Amazon.com Review

This is the barrel-grip version of Bosch's bestselling top-handle 1587 model. Many woodworkers prefer the barrel grip on this model, however, arguing that it's easier to cut scrolls and curves when the saw is pushed forward (as opposed to down). Aside from the difference in grip, this saw is much like its top-handle counterpart: the balance is superb, the 5 amp motor packs plenty of power, the foot plate tilts left and right (up to 45 degrees), and the base retracts for flush cutting. The tool-free blade-changing system also works well. Simply put, this a compact, powerful, well-designed saw--a perfect buy for users who prefer barrel grips. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Exclusive multi-directional blade clamp mechanism - For superior blade hold
• Adjustable die-cast aluminum footplate
• Variable speed dial - Match speed to workpiece and task
• Powerful 5 Amp motor, 500-3100 SPM
• Tool-free blade change system - For fast and easy blade changes

Reviews (36)

Great tool - Wish I had owned one earlier
The Bosch Barrel Grip Jigsaw is an awesome tool. I bought one recently for a project requiring many curved and angled cuts. Having used it for awhile now, I don't know how I got along with out it before. The tool is quiet, has minimal vibration and a lot of power. The barrel grip allows a lot of control and makes it easy to cut straight or curved lines free hand. I find myself picking it up a lot for jobs I used my circular saw for in the past. It is one of the best power tool purchases I have made. The splintering inserts work well for where ultra smooth cuts are required, but with the right blades I have found that they are really not necessary for the vast majority of the cuts I make.

An amazing piece of machinery
This is a nicely designed instrument. The barrel grip is really comfortable. The blade change system is pretty easy once you figure out the subtle motions needed to insert/remove the blade. This jigsaw cuts really nicely. So far, I've only used it to cut straight rip/cross cuts and it does the job nicely. One feature that would have been nice is a trigger on/off button for the times when you might need to switch it on/off frequently. The other Bosch jigsaw (with the handle grip) has the trigger feature. This jigsaw also comes with a nice carrying case. When I bought this I also received a set of 10 or so blades which allows you to cut, metal, wood, and plastic. I read a lot of reviews before deciding on this jigsaw, and I can see why so many people rave about it.

not the best experience
I used the bosch with the handle grip before this one and it always scared me. This one has just been so so. Feels like quality but I have had numerous problems. Basically you can only rely on this saw for one thing, making ragged cuts in soft wood. Dont get me wrong, sometimes thats exactly what you need. Some times it will cut straight too but you dont really know till you start because you cant tell if the blade is dull by looking at it unless its very dull.

I was cutting 1.5 inch oak and the blade would follow the grain not the direction I pointed it. Then after cutting this one peice of oak my blade was dull but I hadnt realized it(or even thought that would happen after one peice of wood) untill I started cutting some plywood. The blade goes wherever the dull side of the blade is. Then trying to cut fiberglass with the fiberglass blade the blade broke instantly on contact with the glass. Then I tried to cut a hole for a electrical socket in my wall and the blade hit something in the back of the wall and the whole mechanism shot out the top. Springs and plastic everywhere. Now maybe I am too hard on the saw but really the saw is just only good for a few things. This is a fringe tool for people with expendable income.

Im not faulting bosch because the thing seems very solid, it just happens that it doesnt do many things. If I had my money back I would by a sawzall, a good vice and a table jigsaw and just borrow someone elses sabersaw if I had to.

One Sweet Jigger!
I wasn't even in the market for a new jigsaw - my old Craftsman worked fine for me. Sure it vibrated a little, and sure it was a bit slow cutting and hard to control the speed, and sure the cut would waver a little from top to bottom, but it generally got the job done. Then Bosch came out with the rebate and it got me thinking. I had always had been intrigued with the barrel grip design, and I did think I needed more power, so that incentive was enough to push me over the edge and upgrade.

I haven't been disappointed. What impressed me first was the smoothness of operation. I had always assumed a reciprocating tool like a jigsaw had to be rough because of the nature of the operation. Somehow Bosch has practically eliminated the vibration in this tool. Then of course, there is the power of the motor that just keeps on chugging at the whatever speed you select. I haven't yet tested it on really tricky curves, but so far that blade support system has worked wonderfully, keeping the blade going straight down and where you point it.

The barrel-grip vs. the handle-grip is a matter of personal preference, of course, but so far I have enjoyed the b-g design. It seems more versatile for tight spaces, plus your hand has more leverage down close to the action. Unlike a trigger switch, where you just let go, you do have to remember to shut it off when you get to the end of your cut, but that should come with experience.

Overall, I am quite happly with my purchase. I can't speak for durability, of course, since I just got it, but it looks rugged enough. One thing I know for sure is that I will be having more fun cutting holes from now on!

a believer
I spent some time reading all the reviews from bosch owners
and wasn't sure if this was on the level but figured I'd give it a try since I was in the market for a new saw. well this saw made a believer out of me and everything I read about it is true. I've used different brands in the past and this one put them all to shame. wish I had it years ago. ... Read more

Features

• 27-by27-inch cabinet for valuable storage
• $292 in options free; dado insert, motor cover, extension table, and legs
• 3 horsepower, 1 phase 230-volt
• Award winning Powermatic/Accu-Fence System will significantly reduce your labor and wasted material
• Rout-R-Lift with deluxe router fence system

Reviews (1)

Great machine, easy set-up (updated)
Ok, so I've been spoiled rotten. I used this saw in the shop at the university where I taught for several years, and when I moved, I had to buy one for myself. For a serious furniture maker like me, it's a great saw-- powerful, precise, heavy, and it turns out, easy to set up, if you have help. My husband and I put it together over the course of a day and a half, with very little disagreement or confusion. I suppose you could assemble it alone, but an extra pair of hands makes wrestling the hefty thing into place, alignments, and leveling a lot easier. There are five different instruction booklets and as many boxes and bags of hardware, but the directions, along with the pictures, are quite clear, and every nut and bolt is accounted for. This is the first time I've ever set up my own saw, and I really expected assembly to be far more difficult than it was.

The Rout-R-Lift is a worthwhile, space-saving addition, with clever, well-made hardware. The March/April 2002 issue of Fine Woodworking has a review of this router-table mechanism, along with some others, and they are quite complimentary about it as well.

I have only a few reservations about the whole package, all fairly minor. The first is that this tablesaw requires you to jam a piece of wood into the blade in order to loosen the arbor nut. It would be so much better if there was some other mechanism that didn't endanger the blade, your fingers, and the arbor nut. I hope Powermatic (now owned by Jet) will address this in subsequent models. I'm also not crazy about the splitter and blade guard, which seem clunky and distracting. I plan to replace them with a Biesemeier removable splitter, but I haven't decided what to do about the guard. Seems as if being able to keep an eye on the blade and your fingers' relationship to it might be the best kind of safety device, although I know there are others who would disagree. My second reservation is that the legs on the cabinet, while easily assembled and adjustable, are made of plastic, and only plastic! I think I might eventually replace them with something a little more substantial. They are set up rather strangely in the picture above, by the way. All the legs go on the cabinet, not right up against the tablesaw. If you want to put the entire thing on a mobile base, or set up the cabinet and router lift separate from the tablesaw, they have instructions for doing that as well. One other helpful thing about set-up that is mentioned in Ian Kirby's tablesaw book is that you should be sure to clean off the thick gunky grease that is slathered on the movable parts for shipping and storage (mineral spirits will take care of this) and replace it with some light machine oil, or the sawdust will collect in it and eventually bog the mechanism down.

