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POWER TOOLS
Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By DEWALT.
The regular list price is $460.00.
Sells new for $129.99.
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5 comments about Factory-Reconditioned DEWALT D51844R Round Head 2-inch to 3-1/2-inch Framing Nailer.
- Item looks brand new, performs perfect. Best deal on a framing nailer I could find!
- I bought this item to construct a large storage shed. I only purchased it because it was priced so favorably, otherwise I would have swung a hammer. It arrived looking brand new and I drove hundreds of nails with no problems at all. The only thing you will need is a male connector for the air hose, this is not supplied with the tool.
This is a very nice tool at a very nice price, I couldn't be happier.
- The nailer arrived and was as advertised. The price was a little higher than the cheap no name nailers, but well worth the extra money. I used the nailer to install Hardie plank siding using 2 1/2 inch nails. Since this application required flush nailing, I played with the settings and it ended up either too deep or above the surface. I then adjusted the air pressure and the depth adjustment and that came up with a good setting. The nailer seemed to jam if you let it get below about 4-5 nails. Keep the nailer fed, and jamming is eliminated. I used a PC pancake compressor and it kept up with me. I am not sure if a pro would require a higher capacity compressor.
All in all I am pretty happy with the nailer. I will use it in on continuation of the porch project where I build an Eon deck over the existing concrete floor.
- Great nailer, light weight and easy to use. Price was great although no plastic storage case comes with it.
- Arrived quickly in perfect condition. If I had not known it was reconditined, I would have thought it new. Probably not up to every day professional use, but perfect for me for building projects especially since I can't use my right arm and shoulder for nailing until an injury heals. Light and fast and easy to use and nails very available from Home Depot, Lowe's etc. Thoroughly recommend.
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By DEWALT.
The regular list price is $403.38.
Sells new for Too low to display.
There are some available for $169.99.
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5 comments about DEWALT DC720KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver.
- While I'm not a tradesman, I do a lot os DIY rojects and the old cordless was dying, so I baought this unit. It came with two batteries, which meant aI didn't have to buy the second right away. It's more versatile than the old one, especially because it's a ½-inch drill, so I can use the larger bits I couldn't on the old unit. The other advantage with this drill is the size: I can get at things in tighter quarters (like in shelf spaces) to drill and drive screws. Just couldn't do that with the bigger or corded drills.
- The first time I pulled the trigger on this thing, it blew my hair back! It's powerful. Sheesh. But for the money, I expected something good, that would be very versatile for home use. I'm very pleased with it. It's not too heavy, easy for a woman to use.
- Very happy with the drill. It arrived from Amazon poorly packed and it appeared the product had been used for some time. It was also missing the accessories that should have come with it. No bad for Dewalt, just Amazon.
- Has the feel and performance of a quality product. Comes with a hard shell case and two batteries. Easy to use. I especially like the light that focuses on the work area when the trigger is pulled.
- Love this drill. We made a video manual for this drill on HandBookLive.com (under Tools). The drill is very simple to use, but if you are more visual and don't want to to read instructions - this is a quick way to see what it does, and how to use it. In my opinion the video is more useful for woman like me, who want to feel more comfortable using a drill for the first time (I remember using a screwdriver forever because I just wasn't so sure what kind of damage I can do with an electric tool).
We bought it when we decided to build a loft and didn't want to use our cheap drill for such a big project. We use it all the time for quick fixes around the house. This drill is light and feels great in the hand. The speed control is very good too. And I never used to bother with speed controls on my drill before.
Have fun with it!
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Black & Decker.
The regular list price is $76.78.
Sells new for $45.60.
There are some available for $52.00.
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2 comments about Black & Decker CDC120ASB 12-Volt Compact Drill with 20 Accessories.
