Amazon.com Review

Looking right out of the Jetsons' household, Fein's Turbo II vacuum is one the most effective on the market. With features like automatic start and dust-sealed switches, it's specifically designed to work with shaping, routing, or sanding tools, which create a lot of dust. It's also as quiet as any shop vacuum we've heard, making it easier to use in close proximity to a project, or in an enclosed space, and its internal fabric boot helps keep dust to a minimum. The Turbo II has a 7.3-gallon solid capacity, a 6.8-gallon liquid capacity, and a 1,300-watt, 9-1/2 amp, two-stage motor. Its size and sturdy rollers make it very portable and easy to dump after being filled. Unlike some larger models, you'll still be able to lift and empty this vacuum by yourself. The body is solid plastic and will hold up well to wear. The shape of the vacuum makes it easy to move around a job site--there aren't any big handles or attachments sticking out (other then the hose) to get snagged when wheeling the vacuum around. Fein's Turbo II is--hands down--a very high-quality, very low-noise vacuum, well worth the investment for carpenters, woodworkers, and craftspeople. --Jonathon Tudor ... Read more

Features

• 16-foot long hose, and a fabric boot filter collects dust down to 5 microns
• Auto start for dust extraction when connected to your power tool
• 2-stage motor with bypass cooling for a longer life
• Quiet operation at only 57.8 db
• 7.3-gallons solid, 6.8-gallons fluid capacity

Reviews (44)

Good Vacuum but not entirely as advertised.
This seems to be a good vacuum. It's easy to assemble (put the wheels on and attach the HEPA filter) and operate. Good thing, because the manual is poor. Removing the top and the 5 micron felt filter require a little force. The chord and 1¼" hose are nice and long (but can get in the way). Other vacuuming accessories cost extra.

The HEPA filter is expensive, but if you're doing woodwork or sanding, you need a HEPA filter (not available for all shop vacuums). The dust that standard filters let pass is invisible, and dangerous over time. The automatic switch is a particularly nice feature; it lets the (2000 watt max.) tool you're using turn the vacuum on and off.

If this vacuum actually put out only 57.8 dB(A), as advertised, it would be incredibly quiet. The first unit I got was defective, putting out close to 90 dB with the hose on, so I exchanged it. If you get one that sounds loud, something is wrong. In a large, fully carpeted room (i.e., no echo), I measured 3½ to 4 feet from the unit with a Radio Shack decibel meter. Without the hose it put out about 68 dB; with the hose about 72 dB (A and C). This is about as loud as a noisy office, so it's still pretty quiet; but although it's only 1/1000th the volume of my old (90 dB) shop vacuum, it's technically 16 times as loud as advertised. (Due to the nature of human hearing, that means it sounds a bit more than twice as loud as 57.8 dB.)

10 Oct 03 update: The vacuum has performed very well. The information available on Fein's web site ......... is pretty much what comes with the vacuum (not much). I got some bags to protect the expensive filters when I vacuum the car; they're also expensive. Unlike most shop vacuums, the exhaust does not come out one opening that you can attach a hose to (e.g., to direct the exhaust air somewhere or to use it as a blower). I've been able to use accessories from previously owned vacuums with this one.

Well engineered shop vacuum
I bought the TurboII to replace a burned out shopvac QSP-pro. So far I am quite happy with my choice. The turboII is much higher quality than the shopvac QSP-pro. This is the first shopvac I've used that has a decibel rating low enough to preclude hearing protection. The motor should far outlast those used in lower cost shopvacs, since it has a bypass cooling system. Suction power is as good or better than the QSP-pro. The extra long stock hose is great for hooking to tools for dust collection. For general purpose vacuuming I recommend investing in a wider diameter hose. My only caveats about this machine are the high cost of accessories and filters. It ships with zero attachments. My QSP-pro cost 1/3 in price, but came with a wide assortment of tools. Luckily you can friction fit a standard large diameter shopvac hose. The rubber tool adapter will let you use accessory tools from other vendors. The top handle is a bit uncomfortable when the vac is loaded down. Some cardboard padding and a bit of tape fixed that problem for me. Overall this is probably one of best shop vacuums available. Definitely worth the high cost if you need a machine you can depend on everyday.

Another Fein Turbo II fan
Most of the other reviews are very positve. Mine is no exception. I want to add my 2 cents anyway and respond to some reviewers negative comments.

1) Yes, the manual is brief, but come on, it's a vacuum. It's got an on/off switch, a manual/automatic (tool triggered) switch and a hose. What's to know?

2) It is so quiet that I sometimes have to hold my hand over the hose to make sure it's on. It always is. 72ish dB by my meter with the hose on (how could you use it hoseless?) in my concert floored, plaster board walled garage shop. If you buy one and feel that it's loud it must be defective. Return it and ask for a replacement. Still that's a bit over twice as loud in real life as the maker's 57.8 dB claim (by definition twice as loud is +10dB, although Fein probably tests in an anechoic chamber to eliminate echo and ambient noise). Twice as loud as really, really quiet is still really quiet.

3) One reviewer commented about hose storage interfering with the clamps. I suggest that you empty it before you wrap the hose around the top and tuck it in for the night.

4) It's insanely powerful.

5) Yes, it's hose is small in diameter so you can't pick up big chunks of stuff. It does, however, do a great job on little chunks of stuff and dust.

6) It is expensive, but you get what you pay for "You always buy a cheap tool twice".

7) I have had no problems with any "brittle" plastic bits and pieces (in fact, I haven't found any yet).

8) I use it a lot because it's so quiet an effective. My shop is safer and more organized now because it's much cleaner.

9) I planned on buying the Porter-Cable, but it wouldn't handle the wattage of my 2hp router. I usually buy P-C and Delta so it was kinda hard to stray to Fein, but I'm glad I did.

10) The accesory kit is a little expensive ($70) but it's very useful.

nice compact unit - QUIET!!!
As a professional finish carpenter, I like tools that work well, and last a long time. This tool has the feel of quality. It's a few pounds heavier than a typical shop-vac, but what a difference. It is a pure joy to use. When I turn it on my lab doesn't run for the door. And when I turn it off my ears aren't ringing. The extra long hose(25') and easy rolling casters make for a tip free clean-up, and the auto switch works like a charm. I have made adaptors for my sliding miter saw and sanders and I rarely need to use a dust mask any more. The ultra-fine dust from MDF still seems to get by, but I suppose it would happen with any vac except a true dust collector.

I had a Sears shop vac before that blew out half the dust it picked up, and it screamed like a banshee. I gave that vac to a laborer, and feel that the Fein is well worth every penny.

Don't jump to conclusions !!!
I gave away my Ridgid shop vac as soon as the Fein box arrived from Amazon.com. That was a mistake!!!!...this vac is too delicate to use "hard" during my kitchen demo/remodel - and I got so frustrated with the filter and small 1-1/4" hose constantly clogging, I gave up and bought another Ridgid vac. I think this vac would work great for woodworking, but general construction site conditions far out tax this machine, and it's difficult to get filters/bags..... ... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 2 HP single phase motor for powerful cutting
• On-off key lock switch and overload protection
• 12" combination blade, retractable leaf guard
• Blade guard with anti-kickback attachment

Amazon.com

Time is money, so no wonder this is one of Hitachi's best sellers. Its ability to fire plastic-collated full round head framing nails from 2" to 3-1/4" means you're getting the job done faster at an amazing three-nails-per-second. No fiddling with tools to adjust the drive depth, either, which is another great feature. Though it's not the lightest nailer we've handled at 7.9 pounds, it's so nicely balanced that the weight isn't really a detriment. It didn't jam on us, but if it should, we think clearing would only take a second due to the nice open nose design. Framers, roofers and truss builders will really get their money's worth out of this workhorse.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Lightweight (only 7.9 lbs.) and
• Drives 3 nails per second
• Full round-head, plastic strip collation
• Shoots 2" - 3 1/4" x .113 - .131
• Nail capacity of 64-70 nails

Reviews (1)

The best framing gun out there
I just returned my DeWalt nail gun and purchased this Hitachi. What a diffefrence. I love this gun. It's dependable and built tough. It takes the abuse of a job site, and keeps working. Their almost indestructable. The only draw back is the lack of a depth adjuster, but well worth it. I would recommend this gun to anybody, the weekend warrior or the full-time framer. ... Read more

