Amazon.com

Here comes power and efficiency in a great compact size. Before you even press the trigger, you'll love how this tool fits in your hand, how well-balanced it is. The rubberized grip gives you a sure, comfortable hold, even at odd angles. Performance is top-notch, thanks to dual ball bearings, precision balancing and a refined high-grade field magnet. We're really impressed by Makita's exclusive Shift Lock Drive. With a single touch, you shift quickly and easily "drill" to "driver" mode, locking out the clutch for superior drilling. And we love it when manufacturers include two batteries with their tools, because that means no down time. The charger handles multi-volt batteries, too, so it's good for a wide range. Maintenance is simple because the brushes are accessible. A great, hardworking drill/driver.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes side handle, bits, 2-batteries, charger and case
• Powerful 18-Volt Ni-MH batteries for longer run time
• Industrial metal gear housing and "high performance" Makita motor for long lasting durability
• 404 in.lbs. torque with16 torque settings
• Industrial 1/2" keyless chuck and externally accessible brushes for easy replacement

Reviews (7)

shock and awe, in a blue package...
Disregard all unfavorable reviews...this drill is yet another work of art from Makita! Perfect ergonomics and balance, even with a hefty 18V battery you still get incredible control and precision, instead of sweating and straining to keep the darn thing perpendicular to the drilling surface as with cheaper drills. This is my second Makita drill, the first one was a smaller 14.4v which I'll pass on to my wife because it's lighter.

I love America, born and bred, but gotta hand it to the Japanese: when it comes to anything electric (or gasoline-powered, for that matter) they kick our butts left and right! Sony TVs, Toshiba laptops, Lexus autos, Honda motorcycles...anything that doesn't blow up things and kill people, the Japanese simply have perfected.

Have used DeWalt drills before, they were just a little bit better than Black and Decker (the mother company) which doesn't justify the big price jump. Porter Cable has good power but tends to weigh a ton and their chucks are spotty.

Viva Makita!

solid drill with a few caveats
This is my third makita drill so I consider myself biased. I don't use it all day but I need a quality drill for household repairs. The electric makita drill I've had now for fifteen years and it still runs fine. My second, I bought one of those 9 volt drills when the first cordless drills came out. I good drill but it's for light work. The batteries on this I've used all day without a recharge, alot longer than the models a few years ago. I've had problems with the chuck though. On many occasions the drill bit will come loose with smaller bits. The cap has come loose. Still it's put up with all the abuse I've given it.

smoked and croaked
After using the makita for 6 months it smoked and croaked. I was unscrewing deck boards and after a hour and 1/2 I noticed it getting warm then suddenly began to smoke. My work partner was using a Miluakee 18 volt and it kept at it all day.

ALL THE POWER YOU NEED!
The Shift Lock Drive System is the easiest clutch lockout I've ever used. Two 2.6 amp-hour batteries and the quick charger can keep you going with out delays. Balance and the light weight make this easy to use, the 18-volt power makes it a pleasure.