- This tool is, for the money, one of the best values around. Don't go to Home Depot and buy a Ryobi 12 volt. This tool has 10 more inch/pounds of torque, 100 more rpm's of speed, and it's actually made by Black and Decker. The Ryobi's are made by Techtronic, which is obviously NOT Ryobi of Japan. Not knocking Ryobi of Japan, of course. Those are DIFFERENT tools altogether. The closest real competitor would be a craftsman, which is more expensive, and barring Craftsman Professional, no more product for the money. Feels solid and backed by a great home use warranty of two years. MUST HAVE !!!
- Regardless of what specs the drill has, what it doesn't say in the description is that you have to plug the recharging plug directly into the drill handle to charge the battery. Therefore, there is no way to have a second battery charging while you continue to use the drill since there is no separate charging station. Omitting this from the description is not enough to avoid responsibility for the obvious disadvantage of this drill. The package says that the battery is easily removable which implies it can be swapped for a fully charged battery. There are no pictures that show the hole in the back of the handle that the charger has to plug into. A truly stupid system. They should forget about the extras they include and just make a charging station for it like most other 12 volt drills.
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Dremel.
The regular list price is $97.86.
Sells new for $51.82.
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5 comments about Dremel 395 MultiPro 1.15 Amp 5,000 to 35,000 RPM Variable-Speed Rotary Tool with 10 Accessories.
- I'M VERY PLEASED WITH PRODUCT, SERVICE & PRICE!!!! I've always used Dremel for whatever project I'm working on. Be it Theatrical Props to Personal Projects and whatever may need it. I purchased this one because my other one that I've had for several years stopped working. I don't have any complaints! These units have served me well!
- I bought my dremel 395 tool thinking that it would be a nice upgrade to my 5 year old cheap and nasty 20 dollar chinese rotary tool. It isnt an upgrade at all it really isnt and the pretty exterior and attachments dont compensate at all. It has not been as durable or as powerful as the chinese knock off. 15 years ago I knew dremel to be quality but it seems that quality is no longer a dremel trait.
- Dremel is a reliable and extremely useful tool; and Dremel is a reliable company. I needed to replace a part. I went to the Dremmel website, called the 800 customer service number, and got a real person on the phone. The part was easy to order.
- this tool does not quit, we have owned one for about four years now and use it on a daily basis trimming away fiberglass, the Dremel 395 is an amazing tool w/ a endless lifespan
- I bought a new one because my Craftsman one had trouble with the chuck, couldn't remove the bit. When I used the Dremel the rpm varied a bit a full which was odd and when I pressed the brush screws it changed so something was up. After using it to cut off some metal I picked it up again and it would not start. I noticed that the brushes were 1/2 the size of the ones on my craftsman.
Took some parts off the Dremel, fixed the Craftsman and my Craftsman is now working like a charm.
Do not buy the Dremel one!!!
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Makita.
The regular list price is $714.00.
Sells new for $318.25.
There are some available for $299.95.
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5 comments about Makita LXT202 18-Volt Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Lithium-Ion Combo Kit.
- I did the research, bought a Sears 18v took it home it was ultra heavy old Nicad battery technology, and tried to start a putting up shelf project. I wanted to drill some small starter pilot holes but the chuck on the Sears wouldn't even grip the small bit. This was going to be a huge problem since I also uses small carbide bits for drilling safety wire holes in metal for my car and race motorcycles. So I took the heavy beast back. Dewalt use to be a good brand but now even the Home Depot guys said the industrial guys would just bring them back broken for returns.
One of my friends has the smaller 18v Lithium Makita in white/grey and likes it but doesn't like the battery life, and that's where this unit is superior to the other units and this combo rocks! Two Expensive batteries are already included and the other nice thing is I don't use my drill that often but I like to use it for small jobs. That's where the lithium Ion battery shines.. because you pull it off the shelf and it's ready to go, my old Nicad would be dead and I would have to wait 45minutes plus to charge it before I could do anything.
Couple of big PLUS: Dual LED so that it really lit up what I was drilling, the cool thing about this kit was I kept my drill bit in the drill and my screw driver on the impact and with the two built in clips I could hang the drills so I didn't have to come down off the ladder, measure, level, mark, drill, screw... It saved a ton of time, plus the hammer drill just pounds the screws like it's butter. There is no need for a second corded drill that's for sure. I love the fact that the Makita comes with a plastic box to hold everything so I know exactly where everything is.