Product Description

Stabila's new "best of the best" professional level in a promotional pack. For the price of the 59" level you recieve both the 59" and the 24" level. As the industry leader, Stabila has improved on the "world's best level" with the new type 196 series. The accuracy is certified, top and bottom readings and sports a new rubber hand grip design. Rubber pad end caps and wall grips that are functional yet removable for flush measuring. Times have changed, rooms are getting bigger, walls are getting taller, closets are getting wider, and the professional contractor needs to keep up with state of the art tools, including levels. This promotional set is becoming the prefered lengths for levels for the homebuilders of the future. ... Read more

Features

• Accuracy guaranteed for life
• Accuracy certified, top and bottom readings
• Strong, wide frame design
• Removable rubber end caps for flush measuring
• Oversized rubber hand holds for comfort

Amazon.com

What's your biggest complaint about using a router in a table? Height adjustment, right? Welcome to the router of your dreams. Porter-Cable's routers are among the best in the industry, and they just went one step better with a simple but ingenious device called a "Router Table Height Adjuster." It does what it sounds like: lets you adjust bit height from above the table. That's just one of many reasons we're so impressed with the 895 kit. Soft start tames the voracious 12-amp motor so there's no twist at startup. Variable speed ranges from 10,000 to 23,000 rpm with electronic feedback. Both bases are among our favorites in the routing world for their ease of control and fit in hand. The plunge base rides smooth as silk, and the locking mechanisms and depth turrets area right where you'd naturally want them. Dust is collected right through the base, too, for a clean sightline. Another nice feature: For safety's sake, there's an automatic bit-changing power lock-off. This is the perfect outfit for the home woodworker--it's the only router you'll ever need, since the plunge base in included--as well as the professional, who demands the kind of performance Porter-Cable brings with this model.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes one year limited warranty on parts and accessories.
• Powerful 2-1/4 HP, soft start motor, 12 amps
• Variable speed 10-23,000 rpm, Electronic feedback, Table top heght adjustment, handle switch access and spindle lock
• Premium 1/4" and 1/2" self releasing collet system for easy bit removal
• Includes plunge base with machined brass post bushings, quick motor release, thumb rotating depth stop, templet guide sized sub-base, removable springs, and bulit in dust collection

Reviews (21)

overall a great router
This is my 3rd router. My 30 year old B&D commercial router still
works but it was tough to adjust the height after I mounted it in a router table. This led to my purchase of a Bosch 1617 which works much better in the router table. I was disappointed that it was so noisy, especially since it was advertised to ne a very quiet machine. Changing bits on the Bosch was was as awkward as changing them on my B&D.
I have been so impressed with my new 895PK that I discarded my Porter Cable router table and built a new router table using oak for the cabinet complete with 6 drawers and storage compartments. I love the ease of height adjustment and blade change, the quiet motor, and the power this machine has.

I haven't used the plunge base yet. I have never had a plunge base router and doubt I will ever have much use for the plunge base. I would rate this router 5 stars if the owners manual was
better written

Better than the 690, good for a router table
This is the first router designed specifically for router table use, so promoted by Porter-Cable. Adjusts nicely from the top of the table. And is removed nicely with the same adjuster.
This is my third Porter-Cable router.
The other router I was looking at was the 8529 Porter-Cable which is just a plunge router that's supposed to be good for the router table, which you can adjust from the top of the table.
The plunge base I find somewhat awkward. I don't do that much in terms of plunge routing and the plunge routing I did do was manageable once I got up to speed. I think it will be ok if I need too use it. It seems to stick a bit, it's not a tight, smooth plunge and the lever feels alittle awkward. I do believe it's much better than the 690s plunge base which I thought was a slight step up from useless. If I begin doing more plunge routing and I find this base isn't working good for me I may reevaluate my review and/or get another router.
My first use is in the router table, second is hand held so for that I like the fit, finish, overall design and ergonomics.
For running simple edges and some jointery I found this a good option. The ability to adjust this so well from the top of the table without having to get a lift is well worth it for me.I also liked being able to use some of my guide that i previously bought for my 690.
If I needed to do a lot of panel doors and a lot of horsepower. I'd get a shaper and not waste money on a dedicated router and lift.

Base is cracked upon receipt
Well...ONE star. I bought this model based on reviews on various woodworking forums and for the above table adjusting feature. While waiting for this to arrive I built my own router table for this model. As mentioned by a previous buyer, the spindle lock was cracked, except mine came that way. So I cant really rate the performance. Not sure at this time If I will go with a replacement unit or just return the whole thing and get something else. I really wanted the above table feature but the finish on this really leaves a lot to be desired. I will update with performance if I get a replacement.

Useless router
I just bought this piece of %#*&%*# about 3 weeks ago. When I opened the box, I was so disappointed about the finish and the material used. It seemed like that it was made in a cheapest labor country using the cheapest aluminum and plastic. The plunge locking lever, the clamp, the height adjustment seem will break down soon with a little use. The plunging action is stuck most time, and the locking mechanism hangs up. After only a couple of times of changing the bits, the spindle lock bend, cracked and stuck there. Now the router can not be used until it gets fixed. Some other guys said better not use the spindle lock, but for making the dovetails, there is no room there for using two wrenches. From the crack, you can tell the material used for the spindle lock is a cheap metal. Also the spindle lock itself is too small to stand a proper torque..
Overall: the plunge base is useless. That means one fourth of its value is gone. The material is cheap, and the finish is poor. Some parts will break down themselves sooner or later with a little use.
Some guy may think I am expecting too much. Come one, this is a more than $250 router. And what router's plunge action should be stuck most time, and the locking mechanism hangs up sometimes? What I expect is that it should do the job it is supposed to do. I think there shuld be some better routers out there in the market.

Problems with PC 890 plunge router base
I purchased the PC 895 combo back in February and I also experienced a problem with the plunge base. The plunging action was not smooth and the locking mechanism seemed to hang up. Was not happy with it at all.

Last week I had a trip scheduled to Atlanta so I took my plunge base and motor by the Atlanta PC service center. The technician adjusted the locking mechanism and the plunge and now it seems to work great. The plunging action is smooth and the locking mechanism is crisp and no longer hangs up. I would suggest that any of you who are experiencing this problem to take it by the repair center. There was no charge for this and I am now happy with the plunge mechanism. ... Read more

Product Description

mfg by: MTD SOUTHWEST 2-CYCLE CURVED SHAFT TRIMMER 31 cc gas trimmer built for heavy duty use Deluxe D handle for RH or LH operator SpeedSpool for quick & easy line replacement Dispenses premeasured line with a single tap E-Z Start elimenates choke adjustment starting Spring Assist Starting-pulls easy-starts fast .095 diameter line - 17" cutting swath 2 year limited warrantyTB25CS 17CRV SHAFT TRIMMER ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty
• Gas-powered string trimmer cuts in a 17-inch radius
• 2-cycle, 31-cc engine; EZ-Start and SpringAssist technology for effortless start-up
• Accepts EZ-Link attachments (sold separately); Speed-Spool loading system for quick line dispensing and replacement
• Includes edge guide, deluxe soft-grip ‘D' handle, and oil needed for operation

Features

• 18V Jigsaw has one touch blade system and 0-2,000 SPM
• 18V Brute Tough Hammer/Drill driver with over 475 in/lbs of torque
• Durashield housing and unibody powertrain construction
• 6 1/2" 18V Circ Saw 0-3600 RPM and rear depth adjustment
• 18V Recip Saw w/ Dual Stroke and push button foot adjustment 0-2300 RPM

Reviews (6)

value
Bosch made a great offer with this set. Having used every tool in this kit quite frequently here are my thoughts:

Jigsaw--Nice having no cord to worry about, easy blade changes, plenty powerful for every thing I've needed it for. Excellent, replaced my cordo.(wood,PT,plywood,MDF,aluminium)

Drill/Driver--Excellent power, balance, and good clutch. like the bit holder in the base, good ergonomics--(chuck is unconventional but seems rugged and easy to use). Hammer drill works well with tile, stone, masonry.

Circular Saw--Helpful for plywood and "2x's", needed a full charge on battery and insurance of another battery around. Nature of the beast(my experience is cordless circs just drain battery power). Good for occasional use.

Recip saw--Good enough for me...used it to cut pvc, wood, etc...good blade changes. Again similar battery consumption as Circ. But great for the occasion when you need it.

Flashlight--c'mon its a freakin light! (Nice to have--even a spare bulb has its own home inside this light)

The initial price seemed like a lot...but considering an average drill/driver alone is about half of that price. It is a good investment. I am impressed by Bosch's engineering and their commitment to making durable, tough tools. They are joy to use and own. Take advantage of the free jigsaw offer.