Dissapointed
Transmission broke after three months of use. Had to buy a Porter Cable while I wait three business days for mine to be repaired. Being a diehard Makita guy I should have learned by now that while their saws and such are great, the drills still need alot of work. Too expensive for homeowner use, and kinda weak to rely on for the professional. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Here’s huge cutting capacity in a surprising size. This 8-1/2 inch single-bevel miter saw really does cut a 3-inch post in a single pass, just like DeWalt says. And it’s also the only saw its size we’ve seen that will trim 3-1/2-inch crown molding vertically, because of DeWalt’s taller fence. With its smooth slide action, you’ll choose this over your table saw when it comes to cross cutting—-even a 12-inch board. It’s got all the features of the bigger, high-end saws, and then some. Five preset bevel stops zero your blade in at 0, 33.9, 45, 48, and -2 degrees, and there are 11 dead-on accurate miter stops at the most common spots: 0, 15, 22-1/2, 31.6, 45, 50 (left), and 60 (right) degrees. What we like best about this saw is the awesome ergonomic details. Anyone who’s used comparable saws repeatedly will tell you that the vertical handle causes some fatigue, especially on saws with a safety button. But this saw’s got a horizontal handle, keeping your hand and arm in a more natural position, cut after cut. Most saws’ miter adjustment involve turning a knob a few revolutions to lock and then to unlock the miter setting, but this DeWalt has a really nice cam lever lock that eliminates all that twisting and is just as reliable. This saw does throw a lot of dust, but we’ve not seen a saw that doesn’t (even those with dustbags still make a mess). We’d recommend building a little jig to hold your extraction system hose close by. This is a fabulous saw for the contractor. It weighs only 43 pounds and is easy to tote because of the handle. But it’s also the perfect choice for the woodworker. An aside: DeWalt makes a great miter saw stand that fits this saw like a dream.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes saw, 30T carbide blade, and blade wrench
• Capacity to vertically cut 3-1/4" base molding and 3-1/2" crown molding nested vertically
• Bevel-stop system with manual override provides five pre-set bevel stops at 0, 33.9, 45, 48, and -2 degrees
• 11 positive miter stops including 0, 15, 22-1/2, 31.6, 45, 50 (left), and 60 (right) degrees
• Push-button miter cam lock for better ergonomics

Reviews (7)

Good but not great
Let me start off by saying that I have yet to find any miter saw that I would rate at five stars(although I do believe I rated the 12" Dewalt slide at 5 stars) because every manufacturer does put profit above product. However, I do like this saw very much. Slide is smooth, fence height good(when will Makita and Hitachi finally get the fence height right and even on both sides), lever action miter lock is awesome(knobs stink), blade deflection is good(it is only a 8-1/2 blade afterall), overall a really good saw. Dust collection complaints are irrelevant, as anyone expecting a slider miter saw to have good dust control lives in the world of clean radial arm saws too. I have yet to figure out what a "material hold down clamp"(or work clamp) is, but if I ever do, it means that I cut off on of my arms/hands and should not by using this saw anyway(we pros dont have time for clamping down wood prior to cutting it[short pieces should be cut from a long one, afterall]). I would buy another one in an instant.

Nice saw for cabinet/furniture makers
I've had this for about 6 months and it's never let me down. It takes a little getting used to if you've never used a sliding miter saw before, as the technique is somewhere between a radial arm saw and a normal fixed miter saw. As a couple of other reviewers pointed out, you have to make sure you slide the saw all the way home or you'll leave a little bit uncut.

One thing I've found is when I'm cutting narrow planks (4" or 6") I've gotten into the habit of pulling the blade toward me past the front edge of the piece, dropping it down, and then sliding it back through the piece - instead of just plunging the blade straight in, as you'd do with a fixed chop saw. This seems to significantly reduce bottom tearout.

It's undeniably a very pleasant tool to use; if you've only used saws that have a vertical handle you won't believe the difference the horizontal handle makes. The switch is well designed, it's not easy to trigger by accident but not fatiguing to hold. The action of the slides is smooth as silk, and setting the miter angles is quick, easy, and very positive. The motor has plenty of power for any kind of wood I've ever sent its way.

The 8 1/2 inch size has some advantages - the blade seems to be more stable, even without a stabilizer, than most 10" blades. Also in my experience 8 1/2" blades are a little cheaper than the equivalent 10" blade. But, it won't cut a 4x4 (or a 2x4 on edge) in one pass - a 10 incher will. Whether or not that matters depends on the kind of work you do.

You'll want to replace the blade that the saw comes with, it's fine for chopping up 2x4s (but if that's all you want to do you don't need this saw) but not good enough for finish work. There aren't a million blades available for this size of saw, but there's a decent selection - although not all the catalogs carry them. My favorite is a 60 tooth DeWalt finish blade that you can find most anywhere for about 50 bucks and does great work for me in all types of hardwood. Freud makes one that's pretty good as well. Forrest makes one of their chopmaster blades in this size, I'm sure it's great but it's $100+ and since I'm happy with my current blade I've never tried it.

