Amazon.com Review

Powermatic's model 66 table saw is a beautiful thing right out of the box, its high-grade cast-iron top machine-polished to a mirror finish. For a second, it almost looks too good to use for work--but only for a second. This is a piece of shop equipment that makes a toolhound's heart beat faster. The saw's big table (28 by 38 inches) is impressively thick and durable, so it will stay flat and true. With the heaviest cast-iron trunnion of any 10-inch saw on the market, the model 66 virtually snuffs out all vibration. The double drive-belt system, hooked up to the burly 5-horsepower motor, delivers pretty astonishing power to the blade; we tried everything we could think of--including a big hunk of oak two-by--but the blade never bogged down for a second. A C-flange mount takes the weight of the motor, so the blade cranks up or down easily without the extra weight. The saw's hand wheels are also made of cast iron and have excellent clearance.

The heart of any table saw, arguably, is the fence--and Powermatic's model 66 sports the award-winning Accu-Fence, a system that uses only two moving parts to create easy-gliding, precision, no-budge fence action. The left-tilting blade tilts away from the fence, which helps prevent kickback and binding of the stock, making for smoother cuts. The two-sided blade guards work independently of each other, so the blade is always covered. The guards also swing totally out of the way to make blade changes easy. Behind the blade, there are antikickback pawls for added safety. The saw's base has a clean-out door, allowing you easy access to the saw body and making cleanup a snap--no reaching around the saw components or having to remove the motor cover. You'll also receive a load of extras, including a dado insert, a motor cover, and an extension table and legs. Admittedly, this isn't a cheap saw; without a doubt, however, it is an excellent one that would make a great addition to any shop. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• High efficiency belt system
• Heavy-duty one piece cast-iron trunion for superior stability
• Left tilt blade prevents binding and reduces tear-out
• Heavy construction throughout to reduce vibration
• Fan-cooled enclosed motor for protection from dust

Reviews (14)

A Powerful, Precision Tool.
After having had several contractor type table saws, that were all generally underpowered and had imprecise fences, I recently stepped up to the Powermatic Model 66, 5hp, single phase, table saw. At last I have a powerful, precision tool that is the keystone of my woodworking shop.

The quality of this machine is first rate. It was well packaged from the factory and set up easily. (Insist on a lift gate delivery).

The front fence rail was a bit off 90 degrees, but was quickly and courteously replaced by Powermatic customer service inside of a week. The new rail is perfect and holds the fence tube parallel to the table top thus facilitating a true fence alignment.

For me, this machine has no negatives. There were no shortcuts taken in either it's design or manufacture. Virtually everything on this machine is adjustable. Fine tuning the machine, once it is in place and set up, is minimal and straight forward.

The Biesemeyer type fence is beyond reproach. The cast table top and wings are flat and true. The mobil base allows you to move the machine easily, with one hand, anywhere in your work space. With the 5hp motor, nothing inhibits this machine.

If your needs include a powerful, precise, high quality table saw, choose the Powermatic Model 66. It's a real beauty.

Powermatic 66 the Rolls Royce of Table Saws
I purchased the 5 HP 1 Phase Model 66. Installation of the cast iron wings and the extension table was straightforward. The cast iron top was polished to a mirror finish and was dead flat. The saw blade was aligned with the miter slots to within 0.002 in. right out of the crate. The Accu-Fence, a Biesemeyer clone was easy to adjust and has been rock solid and very accurate so far. One of the best attributes of this saw is the lack of vibration due to the massive cast iron trunion. The 5 HP motor can easily digest thick hardwoods (I recently sawed a large amount of 12/4 curly cherry without a hiccup). The motor never bogs down. The stock blade guard is hopeless so I purchased an aftermarket overarm guard. I also recommend the Biesemeyer removeable splitter, but make sure that if you order this saw that you have Amazon order the new Biesemeyer splitter that has been redesigned for the Model 66's manufactured after August 2000. This saw is quiet, powerful, and very accurate. Without question this will be the last cabinet saw you will ever buy if you take care of it. The Powermatic 66 is truly the Rolls Royce of table saws.

Three years and running great!
OK, so I used that same title for another review! Its' true. This ACTUALLY showed up on time, ACTUALLY was packaged nicely, and has ACTAULLY lived up to its hype. The 5hp is overkill, but I like that. Smooth, stable, quiet, good dust control, GREAT fence. The fence was adjusted when we set the saw up three years ago and it needed its first tweak about six months ago. That's it. I run ply, MDF, and various hardwoods without even a change of pitch from the motor. I use an 8" Frued Dado with no problems at all. I use this saw commercially and I highly reccommend it!

Powermatic 66 Review
This saw is one of smoothest, quietest, accurate running saw I have had the pleasure of using. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants a saw in the "Cadillac" category.

Powermatic 66
I did alot of homework before I purchased the Powermatic 66. I ordered it on a Monday from the Tool Crib and received it on Thursday. Everything was packaged securely and arrived in 6 boxes. I am waiting for the mobile base to arrive so I can put it together. I am very pleased with the service from the Tool Crib and their shipper FedEx. FedEx unloaded it from the truck and placed it in my shop. Fast and friendly all around. A+++ ... Read more

Features

• Protection up to 1/2 acre
• Easy to Bury, low voltage (12v) power cord
• Silent and odorless, 24-hour protection against mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other biting insects
• No Flame
• 1 Year Warranty

Reviews (32)

If you have Asian Tiger Mosquitos
Don't use the Octenol cartridge for Asian Tiger Mosquitos because it repels rather than attracts them. Read and follow the placement directions.

After getting 6-15 bites by those nasty critters everytime I went into the garden and being held prisoner indoors for a few months, I decided to spend the bucks on the Defender. My husband was skeptical, but I was desperate.
Initially, it wasn't properly placed and I thought that I had made an expensive mistake. After we read the placement directions, viewed the CD and moved it to the recommended area of our yard, the Tiger mosquitos flocked to the Defender to dehydrate and die. We have won the battle with the Asian Tigers and now are using the Octenol cartridges to catch the everyday garden variety mosquitos.

We started using the Mosquito Magnet on July 1 and are very happy with the results. We still have some mosquitos and I get bitten every now and then, but I don't have to coat myself with OFF and I can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the garden.

Works great for me!
I read these reviews before I bought a Mosquito Magnet Defender, and, though there seemed to be some disagreement as to whether this machine actually works, I found that Consumer Reports liked it, so I decided to shell out the money to buy one.
I just set up the machine in my backyard on July 3 after reviewing the placement assistant on the included instruction c/d. It was very easy to set up (once I had the propane tank, it took about half an hour including 20 minutes warm-up time). Mosquitoes started swarming around the machine after it had been running for an hour. In three days I've emptied the trap twice. I counted over 100 mosquitoes each time (a tip: open the trap in a plastic bag to prevent the live mosquitoes from flying out). I'm sure I that's a fraction of the probably three trillion mosquitoes living on my half-acre lot, but - hey - it's a dent.
I could actually go out on the deck today (in the rain) and not get bitten. I'm looking forward to see how it works over the next month (how long the manufacturer claims it takes to break the mosquito breeding cycle).
At this point, I'm very happy with my Mosquito Magnet Defender.

I Love This Thing!
The Mosquito Magnet is destined to be one of those indispensible items to have in-and-around anyone's home. This thing is terrific. Before I got my computer, DVD, and cell phone, I couldn't imagine life with them, now I cannot imagine life without them. So it is with the Mosquito Magnet.

I live in Maine, Mosquito and Black Fly Central. The bugs here are the size of small housecats, and are happy to hold you hostage until you pay a handsome ransom... of your blood. I researched bug-catching devices and bug killers galore, in Consumer Reports, all over the internet, everywhere. The Mosquito Magnet was hands-down the most-recommended item around. Amazon clearly offered the best deal. Free Shipping, $50 off my next purchase, and a free box of octenol cartridges. OK, I was sold.

The assembly was a breeze. Turned on the propane tank, plugged the thing in, and wahoo! I have had it for just three weeks, and upon emptying the bug box for the first time, it was absolutely packed with a solid brick of dead mosquitoes and blackflies! Ewww! Thousands and thousands of them! Unbelievable! Damnedest thing I ever saw! And everyone of those little buggers I "offed" was one less to bite me in the @ss. And more importantly, one less to survive thereafter, laying eggs and spawning the next generation of little fiends.

I have already noticed a dramatic decrease in ANYTHING buzzing about me while noodling around the garden and grill. This little darlin' works slick as snot on a doorknob! And my home is on a lake in the woods of Maine, with lots of fresh water and foliage everywhere for the little buggers to live in. Not anymore, thanks to the Mosquito Magnet. I was a skeptic at first (my wife, too, thought the money would've been better spent paying a high school kid 10 cents apiece to swat them one at a time!), but now having lived with it, I'm so thrilled that I'm telling EVERYONE about it!

A caution: When they say "Change the tank every 21 days", they mean it. I tried to weasel a few extra days out of the Rhino tank, and at the end of day 22, the propane tank was spent. Make sure you have a spare handy, so you can make a smooth transition. I've read about other folks' problems with gas flow and starting problems. No such problems here. It has worked perfectly in every regard.