+ This is a huge savings to get both tool, but the biggest thing is that you get two batteries which are expensive.. buy the kit instead of just the drill!
Minus's or Regrets more like it...
Wish I had done this upgrade years ago!
- the drills work great and the batteries charge really fast compared to other drills i had. the impact driver is awesome and both of the drills came with belt clips which i thought was cool and they were not to heavy to hang on your belt for a period of time i just wish they had these drills in a bigger combo kit
- I recently had to upgrade my drill/driver combo. As a professional Finish carpenter, I need cordless tools that can work all day, and not tire ME out. Have used most brands, and still own a collection of older makita cordless. I used some of my co-workers 18v li-ion and was instantly sold. The impact driver actually seems lighter than my old favorite 12volt!!
Don't get the white combo, spend a little more for the upgrade. I've never said I wish I hadn't spent the extra money for a good quality tool. I've often said I wish I had spent a few dollars more for better tools, but not this time...worth every penny.
- I purchased this combo kit just over one year ago. I waited to write a review so that I could address any problems that might come up with it.
I will do as another reviewer and break mine up into a few sections.
The impact driver is the main reason I bought this kit, and I was not disappointed. Driving screws before using this beast was a a chore at best. Using an impact driver makes the task SO much easier. It may not be the most powerful one out there, but I have broken heads off screws and small bolts, so for me, it is rather adequate. While it will drive long deck screws and lag screws without a pilot hole, I drill one anyway to avoid splitting. It is very light, extremely comfortable in the hand, and superbly balanced. Really, Makita hit a home run with this particular tool.
The drill was a bonus for me, since the kit was only a little more expensive than buying either tool separately. It is powerful, and nice to be able to use full half inch shank bits with it. It is heavier than the impact driver, but surprisingly well balanced and ergonomic. The clutch positions are easy to manipulate and are handy for the most part. The switch for different modes (hammer-drill, drill, driver) can stick at times, so a quick pull of the trigger is necessary to free the action (minus one). The hammer-drill function works well and is a lifesaver for small jobs. I have not noticed excessive run-out in the chuck, however, I do not consider cordless drills precision tools. For precise drilling I would use a drill press or an expensive corded drill. I give up precision for convenience with cordless. Loose bits are also not an issue with me, I crank the chuck down then ratchet it home tight.
The batteries are amazing. They deliver seemingly endless power. I am not a contractor, just a serious DIY type. That said, when I use the tools for a project, I don't have to recharge more than once. That is a huge plus for me, even though the project may only be a half a day (though the tools get used constantly). Self discharge is so low that I can pick up the tool a month after last using it, and have more than enough power to drill a few holes and drive several screws. They are also very light. Compared to the boat anchors of NiCd technology, these things are a stark difference. One VERY important note, however. DO NOT run these batteries into the ground! Doing so can drastically reduce the life of the battery pack. Makita does not include a "fail safe" system to automatically shut down the tool when the batteries become critically low (most consumer products using Li-Ion batteries have this). Hitachi tools apparently have this, unfortunately Makita does not (minus two).
The charger is rather delicate looking, and can be a little noisy when in use. The fan is there to keep the batteries cool, so I can live with a bit of annoying whine if my expensive battery will last longer. The lights can be confusing, so make sure to read the manual on how to decipher them.
Miscellaneous things to touch on include the case. It is actually quite well designed, with room for an extra battery pack (which I bought separately). Also, there is enough room for a small drill bit set and driver bits in the case. I utilize this extra space for those items plus a few masonry bits. This gives me a complete kit to drill holes in wood/metal/masonry as well as drive screws all in one easy to carry package. Very convenient. The lights on the tools are more useful than you'll think, especially on the driver. The drill's lights are indeed blocked by the large chuck, as another person pointed out (minus three). The belt clips really come in handy, especially when you're on a ladder. Everything except the battery cells themselves are made in China. The cells are made in Japan, the rest of the tool kit is made and/or assembled in China (minus four).