I am thrilled to have this machine. It is expensive, but I expect to still be using it when I am an old lady, many years from now.

This is an update-- I've now had the chance to use this machine for several months. I still love it, but some of the things I thought were problems are not, and a couple others are that I hadn't really noticed before. Here goes... Plastic legs-- not a problem, I don't even notice them anymore. Blade changing? Also not a problem-- I got one of those plastic things you fit over it to protect the blade and it works fine. The router mechanism is great, very easy to set up, change bits, etc. The only problem I've had with it is that I don't yet have my dust collection system in place, and ALL the dust from the router ends up IN THE CABINET! Yuck. I think this will improve once I connect the dust collection, but in the meantime, the cabinet is virtually useless. The other problem is that on the Powermatic, anyway, you apparently cannot use a Biesemeyer splitter with a Forrest blade-- they bump into one another. NOT GOOD. Powermatic and these other 2 companies need to get together and relocate their connectors, and they would be a great team. The splitter was great, while it was on my machine with another blade, but I like the Forrest blade even better than the splitter. So guess which one is in use? ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This router combo pack from DeWalt has all the design features to make it a popular choice with woodworkers and professional carpenters. The tool's powerhouse is a smooth-running, 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower variable-speed motor with soft start and a spindle lock. When using the fixed base, a micro-fine adjustment ring is used to dial in the height setting at 1/64-inch increments, so the motor itself doesn't need to be turned, and as a consequence, the position of the switch and cord doesn't change every time your cut-depth does. This kit also comes with DeWalt's DW6182 plunge-router base--making it essentially two routers at one price--and DeWalt has thoughtfully made motor removal and base changing a quick and easy, tool-free operation. The plunge base features DeWalt's through-the-column dust collection system (which is also used in their popular DW621 dedicated plunge router). This efficient feature quickly removes the dust, leaving you with better cut visibility and a cleaner workspace. The plunge action itself is as smooth as you'd want, and the micro-fine depth adjustment offers precision to 5/128 inch. In addition, there's a built-in, five-position adjustable turret stop for use in making repeated or stepped plunge cuts. As finishing touches, the toggle switch is sealed against dust penetration, and the cord is fully detachable for use with other DeWalt bases and to protect it in storage. DeWalt's engineers and designers clearly spent a lot of time making sure this router package addressed every need a woodworker could have, and the result is a tool that stands with the best in its price range. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Includes router motor, fixed base, plunge base, 1/4" and 1/2" one-piece self releasing collets, wrench, sub-base concentricity gauge, vacuum adaptor, large hole sub-base, and kit box
• 2-1/4 HP (max. motor HP), for smooth routing in toughest hardwoods
• Quick release motor latches, to change from fixed to plunge base
• Electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,000 rpm
• Micro-fine depth adjustment ring in 1/64" increments

Reviews (15)

Great Router !
I have a heavy-duty PC router (in a table) and now wanted a small hand router. I first looked at the PC router on Amazon
but after looking at a lot of negative reviews quickly channged
my name. I then went to my local hardware store and looked at
the Bosch router. Picking it up I found that the handles on the
unit were loose and there was no easy way to tighten them up.
This I didn't like. When I tried to remove the motor to put it
into a different base I had trouble. It was difficult and I
could not do it. What the problem was I don't know but I then
moved on to the Dewalt router. This router felt great in my
hands. The router's handles were tight and they could easily be tightened if necessary. The motor came out of its fixed base easily and went into the other base with no problem. Everything about this router seems to be really well thought out and made well. I am very happy with it.

Best Router Kit on Market
This will make my 3rd router and it was well worth the wait. I have been reading editorial reviews about this router for months now and placed my order as soon as I saw it available. Most kits tend to do well in fixed OR plunge mechanics but lack in one or the other. This is truly 2 routers in one. The plunge is smooth as glass and the fixed base is well balanced and very ergonomical. The 2 1/4 motor is a nice medium between power and low weight. I keep a 3 1/4 PC mounted to my table and I can't imagine trying to do much hand work with it. The case is nice too. Other great features: dust collection from the plunge base, variable speed, soft-start, removable cord and clear plastic base plates. Everything was well designed.

Awesome Router
This is the first router I have purchased. I have used many and this, by far, beats them all.

+ Warm-up starting, quiet, comfortable handles, excellent control, and precision.

- Somewhat top heavy and the storage box is huge.

I would recommend this to all users reguardless of skill level

Better than I hoped for!
If you've read this far through the reviews without buying one of these router kits then I recommend you bail out now and go buy one.

This is my first "serious" router. I have woodworker neighbors who let me use their Porter-Cable and Hitachi routers, and when the time came for me to upgrade to a real tool my choice was between thhis and the P-C combo. One of my friends had just bought the P-C combo, and I got a chance to handle the DeWalt tool at a woodworker's store. Something about the DeWalt appealed to me over the P-C, so I took the plunge (no pun intended) and it arrived within a week.

First impression is flawless fit and finish. The accessories in the kit were fairly standard, but the true test was whether it could cut wood. I ran a few dadoes in plywood and it seemed capable, but a real test was needed. The same week I bought this tool I bought a Rockler router table, and real test was cutting rails and stiles for cabinet doors. It passed with flying colors, quieter and smoother than I expected, and it didn't balk at taking full depth cuts with a raised panel bit.

The plunge mechanism is smooth and easy to use. I have seen so many different depth adjusters on plunge routers, and there really isn't much to differentiate between models in setting plunge depth. I'm fine with the DeWalt method.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this kit to anybody. The base is sized to accept standard Porter-Cable bushings, and the fixed base hole pattern fits all PC690 baseplates etc.

Maybe Santa will bring me a D-Handle so I can leave the fixed base in the router table.