Overall fit and finish is very nice - as you generally expect from contemporary Italian manufacture. After taking it out of the box, I went over it completely with my machinist square and couldn't find anything out of alignment. The only quality complaint I have is the crummy screws holding the blade guard on - blade changing is not exactly a snap with this saw and they really don't help.

There's no clamp included, unlike some other manufacturers - since I prefer to keep all 10 of my fingers I bought one - but they soak you on this item - $35!! Actually I bought two but you only need one - you hardly ever use both at once and it takes a second or two to swap it from one side of the saw to the other. Also, while it holds well, it's a screw type and I would prefer some type of cam action - I think that would be faster and easier to use.

But overall if you want a really sweet, pleasant to use saw and you don't normally need to cut large timber, I'd recommend this saw - I'm certainly very happy with it.

dewalt 8-1/2' miter saw
Overall I think this saw is an excellent saw,it cuts smooth and acurate and is lightweight.Ther are a couple of things I was dissapoionted with,first of all the if you are going to do any kind of finish work you need to replace the factory blade which is only good for cutting 2x's and a good blade is going to cost you and extra $100 or so.I was also dissapointed that the saw was not manufactured in the USA,the technical details provided in the review stated it was, and that played a large part in my descision to purchase this saw.Last of all the saw could of least came with dust bag which costs an additional $15.Whith the addition of a new blade and dust collection the performance of this saw is very good.

Nice saw
I picked up the Dewalt 712 to replace my 10" makita. Cuts smooth and was cutting square out of the box. The one thing I found was when you finish the cut, you have to make sure the saw head has been pushed all the way back or else it leaves a small amout of material uncut. They need to push the fence forward a 16th of an inch. Also for $400.00 they should include a dust bag! Overall a good quality saw.

A Really Nice Saw
I got my DeWalt saw a month or so ago for use on job sites. The first project I did with it was to build a 100 square foot sauna with three rows of benches.

The saw was dead on accurate right out of the box. I was immediatly impressed with its light weight and compact size. The saw cuts beautifully and slides nicely on the rails. It is also much quieter than other miter saws I have used. The cutting capacity rivals bigger saws, except you can't cut a 4X4 in one pass (something a trim carpenter/woodworker like myself never does). The horizontal handle is very comfortable to use, even after long days. The depth stop is perfect for jobsite dados.

Dust extraction was good. It does not come with a bag, but I noticed most of the dust escaping through the port. When I hooked the saw up to my Fein vacuum, the dust collection was very good.

The supplied blade is suitable for most carpentry, but is not sufficient for nice trim work. The nice thing about an 81/2 inch blade though is that a new one won't break your wallet like the 12 inch blades will.

Overall, a very nice, light, and compact saw, which exceeded my expectations for the $399.00 price. It is the first saw that I have seen designed for the woodworker or trim carpenter. If portability is important to you, this is an outstanding saw. If you are going to set it up relatively permanently in your shop, then I would suggest a 10 inch slider (Makita makes a nice one). I can't imagine a need for a 12 inch slider. ... Read more

Features

• Includes impact driver, (2) 18V XR+TM PACK extended run-time battery packs, 1-hour charger, and a heavy-duty kit box
• 1,170 in./lbs. of maximum torque for tightening and loosening large nuts and bolts and driving fasteners
• Only 6-1/2 inches long to get you into tighter spots
• Heavy-duty impact mechanism provides the power while delivering less kickback
• Heavy-duty magnesium gear case and all-metal transmission for job site durability

Reviews (2)

Loads of power, but is that enough to make the big leage?
We use this driver for running in ½ x 12 lag bolts through pilings. This putts a lot of stress on a driver. The DeWalt has more then enough power to handle this and all lesser tasks. I have used several hammer drivers and hammer drills in my business, this is truly the undisputed "Power King"; however, after running hundreds of lags and screws I encountered a few shortcomings with the DeWalt:\

1. On two of these drivers the anvil (hammer thingy) inside stripped out in less then 3 months. On the plus side, DeWalt replaced them, no questions asked.