The other deal is, I see no reason why you'd need the bigger, and much more expensive models. My property is about 5 acres of woods, but the little Defender is true to its name! Does a terrific job, and even the specs on the larger models fail to provide convincing data on why or how they should be superior.

You, too, will love this thing. It's crazy to spend umpteen thousands on a home, and then be held hostage by bugs such that you cannot enjoy it. The Defender is the best $300 you'll ever spend for your yard.

So far, great!
I live next to conservation land, and my Mosquito Magnet has caught 1/2 of it's basket full of mosquitos in less that one 21 day cycle. Mosquitos hover around it all the time.

The only downside is that it was hard to get running the first time. It may require level ground (my first try was at a slight slant), and I had problems with getting it to feed from my propane tank.

Don't bother in Maryland
Used one of these for 6 weeks on the Eastern Shore of MD and didn't catch 6 mosquitos in that time. They don't tell you until you open the box that you shouldn't use the octenol if you have Asian Tiger mosquitos which is what we mainly have.

Out the price of 2 tanks of propane and a third spare tank I had purchased, but I returned the "magnet" to Hom. Depo. for a refund.

They shouldn't sell these things in states that they don't work in. ... Read more

Features

• Lightweight design makes it easy to use by most everyone
• 12-inch cut path cuts more area per charge than other cordless trimmers
• AFS System uses centrifugal force to automatically advance line
• Two 18-volt NiCad battery packs provide plenty of run-time per charge
• Telescoping shaft adjusts for perfect length

Reviews (9)

Fantastic and easy
I bought this for my father who is approaching 70 years old. It is very light and very easy to use. We have burmada on our lawn. The first time we used it, there was a lot of growth so it took three batteries to finish his lot. I do have to point out that he had very bad technique. After I showed him a better way to do it, it worked more efficiently and now if he or I use it once a week, I may be able to get by with one battery. Because it inverts, I can do 40 feet in about 30 seconds, if you edge frequently and don't have massive growth. Just don't push it too close to anything you are try to get rid of, it slows it down and it doesn't work properly and the line won't come out. It has a 12inch area so remember to utilize that. I've also have edge and trimmed the yard 9 times this summer already and I still haven't used the spool of line yet. With our gas one the work would take about 45 minutes and I would have sore back from the extra weight. Now I complete my work in less than 15 minutes. This has been a pleasure to use.

Absolute Junk.
Hey There -
I just returned mine after only one use. The box says it will cut 1/2 with one charged battery. WHO's 1/2-acre were they cutting?!? Not my lawn, which is less than a 1/2-acre. I had to do half the job one day, recharge both batteries, and finish the job the next day. The spool was out when I'd finished. The box says "Gets The Job Done." It most certainly did not.
I called B&D Customer Service, and they agreed, the battery life is 15 minutes per battery, fully charged (maybe 20 at the most). Is that enough time for YOU to get "the job done"? Not me. I was really excited but it turned out to be a complete bust.

Very decent for basic use
I think this is perfect for someone who really:
1) dislikes the noise and smell of the gas trimmers
2) wants something fairly light
3) does not want a cord to always worry about
4) already has firestorm or B&D 18 volt products (batteries are interchangeable)

I have used all 3 types of trimmers, gas, 120 wired, and this cordless one and I have to say the convenience is great. Instant on with a press of the switch is great. The plastic is a bit cheap feeling but it seems to do the work. I think it could've been much better constructed, but the battery life is pretty impressive and the speed/torque of the trimmer is also pretty impressive on a well grown/groomed lawn. It did have a bit of trouble instantly tackling a thick busy section of grass but after going over it 2-3 passes...it took care of it. This same spot has given me trouble even with the corded 120 volt version from Toro so this was expected. The gas one I had chewed through it easily but that's gas...

I think for light to moderate work, it's fine. If you have thorny and thick undergrowth or even small plants with a fibrous stem, it'll take more work to get down than a gas.

Oh..if you even TRY to 'bump and feed' this unit, you will find the spool falls off VERY easily with a solid thump to the bottom (THAT was a pain in the as* as it flew off and unwound a ton of filament that I had to rewind by hand and figure out how to put it back on!

If you have 18 volt black and decker goods like I do, then you'll REALLY like having the two extra batteries and one extra charger. I have 4 batteries and 2 chargers amongst all the goodies now so I know i'll always have more than enough juice for anything around the house.

I would vote 5 stars, but the plastic has a cheapy feel.

B & D cordless string trimmer
My parents are getting up there and we sibs continually look for the simpliest and easiest yard tools for them to use, rather than hire others to do the things that they still want to do on their own. This trimmer fits the bill; it's easy to use, light-weight, no gas/oil, no electric cords, no bumping.
They love doing their own yard-work. This is certainly much quicker and efficient for them than other methods of trimming that they have used.
It was a great Father's Day gift !!

Light weight and easy to operate.
I am a single senior who just can't manage the gas trimmer any more. So I purchased the Black and Decker grasshog and am amazingly surprised on how easy it is to operate. I had no problem assembling it, it is light and easy to handle. The two batteries lasted for my half acre. If it lasts only two years, it will be worth it. ... Read more

Features

• 1 Year Warranty
• Protection up to 1 acre
• Self powered - no power cord required
• Silent and odorless, 24-hour protection against mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other biting insects
• No Flame

Reviews (12)

Depends on your expectations
It took me a long time to decide based on reviews of other models whether or not I should buy it. The reliability of them seems to have a shaky history and people report various success rates. My machine started right up and has been running constantly without trouble for about 10 days. I have turned it off to move it 4 times and it restarted without issue. As for its effectiveness it depends what your goal is.

I am not expecting to acheieve complete abatement as we live 100 yards away from a swamp but I was hoping to reduce the swarming that made going outside at dusk a scary proposition.
It has caught several hundred mosquitos in the first ten days and this was in cool weather when mosquitos are less active. The first day we had 90 deegree weather after a rain we caught close to 200 that day. I still need bug spray at night, but when I envision 1000 mosquitos chasing after me followed by the birth of their babies chasing after me, I am happy with the catch. For those who have low catches I'd try moving the unit to a different location every night and monitoring the catch.

I have also become fascinated with watching this machine catch its prey. It is very discriminate in what it catches... We only have one dumb moth and two nosy flies amongst the 1000 mosquitos. It can be frustrating to watch as the number of mosquitos hovering around the machine is greater than it will ultimately catch. Many seem content to play around the exhaust fans and never make an attempt to head up the plume. Others 30 feet away seem oblivious to the machine and never wander over. It makes me very skepticle of the 1 acre claim. A little dirty trick I played was to shine an incadescent light right next to the plume. Then I sat behind my screen door and watched as mosquitos attracted to the light wound up getting sucked up the plume.

If you want this machine to alleviate a problem I think it is effective (though costly) If you want it to eliminate a problem I think you will be disapointed.

Still a killing machine: 7 week update
Original review below: So far 2 propane tanks, 3 weeks each. The machine is virtually silent. I skipped using the CO2 "quick clear" cartridge as recommended after the first tank and the machine shut down 2 weeks into the second tank. Quick clear solved the problem. Our large yard has embedded woods, shrubs, wet areas and this year has been very wet. Bugs are out in force and the machine continues to catch loads of mosquitos and no-see-ums but less than a few weeks ago. I change the net when the fan is covered... about every other day. I wash out the old net after the contents stop moving. I treat it like a vacuum cleaner bag with the cleaner = more suction theory. Compared to our neighbors, our pool area is mosquito free. Placement is critical and must consider shade and the downwind CO2 dispersion. Would I buy another Liberty Plus? Probably not. Am I sorry I bought it? No. The technology works but I don't understand how the Liberty series is rated for 1 acre. I assume it generates a larger CO2 plume. In hindsight, for the money I think I'd rather have two $300 Defenders and set up a perimeter. Of course, that presumes the Defender kills like the Liberty. I'm going to move the machine and see if I can thin the biting population in a different part of the yard.

(original review) We've had the MM for 4.5 weeks and so far it's worked as advertised. It was a big bite in the wallet but it's allowed us and the kids the use of our backyard pool and deck through twilight for the first time in 6 years. It's under an apple tree for shade and it sucks in an incredible amount of mosquitos and no-see-ums from the nearby bushes and damp areas.
First propane lasted 3 weeks, as expected. The MM shut down once by itself but started right back up. I empty the net every 2 days. I recommend swapping the full net for an empty one because dumping out the squirming mass into a trash bag is a horror show. You can tie off the full net and let the active ones die. After all these years it's great to be able to enjoy the yard and it's sweet revenge on the biters.

Works Great once you get it started
My mosquito Magnet is sucking down a bagful of sceeters every day. (I'm guessing that's about 1000 or more mosquitos per day). It has returned our back yard to us. Well worth the price and the struggle to get it running.

And it was a struggle to get it running; most of which had to do with the propane supply. They aren't kidding when they tell you to open the valve on the propane tank very slowly. I now do about 1/8th of a turn in 30 seconds. Once I did that, my starting problems came to an end. In my case, I also learned to open the valve only partially....Only to the point where I could begin to hear the gas flowing and no further. The Mosquito Magnet has a very sensitive regulator that will slam shut if too much gas presure is applied to it. This makes the machine think its connected to an empty tank. (That's my theory... for what's it's worth...I'm not an expert on propane and propane accessories)

If you are not the type of person who is willing to patiently twiddle with something until it works, you may not want this. I wouldn't call it a typical plug and play consumer appliance. Hopefully, they will develop it further so that it will be easier to start in the future.