Powerful and well built
I purchased the Bosch tool set in late December. I am a contractor who needs durable and reliable tools. When I started my search, I researched the Porter Cable, Milwaukee and Dewalt cordless sets. I have all three brands in corded/pneumatic tools and have been satisfied with their performance. I limited my search to these brands until I saw the Bosch.

Hands down, the build of Bosch was superior to the other three. And their attention to little things makes me very glad I made the purchase. For example:
1. The drill with its hook is invaluable, especially when hanging sheetrock. It is heavier than the others, but sturdier in the hand.
2. The reciprocating saw has an adjustable foot and varying blade stroke. Both features are used often by me. My job has me cutting pipe, 2 by's, sheetrock, etc. and these features have made the job easier.
3. The circular saw comes with and exhaust port to attach to my portable vac. I can cut inside now with limited dust. Additionally the depth gage is handy
4. The jig saw with the blow port helps keep the line open to the eye and the ability to change the orbital action is great when stepping up the cut. (the saw works the best with bosch t-blades)
5. Ok - the light is the worst - Dewalts is much better.

The kicker in making the decision to purchase the Bosch was the 3 year warranty. I have had to use it once already. The head on the recip saw broke. I was sent a new one in a few days and was up and running. I get the feeling that the head has been an issue. The new one I received was made different.

The bag is a bit of a pain, but it does allow me to carry the charger, and three cases containing recip saw blades, jigsaw blades and drill bits.

For the money, the Bosch Cordless set is a very good choice.

Very good set of tools
PRO - more bang for your buck
CON - the darn bag
I was debating with myself should I go with DEWALT, MILWAUKE or BOSCH and after buying Bosch tools I couldn't be happier. The hammerdrill has great power although I haven't used it in a hammer mode.The feature that I like on it is that you can hold the nose of the chuck to steady the drill and it won't burn your fingers. Jigsaw cuts with great power, and ease, and the circular saw cuts the 2x material as if it's butter. I still haven't tried the reciprocating saw but it seeems strong and tough enough. The only con is the bag. It is great by itself but I would like to see this combo in a hard case. The whole combo is worth more than I paid for. If it helps anyone, HD and JS-made in Switzerland, RS-made in Mexico, CS-assembled in Mexico, Flashlight-made in China, Battery- made in Japan.
P.S. I'm thinking of buying a planer too.

5++ Stars The Best!
This is extremely well-designed and well-built. If I could I would give more than Five stars for Bosch tools. I highly recommend it.

Tough and Versatile
Another Great Quality product by Bosch-Thanks Bosch -you continually make Great, non -stop Products--Keep up the Good Work ... Read more

Features

• Features 3-Mode operation; "Rotation Only", "Hammer Only" or "Hammering with Rotation"
• Powerful 7.0 AMP motor yet weighs only 6.0lbs
• Impact Energy (2.0ft. Lbs.); Power-to-Weight Ratio (.32)
• Positive Lock ensures that the bit is securely fastened
• 0-1,100 RPM and 0-4,500 BPM (2.7 joules of impact energy) for demanding applications

Amazon.com

A reliable generator is essential gear for contractors, but it's also important for home owners, campers, RV enthusiasts and others who may face planned or unplanned power needs. The Generac 9777 4,000 watt extended-life generator is just such a tool. The generator is ideally suited for either occasional or everyday use. A rugged, 7.8-horsepower overhead valve industrial engine provides 4,000 watts of reliable electricity and up to 13.5 hours of use on a single four-gallon tank of fuel. The unit is versatile and easy to use, with two 20 amp 120V power outlets, one full-power 30 amp 120V twist lock outlet, and one full-power 20 amp 120/240V twist lock outlet. It also comes with charger cables for recharging 12V batteries. The engine runs quietly and is designed with several added smart features, including an oversized dual element air filter, an automotive-style oil filter, and full-pressure lubrication. It also features a pressurized low oil shutdown system, automatic idle control, and a power surge alternator that protects against power fluctuations when starting and operating several motor-driven items at the same time. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• 13.5 hours of runtime on a single tank of fuel
• Powered by a Generac OHVI extended life engine with full pressure lubrication
• Ultra-quiet large muffler and intake silencers keep noise to a minimum
• Auto voltage regulation holds voltage steady for use with sensitive electronics
• Auto idle control saves fuel by idling engine down when no load is needed

Reviews (18)

4000XL Easy on fuel once started
I purchaced this generator as a back up unit for my home and for camping. It is fairly quiet and real easy on fuel. There is plenty of power for running the AC and anything else at the same time in my camper. Unfortunatly it is very, very hard to get started in cool weather. I have to remove the air filter and use starting fluid to get in running if it is below 50 degrees. The unit has only about 8 hours on it so far and I hope this will get better as it breaks in. It comes with a extra air filter and spark plug (which I tried changing) but didn't make it better.
If it was a better starter out in cold weather I would give it 5 stars on its capability and price. This seems to be a complaint I have read before. That's a big down fall.

Update 11/03: After having this generator for 2 seasons I would like to add that starting has been getting better. I called the factory on the inital problem and they refered me to a local servicer. I didn't bring it in though because he couldn't gaurentee free service and had a 45 day wait to get to it. I don't have to go to extremes to start it anymore but I do have to hold the throttle closed for the first 2 pulls and it will usually start within a couple more even at temps down to zero. Running Mobil one oil seems to have helped too. Overall I am happy with my purchase and haven't had any other problems in about 100 hours of use.

Timing is everything
Having lost power for 24+ hours several times and for shorter periods almost monthly in the past two years, we decided it was time to purchase a generator. About the time it arrived, the weatherman started talking about this little storm called Isabel. Thank goodness for prompt Amazon shipping!

The generator is easy to start, runs smoothly while powering our refrigerator, sump pump, and TV, is easy on gas (used about 3 gallons for 10 hours so far), and came with everything I needed except grounding wires and gas. I usually have to pull the cord about 3 times to get it to start, but that is not bad in my opinion. I do agree with the review that stated the front leg and handle stop are a bit cheap, but I don't foresee putting it to the test the way that reviewer did with his business use and his fixes seemed pretty easy.

If we run into any problems, I will edit this review but so far it has been a solid performer at a good price.

faulty oil pressure switch
WE bought this generator as a emergency power unit about 3 yrs ago.we have run it for a total of maybe 40 hours.the last time we used it,it ran for 1hr. then shut down. would start right back then do it again. unit is full of oil.unpluged oil pressure switch now it will run. this unit is not very quiet but still quieter than some coleman generators.factory should include extra switch and symptoms of this problem in manual.

Commercial Grade
I recently purchased my Generac 4000 EXL for my RV. ( Also for my home, in the event of rolling power black-outs. The product is very sound in design with big generator features at a economical price. I especially like the pressurized oil system for the engine as it will extend the life of the engine. The electric start is a "must have" for a portable generator. (even more so for a RV) The automatic idle control is great and helps with noise control. (The unit tends to be a little noisy when under a heavy load.) The generator is compact and can easily be stored in the RV.
I have found the generator to be able to handle all my power needs. Even when the AC unit is turned on the Generac 4000 handles the power needs without problems.
One note:
I did purshase a three year service contract on the unit just to take care of any problems. So far I have had no problems with the unit.
I highly recommend this generator...