2. It a nightmare to get inside and replace the brushes on the work site. Combine that with the reluctance of our rep. to even get the brushes addes up to sending them in for R&R (repair and rebuild) at the cyclic rate. Time = money. I still don't know if the brushes can be replaced, how to do it, or if that is even the problem. I suspect it is due to a small amount of graphite looking dust around the air exhaust vents after long use.

All in all, not bad for hundreds of BIG lags, but to put it into perspective, we also use Makita 24 volt hammer drivers. These have run thousands of big lags with no problems at all! The Makita brushes are a few bucks for a pack and can be replaced in a minute.
My bottom line is: Get the DeWalt for lower production work that needs lots of power, but if you have your driver turning day on stay on, you might want to consider a Makita hammer driver in the 18 - 24 volt range.

More than i expected!
I own a few Dewalt tools so i have a lot of experience with the
quality of the brand and I am more than impressed with this impact drill. It drives self tappers in 3/16" steal with no problem. If your in the market for a light weight
impact with lots of power this is the ticket. ... 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 500 in./lbs. of maximum torque
• Exclusive 3-speed transmission features a maximum 3rd speed at 2,000 rpm
• Hammerdrill mode: 34,000 bpm drills faster holes in masonry applications

Amazon.com Review

Are you looking for a pressure washer with enough power tohandle everyday chores--such as power-washing your deck, sidewalk,patio, grill, or car--but without the hassles associated with larger,commercial-grade, gas-powered units? The Karcher K520M electric pressurewasher may provide the answer. Powered by a 120-volt, 60 Hz inductionmotor, the K520M offers adjustable pressure, with a maximum output of1,600 psi at a rate of 1.8 gallons per minute. While this might not beenough for some commercial applications, such as stripping the paintfrom an entire house, it more than suffices for everyday, at-homechores. As the world's leading manufacturer of high-pressure washers,Karcher has put a lot of care into this unit's design. At 31 pounds, theK520M is lightweight. It's also easy to use. Power to the washer iscontrolled by a trigger gun. Just releasing the trigger shuts it down. Acorrosion- and impact-resistant cover protects the motor and pumpassembly, a garden hose connector with external water filter eliminatesdebris, and a safety lock prevents the trigger from accidentallyengaging when not in use. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Adjustable operating pressure directly at the wand
• Sprayer delivers 1600 psi at a rate of 1.8 gallons per minute
• Complete machine shut-off at the trigger gun
• Built-in GFCI protection for increased safety
• Two wheels for easy transport, pull-out handle, and built-in accessory storage

Reviews (28)

Decent power, great flexibility
I think this is a great product for residential use. I've just recently used it to wash my deck, and scrub away much of the poor paint job that the previous owner had done.

For cleaning, the power it had was quite sufficient to blast away gunk and mildew, without using any cleaning additives. It does have a siphon tube that allows you to mix in cleaning additives, but I found that straight water pressure cleaned just fine.

For paint cleaning, I found it a bit underpowered. I was able to get up all of the paint that needed to come up, but it went a bit slowly. To get the pressure I needed to scour up the paint, I had to hold the nozzle about an inch from the deck surface. Since the width of the water flow is much smaller when the nozzle is so close, it took a while to cover all the surface area.

However, compared to the extra complication and cost of a gas-powered washer, I was willing to accept the thing being slightly underpowered. Setup and breakdown of the washer is a snap. To take a break in the middle of a long project, just flip the safety lock on the nozzle gun, and turn a power switch on the sprayer. And that's all there is to it - no worries about fueling, lubing, cooling, exhaust. Time will tell if the unit lasts as long as a comparable gas powered washer would.