So with that long review, and my four main points of dissatisfaction, it is with a heavy heart that I give this combo kit four stars. The drill's lights and selector switch I can forgive, but the lack of the battery saving feature (for lack of a better term) and the fact that the whole thing is made in China are unforgivable for me. That notwithstanding, I am overall very satisfied with my purchase and I do not regret my it at all. Make sure to read the owners manuals, two times.
- After trying all other brand name cordless tools, I was tired of using all of that junk so I purchased these cordless tools and I am very satisfied. I work in many areas of construction and use the tools on a daily basis. They are very comfortable to use and my hand does not get tired. They are very powerful and have a good battery life. These are the best tools that I have ever used in my entire life.
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Dremel.
The regular list price is $122.10.
Sells new for $62.99.
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5 comments about Dremel 1100-01 Stylus 5,000 to 25,000 RPM Variable Speed 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Rotary Tool with Docking Station.
- It worked fine--once. While trying to remove the brush tool, the collet
nut was so tight it wouldn't come off. But the shaft lock button did, and a small spring popped out to God knows where. So after using this tool just once, it sits here, with the brush tool in place, worthless unless I want to brush something else. Sitting next to it is the 150 tool
"All-Purpose Accessory Kit." This product, made in Mexico, should be declared an illegal immigrant and kicked back over the border.
- I have been so pleased with this little stylus that I'm about ready to give away my corded Dremel tool. I have very little use for it any more. The lithium battery holds an extremely long charge and the tool is strong enough to accomplish nearly any task in one charge.
The only thing I can say needs a bit more work is the cradle/docking station. First, it's a bit light and slides around wherever it's placed. Also, the unit doesn't dock with the charging plug as convincingly as I would like. Although there is a light on the back of the dock that tells you when it's in place, I'm never sure whether it's completely locked into the dock, and you can never be sure that it will stay that way once you leave the room. (Indeed, when I went to check on the light just now, I discovered that it had worked its way out of position somehow and was not charging until I twisted it slightly. Point made.)
It's still a great product. I like it well enough that I gave a similar unit to my brother and his wife last Christmas and last I heard, they were equally thrilled with it.
- I just bought one of these. So far, I've only used the etching and cutting head, but overall I'm pleased with it.
THE GOOD:
* POWER: The run time and torque are impressive ... using the cutting wheel on max speed, I'm able to saw through just over 2 dozen #10 steel screws, at about 10 sec apiece (and plenty of showering sparks), before the battery runs down. For a cordless stylus, that's all out torture, but it gets it done - although it does get pretty warm under that kind of abuse.
* COMFORT: This unit fits nicely in the hand, and is ambidexterous.
THE QUIRKS:
* CHARGE SENSOR: Under extremely heavy use (see above), the stylus gets warm. When placed into the charger while still warm, the charger appears to get confused and think the unit has just been charged - and refuses to charge it further. Clearly, its smart charging technology is not very smart. Anyway, one way around that is to pop the stylus in the freezer for 10 mins (to speed-cool), and THEN put it in the charger. It works.
NITS:
* DEFAULT ACCESSORIES: The default kit is stingy on attachments - and some of the attachments it does comes with can't be used out of the box unless you buy additional parts. That's annoying (hence the 4 stars instead of 5).
* CHARGE TIME: Only the heaviest users will notice, but this unit's charger needs 3 hours to fully charge the stylus. My new Li-Ion Makita drill charges in only 15 mins, so 3 hrs for something far smaller seems rather pokey. I also wish this thing had a detacheable battery pack, so that you could swap packs while the other re-charges - and not have to toss out the whole unit when the built-in battery finally dies.
Recommended, despite a few quirks.