Runs like a champ
I bought this generator from Home Depot about 5 years ago. The longest single use I got out of it was for a week with hurricane Isabelle-it paid for itself. Other than that I probably run it 30 hours a year. I use it to power a 1.5 hp well pump, a refrigerator and the blower on my propane hot water heater. We can shower, flush and eat-the important things in life! These three things max it out but get us by. It could have a better wheel/handle design-it's hard to move around. I had to replace the carbureator (water got in and froze up-my fault) and a low oil pressure switch. The filler cap/gas gauge was useless and the low idle mechanism is screwy. I added a screw-on oil filter, which it didn't come with, although later models do. It runs like a champ. If it meets your needs I'd buy it. I'm presently on backorder for a 10,000 watt, 18 hp Honda engine generator. My suggestion to anyone buying a generator is-get the chart that comes with generators and figure out in advance what you want to power and buy accordingly. Good Luck! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A 4-cycle, 26cc variable speed engine powers this dynamo around your borders, trees, and against foundations. Ryobi’s eliminated the need to mix messy oil and gas with this unit, which runs on straight gas, saving you time and trouble. It’s fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly and runs quieter than its 2-stroke competition. Easy starts are assured, too, because of a primer bulb. The bump feed advances more line whenever you need it, and the SpeedSpool Line Replacement lets you put in a new line without taking the head apart--a great idea. In hand, it’s well-balanced, relatively light, and very comfortable, thanks to the D-shaped handle and its ergonomic soft grip. If it were only a trimmer, it would be a great purchase, but add to it the capability to attach a range of different heads, and you’ve got a highly versatile, multi-purpose yard tool. The Trimmer Plus attachments (sold separately) turn the trimmer into an edger, hedge trimmer, tree pruner, leaf blower/vac, garden cultivator, and snow thrower. The attachments connect in a second with a solid "click," and you’re off on a new task. It’s an ingenious system that will bring professional-type lawn tools to the average homeowner. Bravo, Ryobi!--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year warranty
• 26 cc 4-cycle curved shaft grass trimmer with TrimmerPlus and SpeedSpool
• TrimmerPlus feature allows optional add-on tools
• SpeedSpool allows for quick line dispensing and replacement without removing the spool
• Lightweight 4-cycle that requires no mixing of oil and gas and is environmentally friendly

Reviews (33)

Knee deep in weeds
After owning 2-3 prior 2-cycle trimmers, this 4-cycle engine was a pleasure to use. It was an easy start up without the usual blood, sweat, and tears of the 2-cycles (due to finicky gas/oil mixtures). The speedspool released more line consistently and smoothly unlike other models I've dealt with.....including other Ryobi 2-cycle models.
Though a couple of folks mentioned that it was a quieter run, it could be much quieter. Don't be lured into a false sense of security about saving your hearing here. You'll still need ear protection since the motor still roars away loadly enough for these ears....which rang away for about an hour after trying it without protection. I think this model has good potential. I gave it four stars for that reason. The fact that you can accessorize is a plus. Have not had the opportunity to try other features out to determine ease of alterations. Another reason for the 4 stars......the shoulder strap should have been provided with the trimmer. Any responsible merchant should understand implications of the safety that good ergonomics brings; and, though the style and the weight isn't bad, fatigue will set in with use without the support a strap offers. Fortunately, the strap I have for my other model snapped into this trimmer's pre-molded loop.
It will be interesting to see how this baby holds up with time....to see if it will earn a "5 star" status.

Great Tool
I ordered the 825 trimmer and the blower/vacuum attachment from Amazon.com two months ago. Amazon delivered everything about five days after I placed the order, beating their estimated delivery date by over a week. I have used the trimmer several times, once for three hours straight, and am absolutely satisfied. The 4-cylce engine has more than enough power for my uses and the bump-line-feed is really convenient. The "quick-link" system of changing accessories works very easily. I would recommend purchasing the shoulder strap if you plan on using it for more than 30 minutes at a time as it begins to get cumbersome. It is a little heavier than standard two-stroke trimmers, but the decreased vibration and noise more than make up for that. The blower/vacuum attachment attaches in less than twenty seconds and works very well for blowing grass clippings off the pavement. I have not tried blowing leaves with it, but it seems about as powerful as a regular blower and don't anticipate any problems. Overall, I would recommend this trimmer to anyone who needs/wants a little more power in their trimmer. The dozen or so attachments offered by Ryobi are widely available and from what I have seen, work well.

Poor quality, hard to start, broke in 1 season
I was tired of mixing oil w/ gas on 2 cycle weed wackers and thought this would be great. I'm on my 2nd season and through most of the 1st found the Ryobi to be hard to start. I also had consistent problems with the reel pulling in the line as it accelerated. I brought it back. The 2nd one didn't have the problem. I can't use the Ryobi now because the other feature I that I thought was great... the split collar allowing accessories... the female coupling portion of the drive shaft has stripped! I'm giving up and buying a new weed wacker and it won't be a Ryobi.

Ryobi 825R 4-Cycle Curved Shaft TrimmerPlus /Great Machine
My neighbor had bought this unit and immediately I fell in love with it. Not only do you have the advantage of easy and reliable starting, thanks to the 4/cycle engine, but this is one of the most handiest tools ever made for gardening. As a start, having the trimmer and also the blower attachment you'll find that you'll save a tremendous amount of time taking care of your lawn/yard. Also with the various attachments, you could have everything you really need for taking care of your yard in one unit. Very powerful, very versatile and a really good price. I only wish my wife would let me buy the hedge trimmer unit next, but I will have to wait : ) Truly a wonderful machine, I can almost guarantee you'll love it, and you will be the envy of your neighborhood.....I know we are! :)

what is the big deal
been vary happy so far!!
looking at the reviews here
1.i have no oil leaks
2.vary easy to start. easier then my old 2 cycle
3.no string problems ... Read more

Features

• Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smooth cutting
• Built in flexible, fluorescent job light illuminates cutting edge
• Dual rails each supported by linear ball bearings for smooth, accurate cuts
• Dual position depth adjusting arm for presetting crosscuts
• No Load Speed of 3,700 RPM

Reviews (12)

Too many problems with the Makita LS1013
As a builder I'm very disappointed with Makita's LS1013.This saw is a good saw straight out of the box but it starts developing its design problems quickly. First, the miter table grinds against the base when turned- My LS1013 grinds so badly it leaves metal shavings on my cut table!! The same applies when using the bevel, minus the metal shavings. Three friends of mine with the same saw have the same design complaints with the LS1013. You can't cut a 2x10 or a 2x12 all the way through on a right-sided 45 degree bevel because the saw's motor hits the wood, preventing the blade to cut all the way down. This saw also struggles through 45 degree bevel cuts on 2x material.You will notice the "positive stops" quit working fairly soon as well. The under-powered motor makes this a good saw for trim work only! This is not a rugged saw! I do like the smooth running motor! I recommend calling Makita and asking them if they have fixed the table-grinding problem, they know this is a problem.

Best of the bunch!!
I did quite abit of research of different model and makes of sliding compound duel bevel miter saws and finally picked the Makita LS1013. It was very accurate right out of the box. I checked all the settings and they were right on! I didn't go only by reviews or ads. I went and talk to people in shops that used these saws. I have as yet heard no bad comments on this model. In fact one cabinet shop owner inform me he was getting rid of all his old saws and replacing with the Makita LS1013.

Great saw!!

Excellent Saw
I recently purchased this saw (the model w/o the light). Excellent quality and cut precision. Easy to use and powerful. No complaints! My first miter saw, and I'm so glad I purchased this one. The sliding feature is so handy, can cut boards up to 12" long!

Stop now and buy this saw
I was looking to purchase a 10" sliding dual compound miter saw and I figured if I was gonna pay I might as well buy the best one out there. One big thing I was looking for was a saw that held it's angles. I'm tired of constantly checking my miter angles on my table saw and it was worth paying an extra $100 or $200 for a saw that was good.

I narrowed the best two saws down to the Hitachi C10FSH and the Makita LS1013F.

I went to Lowes and saw that they had the Hitachi C10FSH which let me check it out first hand. The plastic felt cheap and the base was very small. So small infact that the saw can fall over unless its bolted down. This wasn't for me since I need my saw to be portable and sometimes it'll find itself on a flat table and not bolted down. Since it was small it would also not hold wood very well for being cut.

I decided to purchase the Makita after talking with woodworkers. They told me that working on the hitachi was a nightmare.

This saw is GREAT. It is quiet. It is about half as noisy as a 7.5" circular saw. You can use it in a closed garage without ear protection. The dust collection gets about 85% of the saw dust into the bag. The unit feels very sturdy unlike the Hitachi. There are three main adjustment knobs. One to unlock the sliding arm, one to adjust the miter, and one to adjust the bevel. The Makita is silky smooth in all adjustments and is very well balanced. Adjustments are not awkward with this saw. There are many positive stops which are controlled by a front lever.

The saw has a built in handle on top of the unit to allow you to carry it.

All in all I love this saw. I cant find any faults. It's simple to use and adjust and feels strong and sturdy.

Some people say this saw is expensive but you get what you pay for. Get a cheap saw and you'll be checking your adjustments all the time and pieces will fly off. Who wants to bother with stuff like that? You'll have this saw for 30 years.