If a little twiddling doesn't scare you and you are ready to buy, but are torn between the two models "Liberty" and the "Liberty Plus" , get the the Liberty Plus. I had a Liberty last summer and it got fried sometime during our numerous power outages (there were about five caused by storms). It seems the mosquito magnet needs to have its internal fan running for about 1/2 hour after it shuts down. If it doesn't, it will burn up on the inside. Since the Liberty is connected to household current, the fan goes off whenever power is interupted. This does not allow the machine to cool off and thus it becomes damaged. The Liberty Plus has a battery operated fan and is therefore not subject to this kind of failure. In addition, you need to plug it in only once at the beginning of the season to charge it up. When its operating, I'm assuming that the fan is somehow run by propane. The battery is just for start ups and cool downs.

I am sort of peeved that I didn't realize that my first machine got fried until after the waranty was out (Isn't that the way it usually works?), But when machine worked, it worked so well, that I was willing to buy another. I guess you could say I'm a sucker----a sucker for a mosquito free back yard. That's what Mosquito Magnet has done in my case.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY
I've had the Freedom 2000 for several years now. I have had multiple problems with it and I figure it has caught about one mosquito for each tank of propane I have bought. I have seen a total of about 7 unlucky mosquitoes captured in a year.

I didn't even bring it out last year because I figured I didn't want to spend any more money on propane. It turns out that my wife has a friend of a friend that works for American Biophysics and she said they were awesome, so I figured I would try it again.

After trying it again, I still think it is a complete waste of the $900 I spent on it.

Complaints:
1) It takes 3 or 4 tries over several hours to get it running.
2) It mysteriously shuts down.
3) It doesn't consistently run the fan fast enough to suck even a tiny piece of tissue paper up the horn.
4) I was paying for an attractant for a whole year that actually repelled Tiger mosquitoes.
5) American Biophysics sticks to their one year warranty, so if you buy one, get them to buy it back before the year is up. They are unyielding after 12 months!!!!

Funny enough after talking to several of their tech support people over the last few days, they realized that my MM is a piece of junk and offered to let me part with some more money to get a replacement--Uh, I may look funny, but I didn't just fall off the turnip truck!!!

I'd recommend buying a hose-end bottle of insecticide and spraying your yard. This ended up working much better than the MM.

Avoid this Product
You should avoid Mosquito Magnet products. They are poorly made. They catch a handful of mosquitos, but not enough to make a difference. They are very expensive, and require constant add-on purchases. Use Deet or screened porches instead. ... Read more

Features

• Runs on your home's fuel system - Natural gas or LP gas and automatically exercises itself once a week for 12 minutes
• 12,000/12,000 watt model with 12 circuits that is completely pre-packaged for easy installation
• System supplies back up power within 30 seconds, so you won't have to lift a finger when utility power fails
• Includes: Automatic Transfer Switch with built-in emergency load center, 30 ft. and 2 ft. pre-wired conduits, pre-wired external connection box, composite mounting pad, 1 ft. flexible fuel line and "Do-It-Yourself Instalation Guide"
• Powerful OHVI overhead valve industrial engine with pressurized lubrication and oil filter for long life

Reviews (4)

Professional Installation Only
I have the 1999 model of the Generac Guardian 15kw system. This one is hooked directly into my panel and I have a subpanel hooked to the transfer switch. If you think you are going to buy a whole-house generator system such as this one you had better be a licensed electrician, pull all the permits, and have an electrical inspector (and gas inspector) licensed in your jurisdiction. You also better be licensed to plumb gas lines. If you don't, you could unknowingly risk the lives of the electric company employees and blow up your house. So many do-it-yourselfers think they know how electricity works but really have no idea--when you have the licensed electrician install this unit ask him for some horror stories.

On the bright side, this is a real generator, not a joke Home Depot portable. This generator provides two legs of 120v (240v) so it can run your entire house and several 240v appliances. Mine runs all circuits, including the hot water heater, but not the electric stove or the heat pump (a heat pump consumes 5 kw already, which brings you to the next higher Generac which is excessively cost-prohibitive.)

During Hurricane Isabel we ran our entire house for 5 days and ran an extension cord to run a neighbor's refrigerator for most of that time. We had hot water and every home comfort available to us except the electric stove and heat/AC. If you can swing the installation costs of such a unit (which easily costs more than the unit itself) by all means get this unit but if you intend to install it yourself you are a fool.

For people who don't have natural gas you will need to change out the regulator. I use propane so we needed a different orifice. Another reviewer stated that he needed a separate gas meter but I've not heard anything about that from our installer when we talked about natural gas vs. propane. If have a combination regulator and gas meter then the gas company needs to visit. If you have a separate regulator then you need to tap the line for your generator and its regulator before your house's regulator.

remark to prvious post
Page 7 of the online owners manual says that it requires 11-14 inches of water column and that it is the end users responsability to obtina this.

12000 REVIEW
THE ON-LINE INSTRUCTION MANUAL MADE NO MENTION OF 11 TO 14 INCHES OF GAS PRESSURE. ILLINOIS PWR CO WANTS $1600.00 FOR THAT SERVICE, BUT THEY WILL GIVE ME 11 INCHES AT NO COST AND I AM GOING TO TRY THAT. I HAVE YET TO INSTALL THE GENERATOR. THE ON-LINE MANUAL ALSO SAID IT WAS 30 HP AND IT IS 26 HP, BUT HAS THE SAME DISPLACEMENT AS THE 15 KW UNIT AT 30 HP, I DON'T UNDERSTAND. I THINK THE BUYER IS NOT GETTING ALL THE INFO NEEDED FROM THE ON-LINE MANUAL AND I HAVE RECEIVED NO INFO ON THE $100.00 REBATE. THE UNIT LOOKS GOOD BUT NEEDS AN HOUR METER TO HELP KEEP TRACK OF MAINTENANCE.

Fantastic product but you need a high pressure gas meter
This is a good product, it works really well and is super nice in that it has everything that you need included.
That said - this product requires that you have a high pressure gas meter so know that going in and realize that it'll cost a little money ($100 - $1000 depending on where you are and how much other gas stuff (furnaces etc) you have that will need to be regulated back down) and involve a little bit of hassle to get a high pressure gas meter installed. I didn't see that mentioned anywhere and only figured it out after receiving the generator. Double check with you gas provider to be sure that you can get this and figure out what it will cost before you order!
Other than that, I think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread, you can literally run your house/business off it during electric outages. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If your projects require you to drill with big bits or if you find yourself attempting to drill with precision under questionable circumstances, this heavy-duty 16-1/2-inch drill press from Delta will help you get out of your, um, hole. Running off a 3/4-horsepower motor that can be wired for either 115 or 230 volts, it gives you an impressive deep plunge length of 4-7/8 inches and holds up to 5/8-inch-diameter bits. Solid cast-iron construction and a 3-1/8-inch column give it the industrial feel and durability we look for in this type of tool. You'll enjoy the rotating work base--which bevels, of course, 45 degrees each way for drilling angles--as well as the depth stop that can be set quickly and easily with microadjustments and a locking mechanism, great for repetitive drilling. While other models sometimes place hard-to-read speed and belt charts under the top cap, Delta uses a wide, clearly legible chart to explain how to configure the belts for each of 16 speeds (215 to 2,720 rpm). And, thanks to the smooth, cool-running induction motor inside, you're not likely to find yourself shopping for a drill press again for an extremely long time. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• 3/4 hp induction motor for powerful, smooth running operation
• 16 speeds from 215 to 2720 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
• 5/8-inch chuck for use with a wide variety of drill bits
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (31)

Thoughts on my new Delta Drill press
This tool is great, not perfect, but still great. It is well designed and well built. Not many consumer products have
this much cast iron and steel. The tool is heavy, stable, quiet and cuts great holes. I had a little bench drill press for 20 years, and now realize what a waste that was. This Delta would be better with some kind of quick release to raise and lower the table by hand (now you have to crank up and down the shaft). Jet advertises such a feature on their model. Also, the Delta table does not pivot out of the way easily, and does not tilt easily--too many steps and hard to reach bolt.

Wished I had bought this long ago. As a hint, get a set of carbide tipped Forstener bits, as they work great--much better than the spade bits I used to use.

Delta has a good manual, and knows how to design tools. Give it a try. Do wish I could afford a variable speed model, as the belt adjusting looks inconvenient, and I will stickw with whatever speed was set at the factory.

Essential Tool for Serious Woodworker
I have had this floor model drill press for over 2 years and love it. I think that Delta makes some of the best tools in the business. While the cost of the drill press originally made me think twice about purchasing it, I am glad that I did. While trying to decide whether to shell out so much money for a tool that basically a cheap hand drill could do was a bit of concern. That notion was very incorrect on my part. A hand drill can not come close to making accurate holes and mortises as this tool can. I love using it for mortises, and I even make them without the use of a mortising attachment. I set up the fence and equip the drill with a forstener bit and drill numerous holes, moving the wood over very slightly each pass. This technique seems crude, but I feel it works better than a mortising attachment. If you do enough passes it can practically be flat enough so you don't even have to remove the excess with a chisel.

