Tools of the Trade: Tool Tests and Reviews

18-Volt Cordless Circular Saws

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 03:12:28 EST

The best models have good runtime and cut dense material without slowing down

High-Voltage Cordless Chain Saws

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 02:20:11 EST

When lithium-ion tools first hit the market, a number of manufacturers introduced 28- and 36-volt models.

Tools Up Close: Milwaukee M12 Band Saw

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:15:57 EST

Earlier this year Milwaukee added a tool to its M12 line that I never expected to see: a cordless portable band saw. Many tool companies make 18-volt band saws, but this is the first subcompact (10.8-volt/12-volt max) model. At 6.75 pounds and 12 inches long, it's small enough to be used one-handed.

Tools Up Close: Makita LXSL01 Cordless Miter Saw

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:15:53 EST

Over the past decade or so, a revolution of sorts has been occurring within the cordless tool industry. Thanks to improved motor and battery technology, power-hungry tools that were once available only as 110-volt corded models are being offered without cords. The list is long and includes rotary hammers, impact wrenches, angle grinders, and more.

Tools Up Close: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Jigsaw

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:15:16 EST

When it comes to jigsaws, I'm an avowed barrel-grip guy, so even though many of my other tools are cordless, I've been stuck using a corded jigsaw. But with Milwaukee's recent introduction of the model 2445 saw (which takes M12 batteries), I've been able to add a cordless model to my tool kit.

Tools Up Close: RotoZip ZipSaw

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:15:17 EST

About a year ago, Tools of the Trade sent me a ZipSaw, a grinder-based cutoff saw that takes 3-1/2- and 4-inch proprietary cutoff wheels.

Tool Test: Demo-Blade Showdown

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:25:32 EST

We pushed 18 recip-saw blades to their limits to determine their ability to cut quickly and resist wear.

Tools Up Close: Big Cordless Circular Saws

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:14:12 EST

For this article we tested four higher-voltage saws – 36-volt models from Bosch, DeWalt, and Hilti, and a 28-volt model from Milwaukee. We used them while framing and siding a house and for building a deck. Later, we performed a test to see how many cuts each saw could make per charge.

Tool Test: Inline Circular Saws

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:40 EST

Fifteen years ago, when I started out as a framer, Skil was the only real choice for carpenters looking for an inline saw. Since then, a lot more companies have started making these tools and now there are quite a few to choose from.

Tools Up Close: Bosch Glide Miter Saw

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 01:40:14 EST

For as long as I can remember, miter saws have ridden on rails. This design works very well except for one shortcoming: You need to set up away from the wall because the rails protrude from the back of the machine. Bosch recently introduced a 12-inch dual compound sliding model (GCM12SD) designed to solve that problem & and several others, too. It's called the Glide miter saw because instead of sliding on rails, the motor 'glides' forward and back on articulated arms (which don't protrude from the back of the machine). To test this tool, I've been using it in my finish carpentry business since October. Here's what I found out.

Tools Up Close: Hilti Electric Concrete Saw

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:41 EST

The DCH 300 is electric, so it's reliable and produces no fumes, and it has a hose port that can be connected to a dust-collecting vacuum. Though designed to cut concrete and masonry, the saw can be used to cut metal if it's equipped with a fiber-reinforced abrasive blade. Lots of companies make electric cut-off saws; what's unusual about this one is the cutting capacity, which at 4-3/4 inches deep is comparable to that of a 12-inch gas model or an electric tool with a 14-inch blade.

Tools Up Close: Kett Dust-Collecting Saw

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:26 EST

Even though the Kett KSV-432 Vacuum Saw has been around for 20-plus years, few tradespeople have seen one. That's bound to change as homeowners become increasingly aware of the health hazards of construction dust & and as the EPA begins to enforce the RRP lead-safe work rules enacted last year. I recently had the opportunity to use a KSV-432 on a job remodeling occupied rooms. Here's what I found out.

First Test: Budget Circ Saw

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 03:37:43 EST

The latest pro circ saw from Skil (model HD5687) is not one of the company's signature wormdrive tools but a new blade-right sidewinder model. We found it interesting enough to test because of its price (under $100) and the fact that it's Skil's only 7-1/4-inch sidewinder warranted for professional use – like the company's flagship #77 line and a few others. We put this new tool to work in custom residential construction to see whether or not a bargain saw could indeed live up to professional use.

2010 Editor's Choice: Milwaukee Cordless Mini Band Saw

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:38:07 EST

Milwaukee continues its leadership role in trade-focused tool design with this exciting compact 18-volt cordless portable band saw, the M18 2629-22.

2010 Editor's Choice: Festool Router

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:37:56 EST

Festool makes a practice of producing category-leading tools, and the 3-1/4-hp OF2200EB+ router is no exception.

2010 Editor's Choice: Makita Four-Rail Miter Saw

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:37:49 EST

Makita has always been known for bringing innovation and quality to its sliding-compound miter saws, and it continues its category-leading legacy with the new LS1016L, a 10-inch saw with 12-inch capabilities.

Milwaukee 11-in-1 Screwdriver With ECX Bit

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:32:37 EST

Milwaukee's new hand-tool line is growing, with several everyday tools for the electrical and plumbing trades.

Bridge City Tools Kerfmaker and CT-17 Dual Angle Block Plane

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:32:33 EST

Bridge City Tools' KM-1 Kerfmaker is an ingenious little device that accurately figures a table-saw blade's kerf into repeatable cut lengths for lap joints.

Lee Valley Tools Veritax Skew Block Plane

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:32:17 EST

Lee Valley Tools comes up with a lot of thoughtful designs, and its Veritas brand Skew Block Plane ($189) is no exception.

Ideal Industries Sir Nickless Cable Cutter

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:32:10 EST

Ideal Industries has invented a better mousetrap for the electrician in the form of an improved armored cable cutter.