5 comments about Kreg R3 Pocket Hole Jig System.

1. I am building a railing system for my porch, consisting of sub-sections that contain the balusters that are mounted under the top rail. This product has allowed me to achieve professional looking results, while being designed and built by an amateur. I will no doubt find this just as valuable for future furniture projects, as well. The product is well designed, and the adjustments make it versatile and nearly "goof-proof". Thank you, Kreg, for your excellent product.



2. Saw this item used on "Cool Tools" and figured id give it a try. 3 words, Absolutely love it. Create quick solid joints without having to wait for glue to set. Great for quick little projects where I don't feel like breaking out the plate joiner/glue or make Tenons/Mortises. However its still strong enough for cabinets. The case is small enough to not take up any more of my already limited storage space and still has room to store all my accompanying accessories. The chart on the inside of the case takes all the guess work out of which screws to use with which size/type wood. Even more helpful on the inside of the case is the measuring guide for setting the drill bit depth. I don't know about the rest of you users but while convenient for the measuring guide, keeping the inside plastic seemed like such a waste of storage space for me. The jig it self is very easy to use with preset sizes just a click away. Overall I love this tool and it has more then paid for its self as far as I am concerned.
   
   My one bit of advice, make sure you have a very strong clamp otherwise the jig will slide sideways when you start drilling.



3. I'm one of those people who only read directions if I can't figure out how to use something intuitively. By attempt #4, I was an expert user. LOL.
   
   I don't have dado blades for making dado joints, nor do I own a dovehole jig. I HATE 45 angle joints with a passion! Most of my joining is plain, old-fashioned, line'er up butt joints.
   
   15 years ago, I'd seen this tool demo'd at a huge woodworking show I was wandering through in Portland OR. It has stuck in my mind as a "must have" slick jig tool, all these years. I couldn't remember the name, but I sure remembered "slanty holes" and tried to find something locally. You should see what Home Depot sells--talk about awkward and tomfoolery! YUCKERS!!
   
   This is everything I remembered, and thanks to Amazon, I now know its name is KREG.
   
   I'd just never had a need for it before now. I'm "retired now" you know, and have never been busier! LOL
   
   Now, in my 60s, I have time to screen in a front porch, (done!) install headers for the transom above my new door, (done) and remodel my own bathroom to install a jacuzzi. (THAT IS NEXT! LOL!)
   
   I remembered my "wow" impression for butt joining wall studs and headers with this "blue tool." I went to Amazon to find the best price., and it was received in the mail almost before I had time to turn around. THANKS!
   
   NOW, I'll read the directions. (grin)



4. I used this product to repair some squeeky kitchen chairs. It worked just as advertised and I am very satisfied with the results. I have examined similar "knock off" products but each one was lacking in one way or another. This is probably to avoid patent infringement issues. Kreg is the original and clearly the best. I am looking forward to discovering more applications for this system.



5. Works like a charm. While the depth adjustment is a little clunky - its usually done only once (unless you are wise enough to use mixed stock). I usually keep a couple drywall screws handy to clamp it down in odd places. Overall - you will get addicted to the simplicity and efficiency of this jig. The reason I gave it 4 stars is that this jig does not break down to a single pocket - which is what you need if you are left staring @ the 3/4" side of 4/4 stock. Otherwise - just go for it.

5 comments about AO Safety 95190 Woodworker's Respirator.

1. The fit is good (feels good on my flat, hairless face) and it functions well. The straps aren't the best and can slip a bit with use, but you can make your own or use a set you like from another/other mask. In the deep south heat it can get pretty wet inside the mask, but it won't effect the mask to much (and it is the same for all masks). Can't beat it for the price. Cheaper than the big box AO paint masks, or 3M masks, but you can't find replacement filters as easily either.