PROS:
* Accurate holes and mortises
* Heavyweight so it doesn't move around easily when working
* Runs smoothly (especially when converted to run on 220V of electricity - which I highly recommend for ALL shop tools)
* Very easy to change the belts to make it run different speeds

CONS:
* Somewhat awkward to attach a fence to the table
* Pricey (but worth it over time)

Overall, a great tool for any serious woodworker. I think there is only two major shop tools that are more critical to your shop, a good table saw and a floor model jointer. Get a good quality drill press ilke this and you won't regret it!

A Good Machine At The Right Price
One doesn't wax poetic about drill presses. They perform some functions that are vital to a workshop, but their primary function - to bore straight and true holes into a variety of materials is hardly glamorous. And not one has ever thought to make a drill press look like anything other than it is. And yet, without one, craftsfolk would be limited in what they can do.

The Delta 17-965 is intended to be an economic entry into the range of heavy duty presses. As such it is primarily for woodworking and light metal work. It lacks the architecture and high precision for exacting machining. But it comes very, very close and at a price that makes it a reasonable entry in an economical shop. It also is sold as the Delta ShopMaster DP400.

Basic features are a 3/4 horsepower engine, a 5/8" capacity chuch, rack and pinion table movements and an external depth stop. It is capable of 16 spindle speeds (215 to 2720 RPM), changes manual via the pulley belts. The table can be tilted 45 degrees left or right. The quill can travel 4-7/8", but if you are using the mortising attachment you will need to shift the depth stop up out of the way, which will cost you about an inch.

An early warning for people used to manhandling a benchtop press. Most of the 195 pounds of this press's weight is in the head - particularly the motor. Delta designed the head so that there is no easy way to get a grip on it. Assembly should really be a two person job. I'm not a weight lifter, and getting the head down into my workroom was a near disaster. And then I had to winch up the head so that I could lower it on the stand.

It works beautifully. I've been cutting long pegs out of Honduran rosewood for a project, which takes a lot of torque and precision. It has worked smoothly throughout. The mortising attachment also works beautifully. For the price this is a tremendous amount of drill press. You could spend more and be less satisfied.

Probably best in the fly-weight class
I'm considering this press as a replacement to my old drill press - various friends own a mix of Delta's, Jet's and General's in the 16"-18" range and I've tried them all. This Delta won the Editor's Choice in a review of low-end drill presses in one of the woodworking mags last year, largely on the basis of low run-out, superior quill control and travel, ease of adjustment and alignment. Delta has a sale on this until mid-April 2004 through my local dealer at $369 with a free 17-924 hollow mortise kit - not needed by me (I use a General mortiser), but a cheap leg up for those interested in trying mortises.

Jim from Douglas, WY: Some improvement can always be gotten by dismounting the chuck, carefully cleaning it and refitting it - all factories are carelessly-quick in final assembly, even on critical aspects like this. Your run-out of .0015" is commonly thought to be better than required for fine-fit woodworking, my goal. You must be a machinist, but this press is way underweight for most metalwork.

I really like this drill press
I've been slowly replacing my lower level (cheaper) woodworking tools with higher quality ones. This drill press was just about my last one because I thought the little bench top Craftsman drill press I had was just fine. I had no idea how much difference a high quality drill press can make in everything you do with it. It was easy to assemble with a little help from my son and the only thing I see wrong at all is a pulley misalighnment which I haven't fixed yet but plan to soon. The adjustments and accuracy are excellent with the possible exception of the table tilting mechanism. I don't use it much so it's not a real big deal but I'm certain it could be engineered a littl better.

I bought mine at a local woodworking store, the price was actually $20.00 cheaper than Amazon and I didn't have to pay shipping. They just loaded it in my Minivan and I felt good because I'm supporting my local merchant plus I'm saving money and if I have a problem I just talk to them and they help me. I can't understand why anyone would buy mail order for something big like this. ... Read more

Features

• Precisely drives staples at proper angle and depth
• High-speed, mallet-actuated pneumatic operation increases productivity over manually-operated tools
• Adjustable to material thickness and tongue positions
• Eliminates hammer marks
• Long reach handle for increased comfort and added control

Reviews (15)

Some things are just built and designed better!
I purchased this nailer from Amazon to lay 3/4" hardwood flooring in several rooms in my house. I have since fired about 5000 staples through it without any problems whatsoever. This stapler is very well designed ergonomically and mechanically. The mallet is big and somewhat massive in weight but there is a purpose in that. It takes very little effort and just a slight tap to drive a staple because it is pneumatic. So if a board lays nice and straight, then a slight tap will suffice, but if you have a somewhat uncooperative piece of flooring, then you will appreciate the heft of the mallet because it will cause the most finicky of boards to come together and lay tightly. The handle is long and fits well in your hand. Consequently your not bent over as much. My first floor laid was oak and I've started my second which is brazillian cherry. This wood is extremely heavy and dense. This stapler does not care how hard the wood is, it just works and flawlessly at that. After all isn't that what you want from a tool, flawless performance!

A Do-it-yourself-er's Initial Thoughts
I purchased the MIIIFS stapler to lay approximately 1,700 sq. ft. of 3/4 inch red oak flooring in my new home. After installing well over 1,400 sq. ft. here are some of my observations:

1) The tool makes it very easy for a novice to put down a nice, tight hardwood floor. If the boards are laying tight an easy swing of the mallet is all it takes to fully seat a staple (more on this later). If the board is warped the MIIIFS can stand up to a solid mallet smack without any trouble. The mallet's plastic face, by the way, does not show any signs of cracking so far.

2) The stapler efficiently uses the its air so you do not need a big compressor. I have been using a 1.5 hp unit with a 6 gallon tank. Output is set at 85 psi. I doubt such a small compressor could supply two nailers simultaneously, but it handles one quite nicely.

3) The stapler did develop a small air leak near the top shortly after I began using it. The amount of leaking is small (based on psi drop at the compressor) but does make a distracting noise. This leak does not affect the function or reliability.

4) At your starting wall you need to face nail the flooring until you get about 6 inches from the wall. After that you'll have enough room to get the stapler into position.

5) As you approach the far wall the stapler can be used up to the last 13 or 14 inches.

6) As mentioned earlier the tool only requires an easy mallet smack. However, if you don't swing firmly enough the staple will not seat fully. This is usually caused by crowding against the far wall and not having enough room to swing the mallet.

7) The firing knob is too stiff to actuate by hand reliably - the mallet is required. It would have been nice if there was a way to trigger the stapler by hand then you could use it much closer to the far wall.

8) I have not had any problems with jamming. The unit I've been using has reliably shot every staple right down to the very last one in the magazine.

9) I have heard some rumors of staple-style flooring nailers damaging the floor's tongue. After closely examining several hundred staples in oak I'd say that about 2 or 3 percent show any signs of tongue damage. Some of this infrequent damage is due to stapling through a knot or due to handling. Some is due to the MIIIFS. I'm not sure how this compares to nail-style nailers. Anytime you send a fastener through kiln dried hardwood you're bound to have some occassional splitting.

Would I buy the MIIIFS again? You bet I would. Despite its few minor shortcomings this tool has saved me a LOT of work and the price is lower than other pnuematic nailers that I've looked at.

Bostitch flooring stapler
The cadillac of flooring staplers! Anyone can put down hardwood flooring like a pro with this one. Would have liked to had a case included, instead of the cardboard box it came in. I guess that doesn't affect the performace, although protecting the stapler could prevent problems down the road.

Need it, Get it!
I did 750 sqft of oak. not one problem, great tool, did not have the misfire problem on last stables. no break downs, perfect every time. Loaned out to friend, expect the same results. will be selling it used shortly. (I don't need it anymore), and will recoup a bit of my costs. Bob

Bostitch M111FS 3\4" flooring nailer
I've been installing hardwood floors for 22 years or so and I'am in need of another nailer. These are a little heavy but can really fly on the big open rooms. The problem is their to expensive. The reconditioned ones are perfect. I started my company 20 some years ago and used power nailers wich are fine and recently went to air powered nailers about 10 years ago. I see no savings on line what so ever except the reconditioned ones that can be repaired on the job site with a $20.00 kit. My Regards Rem. ... Read more

Features

• Includes cast iron router top, fence, insert plate, and hardware
• Mounts to almost any right-tilt 10" table saw
• Accepts Feather-Loc featherboards, Panel-Loc, and fence riser options
• Fully adjustable miter track with 3/4" miter gauge t-slot and accessory t-slot
• Flat, square and true fence stows away when not in use

Reviews (9)

Garage Shop SPACE SAVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just received this 40-031 and was amazed at how easy it was to install. It was a little heavy but I put the center bolt in first and just swung it level and put the other 2 bolts in. I have a Delta Grand Series Contractors Saw and it matches up to the saw perfectly. Of course I was covered in oil after installation. All parts were there and a few extra set screws and bolts came with it. It may have taken me 30 or so minutes to install by myself. Now I can get rid of my cabinet style router table and open up some more space. The only small gripe about Bench Dog is that I called them to ask a question at around 1:00 pm and had to leave a message for the tech guy to call me back and I didn't get a returned call until the next day at 4:30pm. But he answered my questions and was very nice. DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS ROUTER TABLE!!

