Using a Router, Best Practice Using a Router, Best Practice
Lots of experienced woodworkers name the router as one of most versatile power tools. Workers using a router can shape decorative edges, form raised panels, cut grooves and slots, carve signs, make moldings, rout intricate inlays, trim plastic laminate and veneers, and mill dozens of woodworking joints, including rabbets, dovetails and mortises. And while the best router is handheld for most operations, it can also be mounted in a router table, creating a small stationary shaper.
If you're new to using a router, start off with a small fixed-base router or trim router, something in the 1-hp to 1-1/2-hp range. As users become more confident and comfortable using a router, move up to a larger fixed-base or plunge router in the 1¾- to 3½-hp range. Look for one with these five features in the best router: soft-start motor, smooth-operating depth-adjustment mechanism, comfortable handles or grip, push-button arbor lock for one-wrench bit changes, and a flexible power cord that's at least eight feet long.
Choosing the best rotary hammer to fit your needs
Selecting the best rotary hammer for your next remodeling or construction job is critical, but making the right choice can be complicated.
Whether it’s new construction or maintenance, many jobs require drilling holes in concrete for precision jobs like anchoring. The type of rotary hammer, the bit/tool interface systems and the drill bit types, type of the job and availability of electric power are key factors when selecting the best rotary hammer for you and your crews.
Laser Tape Measure Units Are Replacing the Old Tape Measure
Laser tape measure is a term used by those who are used to occasionally digging out their old tape measure to find the length and width of a shelf. But for many who measure every day and value accuracy and simplicity, laser measures have become the de facto way to make all their measurements.
And with the price and simplicity of laser measures becoming more competitive to the old "analog" measuring tape, many who need precise measurements are turning every day to such tools as line lasers. Remodelers, carpenters, painters and patio builders use these tools for quick, accurate measurements, eliminating guesswork.
Bosch has recently introduced the GLM 15, the most affordable, easiest to use laser measure in its class. With just one touch of a button, the unit turns on and goes right into to measuring. For appraisers or house stagers, this is perfect for walk-off measurements that they frequently perform.
To record the measurement, the user simply clicks the button again. Done? Press and hold the button to turn the unit off.
Power Tools Reduce the Risk of Kickback
Power tools from Bosch, such as the cordless drill DDH181X, have a new technology to reduce the risk of kickback. As this drill and other tools are amped up with more power, the problem of managing kickback become more pronounced. That's where Kickback Control Technology comes in.
When one of these drills is jammed – put into a bind-up situation – applying power to the motor will not free the bit. Some of these new cordless tools have power to spare, and sudden high-torque movements rotate the drill … and the operator's wrists and arms. This at the least is tiring. It can be dangerous. Sometime the tool will twist out of the user's hand, swing around and hit the operator or someone close to the tool, causing bodily harm.
Wood Router: Colt Palm Router Reviews
Wood router tools provide power and maximum control. That is especially true for palm routers, a class of woodworking tools that many may know as laminate trimmers . The Bosch PR20EVSPK Colt™ 1.0 HP Palm Router is a router tool that is a variable speed model, and the kit includes a plunge base to make it a handy and extremely versatile tool. It can handle many routing tasks just this side of a router table.
That is the conclusion that Wood Crafter Tool Talk arrived at after taking a close look at the Colt™.
"The professional on the job site will appreciate the range that this little router can handle on the job site from kitchen remodeling to building custom staircases. Even precise pattern making is an easy task for this compact wood trim palm router from Bosch.
"The DIY homeowner, professional carpenter or kitchen remodeler will find that the Bosch Colt Palm wood router can handle a wide range of tasks. This router trims laminate for kitchen counter tops, edges wood projects, makes dadoes and decorative edges for wood cabinets.
"If you are looking for a palm router that has all the bells and whistles, then this little hand router is the one for you as it’s hard to beat."
Circular Saws: The Worm Drive Turns
Circular saws that have worm drive gearing are popular choices in the West and the Midwest, according to Fine Homebuilder magazine . In the East, sidewinders are the circ saws of choice. With the different gear configurations come different strengths (and weaknesses), so many professionals including carpenters pack one or several of each kind of circular saw, to use for different applications.
A sidewinder is basically a direct-drive circular saw with the motor in line with the gearing, so the blade spins faster and the saw is more compact. The blade on a sidewinder is usually on the right (the Bosch CS5 is a sidewinder designed specifically to have the blade on the left). Sidewinders bring higher rpm but lower torque than worm drive construction saws.
Worm drive saws have the motor at the rear of the power tool, with gears oriented at 45° angles. The blade speed is slower but the torque is improved. A heavier and longer saw, a wormdrive model will usually have the blade on the left side.