Great combo kit - PC watch out !!!
Being a PC fan for many years, I was a bit reluctant to buy this particular plunge/fixed base combo router. After cohersive persuasion from a friend and reading a few good reviews on the item I took the "plunge" and bought the DW618PK. My first impression of the item was really good. The quality of material and ease of use are great. Once I setup the router and powered it up, I was surpised of how "quiet" it was versus other routers spinning at 24K RPM. The soft start is great and the ergonomics of the handles are superb. One thing I don't like is the hard to reach power toggle switch, but that can be resolved by getting the D-Handle base. Overall i'm more than happy with the router kit and I recommend this product to all woodworkers. Thanks DeWalt... ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

With this 2-1/2-inch, 16-gauge finish nailer, Porter-Cable continues to make good on their reputation as one of the top pneumatic toolmakers. The gun's straight magazine is well thought out, made from aluminum, and top loading. This is a sturdy, compact nailer that shoots a conveniently wide range of 16-gauge nails, from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches. The nailer has a good balance and a nice, thin grip made of porous rubber. (You don't have to have the hands of a giant to comfortably operate this gun.) The gun has a nicely designed depth-of-drive adjustment. There's also a muffled exhaust port, so it's quieter than a lot of other nailers--plus the exhaust port is adjustable, so you can direct the discharge where you want it. The gun's also lighter than we'd expected, always a good thing in a tool a lot of us use all day long. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Adjustable exhaust port and depth-of-drive for maximum comfort and control
• Drives 3/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch, 16 gauge finish nails without the need for a nail guide
• Internal piston-catch ensures full driver blade stroke every time
• Teflon cylinder for less friction and reduced O-ring wear for long lasting action
• Quick-release nose piece for fast clearing of jams and less down time

Reviews (13)

Porter Cable FN250B .....WOW......
I wanted a finish nailer that could make my nailing job easier
as I suffer from Carpal Tunal Syndrome. I conducted research on the reliability, price and features on several different finish nailers. I spoke to trades people and co-workers who had Porter Cable tools, and came away impressed. This was my first Porter Cable Tool and air nailer purchase.

What impresses me most about the FN250B air nailer is the balanced feel and weight of this tool along with the padded handle. The nailer loads easily and has never jammed. Adjusting the depth of the nails is simple.

I use the FN250B finish nailer on home improvement projects like crown molding installation and building custom shelving. I wonder why I didn't buy one years ago.

Relaible and affordable.
I bought this nailer over a year ago and I am immensely pleased with its performance. I am a home hobbist and have used this gun where I should have been using a more proper tool. The result: everything worked fine. I have put about 3000 nails of every length through it and little oil with no jams an only one or two short feeds. The depth gauge works great and the "feel" and weight are right at hand home in my hand. This little marvel has me interested in coming back to PC again and again.

Trimmers - look no further.
I love the power of this gun. It drives nails with a forceful, and solid hit. I've used the Senco "Finish32" guns from home depot that shoot these same 16 gauge nails and this Porter Cable gun by far out delivers that model 10/1. I'm in the field everyday with this unit running all types of trim with it.

Keep your air to 120 and forget setting nails with this light weight, powerful tool.

Enjoy!

Very useable
First air nailer I ever used. First thing I noticed was how it made craft nailing so much simplier.
Had it about 1 year now and in that time only 1 jam. It was very simple to fix even for someone who was not used to air naliers.
Has a wide variety of brad size it can nail which makes it very usefull. I would buy another if this one stopped working.

Great Unit, If your buying one, this is the one to get
I have three Porter Cable finish nailers, the 18 gauge brad nailer, the 16 gauge finish nailer, and the 15 gauge angle finish nailer.
Excuse me for stating the obvious, but the 18 gauge leaves the tiniest hole, which is nice for clear finish work. The 16 gauges hole is a bit larger, but still acceptable for clear finishes on larger trim work. The new 15 gauge, actually leaves a D Shaped hole. It is kind of large, and is designed for putty and paint. The 15 gauge is a bear though. When you fire it for the first time, POW, you know it is stronger than the 16. Although I haven't had any unusual problems with the depth drives on the 16, other than knot concerns.
If I had to choose one nailer, instead of all three, I would say this 16 gauge would give you the most universal use.
This 16 gauge, has great ergonomics, fires reliably, (keep your finger off of the trigger when plunging the nose) and overall does a very nice job. Keep it oiled. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Torque, speed and great ergonomics: DeWalt pulled it all together in this 14.4-volt XRP 1/2-inch drill/driver. Even at its peak 450 inch-pounds of torque, you feel no twist. We're impressed, too, with the patented three-speed transmission for whatever material you're drilling into. Its max speed of 1,800 rpm is 29 percent faster than high speed. We like the all-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws because we've had a bit slip every now and then, and the jaws help keep a tight grip on the shank. It's well-balanced, comfortable to grip and a joy to use. ... Read more

Features

• 1/2" ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws prevents bits from slipping
• Superior ergonomics provides optimal balance, comfort, and control
• DeWalt built high torque motor provides 450 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
• Exclusive 3-speed transmission features a maximum 3rd speed at 1,800 rpm
• XRP extended run-time batteries provide long run-time and battery life

Features

• Quick release lever
• Reaches height of 12 feet
• Action lever for secure pressure
• Fully articulated ends
• Textured rubber pads for gripping

Reviews (9)

Timely orders
I just received my 3rdhand contractor pack that I had ordered on 05/17/04. It arrived on 07/17/04.after I cancelled my order through Amazon.com and reordered directly from TOOL CRIB using there 800-635-5140 number it only took 4 days to receive the order. I suggest that if you want a tool from Amazon.com, you order it direct from Tool Crib.

3rd Hand - my 24/7 "on call" helper
My 3rd Hands from FastCap are always available, never late for work, and will hold things in place for days if called upon to do so. Better yet, they do not get a paycheck! I have used these tools for installing cabinets, holding blocking in place while glue is setting up, installing mouldings and doors, setting up a dust barrier before sanding, and with the larger Universal Foot - installed sheetrock. While I wouldn't recommend this product for jacking full sheets of rock, they work very well for holding smaller pieces in place. They seem to handle the 70 lb capacity easily and are holding up well after repeated use. An excellent investment!

Risky Buy
My supports arrived with no visable damage to the box but when I opened one up, the small plastic joint for the hand was broken off. I could use a good support of this type but this one is a bit fragil.

Saved my back!
Got 4 of these units. Have used them for installing kitchen cabinets on two jobs so far. WOW! once you get the hang of adjusting it and getting it in place, they are better than having a work partner. They don't give opinions. They just do their job. The loads I have put on them have been fairly heavy and they still held it using multiple jacks.

Found them very useful too for acting as pushers when installing a deck to push some deck boards into line when they are a bit warped.

Used these jacks as floor to ceiling push clamps during a wood floor installation. After gluing in place the wood flooring, placed a scab 2x6 plank on leading edge of new floor and used these jacks to apply some downward pressure keeping all the installed floor snug and down tight until the adhesive set up. The floor is beautiful.

Expect to also use them soon to hold up a plastic barrier around an area I will be working in order to control dust and dirt migration. Could work very well if you are spray painting indoors.

Always carry at least two of these with me at all times now.