2. I hate to differ with some of the reviewers but this mask is supposed to rest just below the lower lip on the face not down over the chin. I for one find this an easy mask to wear and work with because it doesn't feel as though someone is covering your face with a huge cumbersome mask. If it feels good on my face, I'll wear it, otherwise it'll sit on the bench in a corner. Thank you.
   Jeff



3. My allergic self has a tough time with dust, even though I like home DIY projects and woodworking. I've tried a couple of disposable masks, while blanching at the cost of the various powered respirators. I bought this one based on the reviews, and couldn't be happier. I have a large, Charlie Brown-sized head, AND a beard, and the mask fits comfortably. I wear it for extended periods of time, and, other than feeling a bit like a minor player in a Star Wars cantina, I don't mind it. I also wear safety glasses much of the time, on top of my prescription glasses, and everything fits. On my most recent sawing adventure, long, dusty cuts in MDF didn't leave me with the little nagging cough I use to experience for a week afterward.
   
   If you hate sucking in sawdust, it's hard to beat this thing, especially at this price point.



4. This is the first respirator I have bought and did so based on other customer reviews. So far it has worked exceptionally well. I have recently even grown a beard and it still seals to my face without excessive pressure. The filters seem to do well and have prevented inhalation of dust. It functions considerably better than disposable fiber masks.



5. Great alternative to paper masks. I purchased this mask so that I would be able to work outside with my allergies. At first it was a little uncomfortable on the bridge of my nose, but after I loosened the strap I could wear it all day long. Filters very well but can get warm/sweaty with temperatures above 80. Fair trade in my opinion for being able to be out doors and mow the lawn again.

5 comments about Fein 63502113019 3-1/8-Inch Flush Cut Wood Blade.

1. THIS BLADE IS VERY HANDY FOR FLUSH CUTTING IN SOFT TO SEMISOFT WOOD. DON'T EXPECT BLADE TO LAST VERY LONG. WILL CUT HARD WOOD, BUT WEARS OUT VERY FAST. NO LONGER THAN BLADE LAST WITH USE IT'S VERY PRICY.



2. Almost $40, including shipping, for a little bitty blade. That is about the same as for a 10" 40 tooth carbide tipped table saw blade. The Fein flush cut blade is a lifesaver for certain tasks, like undercutting door jambs when installing laminate flooring, but being severely price-gouged sure takes the fun out of a great tool. Hopefully someone will clone these and sell them for $10, and still make a decent profit.



3. As with most fein blades, they work great but are way over priced.



4. The blade works great for most applications except in very hard woods where it's life expectancy is greatly reduced. Still a wonderfully useful tool.



5. I have purchased almost all of the Fein blades available and this one , like all the others has certain capabilities that no other tool, Fein brand or otherwise can offer. Unfortunately, Fein has an exclusive on this product and since there is no competition they can charge whatever the market will bear. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
   You do not want to use this blade if there is any chance of hitting a nail or screw because it will be ruined. I use the HSS blades where I might hit metal. However it is easy to snap the brittle and equally expensive HSS blades and there are many applications where the flexibility of this blade works for you. I am confident that this is the finest blade currently available to saw through paint stuck tracks in old style double hung windows. I do a lot of this type of work and nothing else available works as well. The HSS blades will snap if you get even a little careless trying to do this operation. I have been able to unstick more than 25 window units per blade and I estimate that it takes about a third of the time that it takes to do this operation in the old way. Furthermore, you will be able to dismantle the unit without breaking the stops, the parting beads, the sash or the glass. This blade has increased my production by a factor of 3 or more in old window repair and restoration. That typically amounts to twelve units a day rather than four.
   This blade is also super for cutting calking or paint along joints when dismantling wood trim that has to be reinstalled. Run it along the calked wallboard or plaster to wood joint and you can pull the trim piece off without tearing the paint or wallpaper on the adjacent wall. I used to use a razor knife for this; I also used to make a lot of slash marks on the walls and trim.
   I prefer the e-blades for occasional undercutting of door jambs. They have a greater depth of cut. It is worth mentioning that although I have used a multimaster for undercutting door jambs and even door bottoms, I only did this in emergency situations when I didn't have a jamb cutting saw on the job. A power driven jamb cutting saw is way faster, much easier and the replacement blades are cheap. I feel that Fein is wrong to promote the multimaster as a professional level tool for this purpose because its rate of cut is not comparable to circular jamb saws.