I was somewhat nervous about using an electric appliance for very wet work. However, I found that the long power cord and long hose for the spray nozzle made it easy for me to keep the washer away from my work area. Also, the unit is double insulated, and has a ground-fault interrupt unit on the plug, so I think your chance of injury when using the product correctly is minimal.

I would recommend buying this model over the lesser powered models from Karcher if you plan to do anything more demanding than cleaning decks, driveways and cars. Like I said, it had enough power to do the job of stripping paint off of my deck, but only just. If you're going to be doing large or frequent jobs that demand more pressure, I'd say go to a gas-powered washer.

Be careful when shopping for cleaning agents to use with the washer. Some of them call for being mixed with bleach, or contain caustics, and the manual for this product advises you not to use them with the washer.

Just right for home use
Minimal assembly required, only a screwdriver to pull out tab to firmly attach high pressure hose.

A death in the family exposed a totally repulsively moldy cement pool deck that would have taken days to clean. Using the K12 surface washer to losen up the filth, and the quatro rotary nozzle to do detail clean up, it was clean in a couple of hours, looking new except for some cracks in the cement. No cleaning solution was required, which was a big plus. That quatro nozzle was terrific for cleaning pool filter, gutters, etc. The K530M has just enough power to do any job around the house, washing cars, siding, etc. and is small enough for a 60 yr old lady to move around without any strain. I'm just thrilled that it does everything I had hoped.

We then used the rotary nozzle again to blow some spanish moss off trees and cleaning the trees (with the extension wand attached to the nozzle) became possible for us to do without calling professionals.

Granted the extra options of the wand extensions, the quatro nozzle and the surface washer completed the usefulness of the K520M, but the unit itself is totally satisfactory, the options just make it that much better and more versatile.

We're actually thinking of getting another to keep at another location. It's a very satisfying unit, and so nice to buy something that actually surpasses your expectations.

Karcher K 520 M Pressure Washer
It is now June 2004, & my Karcher is still working fine. I can't explain why more recent buyers have had so much trouble with there's. I did buy the K 12 Surface Clearner & extension hose. It was a great addition & made driveway & sidewalk cleaning easier & faster.

********************************************

After reading the positive customer comments about the Karcher K520M Pressure Washer, I decided to go ahead & purchase one. I was not disappointed. Living in Florida with the humid and rainy conditions, my sidewalk and driveway had become black with mold & mildew. In addition, there is a large oak tree in the front yard that drips brown stains on portions of the driveway and sidewalk. This 1600 PSI model was more than able to remove all of these stains! As in many other reviews I have read, I didn't even need to use any type of cleaner. The pressure of the water was enough to remove the years of build-up.

The unit was easy to unpack & assemble. Just be careful of the external plastic inlet water filter. It looks a little fragile. I suspect it could break if you tried to roll the unit to a new location, dragging the weight of a water-filled hose attached to the filter.

With the supplied nozzle, it did take several hours to clean the area I wanted. In order to remove the dirt & mildew, I had to hold the nozzle about 3 inches from the surface which meant that only a narrow stream was hitting the surface. It worked very well but it was slow and a little painful on my back - walking around half bent over. I kept shifting positions to relieve the stress on my back.

I still have more sidewalk to clean, but before doing it, I decided to order the Karcher K 12 Surface Cleaner (model CS12) & a 25 foot high pressure extension hose. I am hoping it will make the job easier & faster. I decided on the extension hose so that I could cover more area (there is sidewalk on 3 sides of my property) without having to move the unit as frequently, which will reduce the amount of stress on the plastic inlet water filter I mentioned earlier. I ordered these directly from the Karcher website (buykarcher.com) because I could not find the Surface Cleaner sold by any other online site. I am still waiting to receive this unit & I will update this review after I have had a chance to try it.