3rd hand, my helper
I purchased the set of "3rd hands" with hopes of the jacks helping to hold items an poly walls. After haveing it for less then one week, I just love it. I work alone most of the time doing remodeling and new home trim and etc. most of the time. In remodeling the poly temp. wall keeps customers happy, but the 3rd hand keep me happy. Hanging cabinets, installing long ceiling molding, esspecially getting the cut mark. Holding up and in perfect place pocket door tracks. Had to cover the wood unfinished ceiling so the spray insulation guys could do their thing. This is just the beginning in less than one week. Just great!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This magnesium round-head framing nailer from Porter-Cable is a rugged, lightweight piece of equipment. The nailer's magnesium housing is several pounds lighter than regular models, but it still offers the durability you expect on the job site. We didn't notice any difference structurally from nonmagnesium models, except for the obvious difference in weight--which is a pretty big deal, considering a framer wields a nailer more than any other tool throughout the course of a day. The gun's handle is ergonomically designed, with a slip-resistant rubber grip that's comfortable to hold.A nail lockout mechanism alerts you when it's time to reload, so you won't waste time firing blanks.There's also a jam release knob located right on the magazine.To round out its impressive feature list, this magnesium nailer also has an easy-to-use depth-of-drive adjustment, a barbed nose for easy toenailing, a rubber foot pad for sheathing and decking, a large air chamber for added power, and an adjustable exhaust port. The gun accepts standard 22-degree, plastic, collated round-head stick nails from 2-3/8 to 3-1/2 inches long. The kit comes with a 1/4-inch male quick coupler (with dust cover), oil for the nailer, and wrenches. --Jonathon Tudor ... Read more

Features

• One Year Warranty/30 Day Performance Certification
• Excellent power to weight ratio--7.4 lbs. and drives common nails (.162" shank)
• Uses 22-degree plastic collated full-round-head nails
• Jam release knob on magazine
• Nail lockout alerts operator to reload magazine

Reviews (14)

Great round-head framing nailer, great price
Purchased the new FR350MAG because I wanted a full round head nailer (they hold better, esp on outdoor projects), and wanted enough power for full 16penny common nails. I have only framed out my basement since I got it, but so far love the nailer. Is an improvement over the FR350 (lighter, more power, easier to clear jams, and can shoot bigger nails), but identical in physical size.

Pluses: Light, good balance, comfortable to use, powerful, easy jam clearing, very easyloading magazine, good toe-nailing, good price for product.

Minuses: Double-fires often with standard trigger (as most nailers do). Called them and they sent restrictive fire trigger (free). Large size makes nailing in joist space, etc, difficult. Can't hold as many nails in the magazine as a clipped-head nailer (duh).

Overall a great nailer. Have used lots of framing nailers, and this is my favorite so far. Not sure about durability, since I do not frame houses for a living (though i've done a couple). Will update this review as I use this nailer more (a big shed project scheduled for spring!).

FR350Mag
Bought for handyman general work. Works great in my initial use. Light easy to use, light recoil, easily drives 31/2 inch nails. I use the restrictive trigger (I consider this a must for the non-pro otherwise this gun will double and triple fire--- a very very dangereous situation). There is a lot of scrap plastic flying around so anyone near the user must also wear eye protection. Local source of nails (covering the full range) is a problem not finding Porter Cable Dealers (locally) much help. A bit in hindsight I would recommend that anyone buying a framing nailer check first that a good source of nails is available locally (most pros locally seem to use split head nailers and HD in this area stock those nails but not round head.

Pleased so far, but I haven't used it alot
I purchased this framing gun after buying a PC finishing nailer that I abosolutely loved. So far, I have been pretty happy. The first nail out of the gun didn't even make it to the wall. Ever since, it has worked like a charm. I am a home hobbiest and thought that such a large and bulky nailer would be cumbersome to work with, but I have been amazed how well it "feels" in my hand and how little problem I have had with the bulk. Overall, I have been very happy with my purchase.

porter cable?
I have minimal expertise in this area, so keep this in mind as you read my point of view. However, I know good and bad product concepts and customer relations.

I bought and returned this as it leaked air from the head. It happens. That is not a reason to not buy this. But, no case after many have complained... It has been out for a couple of years.(read reviews) shame on you, PC. A $10 plastic case. Please , how cheap and stupid, PC. The problem is; if you are a framer you may want the light weight, but if you are a home user it may be better to go with the 350 regular. I did after returning the MAG 350. It is not that much more weight, a pound at most. A few reasons. 1)It is $40 less 2) comes with a case 3) Has the dial on the trigger to change from bump fire to sequential (which is good for the less experienced/home user...we be dangerous...some at least...) 4) I have the PC brad and finish guns and called PC almost 2 months ago to get the free trigger to allow bump/continuous nailing...backordered. I may never use the seqential, however, I would like to have this. Why not include this in the box, or, at least have it as a dial on the trigger. 5) It can take a 2" - 3 1/2 nail, the Mag takes a 2 3/8 min -3 /1/2. Better yet, buy a DeWalt D51844 Full Round Head Framing Nailer, Magnesium, 7 .5 lbs.
for around the same $ , 20 less actually (239- here, at amazon ..the best place to buy tools or anything for that matter ) if you want a lighter tool. I believe it comes with the extra trigger to change from bump to seqential, not a dial, though. But, I do not think it has a case. So, another bunch of clowns. Oh, well.
Is it as good? I would not know. I do know that PC is a less than good company to buy from. So, because PC was not and is not responsive I did not hesitate to order a Bosh Router from Amazon last week. Maybe , I hope, Bosch is more customer responsive. I just bought the Bosch 4000 table saw also, and it is nice.

Fencing finally has an answer
I purchased this nailer to use primarily in building and repairing three board fence. For this it does an excellent job in the field. It is also precise enough to use in more delicate jobs. I used it to build three benches from salvaged 1" barn floors. It worked like a high-powered finish nailer. Overall a solid tool that has paid for itself with time savings. ... Read more

Features

• Includes 1 year limited warranty on parts and accessories
• 11.5 amps, 0-2,600 spm, 1-1/4¿ stroke
• Keyless clamp and shoe
• Rotating back handle and orbital cut
• Variable speed trigger

Reviews (2)

Lots of power but blade clamp can act up.
I actually have two of these saws at my disposal and one of them is great, the other i have had trouble with the quick change mechanism. Both saws have lots of power and can tackle any project they are assigned to. They have no problem cutting fiberglass or metal with the correct blades. My only gripe is that the quick change on one saw will not unlock sometimes and when you finally get the blade in it, it doesnt lock: it can be a little finicky. Power to spare and then some- however porter could also work on some better in-box blade storage for longer blades. The milwaukee sawzall seems to have it all down pat- after all they are the original manufacturer of reciprocating saws.

Plenty Of power.....Watch Out Milwaukee!!
Hello All,

I purchased this unit as a B-day gift for my brother who is a plumber. For years he's used the old standard, a Milwaukee Sawzall All.( As I have myself) Now that he has this new Tiger Saw, he's changed his tune as to who rules the roost. This saw has plenty of power to cut through the toughest of cast iron pipe. The size to weight ratio is good, and the unit feels very comfortable in the hand. The variable speed is smooth without being jerky as some saws are. If I had one gripe about this saw it would be this, it only comes with 1 blade!!!! COME-ON PORTE CABLE, even Milwaukee gives you a VARIETY PACK of blades with the saw. Oh, and the blade that DOES come with the saw is for cutting wood, not pipe which is what my plumber brother deals in all day long.

