5 comments about Porter-Cable 7336 6-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Only.

1. This is a very nice unit. Works great. Would have given it 5 stars but I am afraid that the bearings may burn out relatively quickly. I've had problems with them in the past so I tried a more expensive Bosch unit. What a piece of junk. It burnt out in 2 months of light use (wet-sanding). Repaired under warranty and burnt out again 9 months later with MAYBE once a week use. I'll stick with the Porter-Cable from now on.



2. Excellent sander. I use it for flattening pannels and sanding kitchen doors. It easily goes from very aggressive sanding to slow/fine sanding. Takes a bit of practice to get a good sanding technique and for holding the machine. Probably won't use the 5" dewalt again. It is just so much slower (even with the PC on fine grit at low RPMS).



3. Porter-Cable 7336 6-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Only
   
   After borrowing this same sander on different occasions from two of my friends, I decided I needed to buy my own. Just as I expected, it works great! It is easy to handle, easy to change discs, and if you need it in a tight spot, the handle comes off in seconds.



4. I have had the 7336 for 10-13 years and I too have stopped using my belt sander. It removes stock rapidly, yet is easy to control which is great when being used by unskilled employees. I have had problems with the switch. I think it gets fouled with the dust as I "fixed" it one time just by blowing the switch with compressed air for 30 seconds. I think I'll buy a couple of switches. They appear easy to replace. Last note: a 5" disk is only 70% of the size of a 6" disk, so you have a lot less abrasive on the work surface. btw, I have large hands and don't grip the tool too tightly - no problem with my wrists...



5. this is a very nice tool. it removes stock quickly yet no swirls are apparent. i have the smaller porter cable RO sander but find myself using this one more. this is a well balanced, relatively vibration free tool. for you car nuts, it comes with a buffing attachment so you can use it in that capacity too

5 comments about STRIKER Construction Pencil with DURA LEAD combo pack.

1. The Striker was shipped fast and I am completely happy with the product. It is very well made. The function is simple, which I think is good. The lead is strong and has worked great for all of my projects especially on concrete where my old pencils would constantly need sharpening. The pocket clip is a nice touch, but it still fits in my tool belt.
   I put a sharp tip on my lead by just rubbing the tip on concrete, like the picture shows. it is great because the sharp edge is still broad and strong. I can use it on a straight edge or spped square like a scribe now it gets so close.



2. This product has been very durable, and is convenient in working environments.



3. OK this isn't an acuasation, but when there are 4 rave reviews for an item that as soon as you use it, you see the drawbacks, you have to check out the reviewers. Each of those four reviewers had only ONE review and it was of course of this product. Here's a review by a woodworker who reviews items all the time, some good, some bad... and the average ones get little attention from me other than in circumstances like this.
   
   First, the good parts. The red case is easy to find. I have not yet broken the case, and since I drop things a lot, that's good. The colored leads make it possible to make a visible line on almost anything... if you happen to be carrying the appropriate lead with you. It's easy to load and easy to advance the lead when needed.
   
   Next, the problems. The biggest one is, when you drop the pencil, the lead shatters into multiple short strips. Since it takes a strip of at least an inch or more to clasp properly, it definitely shortens the usefulness of each lead if it's in three or more pieces. Also once the lead is short, it tends to skew in the holder, so it's sometimes hard to see where it's going to mark if you're, say, trying to mark to the 16th of an inch on a framing square. If you don't work within a 16th of an inch that's fine, then...but it's a bit disconcerting to find you've marked a tight fit wrong and you have to redo it because it's too short or too long to fit.
   
   Another small thing, it doesn't stay in my T-shirt pocket very well. It's too long for the clip to grab very much pocket and oops, you bend over and there's the lead shattered yet again.
   
   Oh, and one more tiny problem is that the point is too blunt to be able to see the lead if you're marking something right in front of you. So you turn the pencil sideways so you can see the lead, but now you've got it on the flat side marking and you have to tilt it to get the corner of the lead (unless you sharpened it, which was the whole idea of getting this pencil in the first place, because you're not supposed to have to sharpen it.
   
   I'll keep working with it because I bought 4 sets of refills and if I find some workarounds or ways to make it work better I'll update. I find dropping it into my jeans pocket is a good idea because it's safer there.



4. Amazon is a great place for just about anything and everything you can't find in the stores. I come in here for me and my girlfriends when we can't find it..Very good and fast service in the mail..
   shop again soon.....



