Table of Contents

Spring 2009

Editor's Note

• New Place for Pride
  I remember riding some pretty wild ups and downs during my 20-plus years of building, though nothing like we're seeing now. Each time things got tight I learned more about survival, which made my business stronger when the economy turned around. [more]

Features

• First Test: Diablo Hand-Held Mixers
  Still mixing with a drill? There are better tools for the job.
• First Test: NailOut Pneumatic Nail Lifter
  An air tool for your deconstruction arsenal.
• First Test: Nail Kicker Pneumatic Nail Remover
  Nail "gun" shoots fasteners back out of wood .
• 2009 Editors' Choice Awards (Slide Show)
  Among this year's 12 award-winning tools are new corded and cordless hand tools, breakthrough blades, stationary shop equipment, a framer's "persuader," and a one-of-a-kind drywall cutter.
• Tool Test: Power Routers (Slide Show)
  We tested 10 big routers to see how they compare. These 3- to 3-1/4-hp tools are the largest models out there, and they varied widely in power, speed, and accuracy when used with different materials and applications. Features and controls also ranged in convenience and precision, from well-placed and easy-to-use adjustments and triggers to those that left a lot to be desired. Festool, Makita, and the Freud FT3000 were the top three tools.
  

Cutting Edge

• Blue-Collar Jobs Turn Green
  Industry groups step up to reposition workers for comeback.
• "The Old Saw Man"
  Marshall Burns honored with lifetime achievement award.
• Spring 2009 Hot Finds

Product Watch

• Special Focus: Work Gear (Slide Show)

Tool Hounds

We just love tools. Is that a problem?

• Full-Court Press: Randall Coe, VP of Marketing, Bosch Power Tools