- This product is everything I hoped it would be. I purchased it for jewelry making, specifically for drilling holes in natural shell. It works great, making small, precise holes without shattering or splitting the delicate shells. First time I used it, I worked for literally HOURS before the appliance became hot and eventually turned itself off briefly. However, by then vitually all of my work was finished! I have small hands, yet this appliance was easy to use and manuever. I read other reviews before buying, some good, some not so -- but I would highly recommend this product and confidently stand by my recommendation.
- i just purchased the dremel stylus and CANNOT get the collet to open to put in the accessories. nor can i remove it. it says to move the switch into the locked position and then turn it counter-clockwise. i cannot get the collet to turn AT ALL in either direction when it's in the locked position. can anyone please help? am i doing something wrong? did anyone else have the same problem?
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Black & Decker.
The regular list price is $57.83.
Sells new for $29.99.
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5 comments about Black & Decker DR250B 5.2 Amp 3/8-Inch VSR Drill/Driver with Storage Bag.
- Just saw the same drill at Lowes for $33. $8 more than I paid thru Amazon. Used it yesterday for the first time, very powerful, variable speed, reversible. Couldn't have wanted a better drill.
- My 30 yr old Craftsman 3/8" drill fitted with a chuck from another Mfg. drill I gutted, finally expired. I purchased the Dewalt 6Amp 3/8" to replace it and love that drill for heavy drilling duty. The only problem with the Dewalt is that the trigger will not lock down for sanding/buffing. So, I purchased this B&D drill & I'm very satisfied with it's operation. It's holding up well to rust grinding and wax buffing. For the price, I think it's a great deal.
- This corded drill works great. The bag is helpful especially since it has the cord.
- My husband purchased this drill and is very happy with it. It does exactly what he expected it do. He has always been happy with Black and Decker as they do what they promise.
- I don't have a lot of time to work on home improvement projects, so when a free weekend rolls around, I would like for my tools to work. After a series of frustrations with cordless drills (battery never charged when I need to use it) I bought this corded drill. The first project I worked on was hanging curtain rods. When I tried to drive a screw into wood (after drilling a pilot hole), the chuck froze up and wouldn't turn to release the bit. After wrestling the bit free, the chuck still wouldn't open or close.
I returned that particular drill, and like a moron, got another of the same model. Same project, same wood, same screw, same problem - the chuck just froze up and wouldn't turn one way or another. I'm done with this drill - it might work for driving screws into butter, but the chuck breaks if you try to do any serious work.
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Bosch.
The regular list price is $355.00.
Sells new for $146.88.
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5 comments about Bosch 1591EVSK 6.4 Amp Barrel Grip Jigsaw.
- Everything about this tool is great,... except the foot. After a year of steady use the Aluminum cast foot has bent out of shape and the notch that ensures a 90 degree angle has snapped off.
- I honestly do not know what I'd do without this jig saw. I've always hated jig saws, proabably due to ones I've owned in the past that have been terrible. With the right blades and settings, this jigsaw is one of the most versatile tools I've ever owned. I've used it to trim laminate flooring (laminate blade), cut through plywood (rough wood blade), trim fencing (fine cut wood blade), and many other items. It is very natural to hold in almost any position needed. The only downside is that it could be too heavy for constant cutting above your head. Maybe I need to work out more, but it's definitely a heavy-duty jig saw that can deal with almost anything you throw at it (with the right blade on it!).
- This saw rocks! I bought it to cut decorative ends in some framing lumber for an outdoor project. Material changed to pressure treated during the planning stage. I was amazed at how effortlessly it made the cuts. The saw is on the heavy side, which I found to be a benefit. It helped dampen vibration. The blower didn't keep up with the wet pt saw dust, but that didn't surprise me. Only downside (if you can call it that) was that I pulled the saw out of a curve I was making and the blade hit the board so hard, it actually bent the blade! I blame that more on operator error than the tool's fault, but its something to keep in mind.