This saw would have gotten 5 stars from me if only Porte Cable had included a few different blades with it. So, if you are like I, a Milwaukee fan true and blue, you might find yourself switching to a new team called Porte Cable.

Ciao! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Hitachi 10-inch table saw is a lightweight portable that packs plenty of power and prices in the midrange of portable table saws. We've come to think of a good-quality rip fence as perhaps the most important feature of any table saw, and the Hitachi has a nicely finished, easily adjusted fence that feels sturdy and well mounted. The cam-lock handle is easy to operate and holds the fence firmly in place. The bevel adjustment is simply designed and operates smoothly. The handle pulls out to disengage and move the blade in large increments, then pushes back in for crank-turn microadjustments. However, we found a flaw with the Hitachi's poorly designed bevel lock. This rather small lever is mounted alongside the crank handle. As the blade tilts, the lever moves with it. The problem comes when the blade is tilted to a full 45-degree angle: in that position, the lever is tucked up close under the table and is very hard to tighten. This drawback probably isn't enough to dissuade true Hitachi loyals, who appreciate the power and durability of the famous Hitachi motor, but an improvement here would make this decent and reliable saw a top contender. The Hitachi doesn't feature the extendable fence for ripping four-by-eight panel material like the Bosch and DeWalt saws, but at $150 less than those tools, it's a solid and affordable performer. --Mark McDonald ... Read more

Features

• Hitachi exclusive 5 year warranty
• Includes metal stand, a $79.99 value
• High-quality rip fence with cam-locking action
• 15 amp, 5,000 rpm motor
• See-through blade guard

Reviews (13)

Pretty Good, some rough spots
I love this saw but it has a few rough spots. The saw was out of adjustment out of the box in 2 aspects. 1. Squareness of blade to the table and 2. parallel-ness to the miter gauge. I tried to adjust it according to the manual but there was so much thread lock on the adjustment screws it broke my screwdriver and stripped the screw heads...

Good points: Powerful, nice compromise in size and weight for a portable, big table. Great Fence. Sturdy stand. Unbelieveable price. Hitachi needs to tighten up the quality at that Taiwan plant and they will have a winner.

AWSOME SAW FOR THE MONEY
I bought this saw on EBAY for $200.00....refurbished with a 1 year warranty. WHAT A GREAT DEAL...Features I liked, High quality fence, Large safty switch, Heavy duty stand, Heavy duty motor, Large table, Portable, Metal housing not cheap plastic...Unlike some of the other reviews I had no problem with the tilt lock handle and the miter gauge..they both work fine.

If your looking for a high quality saw but you don't want to part with $500.00...THIS IS THE SAW FOR YOU.

If your looking for a good saw, then overlook the C10RA2
Hitachi has released some pretty decent products in the past, but in my opinion this table saw is definitely not one of them.

It does have a few good points like a nice cast iron 3 piece table, and aluminum fence, and the body is sheet metal, and is not plastic, and the motor is plenty powerful.

Now for the complaints. The stand that comes with the saw looks nice but functions poorly. Sometimes when I saw a large piece of wood the entire thing slides on the floor, sometimes damaging the workpiece. Another problem I have with it is that there is no way to upgrade the size of the table, in fact there is only one upgrade to the entire unit, a dado insert. The miter slot isn't standard, so you can add absolutely no third party accessories that would fit in a standard miter slot. Concerning the 3 piece table, I have noticed that the two side pieces are sometimes nearly a 16th" off from the center piece and I have to unscrew them and realign them flat, I am afraid one day I will wear out the screws and it won't realign correctly. Yet another problem is with the blade guard. Great idea, but it just doesn't work. When I align the fence and run a board through, the board almost always gets stuck on the blade guard and I have to push very hard (not safe at all), then the stand (with no rubber feet) begins to slip and the whole table saw slides, making it extremely dangerous. I have since then installed the saw onto one of the Ridgid mobile utility carts, and turned the Hitachi stand into a chair(I haven't slid out yet, heh heh). I also removed the blade guard completely. Oh yeah, yet another complaint, This thing is EXTREMELY LOUD!!! Wear ear protection especially at the start up. Oh yeah I forgot about yet another problem. When you use the blade tilt mechanism and want to go to 45 degrees, the blade lock gets in the way and you end up busting your knuckles, and having to realign the lock so that you can move the tilt mechanism and lock the blade so it stays at the angle you want.

I have owned this saw for 9 months, and made a couple hundred cuts with it, and in conclusion I definitely wish I had bought another saw, probably a Ridgid. It always happens to me when I try to save a few bucks. If you are looking for a saw to do just a few cuts maybe buy a less expensive delta, but if you are looking for a semi-professional saw, you may want to overlook the Hitachi C10RA2.

Should have read other reviews more carefully
I did read the other reviews on the poor quality of the mitre guage on this saw before purchasing, but didn't really think it would be a problem. I got the saw this summer and have put quite a few hours on it since.

Overall I like the quality of the saw but I am VERY diasppointed in the mitre guage and slot. Having a non-standard slot is a major problem. It really limits (make that prevents) your ability to use aftermarket products, and the poor quality of the one you get with the saw makes accurate cuts hit or miss. I can't imagine why Hitachi designed it this way. Usually a tool maker does that when they want to make sure you buy their aftermarket parts, but in this case even Hitachi doesn't offer any thing better.

The other minor annoyance I have is how difficult it is to adjust the saw for angled cuts. Maybe I'm doing something wrong but the wheel and lever interfere with each other; making it difficult to set and lock down on the angle you're shooting for.

I'll keep this for rough carpentry work but I'll have to replace it soon with a real quality cabinet saw.

A nice beginner's saw
I bought this saw about a year ago when I first started getting into woodworking. I would say it is a nice piece of equipment for a beginner on a limited budget, or for the amature woodworker who will not be using it every single day. I agree with the other reviews here about its positives:
1) Strong motor
2) Good carbide-tipped blade included in package
3) Sturdy stand
4) Solid rip fence

The miter gauge is pratically useless. It is way too sloppy
and has too much play. It is also an irritating non-standard
width, so you can't fit any aftermarket attachments to it.
The 90 and 45 degree stops are likewise not reliable. You
will need to check for accuracy with a square every time you
move the blade. And yes, it is LOUD!
I had one major assembly headache when I unpacked it. One of the bolts that attach the rubber feet to the base was mismatched to the threads of the hole, so I had to make a trip to the hardware store and find a replacement bolt.
Overall, this is a bargain saw that will work quite nicely
for a beginner, but if I had to make a living building furniture, this would not be my top choice. ... Read more

Features

• Bevels from -2 degrees to 47 degrees to allow back cutting of bevels
• Beefy 15 amp motor provides high torque for powerful cutting
• 24-1/2-inch rip capacity lets you rip 8-foot sheet material in half
• Complete with folding stand, ideal for jobsite use
• 5/8-inch arbor accepts up to a 13/16-inch wide dado set

Features

• Smooth cast iron table finish with table angle detents.
• Tool-less blade holder allows for fast and easy pin or plain-end blade changes
• Blade holder rotates 90-degrees for infinite cutting length.
• Power take-off port powers a 5" sanding disc (included) and the Dremel Flex Shaft 225 (not included).
• Top-mounted controls are up front for easy access.