5. I had puchased these for my crew and myself thinking it would save time from sharpening the standard carpenter pencil but in reallity they are a waste of time because the lead snaps off by the grooves used to hold it in the pencil and after some wear the lead will get stuck ing the pencil wasting my valuble time trying to get the leadout so save your money and just buy a regular carpenter pencil

5 comments about Freud SC-001 3-1/2-Inch Blade Stabilizer with 5/8-Inch Arbor for 7-Inch Saws or Larger.

1. I purchased this set because I noticed a little bit of wobble in my blade as I shut down the machine even though the blade is tight against the arbor. I had some doubt as to how much effect stabilizer would have on the blades performance. My package noted that these were two sets. I gave the other one to a woodworking buddy. I am completely satisfied and impressed with this stabilizer. It completely eliminated the blade wobble at start up and shut down of my saw. I had one thing that abolutely puzzled me. I installed the stabilizer on the outside of the blade on my right tilt saw. There should have been no change in the blade placement. My zero clearance insert would not go over the blade. It rubbed probably a 1/64th of an inch or so. I lowered the blade all the way down, put in the insert and powered up my saw. I then raised the blade. It cut the expected 1/64th of an inch or so and I let it run a minute to clear out the insert. I was amazed at how well the stabilizer worked. No more wobble. I own a Delta contractor saw with cast iron extensions and tons of add ons. I am completely sold on this product. I am certain that my old arbor flange was slightly warped, although I never noticed it. I highly recommend this product and it is so inexpensive.



2. Useless and overpriced gudget. Blade can't be placed on calibrated 5/8" shaft and sits over the thread. As a result balance is off and you can't turn on a saw without the risk of blowing your brains out.



3. The Freud SC-001 3-1/2-Inch Blade Stabilizer is a well manufactured, simple product. It certainly improves blade stability. The blade feels firmer once installed. However, adding these to your table saw will likely require a large amount of effort that isn't well mentioned in previous reviews, unless I missed it.
   
   One reviewer recommends adding only a single stabilizer on the outside of the blade. I tried this, out of curiosity, and quickly discovered that this warps the blade by a significant amount, since the built-in stabilizer on the other side of the blade is likely going to be smaller in diameter (If not, I don't see how these stabilizers would serve much purpose, anyway!).
   
   When I began to install the expected two stabilizer configuration, I had an 'uh-duh' moment, in which I realized that installation of the inside stabilizer shifts the center-point of the blade! Seemed pretty obvious a little later than I'd have hoped! This means that you will have to reposition your splitter, as well as replace any zero-clearance inserts you use, and in my case, may not be able to use your stock insert. In my case (a Jet JWTS-10), I had to shim all of the mount points for the splitter with matching washers, as the adjustment slots at these points were not wide enough to compensate for the stabilizer. Adding the washers and lining the splitter up with the newly positioned blade was an intricate affair.
   
   There is also a small element of danger added when using these stabilizers, in that when bringing the blade up while spinning, which is called for, once in a while, the stabilizers can lift the insert, which would, of course, send it flying like a missile. Similarly, make certain that the added height obtained by the higher stabilizer when angling the blade does not bring it in contact with the insert; in some instances, the blade may have to be lowered when angling it, so that this will not occur. I believe there are adjustable stops inside the saw cabinet that can limit movement. At my next free chance, I will be looking to make such an adjustment to limit the risk, at least for the upper limit on the blade height.
   
   I haven't yet determined whether the stabilizers affect the runout of the blade. I will look into this soon. Now that I've committed to using the stabilizers, I think this would be the only negative side effect that would prompt me to remove them. All the same, I'm not sure I would have started on this path if I could start again!



4. I agree with the review that you should stabilize your saw and not your blade, but at some point you are going to want a blade stabilizer. If you do a lot of crosscuts/miters on your table saw it really helps out to give you that "shinny" crosscut. This stabilizer is the worst that could ever have been invented. Who wants to have their blade offset approx 1/4"? There are two stabilizers in the kit and I have yet to see a table saw that you can remove the original flange mounted to the arbor so you don't warp your blade with only one stabilizer. (The stabilizer is larger than most arbor flanges) Freud really should have thought out this design. They make wonderful blades, but this product makes them look like idiots. You have to adjust your fence to compensate. Homemade box cutting jigs are shot. The only nice thing is that they are not as large as other blade stabilizers. I threw this one in the trash and bought the forest 5" blade stabilizer. Does everything I want. I can use it with my dado. Which is a Freud. DO NOT USE ONLY ONE OF THESE. That can cause serious injury or death.