- I purchased this jigsaw about a year ago to make a large project from 3/4" plywood. I was easily able to make any cut I needed. It performs very well with Bosch blades that are appropriate to the material. I would definitely recommend this tool to anybody.
- I used to be a union carpenter, 22 years, but got into other business for a dozen years or so. Back in the day the Bosch jig saw was all that we used. I did all comercial work, a lot of metal cutting. The Bosch would cut steel raised floor panels all day long without a wimper. After My dozen years in the Tavern business I am back doing construction, handyman type things. Not necessarily real small jobs, but certainly diverse.
A couple of years ago I bought a Bosch knock-off jig saw made by Grizzly. Not a bad saw for the price, but definately not a Bosch. I got a job where I was going to have to do some rather fancy cuts requiring a jig saw so I decided to acquire a new Bosch. I had never used a barrel grip before but it seemed it would be even more controlable than the handled type. I love it. Easy to control, square cuts, very low vibration, easy blade changes. Great tool. Took a little getting used to the power switch, but not a problem.
This is the top end of jig saws, accurate, powerful, smooth. A pleasure to use, highly recommended.
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Work Sharp.
The regular list price is $249.95.
Sells new for $199.95.
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5 comments about Work Sharp WS3000 Wood Tool Sharpener.
- I tend to agree with all the reviews here. The big thing for me is that it is so handy that I keep my tools sharper. In the past I would wait until they were so dull I could not use them any more. I would haul out all my sharpening equipment and go to town on all my tools at once. It does not get my tools quite as sharp but now I can take a plane blade or chisel and sharpen it in less than a minute. I still use my waterstones to get everything really sharp before a projec but now I keep my tools sharper during the project. Is it worth it? It is for me. I know others who are purists or just like to sharpen by hand. For them this tool is almost an abomination. I never could sharpen well and need guides etc. If I were as good as they were sharpening (and had the shop space to have a dedicated space for sharpening) I would not get this either.
Since this review I have had need of customer service. I still like the tool a lot but the company is horrible for customer service. Emails go unanswered (for a couple of weeks now). I guess I have to call for a simple answer. I tend to pay more to work with good organizations. I would never work with this one if I found anything like it. Tool is great, company is a nightmare.
- This item is great for the novice at sharpening tools. The circular motion can cause some issues with larger width blades but again for the novice its a lot better than not having a sharp tool. The see through sharpening wheel is really great. You watch your blade sharpen before your very eyes.
- Ok, so the Work Sharp 3000 doesn't do everything but it DOES do everything I expected it to - and more. I wish I had the cash back for all the sharpening tools and accessories I've purchased. Alas, even with all the toys, I'm still a mediocre sharpener at best.
One of the best things I like about the Work Sharp is how quickly I can get a great edge. I no longer have to drag out tons of items and know I've got a long session ahead of me in order to sharpen a tool. I do not use turning tools so I cannot speak to that specialty but for chisels, plane irons and garden tools you can't beat the Work Sharp. I haven't encountered a situation where the limits of 20-25-30-35 degrees has become a problem. I suppose I'll resort to my old methods if and when that occurs. The discs change in seconds so it's easy to progress from 220 grit through honing. (I AM making my own PSA sandpapers with spray adhesive. Theirs are a bit pricey for me. - I bought 2 extra glass discs and the leather honing disc so I could have the entire progression ready and waiting.)
Now the cons: The freehand tool guide needs work. It's much too short. I'll have to make a jig eventually to accommodate the wider blades of some of my planes. The other 'con' is actually a lack-of-practice item. On the narrower chisels I have trouble getting the backs flat. No matter how I hold them, I end up with nothing resembling 'flat'. WARNING: do NOT use your good chisels when starting out. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I looked at the back of my best 1/4" chisel -- of course, the first one I tried to sharpen when I brought this tool home.
Overall the problems are few and fixable while the favorable aspects of using the Work Sharp 3000 are huge savings over many other similar products while getting a beautiful, sharp edge with very little time spent! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention one of the best features -- NO WATER!