Overall, I would recommend this Pressure Washer to anyone who has light to medium duty cleaning requirements. It stores in a small space & is much less expensive than the gas powered units.

I've had pretty good luck with this machine
I purchased this machine last fall and have used it a couple of dozen times without it failing me. The power was a little disappointing at first. It seems to have the spray force of about the top one-half of the car washes I've used. It would be a real chore to strip off paint with this critter but it has been more than enough power for a variety of around the house jobs. I wouldn't purchase this if I were a tradesman in that it lacks the durability necessary for day in and day out use on even smaller jobs. It is directed to the homeowner market and I think it hits the mark. It thankfully at times doesn't have too much power to ruin paint and wood stuctures which can happen with some commercial machines. Today I washed two of my cars, Cleaned tenacious bird droppings off of a porch, cleaned half of a deck and a barbeque grill, washed off some garden tools, and then cleaned a rock sidewalk. I figure when its out I should use it on all I can. It's been great in the past for my riding mower (particularly cleaning the deck), and for cleaning a motorhome and boat. I've also cleaned my vinyl siding which was laborious but effective (because its underpowered for this job...but the price was right). It comes with a accessory brush, which is pretty useless. I've read here and elsewhere that the accessory extension tubes for the wand are flimsy so I passed on them. I bought an extension hose which gives me an extra 20 feet or so of manuvering.--It is a wonderful addition in that I don't have to cart the washer unit around so much. It has a low handle and seeing that I'm 6'4" it is uncomfortable to drag it any significant distance. The electrical and wash hoses are bulky and don't store well on the amachine. I bought a couple of cheap cord hanging organizers which helps.The construction is of hard plastic externally with good fit and finish. It doesn't take up much room in my garage with the attachments hanging on the wall in the warm months. It was kind of a pain last fall and winter lugging the whole thing down into my basement in that you can't let it freeze. I did use it through the winter washing the salt off of my vehicles on warmer days and it did an admirable job. For me it has been a reliable workhorse. I see from other reviews that the experiences are pretty variable and it doesn't sound like product support is a high priorith. I've treated mine pretty gentl I think using a short wire reinforced hose extesion to reduce stress on the water intake which appears a little flimsy. I pull the hose around rather then the machine to further reduce knocks and bangs. It's worked so far. At this point if I had to do it over again I would still buy this washer.

Karcher=junk
Had the 360M model worked great for 4 hours then a cheap
"o" ring blew out in the wand..Its a nonstandard size so
you have to get the whole wand from Karcher! I live in
the same town Karcher is headquartered in and it took
4 weeks to get the part under warranty...that was 3 weeks
after I returned it to the store! It was working great, good
pressure, turbo nozzle worked great, quiet and nice...
They could change several things and make a good machine but
they dont.... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Torque, speed and great ergonomics: DeWalt pulled it all together in this 18-volt XRP 1/2-inch drill/driver. Even at its peak 500 inch-pounds of torque, you feel no twist. We're impressed, too, with the patented three-speed transmission (offering 0-450, 0-1,450 and 0-2,000) for whatever material you're drilling into. Its max speed of 2,000 rpm is 38 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. The circular saw slices into 2x4s like butter, and you can always see your cut because the blade's on the left. Bevel cuts to 50 degrees are no sweat; the saw's easy to adjust and the scale's clear. The rip fence isn't the best we've seen, but that's a relatively small blemish on an otherwise great combo.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Cuts 2X4's at 45 degrees in a single pass
• DC987 has 500 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
• Exclusive 3 - speed all metal transmission
• DC390 with 6-1/2-inch 16 tooth carbide tipped blade

Features

• Average 1,200 cuts per blade, depending on application being cut
• 15-amp, 5.3-horsepower motor
• Will cut 5-inch black pipe
• Faster than traditional chop saws

Reviews (12)