I finally got the right saw.
I have been a trim carpenter for 4 years, and have used most miter saws out there, from the 8 1/2" Hitachi to the 12" DeWalt, and just about every make of non-sliding saw there is. One guy in my company has been using this saw for several years, and I have always eyed it lovingly. He recently went on vacation, and let me try it out while he was gone. After a couple of days, I had to buy one. I picked it up last night, and let me tell you, it is the smoothest, most accurate saw I have ever owned. Right out of the box, I checked the cut angles, and I have never seen one so true. Not even after screwing around with my old hitachi's fences for way too many hours did I ever get a cut this true. The detents and adjustment knobs are very user friendly, but I have been warned to treat the saw like a new baby. My stair guy has the 1013 and stripped the bevel and miter adjustment knobs. More power would be nice, but I likely will never bog this one down enough to need more. Nice Job, Makita. In the words of Jerry Maguire, "You complete me." ... Read more

Features

• Includes two 6", six 12", four 18", eight 24", four 30", and four 36" clamps
• Patented profile rail I-beam which minimizes flexing or bending
• Patented non-slip locking device
• Zinc finished drawn rail to prevent black marks from apearing on wood
• Six of our most popular sizes for a total of 30 clamps

Features

• One Year Warranty
• 3 HP induction motor delivers 7.7 SCFM at 40 PSI, 5.5 SCFM at 90 PSI
• New high-pressure design keeps tank pressure between 110 and 135 PSI
• Higher tank pressure provides more usable air per tank re-charge
• Convenient control panel has regulator, gauge, and two quick connect outlets

Reviews (31)

Great General Purpose Portable Compressor
I bought this compressor to run nail guns, air sand and spray paint. It is much more compact than other units of similar capacity. The controls are conveniently located and easy to operate. There is an on/off switch located behind the main control that will turn off the unit if you leave it plugged in. (I always unplug everything before leaving my shop.) The tank pressure gauge is just behind it.

The main panel has a working pressure gauge with a pressure adjustment knob next to it. This regulates the pressure that reaches the hoses, not the tank pressure. If you work at lower pressures, the unit will not cycle as often. It is also handy to limit the pressure to safe levels for your various air tools. The two quick connect hose couplers are located on this panel also.

You do have to "break it in" before working with it; just open the drain valve and let it run for 15 minutes. Shut it off, close the valve and turn it back on; you're ready for action! The unit really is portable, especially with the well balanced carry handle protruding from the top. I can easily carry it with one hand from the tank side.

I plug it directly into a 20 amp circuit and have had no problems with breakers popping. I wired my shop area with 12/3 to carry enough current for power tools. The unit does not stay on too long when it cycles, so the noise is not really a problem. It is not as loud as large upright compressors, but it does make a fair amount of noise, although not as much as I expected.

It will keep up with nailers and other "burst" applications without cycling too often. I use it with a Souix air sander and it does run longer when I am working. I like to take a break every minute or so to clear dust anyway, so this is not a problem. I don't think it would keep up with two continuous flow tools. Painting on furniture sized projects is no problem. If you take on a tractor trailer, get a bigger compressor.

Overall, this is an outstanding unit with few limitations for the average user. I also consider it an great value, given its capacity and well thought out design. It will be a great addition to your shop. (It will also inflate tires!)

Plenty of Power to Offer...but it needs plenty, too.
This is a nice tight little machine which should have plenty of power
to run two hoses at one time, and the professional HVLP spray painting
gun I plan to use with it in my small general contracting business,
BUT, it will need the right power source. I tried the compressor on an
undedicated 15 amp circuit, and it immediately blew the switch every
time. I called Porter Cable and they admitted this 3HP motor NEEDS A
DICATED 15AMP CIRCUIT (with nothing else on the circuit to compete).
I also learned (the hard way, of course) that if you are using the
compressor with a 50' extension chord (with too high a guage) on a 20
amp circuit, the pump will not get enough electricity to pump air
after cutting-in when the tank pressure drops to 110 psi (the
specified cut-in pressure) - the pump will start pumping, but quickly
stop and you'll hear the motor straining until it blows the 20 amp
circuit, too. Porter Cable told me that if I plan to use even a 20
amp circuit with an extension chord, I need to use a 12 (preferable
10) gauge extention chord (ideally 25' rather than 50'), or the pump
won't get enough juice to cut-in properly and refill the tanks. It's
cheaper, my new Porter Cable friends say, to buy more air hose than
the right gauge extention chord - Ah, such knowledge I'm gaining.
Sadly, the compressor arrived with an air intake filter housing badly
bent downward (done apparently at the factory, as the box from Amazon
wasn't damaged), so I couldn't remove the air filter. AND, the drain
valve (to drain water from the bottom of the tank) would not
completely close allowing lots of air to excape from the tank. In my
chats with an Amazon tool sales rep, and later with a Porter Cable
tech rep (to help me unravel the compressor's electrical-needs
mysteries), both Companies quickly and nicely insisted on sending me a
new air intake filter housing and a new drain valve (I guess I'm
getting two of each?) - no questions asked. The machine is fairly
loud, but it only takes my pump about 6 seconds to refill the tanks
from the 110 psi cut-in pressure to the specified 135 psi cut-out
pressure. I figure the noise level goes hand-in-hand with the added
power this compressor offers - power I think I need. Suggestions: the
manufacturer needs to tighten quality controls inspection of the
product prior to boxing & shipping, and the editorial reviewers
need to "call a spade a spade" in write-ups on this tool's
power needs.

First Impressions...
It only took 3-days for my new compressor to arrive at my doorstep! And best of all, the shipping was free! I immediately unpacked the unit and checked it over. It was in perfect condition. I followed the manufacturer's advice and went through the 15-minute break-in period leaving the tank drain valve open while the motor was running. When I shut the valve after 15-minutes of run time, it only took a few seconds to fill the twin tanks to 130 p.s.i. (~90 p.s.i. output). Although I haven't used my compressor yet, first impressions are everything. This unit is compact, relatively light weight, fairly quiet, and fills up extremely quick! I can't wait to attach my air nailer and get to work!!!

look no more
175 bucks and free shipping, no brainer, buy 2 because your neighbor won't return yours when you lend it to him.

Great little air compressor
This air compressor is great! This unit is fairly quiet, compact, light enough to be toted around if needed, no oil needed and very powerful. With 5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI, there is enough power to do most jobs around the house. This unit replaced a 12 year old 15 gallons, 2 hp, craftsman rolling air compressor and all I can say is that I wish I purchased this unit sooner. It runs quieter and is definitely more powerful then the craftsman. I like the portable size too, it doesn't take up too much room. When comparing the 2 units the Porter Cable is definitely stronger, the only difference being that when you are running any tools the compressor is running almost non stop compared to a unit with a larger tank that does not have to refill as fast. I consider this a plus though, because I always drain the tank after each use and it does not take as long to release all the air. At this price range there are many choices out there for anyone looking for a compact air compressor but when you start to compare CFM ratings @ 90 PSI this one has the highest ratings. ... Read more

Amazon.com

No compressor. No hoses. No kidding. And no sacrifices in speed or power, either. There's absolutely no comparison between this performer and the fuel-cell powered competition, which we thought was a great innovation. But there's no costly fuel cell to replace on this tool—-just pop on a recharged XRP battery and get back on the job. The only difference you'll feel between this and a traditional pneumatic is that you're not tethered to an air hose. It's just as fast and fires just as powerfully into both soft and hard joints. We love that you can choose bump or sequential mode for precision or speed, something most nailers don't offer, and the integrated headlight is another impressive addition, really lighting up your workpiece even in the worst conditions. There's a fantastic six-position numbered dial to reference your depths, so you can move easily between, for example, baseboard and crown molding without struggling to reset the depth. DeWalt's covered what would have been our main safety concern: An air tool can't fire without a hose, but what's to keep this one from being accidentally fired? They've built in a contact trip lock-off. We were pleased with the troubleshooting process, too—the nosepiece is clear and very accessible, letting you clear a jammed fastener without screwdrivers or wrenches, though we couldn't get it to jam for us. Rear loading is simple and fast, and it accepts most brands of 16-gauge nails. The 20-degree angle gives you a little more maneuverability in tight spaces than the straight magazine, but you can't go wrong with either one. It's built tough for the job site, but the home hobbyist would love this tool. Just hook it on your tool belt and go; it's truly one of the coolest tools we've seen and the kit has everything you need: a one-hour charger, two 18V XRP batteries, reversible belt hook, no-mar tip, safety glasses and the heavy-duty kit box. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 6 position dial allows the user to move between applications without having to re-acquire exact depth setting
• Easy access to the nosepiece for the simple removal of a jammed fastener without the use of screwdrivers or tool wrenches
• Tool works as fast as you do with consistent nail penetration into both soft and hard joints
• Sequential operating mode allows for precision placement and the bump operating mode provides the user with production speed
• Headlights provide increased visibility in low-light conditions or confined areas without any light