Features

• Includes two year limited warranty on parts and accessories
• Ultimate cut cpacity
• (2) reversible squeeze sliding fences
• Cast carry handle
• Flipout crown stops

Reviews (5)

Evaluated a lot of Miter Saws
I bought this saw to do precise molding work. The saw has the capacity that Delta states, but, here are the negatives:
The miter table was not flush with the base. This creates a problem when making precise cuts. I mentioned this to Delta and they felt that the saw was in tolerance. So I went to Lowe's and put a square on all of the miter saws displayed, about 4 Deltas, 3 Hitachis 4 Dewalts and 1 Makita. All of the Delta miter saws resulted in their miter tables not being flush with their bases. All the other machines were machined near perfect. My two other complaints are simple. The (what I call, for a lack of a better term) "tear drop" bevel pointer was very difficult to read when positioning the bevel to other degrees than 0, 5, 10, 20, etc. Lastly, the saw is quite heavy. To some, this may not be a problem, however, for on site work, it may become an issue.

Great wonderful saw
I was at a wood woorking convention one day (looking for a mitersaw) and i was stuck between this and the dewalt, this saw has the same capabilities plus many more. The sliding clams beat the dewalt's screw down clamp, with minor ajustments this saw does 80% of my jobs for me. It is worth the money.

Delta 36-412 review
Like another reviewer I too researched a lot of saws. I didn't need the slider capability, but did want max capability short of the slider. After looking at various brands, I found that on several (Dewalt the worst) that the table lifts slightly when the mitre knob is tightend. I found all the new Delta models to be dead on, regardless of what setting you select and tighten the knob down. The 36-412 is dead on.

I suggested this saw as a birthday gift to my lovely wife who decided to give me one. I have only had it a few days, so this review is first impressions.

Most adjustments were dead on out of the box. Only the L & R 45 detends needed a hair of an adjustment. This is easy to do with the cam adjustment mechanism. A brillant idea. Beats most of the other methods I have seen.

This saw is amazing. All controls are upfront (except for the Bevel stop over rides), and easy to use. The scales are large and readable. The miter scale has a 1/2 degree vernier, that with some practice could give 1/4 degree accuracy. The capacity is excellent. The trick for cutting the 9" high stock on the fence is the articulated rear guard moves up as needed. Really slick. The 60 tooth blade that comes with it is excellent for general carpentry, but I plan to replace it with a Forrest blade in the near future for furniture work. No laser, but that is a "nice to have", that I can live without.

Overall an outstanding tool.

Lots of searching lead me to this saw...
I had done a lot of comparison shopping and price was not really an issue. I looked at sliders, regular and everything in between. For me this saw will do probably 99% of everything I need it to do. For that other 1% I have other power tools to handle those tasks. Capacity is great and the fence adjustment is slick. Mine was set up pretty good right out of the box. Everything checked perfect with the exception of a minute adjustment to the right hand fence. Not an issue in my opinion.

I was torn bewtween this and the Delta TwinLaser 12". I wanted dual bevel more than the lasers...although I bet they come out with that combo soon! Unfortunately I just couldn't wait. The crown stops are also nice. They will speed up your cuts dramatically.

Works for me.....

DELTA Is King Of The Mountain
I am a tool columnist for two boat-building magazines. I have never seen a non-slider saw with this cutting capacity! Delta has an actuation geometry that allows their 12" saw to even out cut the only huge 15" name brand miter saw. The blade is very good with a non-stick coating for smooth cuts all day long. The fit and finish is superb and the new crowns molding flip-up adjustable stops are a feature every saw should have.

The price of this saw makes it a fantastic deal. This saw should give any woodworker an edge because it is consistently on the money. I know several carpenters who do not have room to put a sliding saw in their truck. They have been dealing with saws that could only cut a diminutive 2"X8" board at 90 degrees. This new Delta has given them the freedom to cut much larger crown molding.

Now Delta has also provided the largest line of accessories for any compound miter saw in the industry. They have a complete selection of biesemeyer extension tables and great clamps to make sure your project stays on the table. Delta has accessory blades, mobile stand, flip stops and gang stops ready to put the finishing touches on an already super saw.

I also put my dial indicator and machine squares on this fantastic machine. Everything was perfect, even the dramatically new double blade guard. The adjustments for the sliding fences will make you flip at the ease of use. So if you need more than your moneys worth buy the Delta 36-412, it has my highest rating.

John Cupp ... Read more

Features

• 1-1/2hp motor
• 4" Dust Port
• 6"x80" belt
• Quick Change Belt System

Reviews (1)

Not available until October
I just called Powermatic. This unit will not be available until the end of October, 2004. ... 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

Features

• Double insulated
• Powerful Makita inline motor with direct drive
• Automatic oiler for steady bar oiling
• Large trigger switch lever for operation with gloves on
• Ergonomically designed

Reviews (7)

UC4000 What A Find!
I finally gave up the ghost on a gas powered chain saw. Too messy, won't start after sitting for 3 months, etc.. Then I looked at electric chain saws, read many reviews and finally bit the bullet and ordered the UC4000 Makita chain saw. Why didn't I do this earlier? I can't say enough about this product! It is large enough at 16 inches, it is powerful enough at 13 Amps and 3.5 horses to do just about any job around the house. I don't mind dragging the power cord because the saw is a blessing in disguise ..easy to handle, quick to cut, light enough so you can keep going for a long time. the only issue may be with the small oil resovoir,but that doesn't overshadow the usefulness of this saw. I highly recommend this product to anyone but a logger! Great going Makita!!

Electric enough torque???
I fugured an electric chain saw would not have enough torque to do "manly" work so I didn't even consider this tool--but to be sure I rented one from Home Depot for 4 hours yesterday... WOW-- as an alumni user of several gas-powered chain saws--I'm hooked... I just ordered one after that 4-hour experience of taking down 17 trees from 6" to 15" in diameter and turning them all into firewood... my gas powered saws are goign in the next garage sale!

Keith Drury

One of the Best Tools I've Ever Owned
Most people don't take electric chainsaws seriously. That's a mistake where this tool is concerned. In the six months or so that I've owned mine I have used it several hours a week to thin out the back yard, taking down trees as much as 24" in diameter with no problems at all.

The saw is very light considering how powerful it is. You also avoid most of the maintenance headaches that gas saws are known for. Of course, you do have to put up with the one major hassle that electric saws do have - you have to drag around an extension cord, and its pretty easy to snag the cord on something and unplug the saw.

As another reviewer pointed out, it does go through bar oil pretty quickly, but the window for the reservoir is very clear and easy to see, so one can tell when its time to fill up some more.