5. Following some of the other review suggestions, I bought the set and installed one plate on my table saw and one on my radial arm saw. Between adding a link belt and the stabilizer to my table saw, I now have virtually no vibration in the table saw. With the radial arm saw being direct drive there was less noticeable difference for vibration, but the saw cut is beautiful. I especially like the 3.5" size of these plates in that they take away very little cutting depth from my 10" saws. I would recommend them as a simple and inexpensive way to upgrade the quality of your saws.

3 comments about MAGCRAFT® Magnets - 3/8" x 1/16" Rare Earth Disc, Package of 40.

1. Neodymium-Iron-Boron rare earth magnet: 3/8" wafers... The north and south poles are through an axis of the "cylinder", as you would expect. This means they want to form a long "rod". It is almost impossible to push them north to north, or south to south pole (probably 10-15 lbs of force). When you play with them like this, they actually start to get hot from the magnetic "friction. You can make one of them "dance" and stand on edge at about 6" away. Don't throw them, or let them "snap" back into the stack, these wafers are very brittle (I've already cracked one). They seem to be chrystaline or cast metal, but chromed.



2. These are great for making your own craft projects! I use them to turn small figurines into refrigerator magnets! Very good!



3. Magnets work as advertised; nice and strong and compact. They are however a bit brittle but being careful to not let them snap together you shouldn't have any issues. Seller is fast.

5 comments about Porter-Cable 691 11 Amp 1-3/4 Horsepower D-Handle Router with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets.

1. i haved used at least 5 of these routers and they work great right out of the box but the base becomes warped very quickly making it difficult to router properly especialy with flush cuting bits i have 6 years of full time wood working experiance and the last time i used one i messed up flush cuting because the base was not flat i would by the Bosch 1618B if u plan on using the router more than a few times because of the superior base



2. probably one of the best made would be perfect if they changed to a lever release and variable speed



3. This is an excellent router choice, either if you were looking for an extra router to add to your routing arsenals or simply looking for your first router. It is powerful and yet easy to handle. I believe this is the perfect router to be used on a dovetail jig, especially the Porter Cable jigs.



4. I've owned this router for more than 10 years. It is dead reliable. I prefer the D-handle version as it affords better control. The 690 line is still THE standard reference for routers, though the design is aging. I would expect that anyone buying this router would be quite happy with it, but as more and more routers come available with variable speed, soft-start, better adjustment mechanisms, shaft locks, etc., the decision is harder than it used to be. 10 years ago I would have given this router 5 stars. The quality hasn't changed, but the market has. If a basic router fits your usage, however, you've found the right one - and without maintenance worry on features you don't need.
   
   4 stars for showing its age.



5. I've had mine for over three years now and haven't had a problem yet. As far as torque is concerned it's not Porter Cable's top of the line but it is in the way of the base design. The D-handle with power trigger is the way to go for maximum router control. I noticed that another customer accused this router of being a "knuckle buster." This is only true if you change bits incorrectly. If you position the wrenches close enough together you can squeeze them toward each other with one hand for the initial loosening.

5 comments about Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander - Hook & Loop Pad.

1. The top cap was gouged and penetrated to the extent that I would not put the sander on a store's demo shelf. Having arrived in a secured case (with internal architecture not corresponding to the damaged area), the sander's damage was unlikely caused by shipment trauma.
   
   Weeks ago I returned a PC router whose base was cracked (and almost severed) upon receipt.
   
   PC's good reputation may be historical. I picture a frantic manufacturing plant focused solely on quantity production.



2. Excellent performance at a great price. The dust collection is good as is, hook up a vacuum and it is virtually dust free. The convenience of hook & loop, dust collection, great price, hard case, and a good orbital sander to boot.



3. The pad brake actually works unlike other manufacturers claims. When the sander is off the workpiece, it does not spin. You can have it running and switch to another piece without marring it. One gripe I have is the variable speed. When turned down below the highest setting it is just about impossible to use the sander. It jumps all over the place and you can't get a consistent finish. I just switch to hand sanding at this point. Otherwise I like it though I wish I saved my money and bought the fixed speed version. The dust collector is worthless. I can't use it inside unless hooked up to a shop vac which makes trying to control it a PITA.