5 comments about DeWalt DC9071 XRP 12-Volt 2.4 Amp Hour NiCad Battery.

1. The Dewalt company was superb when the charger "melted" the new battery. They promptly replaced both items without cost.



2. DeWalt DC9071 XRP 12-Volt 2.4 Amp Hour NiCad Battery yellow with power left over.



3. BOUGHT THE FIRST REPLACEMENT BATTERY BECAUSE I LIKED THE DRILL AND DID NOT WANT THE EXPENSE OF BUYING THE ENTIRE DRILL KIT . THIS BATTERY IS GREAT . NOT ONLY DOES IT LAST LONGER IT HAS MORE DRIVING POWER . WORKS SO WELL I JUST BOUGHT A SECOND BATTERY . NOW LETS DROP THE PRICE AND IT WILL BE A GREAT WORLD .



4. I bought this battery cheaper than I could have gotten it in a box store including the delivery. I like the DeWalt brand and so far I'm getting what I paid for. I expect it will be as good as the one it replaced - DeWalt brand.



5. My husband was working on our new deck. His older batteries were not lasting as long as they once did nor would they charge completely. I told him I would order a new one from the internet. I found the best price on Amazon.com and ordered it.
   It came very quickly. Actually, about a week before the estimated delivery date! It was like night and day. It charged quickly, had more power and lasted longer. He loved it and our deck is now complete. Thanks!

5 comments about Milwaukee 48-59-2818 18-Volt to 28-Volt Lithium-Ion and NiCad Slide Style 1 Hour Battery Charger.

1. Was packed well. It works and charges the battery in one hour as stated. It's not too big so you can store it in a small bag and take it with you easily.



2. Works perfect. Charges super fast. Got this for a great price compared to a local retailer.



3. No problems so far. A little big. Make sure your batteries have not been recalled by Milwaukee.



4. Got this charger with my V28 1/2"impact wrench and so far I havent
   had any problems with it . It charges the batteries in a little under
   an hour and it doesnt get hot .



5. Great price with the optional free shipping.Good charger, would have given it 5 stars if it would have fit the carring case.

5 comments about Black and Decker VP105 VersaPak 3.6-Volt 1.2 Amp Hour NiCad Stick Style Battery, 2 Pack.

1. could not get these anywhere in the area that i live. this was a great price and fast delivery



2. I bought these batteries when my VersaPak drill required a charge every time I took it out of the closet to use. These batteries are hard to find in the stores since B&D came out with a new line of Battery Pack devices. So I ordered the batteries from Amazon. The price was resonable and worked as expected. This was a much cheaper option than buying a new drill just because the batteries died.



3. Amazon.com has the best price on these VersaPak Silver batteries. They last around 3 years before needing replacing. I also use the VersaPak Gold batteries. They cost a little more but hold a longer and stronger charge.



4. The product works great and performs as advertised. I would buy this product again.



5. I have a Black & Decker Power Screwdriver which I have used for years--since 1999, for electronics. Of Course, the batteries have not lasted that long, and I have replaced them a time or two.
   
   I have let them run down to where they lost some power, then recharged them fully. Do NOT let them run down completely, or they may be damaged by the high current demand of the appliance when run at low voltage. They can overheat at low voltage and high current drain, and lose some of their lifespan. The appliance can also overheat with low voltage and high current drain. If the battery is uncomfortably warm to the hand, it is being overworked, either low voltage or too high duty cycle.
   
   If you do not use them regularly, they will lose some of their charge by infinitesimal internal leakage--that is just the way batteries work. When you familiarize yourself with your machine, you will recognize when the battery loses power, as the machine will have less power than usual. Check the batteries in a regular maintenance schedule, then you will know when it is time to recharge.
   
   If you do use them regularly, keep one fully charged, then when the other runs down, install the fully charged battery, and recharge the other.