Rented fro Home Depot
Got tired of always repairing gasoline chainsaw, decided to rent Makita 16" electric at Home Depot for $40 a day. Had five trees to remove, two quite large. Did a great job. Removed approximately 2 - 2 1/2 tons of limbs, trunk, etc in one day (approximately 5 hours of work). Check oil frequently as it does consume a bit but extremely well-balanced. Adjust blade after first 15 minutes of use. Adjust again as needed, mine needed adjusting during 5 hours of use about three times. My next purchase!

Works great at school - planning to buy one
I'm a sculpture student at an art school and we use these chainsaws for carving, for making kerf cuts to carve with hand tools, and I've also used it for kerf cutting pine logs to hew with a hatchet and chisel. I don't have much to compare them to but they work great. We have a Stihl that I didn't like as much, so that's probably a good review for the Makita. The Makita is heavier, but it seems to be balanced better. The chains were a little loose when we got them. The hand guard safety thing seems backward but that's not a big deal. The cord is a little inconvient sometimes since it's got a rubber housing around the plug so you can't use some extension cords. The chain adjustment is not as well placed as our Stihl. The only complaint I have (and maybe it's the same with other saws) is that it guzzles oil! I have to fill it up about every 15 minutes. Also, when I use it at certain angles (like pointed downward) it likes to spray oil. The floor and the wood get oil spray on them. This is a neat tool for woodcarving and the timber-framing type stuff I've been trying, though, and I'd like to have one. Oh yeah, the school bought these based on the fact that a lot of hard-core timber-framers buy this same saw. ... Read more

Features

• Hold feature
• Non-damaging
• Selectable species settings
• No manual corrections needed
• Digital display

Reviews (3)

Wagner MMC220 moisture meter
I bought this meter two weeks ago. After playing with it my impressions are this is a very good meter in general with a very good range. Unlike model L609, this has an automatic shut off switch that shuts off after a couple of minutes of inactivity. The are only a few minor negatives in ergonomics, which are not a big deal, but could make the unit easier to use. For something costing $270, it should have a strap to prevent inadvertent damage from being dropped. Also at this price, it should have real button switches instead of cheap, and unreliable membrane switches.

The density correction is also a tad of a nuisance to use. After the unit has been turned on, if you want change the density setting, you have to press the species button once to reveal the current setting. Then if you want to change it, you'll have to hold that button again for a second or so in order to enter the density change mode. Then you press the button again or hold it to scroll or fast forward to the new density setting. It's not a problem at all if you only have to change the setting once in a while, but if you're in a store with lots of exotic woods and you have to change the setting with each species, it gets to be a little annoying. Maybe some kind of electronic rotary input dial or even a numeric keypad might work better.

AWESOME!
I don't know how I ever lived without it! Specific Gravity chart does not cover very many of the exotic, imported, and burl woods that I use. However, it's great for all other woods and you can make educated guesses on my difficult lumber. Every woodworker should have this unit. It's the best I've ever seen!!

Wood Butcher
I have been using this instrument for four months How did I ever do without this meter... I recently attended IWF-2002 in Atlanta. Wagner, etal were showing their various moisture meters at this show. I took some sawmill lumber to the show with me. I tried all of Wagner hand held moisture meters. I quickly discarded all of them except the MMC-210 and the MMC-220. I decided on the MMC-220 because of the capability to calibrate this meter for any species of wood using specific gravity. It is easy to calibrate and use and does not leave holes in the wood. I would recommend that anyone using saw mill lumber and air drying the same USE this meter. It is definitely the best of the hand held meters. ... Read more

Features

• 5/8" x 11 tripod mount with pendulum lock; jobsite recalibration
• Self-leveling, remote controlled simultaneous horizontal and vertical rotational laser
• Accuracy: horizontal - 1/8" @ 100' vertical - 1/4" @ 100'
• Variable speed, 100 - 1800 rpm (3 speeds) with dither/scan mode with 6 adjustable line lengths
• Self -leveling range: plus or minus 6 degrees with out of level flashing and beeping indicator

Reviews (10)

Hard to see laser line outdoor
I have just bought it from Amazon.com a month ago. This is my first time to use a rotary laser. I have used 2' laser dot type level for several years with 360 degrees base. For the first time,I used a rotary laser for outdoor project that is very small size 11' x 12'patio, and 3 side walls already there without roof. There is 6' aluminum patio door on each wall. Even in the morning( Sun has not come to my site yet.), I could not see the laser line except only one corner. So I had to use the dector. I marked level. I checked again with dector. 1" difference. Then I had to check the level over and over. It was a big headache. I still think it caused by the aluminum frame of patio doors on 3 walls, because dector uses radio frequency. If it is so, instruction manual should include this kind of information. When I have used laser dot type level, I can see the dot far more than 50' outdoor whether under sun ot not. I am not sure whether it is normal for all rotary lasers that is hard to see the laser line outdoor even in the very small area, or it is too cheap comparing to other brands. ... However It works very good indoors. I would like to give 4 stars for indoors, and 2 stars for outdoor

Remodeling
As a small remodeling contractor I frequently work alone. I need tools I can depend on to save me time and perform well. I bought the 7690-2 specifically for a ceiling job. The room is 15x40 in a very old house. Floor and ceiling are way out. The laser performed quite well. In a well lit room the beam was visible in rotation mode at 40'. When dithering the brightness increases considerably. Beam thickness is about 1/8" at 40'so I calculate from beam center. Construction and performance is very good, well worth the money. Controls are easy to use and understand. the remote control/sensor is very convenient and I have used it more than expected.
A self leveling rotating laser (in two planes) at this price and performance level earns it 5 stars.

A tool that makes me money!
As a buidler that was schooled on the old David White L6-20 dumpy level, I am really juiced with the influx of hi-tech tools that are now on the market. To date I have purchased two of the RT-2's and have noticed a distinct improvement in the overall quality and speed of our work. The self-leveling feature is a must have for worry-free accuracy. The remote control saves me time and money. Whoever dreamed of the additional plumb line is my hero- it really helps with framing and has put an end to the complaints and call-backs from the finish guys about our walls being out of plumb! My only wish is that the rotating beam was a little brighter but the enhancement glasses and the line dither readily compensate. And the price- unbelievalbe.

enthusiastic recommendation - exceeded expectations!
I bought this to build a 60' x 130' clear span arena. I have used just about every feature on the product, and it worked great (and SOLID) every step of the way. Used it to: line up post holes, plumb posts, calibrate level/height for beams/trusses. working alone, or with a small crew, this unit is a BIG time-saver. no problems with battery life, reliability, repeatable marks/measurements, outdoor job conditions. the sensor on the remote control was a HUGE help, and is dead on (within 1/8th inch) over 130' span. This was a good buy!