- This is perfect for chisels and narrow plane irons. The design makes it easy for someone with little skill on a grinder to get the angle just right.
So what would I change?
First,make the area where you insert the tool large enough to handle even the widest plane irons. I just saw an add for an add-on that allows you to sharpen wider tools for around $50. Kinda pricy for what should have been part of the tool in the first place.
Second, sandpaper one grit more course for those tools that were really ground badly. Lastly for what they charge for sandpaper you think it's made of diamonds. Bring the price down to reality.
- This is a great machine. I did not realize how "out of tolerance" my chisels and plane blades were. It took a while to get the angle right but then it was amazing how much better they cut!
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Posted in Power (Friday, December 5, 2008)
By Makita.
The regular list price is $220.00.
Sells new for $94.90.
There are some available for $79.00.
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Purchase Information
5 comments about Makita 5007FK 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with LED Light.
- GREAT PRICE AND A GREAT SAW....AS USUAL GOOD SERVICE FROM AMAZON. COM
Roy
- This thing has passed the test. Mine is old enough that it doesn't have the light, but runs like it's brand new. The action is smooth and crisp. The ergonomics are perfectly figured out. The one (small) issue with it is that when you set it to 45 and then back to 90, there's the possibility that it goes a bit beyond the y-axis, so maybe 95 degrees. I just eyeball it flat, and done. I use my saw all the time and it's built lots of things. It's got the right weight and balance. My buddy got the newer magnesium model (which I wouldn't expect from him, he likes the classics) but he loves it, and I love mine. A bit more dangerous because it doesn't have the electric brake, but I like it free spinning, it just takes a bit more awareness. All in all, probably the only saw I'll ever own. I recommend the Freud Diablo blades, or the Makita black blades, whatever they're called. My Diablo blade has been through a lot, including some small nails, and is still satisfactory for finish work. I'm getting the black blade next because I remember it being really good.
- I have several Makita tools I use in my work and none have disappointed me; this circular saw is no exception. And I like the carrying case too.
Highly recommended ... go for it !!
- As a professional carpenter I have used and owned almost every saw out there. I never have cared too much for a brake on a 7 1/4 saw. This is a really tough saw that can handle contractor daily use. However from my experience the Milwaukee tilk lok lasts quite a bit longer before there are issues. The Makita seems to lose the trigger switch unexpectedly after a few hundred hours of use, then the blade guard gets weak and sticks next, Cleaning it good helps delay this.... But you should always have a second saw if you are a pro anyway and what I mention is under all day every day use. They will last plenty long trust me.
When I used to work for someone hourly before I started my own trim carpentry business I had a few jobs over the years and everyone I worked for or with had one of these.
I would reccomend it to anyone who has experience with a circular saw. It is a bit on the powerful side for someone with no experience in my opinion. The saw is powerful enough to produce a strong kickback.
Highly reccomended.
- I've had this saw a month or so now and I am impressed with it. It cuts great and the blade they send with it is very good. I'm remodeling our house doing pretty heavy construction and this saw has taken all I've thrown at it. I wish the front grip had some rubber on it for better hand hold but I'm adjusting.
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Factory-Reconditioned DEWALT D51844R Round Head 2-inch to 3-1/2-inch Framing Nailer
DEWALT DC720KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver
Black & Decker CDC120ASB 12-Volt Compact Drill with 20 Accessories
Dremel 395 MultiPro 1.15 Amp 5,000 to 35,000 RPM Variable-Speed Rotary Tool with 10 Accessories
Makita LXT202 18-Volt Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Lithium-Ion Combo Kit
Dremel 1100-01 Stylus 5,000 to 25,000 RPM Variable Speed 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Rotary Tool with Docking Station
Black & Decker DR250B 5.2 Amp 3/8-Inch VSR Drill/Driver with Storage Bag
Bosch 1591EVSK 6.4 Amp Barrel Grip Jigsaw
Work Sharp WS3000 Wood Tool Sharpener
Makita 5007FK 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with LED Light
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