Amazon is the only place that I found that had it listed for under $300. Plus the free shipping is great. It only took 7 days to receive it. Now I'm looking for a router to dedicate to the table. I know I'll buy it from Amazon I just can't make up my mind.

JOHN B
Just received my Bench Dog 40-031. There have been questions about mounting on left tilt table saws, so I was concerned because I have a Powermatic Artisans saw - years old but still works. The instructions say there IS an issue with left tilt cabinet saws - interference with moter and that must be the case because I had NO problems at all with my contractor style saw. In fact the whole install took less than 45 minutes including "play" time. I love this table so far,compact convenient, tough. Could be less bucks though.

Question about compatibility (Updated)
Update(5/19/04): The ProMax arrived yesterday and I installed it by myself by the end of the night. There are no interference issues with my Dewalt 746 tablesaw and Dewalt fixed router base that I plan to leave permanently attached to the ProMax router plate.

The cast iron extension is a significant improvement over the stock stamped steel wings that came with my Dewalt saw (bigger, flatter, smoother).

I haven't made any sawdust yet with this setup but so far it has been a tremendous value when you think about how much you actually get (fence, router plate, cast iron extension wing).
(END OF UPDATE)

Tim Malone wrote a review that said the ProMax was the perfect fit for his Dewalt 746 saw. I just talked with someone from BenchDog and they had some concerns that the ProMax would have interference problems because my DeWalt is a left tilting saw. Tim (or anyone for that matter) can you tell me if your Dewalt was a left or right tilt saw. I was not aware of Dewalt making the 746 in a right tilt version. If there is anyone out there that has installed the ProMax on a left tilter, please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Bob

Initial Impressions, Installation
Here are my initial impressions on the Cast Iron Table through installation. I will update this post after I use it some.

The wing is boxed well and though there was a little damage to the box, the contents were in good shape. The first thing I noticed when beginning assembly is the screws and bolts were packed in some random order. I recommend dumping them all into a ziplock bag before starting. This will save you some time having not to disassemble or look for other bags. The wing is well coated with oil. I used simple green to remove the residue. After it was clean, I assembled it to the saw. Fit up was good and this wing is flat (more flat than my saw). The fence is quality and went together with no problems and the insert leveled with no issues.

Now for the reason I gave this product a 4 star rating. The wing is supplied with hooks to hold the fence when not in use. These hooks share the same hole as the attachment screws for the miter gage. The problem is that the holes were not tapped all the way through, they stopped about 1/8" shy. I have three options, to tap the holes myself, return the wing (now that it is fully assembled), or not use the hooks at all. The last option is not an option as far as I am concerned. I will speak with Bench Dog customer service tomorrow to see what they can do. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, they shorted me one lock washer as well.

Update 4/23/04, I moved this from a 4 star to a 5 star due to their customer service. I called and they sent me a tap to complete the threads. The were willing to replace the wing but I have done a lot of metal work in the past so finishing the hole was no problem. They were aware of the problem and were very appologetic. I used this on some cherry and boy is it nice. I would recomend this to anyone who has a space constrant in their shop.

Customer Service
First of all I would like to say that this is strictly a quality product. A perfect for for my Dewalt 746. Adjusting the router bit height could not be any easier due to no cabinet around the router. Due to my getting one of the first new type shipped I had to call customer service about a couple of issues. I just started up a shop and have had to call Powermatic, Dewalt, Bosch, Shop Fox, Delta, Kreg etc.about missing bolts, nuts, etc. and Bench Dog was by far the most knowlegeable, helpful and shipped the replacement items the fastest. I would not hesitate to buy anything this company manufacturers. ... Read more

Features

• Accuracy of 1/8-inch at 30 feet
• Requires three AA batteries
• Fast, accurate, and portable
• Self leveling

Reviews (6)

Outstanding Product
This hardware is awesome. You put 3 AA batteries in it and you're all set. It gives you a level line, a plumb line, or a combination of both within a second, with a push of a button. You can mount this product on a camera tripod, or use the provided magnetic mount and you don't need any assistance for your plumb and level lines. It is just sad that I bought mine for $299.00 from a hardware store before I saw this on amazon site. Yet I am so glad that I was able to do my bathroom tiles by myself with the help of this excellent piece of innovation.

Straight Walls
This self-leveling laser is perfect for the serious home re-modeler. I have just started building walls in my basement 10 to 60 feet in length. I am building the walls in place and obviously require alignment of the top plate with the bottom plate to ensure the walls are straight and plumb. By positing the laser 3-4 feet off the floor at one end of wall you can shoot bright lines along the floor, back wall, and ceiling simultaneously. I have also used the laser to ensure studs are straight and vertical. This is a must have tool...

Replaces many tools
After getting buying this tool for my bathroom remodelling project, I've found it to be absolutely indispensable. It replaces numerous tools: plumb line, chalk line, levels, etc, costing well over the cost of this tool. The accurate self-levelling feature makes the work much quicker, as you do not have to wait for the plumb to settle, or make pencil marks. Also, the accuracy is far greater than with traditional tools.

Now, all the pictures hanging on the wall are perfectly level, too. Now, I have to raise one side of the house by 1/4" to make everything square...

Works great!
I am a weekend handyman and wanted to buy a laser level to speed up my solo work on the house--shelving; installing speakers in the wall and ceiling; installing trim and moldings, etc.

I looked at some of the more "consumer" oriented levels (robotoolz, stanley, etc.) and was concerned by what I read in the reviews. After doing a bit more unscientific research, I concluded that if you want a laser level that works, you need to spend more than the $100 that I was originally looking to spend.

I have used this a bit and it has worked great so far. My favorite thing about it is that you don't actually have to put it on a tripod or pin it in the wall--you can hold it against a wall or door and project it against the surface where you are trying to establish level/vertical lines. It's very quick and easy to use and seems to work well.

The lines are a little hard to see in bright daylight, but it's manageable.

I'll have to see whether it stands up to the test of time, but I am very pleased so far.

Bottom Line: I spent more than I wanted to but I have learned that you get what you pay for.

Worth its weight in gold.
Hello to all, I just purchased the PLS2 and have used it already to level multiple shelving units, install shelving, plumb up studs for nailing, mark for installing pipe in stud walls, install electrical boxes and switches, and figure pitch for a sewer line. The sewer line pitch was done in the fixed position. I figured the amount of pitch for the run, put the PLS2 on its mount and put the magnets on a piece of metal, lined up the two pitch marks and started to dig. As long as the measurement was the same, all was well. No more fiddeling with the level. No more trying to hold the level in one hand, hold the piece of lumber, get the screw or nail gun, all the time trying to maintain plumb or level, and finally fasten. Now I have an extra hand. Just set up the PLS2 and you can instantly see if you are on or not. You have both hands to fasten. In very bright sunshine the line is difficult to see, but, not impossable. The unit is very sturdy and stable. The unit comes with a leather holster, from Occidental Leather, and the magnetic "L" bracket for holding the unit on any metal piece. There are two small holes for mounting the bracket to wood or other non-metallic surface. The holster is set up for wearing on your belt, if you desire, and there is a large snap to keep everything in its place. On the holsters lid there are two metal buttons that hold the "L" bracket neatly. I believe the screw size on the unit is 1/4 x 20. I would highly recommend the PLS2 to anyone that uses a level or straight line with any kind of regularity. Further I would say that the usfullness of the actual line is more than the advertised 30'. With the right lighting conditions I could see usefullness in the 50 - 60ft. range or more. I will let you know. I also have the PLS5 and use it on occasion, but, the new PLS2 will be taking the 5's place for many applications including the many new applications that I will use it for. More to come.-ED ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Bosch has really broken ahead of the pack with their new miter finder/digital protractor/angle finder. The handiest thing, in our opinion, you can do with this tool is calculate miter and bevel angles for crown molding cuts easily and efficiently--using the molding spring angle and the corner angle as your input. It's also great for remodelers who often need to cut trim at odd angles to achieve a good fit. The tool's digital display is large and easy to read, and there's also a hold function that freezes the measurement. The finder also has an old-school leveler, so you know you're operating in pure horizontal reality. Plus, it fits lightly in your hand. Really, this is a very cool and unique tool, one we think finish carpenters and remodelers will find invaluable in their quest for quick, perfect fits. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• Level - Built-in vertical and horizontal spirit levels, accurate to 0 +/- 0.05°
• Versatile measuring tool, 4 tools in one - Anglefinder, Compound Cut Calculator, Protractor, Level
• Anglefinder - Determines the exact angles of jobsite or workpiece, eliminating guesswork
• Compound Cut Calculator - Automatically determines the exact miter and bevel setings necessary to make each crown molding cut fit precisely.
• Protractor - precisely positions the workpiece or intended cut line at the desired angle

Reviews (34)

Quickly becoming indespensible
Initially when I looked at this tool, I thought that it was a bit pricey for a digital protractor. Now I find myself using this tool for framing, trim work, and saw alignment. It has been invaluable in checking miter gauges for accuracy, you could use a protractor or speed square, but this is more accurate than a speed square and much quicker than either, especially if you need to make adjustments. This tool impressed me when I was checking alignment on my sliding compound miter saw. I wanted to verify its accuracy out of the box so I dialed into 90 / 0 degrees, the BOSCH protractor read 90.3, flipped it over and measured the other side of the blade and it read 89.7. Definitley much quicker than the conventional way, and you can easily use this with the table saw. Typically over time ( about 5 months now ) this tool reads between 0.0 and 0.1 accuracy, and like most scales you can check its accuracy and know what your margin of accuracy is. The back spring angle feature is very handy for crown molding, and for checking corners the back edge is rounded so as not to foil your reading in an inside corner measurement. This tool does so much more than I have mentioned, these are just tasks that I have used repeatedly and successfully. A carrying case would be nice, as this unit is nicely machined, it has a level built in which is handy and for quick checks, it saves holding two tools. So far, I am very satisfied with this tool.