Features

• One-year guarantee
• Patented technology
• Quick and accurate
• Compact and lightweight
• Battery-powered

Reviews (3)

Should 'a bought it last year
Being in the custom home remodeling business I'm always demonstrating to clients how out of square or plumb their existing structure is. When it comes time to re-working the project I had to wrestle with a plumb bob or spend time squaring up. I've looked at the three other shooting type laser tools and found that the PLS5 is the best value for the money. Even the accessories are well thought out 'cause they help me layout square using their pendulum target and the wall bracket lets me position the laser anywhere on the job. It saves me a ton of time and I do more with my PLS5 than my little rotary laser. I need the accuracy and I like the fact that the beams settle down very fast. Squaring is easy because you shoot 90 degree angles as soon as you turn it on. I tried the RoboVector but could not use it much past 30 feet. Beams got too big and I never knew when it was in self leveling range. Sent it back. PLS5 is more money but I learned a long time ago that you usually get what you pay for. Side by side comparisons rates a thumbs up from me for PLS

Almost a great unit if it only....
It is almost a great unit if only:
1) it had brighter beams for daylight use, such as setting square on a house foundation etc. Inside there is plenty of light.

2) the five beams were not offset. When squaring for a foundation layout one must allow for the 1" offset. If I set the laser's plumb-bob beam over a corner mark and point the front beam to my next point, the 90 degree point is going to be 1" off. I don't like this because this is one more thing I have to adjust for. When paying this kind of money I should not have to make adjustments for this.

The PLS5 could learn from a competitive product, the RoboVector, that doesn't have the 1" offset in its square. You get a true square, not just a 90 degree. I can set the plumb on a corner point, point to my next corner and see another corner that is in square with the first corner point. The RoboVector's beams are not as bright which hurts its use outside. The RoboVector is considerably less expensive.The PLS5 is more accurate and that meant a lot to me. See specs.

The PLS5 is a good unit, more accurate, expensive, and with some limitations. A new version (PLS5X) is supposedly better for outdoors. Check it out too. Probably worth the extra.

Leveler Saves Time, While Increasing Accuracy
We build homes and small offices, and we bought a PLS-3. It gave us quicker readings on leveling foundations, and squaring up corners, than conventional leveling tools, strings, triangles, etc. It saved us time, money, readjustments, and it was accurate out to 100 feet.

We have now added a PLS-5, and are doing even more, squaring up walls, making measurements on ceilings without going up a ladder. We recently laid out an entire cathedral ceiling, doing all the measurements and angles while standing on the floor. Both units have paid for themselves in less than a month of use. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

For the price, Makita's 10-inch portable table saw is a solid choice for the job site. The 15 amp motor packs plenty of power, and with a 3-9/16-cut capacity, this saw will rip four-by material on a single pass. This saw also has an electric brake, so adjustments between cuts are both safer and quicker to make. The table's a good size, too: 27 by 22 inches. We also really like the saw's new cam-lock rip fence, which is much easier to adjust than double-locking designs. The bevel adjust has a pretty good rack-and-pinion design (metal, admittedly, would be better). All in all, this saw strikes a nice balance between weight (only 40 pounds) and vibration (minimal). Simply put, the Makita 2703 is a solid saw, better for the job site (quick, powerful, lightweight) than the home shop. For the shop, we'd recommend a saw with a more accurate fence. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Dead-on cam locking rip fence
• Powerful 15 amp motor for smooth cutting
• Large 27" x 22" table
• Lightweight (40 pounds) and portable for easy transporting to the job site
• Electric brake for maximum productivity

Reviews (8)

Quality Product
My family recently inherited one of these from my Uncle Doug (he didn't die but he left to go buy cigarettes one day and never returned-that's another story). We don't like letting things go to waste, so we try to use it whenever we can even though we don't do any carpentry or anything that would require a tablesaw-we've done little school projects and some tailoring, etc. The saw works well, and it's pretty easy to get a handle on, even for non-experts. However, for small projects like cutting paper or cardboard, scissors really still work the best. Nonetheless, I look forward to working with this saw more, and someday I'd like to saw a little statue that we can keep to remind us of Uncle Doug (Doug "the Mug").

Good but needs improvement.
I am a contractor and own 2 of these saws. I have had 2 replaced in the last year because of broken blade bevel mechanisms. The reason is that the gears are plastic and packet with grease that subsequently fill with sawdust and jamb when you try to bevel the blade to 45 deg. I still own the old reliable Makita 8 1/4 2708, never a problem, except the cord getting a little old and frayed. Makita should have stuck with the tried and true design on the bevel and changed only the blade raising handle to a crank (as in the 2703). It's still a good saw, especially when you drop it in a Rousseau stand, I just wish Makita would get rid of the plastic gears.

Tool Time Tim
I bought this saw based on my expierience with Makita tools in general and was not disappointed. It's not a "shop saw'" for doing precision work but as a job saw, for common rips and quick cuts on the jobsite, you can't beat it. Every time I turn it off I say, "I just love this saw". The quick acting electric brake is a boon when you have to make a quick fence change. The light weight is a plus if you have to move it around to access different job areas. There's even a hole in the table to let you see the power switch without having to squat down or step back from the saw. And while were on the subject of the table, it's heavy cast aluminium. A feature not always avalable in a saw in this price range. There's a nice blade well with a vacuum system fitting on the back for dust free opperation. I cut a hole in a wet vac box and bunjied it to the back of the stand, and the sawdust just shoots right in.
This saw is a good value. Just like all my Makita tools, there's enough power to do the job, with a minimum of noise and vibration.

Makita 2703X1
The Makita portable table saw in one form or another, has been around for about twenty years, and will no doubt continue to be around for quite a few more. It was being thrown into the open bed of a pickup truck on a rainy overcast day long before either DeWalt or Bosch were ever a jobsite presence. It is probably one the most popular but mishandled, abused and poorly maintained tools on any given jobsite. The design has improved and changed over the years on it's way to becoming the 10-inch 2703 but has always been very solid and capable, unlike many of the people I've seen attempting to operate it with satisfactory results. This saw was designed to be a rugged heavy-duty general-purpose portable jobsite table saw for use with or without table legs and as such, excels in this area. I'm not sure a professional woodworker would want to attempt to build their heirloom quality furniture or custom cabinetry with any portable table saw, but I do know that with the proper setup it can been done successfully with this saw.
I have always kept the fence properly adjusted and have it faced with 1 X common stock on both sides, so I haven't experienced the problems with alignment and slippage that some other owners have reported in their reviews.
Although I don't believe it was specifically designed for exacting shop use, precise square hairline "shop saw" accuracy is surprisingly attainable with the 2703X1 but, this is not an "out of the box" saw for precision shop woodworking and you will need to take the extra time and steps to set it up properly for precise results. And of course, as with any table saw, results always depend greatly on user skill combined with patience and common practices such as, using a clean high quality blade matched to the material being cut, precisely set and maintained initial blade square and bevel adjustments, wood facing of the miter gauge for stability during cuts (especially important because of the shallow miter gauge slots in the 2703's table), double sided wood facing of the fence to add stability and maintain a smooth parallel path to the blade (especially because of the short length and hollow tubular construction of the fence), always measuring accurately and using a square to set the fence, (for my own personal preference, this requires the not recommended practice of permanently removing of the blade guard), using a protractor or angle gauge to set the miter gauge or blade bevel position, clean waxed table surfaces, solid mounting of the saw base to the table legs, proper support of the work piece and very slow, controlled stock feed rate. Also because of the lightweight construction of the saw, weighting of the table legs with cement blocks or sand bags on a level concrete floor is beneficial to stability and accuracy.
A 6-inch dado is the only size recommended by Makita for use with the 2703 and as such is the only size I have ever used with it. The table insert for the dado costs about twenty dollars.
As for durability, I believe if you ask anyone who owns and routinely uses one if they have had any real problems with it over the years (except for those caused directly by abuse), the response of the majority of owners would most likely be... No.
Overall, I personally feel that with the combination of price, durability and capability the 2703X1 is easily the best portable table saw value on the market today.

Good table saw, but...
I bought this saw about two years ago and have been pleased with its performance for the most part. Light weight and well built, the Makita performs most cutting jobs with ease. It does have two very frustrating negatives about it, though.

