David's Latest Articles

  • Makita OMT Teardown

    I was working on a story about oscillating multi-tools (OMTs) when it occurred to me I had no idea how a spinning motor could make a spindle go from side-to-side. So I did what I always do when a tool confuses me – I tore it apart.

     
  • Can't Get it Here: Lithium-Ion Toolbox

    You may be familiar with L-Boxxes, the modular stacking storage cases that are the Bosch equivalent of Festool Systainers. Well, the GLI PortaLED is something more, it's an L-Boxx with LEDs built into the top so that the case can double as a work light.

     
  • How American is Your American Truck?

    The answer might surprise you.

     
  • Australian Rules Tool Testing

    It's good to know that someone at Bosch has a sense of humor. In this promotional video a couple of Australians who claim to be tradies (tradesmen) try to destroy a Bosch cordless drill/driver.

     
  • Can't Get It Here: Makita Cordless Bike

    You heard me – an electric bicycle from a power tool manufacturer. But if you want one, you'll have to move to Europe, Asia, or Australia – just about anywhere that isn't North America.

     
  • Home-Made Vertical Panel Saw

    This picture of a home-made vertical panel saw was posted on one of the WoodWeb forums. As its maker puts it, 'it's not much to look at but it works very well.'

     
  • Brushless Impact Driver Teardown

    I tear things apart so you don't have to. Well, not really – I tear things apart because I am curious about what's inside, especially when the manufacturer makes a big deal out of it. Lately, the big deal has been brushless motors so I disassembled DeWalt's new brushless impact driver and shot...

     
  • Clever Extension Ladder Mod

    Like most tradesmen, I've spent a lot of time struggling to raise balky extension ladders. So my first reaction upon seeing this project was: Why didn't I think of this back when I painted houses?

     
  • Bosch CM12 Miter Saw

    Bosch's new 12-inch single bevel compound miter saw sports a number of incremental improvements and a feature that can't be found on other saws ...

     
  • High Reach Excavator Accident

    Gil Olson was operating a high reach excavator on a demolition job in Seattle when a 10-by-30-foot section of concrete came loose and fell 8 stories onto the cab.

     
  • 4.0 Ah Batteries: The Plot Thickens

    In June I reported on some sightings of 4.0 Ah batteries: a Metabo battery that had been released for sale in the U.S., a Hitachi battery that’s available in Europe, and a photo of a DeWalt battery that was taken under mysterious circumstances in Australia and then posted on the DeWalt Owners Group...

     
  • Hammer Your Drug Habit

    According to Joel Allen, buying a hand tool from his company might help you kick your drug habit.

     
  • Lazy Man's Circ Saw

    I almost feel guilty wanting one of these things. Am I really so lazy that I can't push the saw down the rail?

     
  • Is It Possible to Have Too Many Tools?

    My wife seems to think so. The next time she complains about our garage I'll show her this video of Jacques Jodoin's workshop. Jacques has more tools and equipment than anyone I know; not just a few more - wayyyyyyyyy more…

     
  • An Ingenious Door Fitting Jig

    If you're an experienced finish carpenter, it won't matter that the subtitles in this video are in Dutch, because you'll be able to figure out exactly what this guy is up to.

     
  • Quick Hits from DeWalt, Bostitch, and Porter-Cable

    In June I was in New York City for a Stanley Black & Decker media event, during which a large number of new tools from DeWalt, Bostitch, and Porter-Cable were unveiled.

     
  • Can't Get It Here: Alligator Saw

    This has nothing to do with 'Swamp People,' though I suppose you could use one of these saws to cut up a gator.

     
  • World's Greatest Nail Gun Operator

    Chen Chun Hao has driven more 23-gauge pin nails than any man alive.

     
  • Birth of a Slick

    Here's how the folks at John Neeman Tools make hand-forged slicks. What's a slick? It's an oversize chisel that boat builders and timber framers use for paring and smoothing.

     
  • A Not So Clever Criminal

    Here's someone who really hates Home Depot; fortunately he's not that good with matches.