plans! Enlist their help in clearing visible post from your letterbox, putting your bins out on time and checking in every now and then to make sure that all is OK.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Install security cameras and window/door sensors so when there’s motion you and your family members get an alert. Also have your neighbors keep an eye out on your place.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Although I am not a homeowner myself when travelling I have helped homeowners ensure that their homes are secure while they are away by house sitting for them. Stepping into their shoes and caring for their home and pets whilst they travel, I am able to enjoy the benefits of living like a local and the owner can rest assured that their property is occupied and maintained whilst they are away. You can read more about the concept of house sitting on my blog.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: 1. Make it look like your home. Thieves are more likely to avoid breaking into a home that they think is occupied. Park a car in the driveway instead of the garage, however be sure not to leave your garage door opener in the car. Have some lights, and your television set on timers, and keep a radio on a talk radio station the entire time you’re away.
2. Refrain from posting anything on social media that might indicate you are away from home. You can always share your photos and experiences after you return home.
3. Arrange for the post office to hold your mail while you’re away.
4. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your house and to maybe move your car to a different spot in your driveway a time or two while you’re away.
5. Purchase some security cameras. Today’s cameras allow you to monitor your house via the internet and can send you notifications to alert you to any motion detected. Some models even allow you to speak or sound an alarm.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: I always leave an extra set of keys with my neighbors and have some lights on auto mode to switch on during the night.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Considering my hectic travel schedule, the last thing I want to worry about is if my home is protected while I am away. There is a sense of comfort knowing that most of my expensive items (ie: camera, laptop, etc) are always with me when traveling, but that is definitely not enough. When away I always make a point to have select lights in my home set on a timer, my close neighbors are notified before my departure and my curtains are kept half open in the same way they normally would be when I am home. These simple techniques have helped to ease my mind while I am out living my dream.
Question: Can you share your best tips on how to secure your home while on vacation?
Answer: Outside of the routine security measures like ensuring everything is locked, shutters are down and turning the alarm on, we like to let our neighbours know we are off so they can keep an eye on the house. We live in a small tight knit community where people notice any suspicious activity which is great when travelling. In addition, we have had locks retro-fitted to the inside of our garage door, so that while we are away it can be secured and is unable to be opened.
The post 7 Ways to Improve Your Home Security In 2017 Plus Tips on How to Secure While On Vacation from Most Respected DIY Travel Bloggers appeared first on By: AClickAwayRemotes.com.
source http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/home-security-tips-2017