Carpenters, Welcome to the 21st Century!
I purchased the Bosch DWM40L Digital Protractor/Angle Finder to install baseboard, shoemolding, and crownmolding in an older home. Naturally, there wasn't a square corner in the entire project. The Bosch tool made exact measurements for calculating miter angles for each piece of trim. You take its measurements and calculations and then transfer them to your compound miter saw. Nothing could be easier. It took hand fitting and guess work out of the job. This a fabulous invention and it's miles ahead of the older, but timeless tools such as a square, bevel, and protractor. It also doubles as a carpenter's level. This Bosch tool is also extremely well built and cosmetically pleasing--its heft feels good in your hands. My toolbox is now in the 21st Century--what would my Grandfather think? He'd probably say that I have it too easy now that I own the Bosch DWM40L Digital Protractor/Angle Finder. Sorry Grandpa.

Awesome tool ... well built ...
All of the previous reviews contain real nuggets of information. The ones that refer to the tool's inability to store the spring angle illustrate the only real criticism I have about this tool. However, using my also-newly-purchased Bosch 4410 10" Compound Miter Saw, I created a jig out of 1x material that effectively solves this problem.

When you open this tool you'll notice that there is a piece of metal that reenforces the strength of the tool where the two legs pivot. I simply cut the 1x material to a length that stops the tool exactly at 38 degrees when the tool is closed onto the wood ... and the wood is resting against that metal reinforcement. I plan to cut more of these pieces, one for each spring angle of common crown moulding manufacturers.

This was a precise procedure ... I found out shaving the width of a human hair off the length of the jig resulted in a difference of about .2 degrees. It'll take a few tries to get an exact 38 degree jig ... but it'll be worth it. I can now set the spring angle in seconds.

Hope this helps.

mmortal666@hotmail.com

Really it's a good tool -- but consider an alternative
I looked at this tool in a local store because I'm installing crown in an older house. It is very well made and deserves more than one star, but while I was in the store I found a simple plastic tool for measuring angles called "mite-r-gage". It gives you an accurage measurement which you then compare with a crown table that gives you the angle and bevel for flat cuts on a compound miter saw.

I just wanted people to consider this $10 alternative if the Bosch is overkill for how often you'll use it.

A great tool and time saver!
The Bosch DWM40L has saved me a lot of time on even the simple angles. I bought it for setting up angle cuts on my Dewalt sliding miter saw and now using it for all angle cuts. While installing an angled facia board on a roof peak, I slid the Bosch DWM40L into the slope of the roof line, divided by 2 and cut a perfect fitting joint without trial and error!!
The price is right and the tool is quality built. Just wish I had the case to protect it. Ordered that 2 months ago from Amazon and still don't have it.
I recommend making several copies of the instruction sheet and keep them near your saw(s). The setups for crown molding require a few steps and if you don't use the tool every day for compound miters on crown molding, you will become a little perplexed if you don't have the instructions.
With the extension leg, short outside corner angles are easy to locate. At first, I wasn't sure I would need the extension but now I'm glad I have it. I have even used this tool for conduit bending when working with goofy angled runs. Really does eliminate time consuming trial cuts and bends.
Buy it, you'll like it!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Instead of throwing away old, dull bits, give them a checkup with the Drill Doctor and extend their life. Although drill-bit sharpening systems often fail to live up to our expectations, we're here to bear witness for the truth of the Drill Doctor's claims: it really does sharpen old bits in just a couple of minutes. The 750SP (also known as the Professional) works on conventional, split-point, and masonry bits from 3/32 to 3/4 inches in size. If you don't plan on sharpening anything larger than 1/2-inch bits, we recommend getting the 500SP instead; it's basically the same machine, minus the cost of the 3/4-inch chuck that comes with this model. Both models--the 500SP and the Professional 750SP--allow you to choose between a 118- and 135-degree sharpening angle. Operation is fairly simple, but to make sure no one has trouble figuring it out, the Drill Doctor comes with a how-to video. Anyone who frequently wears down drill bits is going to appreciate the savings this handy machine can offer. Using sharp bits instead of dull ones also increases the life of your drill, because sharper bits require less work to make the same hole. We only wish we'd found the Drill Doctor sooner. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Sharpens conventional point, split point, and masonry drill bit at 118- or 135-degree angles
• Two chucks accept 3/32- to 1/2-inch and 1/2- to 3/4-inch bit shafts
• Long-lasting Diamond wheel sharpens carbide, high-speed steel, standard, cobalt, and more
• Comes with how-to video

Reviews (33)

Drill Doctor DD750PK Precision Drill Bit Sharpene
There are many good things about this product. When I called tech support with a problem (chuck sticking), I got a human being with a knowledgable answer (loosen a few overtorqued screws) in a matter of minutes. On standard drill bits, it works very well.

However, I got it mostly to sharpen hex-base drill bits, as I use these drill bits with a quick-change chuck all the time. And I basically destroyed several bits (well, they were dull anyway) finding out that the chuck supplied with this unit simply can't get a proper grip on hex-base drill bits. They will be out of alignment, which means it won't work, at all. You just grind off random bits of your drill bit at random angles, resulting in a useless bit. Well, I _was_ able to sharpen a few of the bigger hex bits, but the 1/16", 1/8", and 3/16" bits were trashed.

So for my main use--sharpening hex-base bits--this fails pretty badly. If I'd known this, I wouldn't have gotten it. (Of course none of the marketing information or tech support information mentions this--if they did, they might lose some sales.) So I'll keep it, but quite disappointed. And no, tech support didn't have any suggestions for how to fix the problem.

So, if you want to sharpen small hex bits, give this a pass. If you don't use hex bits, it is a good deal. And the video they supply is excellent for teaching you how to use it.

Your mileage may vary.

The BEST Drill Sharpening System
Over the years I have collected hundreds of drill bits that served me well when new. But with each project I found myself looking for a sharp bit to complete the task. I needed a repeatable way to sharpen my drill bits. After extensive research and product reviews I purchased the Drill Doctor 750. It did EVERYTHING it promised. It sharpened both small and large bits, it removed all nicks and restored the cuting edge perfectly. The actual process is simple and quick. The video gives good instructions, but practice makes perfect, and I actually enjoyed sharpening all my old bits. I highly recommend the Drill Doctor. It delivers on its promise every time.

Pays for itself quickly
Glad I FINALLY bought one!
With the price of drill bits rising every day this baby will pay for itself quickly. Sharpens bit as good as or better than new. If you think you doing a good job sharpening bits on a bench grinder, you'll be suprised. Don't know how the hail I ever got along without one of these. Will never have to use a dull bit again. An absolute NECESSITY for anyone working with steel. I would suggest getting an extra wheel upon purchase because once you sharpen about 250 of your dead/dull bits after it arrives, you'll most likely need a new wheel.

The Good, the bad, and the great
I just received my Drill Doctor 750SPK and was surprised to find that it came with a carrying case which was listed by Amazon.com as an accessory. The first time I used the Drill Doctor it performed perfectly and I was inclined to sharpen even drills that I had previously considered sharp. For normal drill sharpening, I would rate it as 5-star. The only problem I had was with split tips. The drill holder does not slide smoothly in and out of the guide. It requires unnecessay force as far as I am concerned, however with extra effort I can sharpen split tips adequately. I will keep the unit since most of my sharpening is for standard tips. When and if I want to do many split tips, I will bore the guide out a little and and install a "pop-out" spring to move the tip back off the grinding wheel.

Incidently, one reviewer said that he received screwdriver tips instead of drills with his unit. I did not find that to be the case. I received the drills.