By far the biggest fault with the saw is the rip fence. It is never accurate when it is tightened down on the table. As the locking mechanism grabs the front of the table, the opposite end of the fence loosens and strays from square. I have to use a long Try square to align the fence at the rear of the table while very carefully tightening the lock to the front. More often than not, the mechanism pulls the front of the fence away from the Try square and I'm back to where I started.

The other problem with this saw is Makita's use of a non standard size miter gauge slot. This makes it so one can not use any of the really wonderful attachments available to the woodworker.

If I could do it over, I'd spend the extra money on a DeWalt. ... Read more

Features

• Part of the DeWalt 18-volt system of tools
• 310 in./lbs. of torque for increased applications
• 0-500/0-1,500 rpm for increased user flexibility
• Variable speed and reversing for greater accuracy, control, and convenience
• Multi-grip trigger can be used in the least amount of space

Reviews (6)

Color yellow- lemon
This tool worked great for about three months, then while driving a#10 sheet metal screw the trigger froze in the on position, smoke started coming out of the battery pack, the only way to stop it was to disconnect the battery. I'm a cabinetmaker and this is one of the better right angle drills I've owned, it's a bit heavy and the forward and reverse switch is hard to use. The batteries last a long time, I can be on the job all day without charging them,nice.The keyless chuck is one of the best I've used, I hope this is just one of those lemons you get every now and again because I was really begining to like this tool.

Even better with a 1/2 chuck
Out of necessity and because it has ample power, I had been planning to convert this drill to a 1/2" chuck for some time, but just recently got around to it.
Since the DW960 comes with a 3/8" capacity chuck, I assumed that it would be mounted on a 3/8" X 24 TPI spindle as most 3/8" drills are.
Before buying a 1/2" chuck with a reduced 3/8" X 24 TPI mount, I decided to remove the original chuck and check the spindle to be sure.
With the chuck removed, I found that the DW960 has a 1/2" X 20 TPI spindle, which is the standard spindle size for mounting a 1/2" chuck.
I wouldn't bother changing out the chuck on my older model DW966 14.4V right angle drill because it doesn't really have enough power to make it worth the expense, but I decided to check the spindle size on it anyway. It too has the 1/2" X 20 TPI spindle.
Dewalt most likely does this to give the short spindles more strength, not to allow for an upgrade to a 1/2" chuck. Nevertheless, I really need this drill to be a 1/2", so I purchased a Jacobs made Dewalt OEM style keyless chuck from McMaster and installed it on the drill. It fit perfectly, actually better than the original did, and for my work needs, the extra chuck capacity makes all the difference.
I would never attempt to use this right angle drill as hard as my straight 1/2" cordless drill, but when working in a tight space, it's great to finally be able to use the DW960 with my Greenlee hole saws larger than 7/8", which have 7/16" shanks. This was the main reason for wanting to ditch the standard 3/8" chuck.
I've used it with hole saws up to 3-1/2" in 1X and 2-1/2" in 2X material. This seems to be completely within the drills ability without producing any unusual motor strain or heating. Understandably, I'm sure Dewalt would not approve of this modification and if the motor or gear train does eventually end up as toast, I'm okay with the fact that it will be my fault, not Dewalt's.
With that being said, it now appears that I can finally stop waiting for Dewalt to produce an 18V cordless 1/2" right angle drill.

DW960K-2 18V Right Angle Drill:
First the issues...

I bought this drill kit about two month's ago and so far it has performed very well on the job.
I was somewhat concerned to find that even with the fairly high price tag the drill and batteries are both being made completely in Mexico. From my experience, this usually results in a noticeable drop in quality. I suppose this is just a sign of the times and I should be getting used to it by now.
Also, after years of waiting for Dewalt to produce an 18V RAD unit, I still feel somewhat let down by the fact that it only has a 3/8" chuck capacity, especially since almost all of the trades really need a good 1/2" cordless RAD. The 18V RAD that Milwaukee makes is virtually useless and this Dewalt drill could probably spin a 1/2" chuck under most realistic workload conditions.
The two NAFTA batteries included are marked only as XR, not XR-Plus as all recent Dewalt 18V batteries manufactured in Japan are. I'm not sure if this means anything, but it did catch my attention.

And now the praise...

I have owned the almost identical DW966 14.4V version of this drill for several years and it has been worked hard but was always underpowered for heavier drilling tasks such as boring holes in 2X studs and joists or drilling into wall cavities from a basement or crawlspace below or an attic above, even when using spade/paddle type bits. Although the owners manual lists the maximum hole drilling capacities as the same for both the 14.4V and 18V, the new 18V DW960K has 100 inch-pounds more torque and several hundred more RPM's in high speed than the 14.4V model and is much more at ease with the type of heavier work described above. This drill will never replace your corded RAD for continuous heavy use on larger jobs but is great for smaller jobs where you need to drill several holes and don't want to waste time dragging out an extension cord and hunting for a distant electrical outlet. The added cordless advantages of mobility and safety are especially important when working in a damp crawl space or cramped attic area. The DW960 is only slightly larger and just a little heavier than the older 14.4V drill so it can still easily get into the tight places for drilling or driving screws but has lots more of what tradespersons need most, that being, torque and speed with the ability to interchange batteries with all your other DeWalt 18V tools. Overall it seems to be a well made tool and all is fine for now, but I can only wait and see if the NAFTA product durability will be equal to or better than my older Dewalt drill.

Customer Service
A previous review complained about DeWalt customer service phone number not answering.
I just called them at that number and they answered immediately. I got my support specialist and my problem is solved.
Try again.

lack of quality control
I recieved my new DW960k heavy duty cordless drill driver 20 Nov. 03. The next day, FRI. 21 Nov. I took it to work to try it.I put a newer fully charged battery in the tool, there was an imediate bright spark within the drill and it began smoking heavily. Once the fire went out I put a battery back in the drill and now it runs full blast without squezzing the trigger.
I have tryed to contact 1-800-4-dewalt but they aren't answering the phone. It appears that it is better to purchase your tools where they can be tested. I now own every 18 volt cordless tool that dewalt makes, several of some, and I wonder what I am going to have to go through to get this drill replaced, not repaired. I did not purchase a reconditioned tool. ... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 1-1/2HP motor with enclosed stand and guarded drip proof motor
• Push button switch, chip chute, blade and belt guards
• Arbor and motor pulleys and V-belt, blade guides
• Platinum Pro band saw blade, quick release blade tension lever, integrated 4" dust port

Reviews (8)

Great Band Saw
I received my saw a week after ordering it. The ABF driver was very agreeable about unloading the saw and setting it in my garage. I then was able to unpack it and move it into my basement shop in pieces. The saw was packed very well and arrived in perfect condition. Assembling it was easy, the directions were mostly very clear and easy to follow. I made my own mobile base and assembled the saw on the base so I wouldn't have to lift it more than once. I was apprehensive beforehand about ordering such a big heavy tool, but my experience could not have been better. I also recently purchased a jointer at my local home center, and I wish I had just ordered the Delta from Amazon instead. I bet I would have had an easier time.

So far so good......
After a great deal of studying, reading, looking and touching, I finally bought this saw. I hope this review is of some help to others in the market, the purchase caused me a great number of "sleepless" nights... I highly recommend reading "The Bandsaw Book" by Lonnie Bird (at Amazon for about $14) - it was a great resource and one of the better woodworking books on tools I've purchased.

Overall I think this is an excellent saw. I don't agree with the two gentlemen who only gave it one star. I've only had it a few days but am so far very happy. NO vibration. Runs smoothly and quietly. Switch is fine. I really have no idea how much it weighs; I didn't put it on a scale. I do have some negative comments (below) and will make my final assessment later.

I found the choice boiled down to two saws for me: the Delta X5 and the new Powermatic (made by Jet essentially). I looked at the European saws from Minimax and Laguna but found them to be out of my price range. They are both beautiful saws and if I had the money, I would have looked more seriously at one of them before buying. However, they are both $500+ more than the 14" saws. It also appeared that these saws were better suited for resawing than any scroll work and my intent was more of the latter than the former.

A short comparison:

- Delta claims this saw is the only one "made in the USA." I don't know if that's true or not but don't really care. I buy cars based on quality, not where they're made. It wasn't a selling point for me.

- The PM saw has far more "bells and whistles" than the Delta does out of the box for about the same money.

- I found the casting is clearly beefier on the Delta. The casting on the PM is the same as the other Jet saws.

- I thought the table and trunion mechanism was also beefier on the Delta.