Cautiously optomistic
I bought this model after the less expensive RT-7210 died after 10 months and some problems, kinda foolish I know but I was and am hoping this one is built better.I won't go through what it does or doesnt do, the literature covers that very well, my major concern was that it did exactly what they said it would do, not a small issue since if you have done any homework on these things you'd realize that the performance claims represent a lot of bang for the buck. I confess this is only day one on a 100' x 70' concrete form, but out of the box this thing came within 3/32" over 140' to a trusted ERP, which in my book is dead on,....surprised the heck out of me. In broad daylight, outside, I kind of miss my faint red dot of the other model ( but not chasing it), the target built into the remote works very well. Pretty impressive for the money..if if if if it continues to perform as well in the future. I will handle this thing like I did my old one, a fragile christmas tree bulb. I've taken the time to write this because these review threads have helped me in the past, they are a good idea as long as you don't have manufac. reps. sneaking comments in. ... Read more

Features

• Extremely durable for rough handling
• Extends from 7 to 12 feet
• Permanently calibrated vials
• Lifetime guarantee
• Hand hole for easy handling

Reviews (1)

SWEET
Nice level! Don't know how I got along without it. Good for plumbing walls and ridge poles (or gable trusses). I've had a Stabila 4' and an 8' level for years now and have held up to the jobsite abuse. I'm sure this one will too. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Great for light framing--remodeling, especially--this Impulse cordless framing nailer from Paslode lets you avoid the hassle of compressor hoses and compressor noise. The nailer's small, 12-inch-long, lightweight body (6.9 pounds) is easy to hold and, because you're not dragging a hose, doesn't cause as much arm fatigue as other nailers. The nailer drives 2- to 3-1/4-inch nails and has easy-to-adjust drive depth and a high-visibility load magazine. This Paslode nailer uses a patented system that requires both a fuel cell and an included rechargeable battery. Overall, we were impressed with the nailer's performance--it's consistent and there's adequate power for most uses. This model shoots up to 1,200 nails on a single fuel cell and up to 4,000 nails on a full battery charge. There's a convenient belt hanger so you don't have to lay the nailer on the ground or on top of a ladder or wedge it among rafters, and the high-visibility orange makes it difficult to misplace. The kit includes a plastic carrying case, a lightweight charger, and safety goggles. Please note that the nailer does not come with the fuel cell included. --Jonathon Tudor ... Read more

Features

• Rechargeable battery
• Fast setup
• Lightweight--only 6.9 pounds
• Voltage indicator light
• Cycle rate: 2 to 3 nails per second

Reviews (70)

Arm saver
When me and my brother in law decided to build my house, I started looking for something to help us out. Neither one of us ever owned any kind of nail gun or phneumatic tools. I asked around and read the reviews on your web site. I went to LOWE's and Home Depot to get a closer look at all of the various guns. I decided to try the Paslode Impulse, so I bought one for each of us. I saved... on both by getting them from Amazon. These things are great. I even dropped one twice, once about 6' on a sidewalk. Never missed a beat. They are practically maintence free. Even though they didn't need it I cleaned them once just to make me feel good. The breakdown and cleaning was a snap. They sure made the job go faster and saved a lot of wear and tear on our arms. Not having air hoses laying all around was a big plus. I strongly recommend the Paslode Impulse. I even used the generic nails with no problems.

Powerful and easy to use. Lighter than it looks.
A great multi-purpose framing nailer. The consumables can sometimes sneak up on you, expense-wise, but the convenience far outweights that. It's a lot lighter than it looks, and will shoot a 3 1/2" ring-shank nail through wood with ease. For deck and dock work, there's really no better tool. Mine has been maintenance free, but I do follow the instructions on cleaning it. Also, make sure you're aware that this gun doesn't include the 'No Mar' tip. The gun has a 4-prong nose that is the safety; i.e. you have to depress this on the wood before the gun will fire. Paslode designed the prongs to work well in toe-nailing situations, but be warned: If you're doing top-level deck work, you'll need the 'No Mar' tip so that you won't leave behind 4 little marks at every nail shot. The 'No Mar' tip is a simple replacement nose piece that has a piece of rubber, instead of steel prongs, for it's bottom. No biggie, just wanted to make everyone aware of it. For pure framing, you won't need it, though.

Very good, very reliable tool that has served me well.

Paslode Impulse Hoseless Finish Nailer - Model IM250A
The Gotta-Have Tool!

I have been testing this brand new tool for Lansing Buildall in Ontario and I love it. NO HOSE dragging and tripping me; No noisy compressor, but especially NO HOSE (I hate hoses).

This is a totally new generation hoseless tool from Paslode and their R & D has produced a knock-down, knock-out winner. It has performed flawlessly in my tests and is a delight to use.

The compact size, ANGLED base, and soft grip handle make for perfect balance. That, and a weight of less than 5 pounds, rides on my belt and fits into even my small hand with no strain at all. (AND NO HOSE)

I have shot almost 2000 nails into all kinds of hardwood and soft, and even attached soft cedar fence boards. The depth adjustment works and stays consistent, and the no-mar tip really is.

Then there's the unique "lockout" feature - The tool won't fire if there are no nails in the magazine - so you'll never again find yourself shooting blanks - BRILLIANT! This is a fine, fine tool.

I have had 1(one) jam in 2000 nails and that was my fault, reaching, moving as one fired. That jam was easily cleared though, in seconds via the flip-up nose piece. No tool required. (AND NO HOSE)

Just for fun, some carpenter pals and I timed ourselves with hammers. Thin oak trim - so pre-drill - lay down drill - pick up hammer and nail -hammer nail - pick up nail set - set nail. Fastest time was 20 seconds. This tool does the same job in half a second. FORTY TIMES FASTER.

I can't afford NOT to have this.

Enthusiastic? You betcha. Time is money and this little time machine is making me both. It's a gotta-have tool.

Oh, set up time for the tool? About 3 seconds (including the time to open the case).

Anybody want to buy a used hammer?

Want some free HOSE?

- Stuart Allan Finish Carpenter Toronto, Canada

Convenient and Gets Job Done
While this nailer is not meant for continuous commercial framing applications, it does just fine for what it was intended...home maintenance and light construction around the property. Ran a box of 2" galvanized nails through the thing while replacing a fence...no problems what-so-ever. Buy and use the Paslode cleaning and lubricating products, perform the recommended maintenance at the recommended intervals, use either Paslode nails or those identified as compatible, and it will do you well. It has earned a permanent place in my tool locker.

Fantastic
I recently purchased one of these to frame my basement. Being that I live in a new development of homes and most of the basements aren't finished, my neighbors also anticipated getting some use out of too.

It works like a charm. Never jammed, never misfired. Puts a nail wherever you want. It's not too heavy and can fit just about anywhere. We put up basically everything that can be framed with this nailer.

I used Paslode's nails (which I'd read are much more reliable for use in this nailer). I don't know if that's what made things run so smoothly, but if so, they were worth every penny.

I have to say that I never 'cleaned' it - I'd simply pop the battery out at the end of the day and leave it sitting right where we'd left off. This doesn't seem to have affected the performance at all...

Quite honestly I don't think you can go wrong buying this. I've used it A LOT and am thoroughly happy with its performance. ... Read more