NO MORE DULL Excuses!!
This is product is everything good all have said about it. Order fulfill by Amazon - excellent! Unit well packed, handy carry case is superb.
Set up and use - I watched the video 1 & 1 1/2 times. Getting the drill set up properly is the whole equation - and is easy. I have sharpened both angle configurations, and split a few points just to see how easy it is to do. SNAP!
I didn't realize how bad a shape I was in until I cleaned up every bit I owned. I mostly work wood and don't demand a lot of twist drills here, but a few metal things came up and I realized I had a sour batch of drills. Problems solved. Everyone needs one of these....or maybe I keep it a secret and make a few $$ fixing up my neighbors tools. It would almost be like stealing. Maybe I'll do demo's and sell units. ... Read more

Features

• 2 Batteries
• Carry bag
• 18V
• Brute Tough
• 6 tools

Features

• Oversized On/Off switch with full overload protection
• Full floor to table cabinet for maximum stability and dust collection
• 1-3/4 HP Continuous-Duty, Fan Colled Motor with single Poly-V belt design for smooth motor to blade power transition
• Extra-large table surface with left and right side cast iron wings
• Left-Tilting blade tilts away from fence

Features

• Runs on your home fuel system - Natural gas or LP gas and automatically exercises itself once a week for 12 minutes to maintain top running condition.
• Automatic transfer switch with built-in emergency load center included
• System supplies back up power within 30 seconds, so you won't have to lift a finger when utility power fails
• All components are fully factory pre-wired to make installation easier than ever & save you time and money
• Powerful OHVI (overhead valve industrial) engine with pressurized lubrication and oil filter for long life

Reviews (1)

Professional Installation Only
I have the 1999 model of the Generac Guardian 15kw system. This one is hooked directly into my panel and I have a subpanel hooked to the transfer switch. If you think you are going to buy a whole-house generator system such as this one you had better be a licensed electrician, pull all the permits, and have an electrical inspector (and gas inspector) licensed in your jurisdiction. You also better be licensed to plumb gas lines. If you don't, you could unknowingly risk the lives of the electric company employees and blow up your house. So many do-it-yourselfers think they know how electricity works but really have no idea--when you have the licensed electrician install this unit ask him for some horror stories.

On the bright side, this is a real generator, not a joke Home Depot portable. This generator provides two legs of 120v (240v) so it can run your entire house and several 240v appliances. Mine runs all circuits, including the hot water heater, but not the electric stove or the heat pump (a heat pump consumes 5 kw already, which brings you to the next higher Generac which is excessively cost-prohibitive.)

During Hurricane Isabel we ran our entire house for 5 days and ran an extension cord to run a neighbor's refrigerator for most of that time. We had hot water and every home comfort available to us except the electric stove and heat/AC. If you can swing the installation costs of such a unit (which easily costs more than the unit itself) by all means get this unit but if you intend to install it yourself you are a fool.

For people who don't have natural gas you will need to change out the regulator. I use propane so we needed a different orifice. Another reviewer stated that he needed a separate gas meter but I've not heard anything about that from our installer when we talked about natural gas vs. propane. If have a combination regulator and gas meter then the gas company needs to visit. If you have a separate regulator then you need to tap the line for your generator and its regulator before your house's regulator. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Porter-Cable's drywall sander is currently the only one of its kind. While this may have momentarily eliminated competitive pressure, Porter-Cable still put together a high-quality tool. Long enough to sand 10-foot ceilings from the ground, lightweight (8 pounds), and able to suck up the vast majority of the fine, potentially harmful dust with an attachable vacuum, this drywall sander impressed us right away. Drywall contractors all over are excited about this new tool. The 1-1/4-inch vacuum hose is 13 feet long, so a person can cover a lot of ground without having the move the vacuum. Simply put, this sander saves a tremendous amount of time (and countless muscle aches), while employing the same great sanding technology featured on other sanders made by Porter-Cable. It easily sands three times faster than hand-sanding--maybe even four times faster. And the end result is a large, smooth, uniform surface. Porter-Cable's done good with this sander--we predict everyone on the job site will agree. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• 3.5 amp motor for efficient sanding action
• Variable-speed 1,000 to 5,000 rpm to match the application
• Finish sands drywall joints three to four times faster than conventional methods
• Sands with minimal clean up when used with vacuum for dust collection

Reviews (12)

Time Saver
Real time saver for do-it-yourself drywall projects. I have done quite a few drywall projects and I always had problems with the seams, especially on the finish coat on ceilings. The Porter Cable sander works great on the ceiling seams. I used it for the first time on a major renovation on my daughter's 100 year old home and the ceiling seams are virtually invisible. My sanding time was reduced from approximately four hours to less than an hour and the results were excellent. Also, I always applied three coats of mud to accomplish perfect finish work. The Porter Cable sander reduced my mud coats from three to two coats with blemish free results. If you are a do-it-yourself'er, and if you can afford it, this product is definitely worth the investment. Also, the Porter Cable vacuum is a difinite plus.
When you use this product for the first time, it takes a little practice to get good results. Don't force the sander by using pressure, let the sander do the work. After two passes, the surface is usually smooth. You will still have to hand sand the corners, but the power sander turns this task into a joy. Also, there is very little dust to clean up after the sanding job is completed. Gone are the days of dust in my eyes, ears, mouth and nose ( in addition to all over the house ).
On the negative side, the sander is a little hard on the arms when doing ceilings ( especially 9 or 10 foot ceilings ). But this is a small price to pay for the results you get.
As stated earlier, with a little bit of practice, this sander will give you excellent results. It's fast, clean and a real time saver. The only thing that kept it from a five star rating was the arm strain when sanding ceilings.

Excellent start for product design
I have over 15 years experience with drywall, so I'm not new to this. I agonized over spending this much money on a sander for a couple years. Yes, it's been available that long. But, I'm getting older and the back and shoulders don't like hand sanding on ceilings and I have yet to perfect the "sponge" method.

Regardless, I purchased the P-C sander and a box of 150 grit pads. If I didn't like it, I could sell it on "auctions". After one large room, I was pleased. I will agree with some other reviewers that you can make plenty of swirl marks. That's the first thing I did. The second thing I did was to spend 5 minutes playing with it to figure out how NOT to make swirl marks. It really isn't that hard. It is much faster than hand sanding and virtually no dust. My customers love that part!! (I do alot of remodelling jobs). If you do a good job mudding, there should be minimal sanding to do anyway.

This sander will NOT do inside corners. Based on its design, it can't get any closer than about 3/4" to the actual corner. Know up front that you will still need to touch up the inside corners. This sander is primarily for large relatively flat surfaces, and in my opinion it does a good job when used properly.

The other thing that P-C should work on is the weight. I know we all carry around tools that weigh more than 8 pounds. Try holding it over your head for any length of time though. While it is balanced nicely, 8 lbs. is still 8 lbs.

You also don't need to spend "money" on the vacuum either. (Sorry P-C) My QSP shop vac with a Cleanstream/Gore-tex filter($22) works just fine.

The 13' hose means you can put the vacuum in the center of a room and not have to move the vacuum, just walk around and sand.

So, don't look for mine on "auctions". It's staying in my toolbox.

Owned one for 6 years
Everyone HATES sanding drywall, but this tool makes sanding drywall so much much easier. Even with this tool you have to hand sand inside corners but that is all it won't do
If this tool was stolen I would for sure buy a new one

Does the trick
I'm a homeowner with reasonable renovation skills. But drywalling is an art, and without this sander, my two-room rennovation would have been a lot harder. And I suspect the results wouldn't have been as good, especially on the ceiling. I used a fairly fine grit disk becuase the reviews I read suggested the tool could gouge. You have to proceed slowly and keep the unit moving. But it really works well, especially when hooked into the companion vacuum.

Nice product for a nasty job
I am a pro drywall finisher. I just bought this machine from Tool Crib, and while I have not learned to use it to it's full potential yet, (only had it two days)I can see that it will do the job. I will say this word of warning; I really DO NOT think that it will replace the final sanding. I apply three coats of setting type compound, not sanding at all till the third coat. Then I use thinned topping compound for a fourth coat, applied with the aid of a strong work light angled toward the wall. When that dries, I use a damp sponge and fine sandpaper. Probably overkill, but my customers love me! This tool is very usefull for that third coat sanding, i.e, smoothing the major flaws. ... Read more

Amazon.com

At just 27 pounds, you wouldn’t expect a lot of power, but that’s just the first surprise with this tile saw from MK Diamond. Its powerful 115-volt motor turns the 7-inch diamond blade at 5,500 rpm, making quick work of tiles up to 12 inches. MK’s conveyor cart gives precise, chip-free cuts on tile and marble. The high-impact thermoplastic water reservoir holds three gallons, and the thermally protected water pump delivers 95 gallons an hour. The reservoir won’t rust or peel and comes off easily for cleaning. The unique sliding guide assembly and adjustable rip guide ensure precise alignment during cutting. Safety features include the hinged blade guard and the MK Safeswitch. Here’s professional quality at an affordable price for both the tradesman and the homeowner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Compact, lightweight, with carrying handles for easy transportation
• 1-1/4horsepower 115-volt motor for powerful, clean cutting
• Self-lubricating pinion and gear box assembly
• Cutting capacity: 18" rip, 13" diagonal, 2" depth of cut
• Chrome guide bar and linear bearing assembly for precise cut alignment

Reviews (11)

tile saw info
This saw is pretty good for alot of different kinds of tile.Ihave owned one for over 2 yearsand have had no major problems.Igave it three stars because the table has alot of play in it so cutting stright cuts every time is hit or miss,its alot better if you use the stright edge that comes with the unit and push only with your left hand and use your right to hold your tile.I like the table ,because the tile can be put in the middle and not slide,very handy when you are cutting notches.The saw is very noisey so dont get scared when you turn it on.The water pump is the worst part of the saw.I had to start pluging it in ,get it pumping then hook it up to the saw and leave it running until I was through cutting all of my tile.It did help to clean the pump after I was done by putting it in a bucket of clean water and let it run for 15 minutes.The saw was easy to clean and move around.I rip 13 inch tiles all day long with no problem.I probably have over 200 tile jobs on it so far and still plan on many more.I have also just purchased a 660 for the better guides and the quite dc motor cant wait till it gets here.