- PM seems to have a better rip fence.

- PM has cast iron wheels, Delta's are aluminum. I'm skeptical about the wheels on the PM providing any "flywheel" effect as the salesman said as they are ribbed and not very beefy (neither are). Delta's are "computer balanced" - a plus for the vibration issue.

- Stand on the Delta has cheap plastic hinges and catch. PM's is metal and nicer (a minor issue).

- PM uses Carter (or Carter style) guides and tension mechanism, which I like better than the new Delta system

The saw:

Assembly was fairly easy and only took a few hours. As with all tools with a motor/belt, the alignment of these is a pain. I think they should come up with a better solution - it can't be that expensive! I ended up having to move the upper pulley out a bit to make it line up with the lower one (which I had pushed as far onto the motor shaft as I could).

Detla claims 100% American and American made - bearings are made it Taiwan. I'm inclined to believe other parts are too. Not a problem for me, I just don't like being lied to as I was by the Delta rep.

Bought the riser block so I needed 105" blades. The "free" platinum pro blade in the box went immediately into the trash. In hindsight, I probably should have used the saw with that blade and then when I wore it out, attached the riser block. A minor thing.

Trunion bolts were missing! This is my biggest complaint. How can they let something so grossly wrong leave their factory unnoticed?? I had to go the local hardware store and buy two bolts. Again, a minor thing but poor quality control as far as I'm concerned.

Upper wheel bearing is bent out of shape but works fine.

Extended blade guard is a poor design and should be re-done. It gets in the way of the upper door and doesn't adjust very easily. I had to bend my door out a little to shut past it. It was a simple thing that only took a second and it works fine now.

NOTE IF YOU BUY THE RISER BLOCK: When you remove the rod that holds the bearings and guides, etc. there's a small ball bearing in the casting that keeps the rod from crashing down on the table when it's loosened. Delta forgets to tell you to catch this ball bearing as it FALLS out of the casting when you remove the rod. I heard it bounce and then spent 20 minutes crawling around on the floor looking for it!

I bought cool blocks and Timberwolf low tension blades from PS Machinery. Both great buys.

Good luck.....

Rates Right-Up There With A The Ford Pinto
Do you have any idea what blowing $900 dollars on a band saw can do to a person? Find out and buy the new and improved Delta-X5 Delta Band Saw. The X5 is noisy, the blade guides are a joke, it vibrates, has poor dust collection (really stupid lower bearing dust door), the tensioning system stinks, has a cheaply wired switch, the table is not flat to the right of the blade, and above all is over-priced by hundreds, and I mean hundreds of dollars. Oh ya, expect to shell-out another $90. bucks for the Delta fence, and more bucks for other third-party parts to help reduce the motor vibrations. Even after spending an additional $300. dollars, it still does'nt run smooth, and I think that's because the upper assembly (which is bolted down) wobbles on it's enclosed stand. Delta's product management team is in serious trouble if they continue to market this kind of poorly made machinery to the American woodworker. The saw is just another example of job out-sourcing which keeps hurting Delta's past reputation for high-performance woodworking equipment. I absolutely know in my heart this is the last machine I buy with the Delta name plate. Buying this saw with the proud label "Made in USA" puts Delta on my list of "Fleecing of America" for ever more. Next time around I will order and gladly pay the freight cost for a Laguna Band Saw. A Euro-saw designed and rigorously tested by real woodworkers.

Great Saw, A Classic, A Small-Shop Standard!
This is a fantastic saw. It's built on a time-honored and proven design (which has been copied by others extensively), and has now been improved upon by the inclusion of the tension release and the better resaw fence included in this model.

The manufacturer's comments say it all, but it's important to take notice of the lower guides on this saw. Having these guides close to the underside of the bottom of the table allows for tight turns and better tracking on straight cuts. The competition doesn't have this type of guide -- only Delta. This is extremely important when the going gets rough (in a tough piece of wood or in a tight turn).

Also, this saw has a super-heavy trunnion underneath it -- heavier than the "you know who's" saw with it's aluminum trunnion.

If you are interested in doing some resawing, get the riser kit (even if you don't do a lot of resawing, the extra capacity is nice). Then, pair the saw up with some of those low-tension Swedish steel blades that are so popular and you can run a 3/4" blade on it with no problem. I don't think the saw would properly tension a 3/4" blade unless you seek out these low tension blades, however. With the riser kit and these blades, this is a fantastic saw for resawing, and it's made even better by the super-adjustable features of the fence that's included.

I've done a lot of cutting on my saw, and I'm extremely pleased with it. Unless you're prepared to spend nearly twice as much, I don't think you'll beat it!

band saw upgrade
I researched quite extensively before my purchase. I owned a craftsman and wanted to upgrade. My choices narrowed to the new powermatic, which is pretty and taiwanese, the delta USA or the Laguna European, all 14in band saws. I went to my local supplier and read tool reviews. They all passed with flying colors. I actually leaned slightly towards the powermatic because it was 50 dollars cheaper and came with more accessories. I then saw the machines next to each other (except laguna),there was no comparison. The delta looked far superior from castings to table to thumb screws, a better machine. I bought one. The only problem I encountered was with the carriage bolts, chrome and black.(Use chrome to put motor mounting bars on, save black for cabinet) I put it together alone, the main saw component is heavy but managed the lift solo.
P.S I got a video from Laguna Tools a week after my purchase. I ordered it when researching. Its very interesting their bandsaws are European and of or what appeared exceptional quality worth checking out. I may have bought too soon!!Get back to you on that. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

When it comes to designing nailers, Hitachi keeps the end user in mind. Their siding coil nailer, engineered for serious siding work, impressed us with its light weight (only 4.6 pounds), which does wonders for your arm (not to mention your productivity) toward the end of a long day. We're also suckers for a good grip, and the NV65AH has a great one--it's rubberized, and, unlike a lot of other tools we've known, it's also a width that normal-size humans can get their hands around. This nailer's got an easy-to-operate depth-of-drive adjustment as well, to countersink or flush-drive nails, and a smooth firing mechanism. The air deflector pivots 360 degrees--a nice, user-friendly feature.

One feature we'd like to have seen is the two bumper plates that go on the front and back of other Hitachi models. These plates really go a long way toward protecting a nailer from unnecessary wear and tear, and, in the end, they probably extend its usage quite a bit. But, on the whole, this is a nice piece of equipment. We'd be happy to fire it up any day. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• 30-day satisfaction guarantee and one year warranty on parts and labor
• 360 degree adjustable exhaust deflector
• Lightweight, only 4.6 pounds
• Depth of drive adjustment
• 1-1/2- to 2-1/2-inch-by-.090-.099, wire and plastic collated coil nails

Reviews (10)

Performance and Precision
This nailer is like a german sports car. It's got power, performance and handles like a dream. The single most important feature for a good siding nailer is the ability to accurately dial in the depth that the nails are driven. For cedar, or cement board siding the depth of drive is crucial. This nailer lets you adjust the depth of drive with absolute accuracy. You can flush nail all day long and you almost never have to pull your hammer out to set a proud nail. In addition, this nailer is light at 4.6 pounds which is also important when your using it all day on a ladder or scaffolding.

The other feature that I love is that the nailer is extremely well balanced for a coil nailer. Most coil nailers are nose heavy because they don't have the stick housing to counter balance them. This nailer is not nose heavy and just has a great feel in your hand. Of all my tools, this is one of my favorites. I have not had a single jam and I've fired thousands and thousands of nails with it. This is a high performance tool, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has any amount of siding to put up. It's a time saver, and truly a joy to use.

Great coil nailer!
I shot one box of 4800 2 1/4" ring shank galvanized nail through this gun the first time I used it. Oiled it often and kept clean as possible. There was the occasional miss where the nail had fallen out of the coil but it was harmless. Depth gauge worked well and was easy to adjust. This gun is lightweight, the Senco is a beast.

Awesome nailer
I had started hanging cedar shingle by hand,but it was way too slow and I was wasting alot of shingles due to breakage. I purchased this nailer and it proved to be a time and labor saver. I needs to be kept oiled or it will jam but very easy to unjam. Do not think twice just buy it. Now I have a fence to build, lucky me I already have mine.

worth the money
This is the best coil nailer I have ever used! I have run a siding crew for over 5 years and have tried them all proformance wise this gun rates #1 in my eyes.

Single shot trigger is optional
Great gun. Be aware that the single-shot trigger will cost you $25 from Hitachi. Pretty annoying, since Senco sends theirs out for free. ... Read more