4. Well, this is my fourth Porter Cable variable speed random orbit sander. The three previous models, 333VS, still work and do a great job. However, I needed a new one and noted the 333VS has been replaced by this one.
   
   First, fit and finish are slightly different than the old 333VS. The top handle cap is indeed a little bit larger, but I am able to handle it well even with my small hands. I have had to search and search for units that I can use properly as my hands are not as big as my woodworking friends. So, if you have smaller hands, this might be a consideration to keep in mind.
   
   The dust collection is about the same as the previous model. I have had to duct tape or masking tape on the dust collector as it would continue to fall off while sanding, or the dust would find ways to escape from the canister. However, putting a hose attachment to a dust collector will take care of the majority of these issues. This is the only reason why I have given this model 4 instead of 5 stars (seems like an engineering problem).
   
   The unit comes in a nice case. Mine is rarely in the case as I use it quite a bit. The variable speed settings only add to the versatility of this unit. I can't think of any reason why I would want to pay $20 less in order to get the same model without the variable speed function. I have used the variable speed feature in almost every job I have done and find this feature to be extremely useful. My suggestion is to get a sander with the variable speed function versus one without.
   
   Finally, it is nice to see Porter Cable still makes a good product that will last for the consumer. I have purchased several different manufacturers versions of a variable speed random orbit sander and have never been truly satisfied. This one, in my opinion, does it all and will keep you happy.



5. Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander - Hook & Loop Pad
   
   After many years of hard service I replaced my trusty old DeWalt 5" RO sander with a new Porter Cable 343VS. To-date I'm very pleased with the PC's performance. Aside from a couple of features the DeWalt lacked (vacuum hose attachments, bayonet-fit on dust collector, self-stopping) there is very little difference.
   I bought the PC for its vacuum hose capability, and I bought PC's 1" flex hose kit. It will be useful when (if ever) I locate an adapter for my 2" dust collector's LOCK LINE hose.

No comments about Skil 73110 Octo Sandpaper 60-80-120 Grit Variety - 5 Pack.

No comments about Bostitch BT1309B 1-Inch 18-Gauge Brads, 3,000-Qty..

4 comments about Delta 22-580 13-Inch Two-Speed Finishing Planer.

1. I have a whole shop full of Delta machines so I know pretty much what to expect from this company. Even so, I still did lots of research before buing this planer which had nearly all favorable reviews. The most common complaint was knives dulling too fast. More on that in a moment.
   
   Out of the box and set up was quick with no problems; tables set up perfectly. Finish was excellent with zero snipe == for a while at least. There is a blue plastic film on the center machine bed. It looks like machine bluing so I didn't realize that it was a film. Nothing in the manual about removing it, either. After a while that film began to become scraped up and would roll into little globs of plastic -- all with predictable results -- getting snipe and not cutting parallel to bottom surface.. The problem got worse and worse until I raised the cutter head way up and examined what was happening.
   
   Once the film was removed (just peel it off) everything back to normal. At least for a while. After about a month of daily use I began to notice a depression running down the length of the boards. It started out and inch wide and 0.010" deep and over a couple weeks increased to 0.050" deep and 2" wide. After removing the blades (which were not dull or damaged) the problem became clear. Wood chips were impacted between the blade holder bar and the blade, forcing the blade to bend. Removing the blade clamping bar, examination revealed the problem -- it was bent or unfair about 0.030" and the reason for this was also clear. The stamping of detent nib had caused the bend. I asked Delta for a new one and am now waiting for it after making a temporary fix.
   
   But for these problems that could happen with any machine, I like this machine and would buy it again.
   
   AS for all the complaints about short blade life, let me say that I used mine daily for a month on nothing but very,very hard tropical hardwoods with no significant blade dulling or chipping. The problem with short blade life is not the blades fault but the user's. GIGO, garbage in, garbage out: if you run dirty woood or use your machine to remove paint or recondition old wood, you must expect rapid dulling. Dirt is what does it. I use a stiff brush and scrub the dirt out of my rough lumber (which is always dirty) before planing. Take very shallow cuts rather than deep ones: I never go more than 1/32. If you are trying to reduce thickness by a 1/4" or more (as indicated in some reviews), you are using the wrong machine. You should be using a band saw for resawing. If you're careful about what you run through a planer, blade replacement should't be more that 2X year.
   