Great saw!!
After reading many reviews I opted for the MK-370. What a great choice I made!
I am an amateur in the greatest sense of the word and this saw made me look like a pro.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer and probably will not be ripping anything bigger than a 13"
tile, this saw is great. Diagonals are a little hard but I was able to free hand them with no problem. The saw sprays a little water so you are better off using it outside.

The only other thing I would recommend is that you purchase the protractor attachment that works with the saw for some of those angled cuts. I don't believe you can buy it on this site, but finding it on the internet was easy as MK saws are very popular.

If I ever buy another saw you can bet it will be an MK.

good value and light weight
I just finished using this saw on a kitchen remodel with 16 inch limestone tiles. Rips fit on the table but for diagonal cuts I had to make a jig to raise the tiles clear of the back push fence and flip the tiles over after cutting them half way or so. Yes this is a loud saw so ear plugs should be worn. The sliding table did bind a bit because of all the weight from those 16 inch tiles hanging off the front but if you push with your left hand and hold the tile with your right it works fine. With reasonable care I was able to get accurate cuts. I recomend lubing the rails with silicon grease because it holds up better than the oil provided with the saw. One modification I made lessened the amount of water splatter off the rear mudflap. I replaced the stock mudflap splash guard thingy with a similar sized piece of that green fake grass looking doormat. The force of the water coming of the blade is difused by the stiff hairs of the door mat stuff and does not create as much mist around the back of the saw. I got the idea from these special mudflaps used on tractor trailers and it works great. Next I'm working on an idea to keep water off the rails. After lugging around saws that weigh over a hundred pounds and are no more accurate I really enjoyed using this lightweight alternative. I would recommend it to any one from the DIY'er to pro remodelers like me.

Great for novices.
I'm not exactly what you would consider "handy," but my wife and I decided to tile our master bath anyway. We tried renting a wet saw, but found that put too much pressure on us to get the job done quickly--not a possibility with my skill level. The MK-370 was a perfect choice for purchasing. It was easy to use and cut through our porcelain ceramic tile like butter. And owning this saw allowed us to work at our own comfortable pace. To our surprise, our project turned out better than expected and I can say that this saw was a major reason why.

Almost great
The MK-370K is ideal for my home projects, bathroom and kitchen, but I am disappointed in the water recirculation system. While it works, it is not well thought out, takes constant attention and interferes with the smooth operation of the sliding table. In fact, it looks more like an afterthought than an the critical and integral part it is. I am certain that eventually it will be redesigned and the unit will be greatly improved. Unfortunately, this will probably be done by the Japanese. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This is the perfect dust collection system for the home woodworker. It packs a powerful 1-horsepower motor and moves a maximum of 650 cubic feet of air every minute. Top and bottom collection bags mean you score a hefty 2.6 cubic feet of chip/dust capacity. When we ran this system, we were impressed by how quiet it is--a great advantage for the home woodworker. The 4-inch hose fits standard dust and chip chutes on tools like your jointer, table saw, and planer--the big names in sawdust manufacturing! The AP400 is a great choice for the average home woodworking shop because it's mounted on such a small footprint--just 14 inches wide and 27 inches long--and it sits on four easy-glide wheels to move the system from one tool to another or into the corner for storage. Great power, great price. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 1-horsepower TEFC induction motor with cooling fins delivers 650 cubic feet per minute of airflow--ideal for use with a single machine
• Curved steel impeller for durability and maximum airflow
• Sturdy steel base with casters for mobility
• 30-micron filtration bags are standard equipment

Reviews (8)

Great collector, but shop around before you buy
Nice unit, I've always been happy with delta products. BUT, The shipment took OVER 1 MONTH with no explanation. This is the second big tool that I've purchased from Amazon.com and the last. Unacceptable

Very good Dust Collector (after modification)
Have had the AP400 for a couple of months now and have had the same broblem with clogging on the planer as another reviewer, shavings getting hung up on the little cross bars at the inlet. I solved the problem with a slight modification (it involved metal snips) and it now works fine with no clogging! I have it connected with overhead pipe system (standard old galvinized vent pipe from my local home center) with T's coming off to four different machines with blast gates on each T to allow one at a time to be used. Works great you don't have to keep fooling with the large hose moving from one machine to another, just close and open blast gates as needed. When not in use I can disconnect the hoses that run from the blast gates at the T's down to each machine and roll all the equipment out of the way (I am set up in my garage works great.

Great dust collector
Just got the AP400 and it had no problems when connected to my Delta 12.5" planer. I was planing 1X8 kiln dried cedar and I had no clogging problems at all. I used it extensively on my table saw and the dust fog I had been living with when ripping was no longer there. I would highly recommend this collector to anyone who has a small shop and wants to connect one machine at a time.

Packageing
I machine so far works well, however I got a scare when I opend the box and everything was covered in a white powder. I got scared and called the Sheriff with what is going on in the world today.
Well come to find out it was what they put in the box to control moisture, they put a package containing lime. And the package got punctured somehow,I had never heard of that before I have always seen silicon gel used for that purpose. I suggest they use something else.

Clogging issues with planers
Out of the box, the unit would clod very quickly when attached to a planer taking 1/16 of a 4" board (something a 650 CFM dust collector should not have a problem with). The problem is caused by a crossbar in the 4" inlet which appears to have been added to prevent someone from sticking there hand up into the impellers. Longer shavings from the planer get caught on the bar and then in turn help catch later pieces. I could probably be sued for suggesting people fix the problem the way that I did, so instead I would suggest the slightly more pricy JET which does not have a crossbar. Another reviewer went up in size instead and I think that is probably overkill for most small, single operator, shops. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

No other nail gun is even close!
I am a roofing contractor. I have tried a few other brands of nail guns but none can come close to the quality and durability of the Hitatchi! There is nothing else to say. You can not beat this gun. It won't dissapoint you!

Awesome nailer
I researched several roofing nailers and based my decision on the reviews I read about the Hitachi. I have shingled two roofs so far and have had zero problems. The second roof I did was for a friend and he helped with his Poter Cable nailer. It was picky about the nails that were used, jamed often and had no depth setting. The Hitachi kept plugging along and never missed a beat. The depth setting was crucial for the different situations when installing shingles. After years of hammering nails and seeing other guns in action, I highly recommend the Hitachi NV45AB2.

THE PERFECT ROOFING NAILER
Hitachi has long had the best roofing coil nailer on the market with the NV-45AB. This new and improved model actually made the best thing even better. It is very similar to the previous nailer but it offers an easier method to reload coils. Much more durable than any of its competition. I have tried them all. Max, Bostitch, Senco, Paslode. Nothing can surpass the Hitachi!

the review
the roofing nails went all the way in a nd the wood diddn't split ... Read more

Amazon.com

Long nails into hardwood? No problem. Working overhead? It's only 4.2 pounds. Hate having the exhaust in your face? Tool-free, 360-degree adjustment takes care of that. No time for jams? Clearing takes no more than a couple of seconds because of the quick-release nose. The magazine is made of nylon, but it seems as rugged to us as any metal magazine out there. That's also why this nailer is so easy on the hands. Add to that a nicely padded grip and a selective trigger and you'd think you have the perfect nailer. But get this—there's a built-in dust blower that clears light debris and dust from your workpiece. Hitachi quality leaves nothing to want.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Superior power drives 2 1/2" nails into the hardest woods
• Selective trigger for flexibility in firing operations
• 15 guage finish nails
• Shoots 15 gauge 1 1/4" - 2 1/2" Angled finish Nails
• Lightweight at only 4.2 lbs.

Reviews (4)

Reliable and Tough as Nails
I've used this gun quite a bit and it hasn't misfired yet. It's simple to use and feels solid, made to last. Plenty of power too; sinks 2 1/2" nails into pressure treated fir with no problem. In white pine I had to back the pressure off to keep it from sinking them TOO deep! The air nozzle feature should be on every finish nailer. You'd be surprised how handy it is; no need to put the gun down to clear away the chips etc... that always seem to get in the way of a good fit. The only drawback I found is that you'll have to go to a good hardware store to find an air fitting for it. Once that's done it's the perfect finish nailer.

great nailer
i bought this nailer several months ago. great finish gun. the little button near the top/side of the gun is an air blower. great to have available when doing base, to blow away the crumbs from falling plaster or debris that is in the way. just push and it blows it away, nice added feature that the others don't have. have had no problems and would recommend this highly

good tool--bad customer service
excellent tool--but no free shipping as advertised--but bought the tool anyway! don't know if this is indicative of amazon policy--used car salesmen!

Full Time Finish Carpenter
I currently run five Hitachi, three Senco, and two Max finish nailers. The Hitachi NT65MA2 is the best nailer I have. It is very light with minimal recoil. It has enough power to sink nails in maple effortlessly. It is stone cold reliable- it has never broken a driver after five years of fulltime use (bought my old NT65MA in 98). The safety works well without marring. It shoots the Senco DA series (also UA) nail which has become the defacto industry standard. Hitachi appears to have spared no effort in designing and building the best 2 1/2" finish nailer. ... Read more