5 comments about Black and Decker PS130 FireStorm 12-Volt 1.4 Amp Hour NiCad Pod Style Battery.

1. Product was not a Black & Decker brand name battery as advertised but a generic substitute. Time will only tell if it has the quality to hold up. Will not order from this company again.



2. This is a hard to find item in the area of the country in which I live and it's nice to be able get items like this over the internet. Nery reasonably priced and a very prompt shipment. Smooth transaction. ^v^



3. I need to return the battery ..it is the wrong one. I need the slide battery and have ardered it. What do I need to do to return it?



4. This battery works just as good as the original. Wore out the first one, just got this for a replacement.



5. Purchased a PS130 replacement for my old battery but the "new" batery is actually worse than my original 5 yrs old battery. Went through several cycles of complete discharge then charge with no effect whatsoever.

5 comments about Milwaukee 2401-22 12V Li-ion Sub-Compact Driver Kit.

1. I am a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Homeowner who just purchase this powerful little sub compact driver. I own the Dewalt 7 volt driver and I compared the two. There is no comparison... The Milwaukee is a powerful, versatile "go to" tool that should be in every homeowners tool box. I don't buy cheap tools . you just get frustrated, bust your knuckels or botch the job you're working on. I compared the two drill/ drivers against a powerful corded drill by driving large screws (and I mean large for most homeowners) and using large drill bits in some seasoned old forest oak wood. The Milwaukee performance was strong and fast and will definitely handle most if not all jobs around the home. However don't throw away your 18 volt or corded drill, just put them up. I will be selling my Dewalt or consigning it to the tool shed.



2. This is an amazing tool! It's compact size enables it to be used in spaces otherwise too small for a hand held drill. Having it available for use in cabinet making is a real treat. The Li-ion battery has a capacity that exceeds the typical power pack - I have yet to exhaust the total charge during a day's use. The "bit holder collar" makes changing bits and drivers very convenient. GREAT VALUE!



3. I picked up this driver/drill back in June. I've used it mostly for building and installing cabinets. It's been perfect. I can quickly drill and drive accurately and with out the weight of standard drill. It's so small and it amazes me how powerful it is. My friend let me borrow his Ryobi cordless drill and it just didn't have power so I was very reluctant to go cordless but I'm so glad I did with this driver!
   I've also done some drilling into concrete sub floor to install transition strips and it's worked great. It's not as good as a hammer drill but I put it through the paces and it stood up quite well. It has plenty of power and battery life. Oh the work light and battery indicator are both very nice features. I think most everything like cell phones all need flash lights on them... Anyway I would highly recommend picking up this impact driver/drill.



4. This product was all that I expected it to be. Very happy with it.



5. I own many electric drills and screwdrivers but none were suited for tight spaces. I then came across this small Milwaukee unit and looked it over. It appeared to be just what I was looking for, so I decided to give it a try. Milwaukee was a brand name high on my satisfaction list as I have many other Milwaukee power tools and been very happy with them. Buying this little 'powerhouse' was certainly not disappointing. It more than lived up to Milwaukee standards. It performs almost as well as my 19.2 volt Hitachi, a combo drill/driver that is almost twice as big and and has a huge battery - most cumbersome. I highly recommend this compact, powerful unit. It has become my favorite portable power drill/driver (I own three different size battery operated units) .

5 comments about Incra MITER1000SE Miter Gauge Special Edition With Telescoping Fence and Dual Flip Shop Stop.

1. Okay, it's not perfect. But, with a little tender loving care, you can tweak this bad-boy into being the miter gauge that you've dreamt about. Break out your indicators and squares, and shim and twist for an hour or so to bring this tool into square with your blade.
   
   Using this tool on a PowerMatic 64A with a Freud glue-line blade I am able to cross-cut a jointed 12" board, and have less than 0.011 TIR (my stock MG produced TIRs between 0.020 and 0.045! And, I have to admit that my cross-cut sled will yield less than .009 TIR). But, we're talking about a miter gauge, it's used for shorter items, and that 0.011 TIR on a 12" board translates into less than 0.003 TIR on a 2" workpiece (that's darn near the surface condition left by the blade).