   I particularly like the blade zero feature which I use constantly since I use differing thicknesses almost every time. You press the button down which locks it in place, then lower the cutterhead onto the stock untill it "clicks" off. At this point I raise the cutter a quarter turn to remove the stock, then lower it by a half turn to make the first cut. Works perfect every time with no fuss.
   
   Oh yeah, you need the optional chip collecter which is sold separately. This machine throws a vertible blizzard of chips. It's a 4" nozzle, so buy a reducer couplling if your dust system is 2-1/2" I used a rubber drain reducer from Ace Hardware that has hose clamps on each end which works a lot better than plastic job that will eventually crack. $9 from Ace.
   
   Also be very careful about the folding tables: bump one hard and it will bend at the hinge points and the only fix will be to replace the table. Fold up the tables when not in use.



2. Love the planner. For some reason I have a problem with saw dust collecting under the knife which deflects the blade. I have to remove the blades and clean to get a good flat final pass. The knife holder itself is bent which speeds the process of dust collection. I can only guess as to the cause (probably my fault when I did not tighten it down enough before planning).
   I have read many complaints about the knife life...
   I planned some old deck boards (treated pine) and destroyed one side of the blade in no time (like 100bf). I have planned maple and cherry on the other side of the knifes and have planned well over 250bf and still going.



3. I've beens using this planer for a few years and have had no problems. The dust collection works great. The two speeds are handy. I've been running red oak through it and it comes through so smooth I really don't need to sand. I've found replacement blades at Lowes.



4. Wow, what a planer. When your not sure what to purchase it is a safe bet to go with DELTA......

5 comments about Delta 36-T30 T2 30 Inch Fence and Rail System.

1. Fence works great. There is very little adjustments needed to the fence. Fence comes with side to sid tilt adjustments and Pendulum angle adjustments. Wood doesn't bind or kick back when ripping. This item was shipped and delivered on the date that was given.



2. I bought this fence after reading the reviews here at Amazon. The Delta website says it can be installed on other saws, I have a 20 year old Craftman saw that needed a fence update and I liked the price of this fence. The instructions for installation are very staight forward if your saw is the Delta saw that this fence is paired with. If you are installing it on any other saw, your on your own. None of the holes in my saw matched up with the holes in the fence rails. I had to drill and tap four of the holes because they lined up with cast bracing on the underside of the table, I only had 4 holes that did not have braces behind them. There is very little room for error when you drill your own holes because a 16th of an inch to high or to low and the fence will drag on the table or leave to big of a gap. Some of this gap can be corrected by moving to facing on the fence up or down, but I would recommend measuring very carefully before you drill. I wound up mocking up the whole system and clamping it to my saw to make sure I had the correct clearences before I did my final drilling and installation. I have about 3 hours in it so far. I will do the final adjustments on the fence angles tonight. Like I said, this looks like it's going to be a real nice fence, I just wish Delta would include better instructions for Non Delta installations. Plan on buying a 17/64" drill bit, a 5/16" drill bit, and a 8mm x 1.25 tap. If you wind up needing to drill into the rails (I did) you will need a counter sink as well, you might also buy 2 of the 5/16" bits, the rails are really hand on the bits. Take your time to get it right the first time and you should do fine, Good Luck.



3. Having "rescued" a saw from being thrown away, this fixed the problem of no fence and gave a possible addition to the garbage dump a longer life. The fence is precise and well-made, and fit perfectly.



4. I own a 1950 Delta Unisaw which came with the Jet-Lock fence and rail system. I wanted to upgrade to a more precise fence and rail system but did not want to spend $300-$400 for a Beisemeyer. This is a great bang for the buck. It is extremely accurate and well manufactured. I would have given this product four stars if it weren't for this difficulty in mounting this to my Unisaw. I actually had to machine two special stepped spacers in order to mount the front rail to the table. I believe this is due to the "old" Unisaw table design where the holes in the front of the table are counterbored with a non-standard bolt hole and counter-bore size for use with the Jet-Lock 1-3/8" diameter rails. This may not be the case for the newer Unisaws.



5. Very nice fence system! Brougth new life to my old contractors saw. Very well made and very easy to install. Highly recommend!