2. I purchased the 1000SE in April 2007 on Amazon since it was on sale for $99. I really didn't need a new miter gauge, but I could not pass it up at that price.
   
   Since I used a cross-cut sled, the 1000SE sat in the box for months since I didn't have much of a use for it. Then, I dropped my cross cut sled, splitting it. I didn't want to take the time to rebuild the sled, so I pulled out the 1000SE. After taking a few minutes to set it up, I tried it out and was pleased with the results. I then had to cut some angles and it was so easy to dial in the correct angles and make accurate, repeat cuts.
   
   One year later, I still have not rebuilt the crosscut sled and use the 1000SE for all cross cut and miter cuts on the table saw. The gauge is dead on accurate and I feel confident that my cuts are perfect every time I use it. If you are still using the stock Miter Gauge, the 1000SE should be on your list of upgrades.



3. Not much to say except that I LOVE It! Not much this can't do. The miter stops are dead on, easy to use, and has a great push handle system. The locking pins to set angles work like a charm. The guide bar itself is amazing. It has different sized exchangeable wheels that takes up slack in the miter channel and the fence. Glides like silk.



4. Great miter gauge. Easy to setup with included instructions. Once set up to the saw it produces incredibly consistent miter cuts. Must have for any table saw.



5. I like this product. The directions were a bit hard to follow, there had been some changes to the product since they were written. There were some updated sheets for some of the changes, but not all, so it was somewhat confusing, but not impossible to figure out. The product was shipped to me in a timely fashion. The Incra Miter1000SE works as advertised, I'm very pleased with it, it's a big improvement over the stock miter gauge that came with my table saw.

5 comments about Kreg K3MS K3 Master Pocket Hole Jig System.

1. Kreg did a great job with this jig, but there are a few important things to keep in mind if you're thinking about doing pocket hole joinery; Things that I learned the hard way so I thought I'd share my experience.
   
   First of all, forget about using pocket holes in MDF, Particle board, Melamine coated particle board, fiber board, etc. The screws enter too close to the edge for these materials and they just disintegrate.
   
   Also, if you're going to be joining plywood, remember that plywood is rarely sold by actual thickness. For instance, 1/2" plywood is really 7/16" thick these days. And that 1/16" does make a difference with pocket hole joinery. The 1" screws that you're supposed to use with 1/2" material might poke out the other side if you're not careful. You can compensate for this somewhat by setting the drill depth, but you have to remember to do this and not just go with the 1/2" settings. I didn't have this problem with 3/4" material, even though it too is not really 3/4" thick.
   
   You might want to consider buying some of the clamps they sell for doing pocket hole joinery Kreg RAC Right Angle Clamp, Kreg Standard Face Clamp. It's almost impossible to get a good joint without them. When possible, I'll tack the pieces together with brads and then drive the pocket screws, but you have to have something holding the pieces firmly together before driving the screws or it just won't work right.
   
   If you're thinking about hooking up your shop vac to the jig, you'll probably need some sort of adapter. I wish these things were more standardized. This jig requires something like a 1 1/2" hose, my shop vac is 2 1/2".
   
   Don't let this review scare you away from pocket hole joinery. It's quick, it's easy and it works if you know what its limitations are. And Kreg did do a great job with this jig. Well worth the price of admission.



2. This is somthing I have wanted for awhile and now I can do more and better things in my shop. Grat product and easy to set up.



3. The Kreg system is the best jointing tool on the market. I have many uses for the tool that I didn't know it could do.



4. I've been using this jig for tables and it has worked great. It's easy to use if you attach it to some heavy plywood or hard wood to keep it lined up. I use it a lot and rate it a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10



5. This product is EXCELLENT! Easy to use and setup. Slight learning curve, but easily mastered in about a few hours. I couldn't see building cabinets, storage boxes, and the like without it.
   
   A limited number of screws come with the product. Their up sell is to buy screws from them. Similar sized wood screws can work as well and cheaper.