Amazed
When my abrasive blade chop saw "died", I debated whether to replace it with a similar saw or to try the carbide blade one. I was very hesitant to purchase the DW872 in that it did not seem possible it would do the job. However, the abrasive blade saws are quite expensive to own in that the blades do not last very many cuts and nor do the saws themselves. However, with a 30 day satisifaction guarantee I had very little to lose.
Having used the saw for several projects now, I know that I have made the correct decision in buying the DW872. The saw is much faster than the abrasive saw, makes a cleaner burr free cut. There is very little heat generated in the making a cut with almost to sparks.
Ergonically the saw is very well set up, with the large D-handle being amnidextrious, the vise affording a positive lockup, miter cuts are a breeze to adjust for, and downforce required is smooth. The metal base is the heaviest I have owned on such a saw.
Dewalt you really outdid yourselves on this one and I highly recommend it.

The Time Saver
I am a welder/fabricator. To me, time is money and this saw is a TIME SAVER! I mostly work with 2"x1/4" angle iron, 2"sch 80 Pipe and 4" channel. This saw is the best! Cutting time is literally 1/10 th the time of a band saw or abrasive cut-off saw and NONE of the of the clean up. I have 2 extra blades and alternate them at the sharpener. Unfortunately, I only get about 600 cuts out of a blade but, man is it fast. It's light weight and portable and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to save time.

Clean cut is a treat
I haven't tried the Porter-Cable multi-cutter saw, so I can't compare them, but after a couple dozen cuts in steel angle and tubing (up to 1/4" wall thickness) I'm very happy with the DeWalt. The ultra-smooth cut surface is remarkable compared with the ways most of us have cut metal all our lives. I'll be amazed if the blade really holds out for a thousand cuts, but several hundred before resharpening would still seem pretty good to me, considering the labor saved and the great results. I'm hanging on to the abrasive chop saw to handle hardened alloy shafts, spring steel, etc.; but I'm sold on the multi-cutter for most metal cuts. It IS one loud mama, and has a tendency to trip a 15-amp circuit breaker with its startup surge, but I can't blame the tool for my under-powered shop....

Many refinements over the P-C
I bought this saw after wearing out my Porter-Cable dry cut saw. It's every bit as good as the P-C, and has a couple of nice design features to distinguish it.

1) The hand-lock for the fence and miter adjustment is great. P-C's saw requires using Allen wrenches for adjustment, which is time-consuming. (Also, the holes in the Allen screws fill up with swarf from the saw, so just getting the wrench into the screw head can be a project.) Adjustments are easy and basically instantaneous.

2) Horizontally oriented control handle and switch is very nice. Because of the way you run a saw like this (more below), the rgonmoics are much better than the P-C.

3) Pin-and-socket saw arm retainer. OH YEAH! P-C uses an old-fashioned chain-and-hook contraption to hold the saw arm down, which can be troublesome to engage. The Dewalt locks down just like their woodworking chop saws: hold the arm down and push in the retaining pin.

4) Quieter in operation than the P-C saw.

I am not a shill for Dewalt; I loved my P-C dry cut saw. I never realized the design could be this much better.

An important note for any dry-cut saw users: THIS IS NOT AN ABRASIVE CHOP SAW! I noticed complaints about blade life in some of the other reviews. Well, if you run this saw like an old-timey abrasive wheel chop saw, you won't get any blade life out of it either. The secret: minimal downward pressure. Rest your hand on the handle with just enough weight to keep the saw arm moving downward, and let the blade do all the work. If the blade throws more than a couple of tiny sparks once in awhile, you're pushing too hard, and the blade will suffer. I was able to make several thousand cuts in heavy stock with my P-C saw before the blade needed sharpening, an this one behaves similarly.

If you're doing a lot of work, get a spare blade. Having the carbide blade sharpened usually runs about 25 cents per tooth, and if you have a spare there's no downtime...

Not quite up to the billing.
I have had the saw for a little over a week now. I have been satisfied with the speed of the cuts but am really dissatisfied with the amount of cuts I got before the blade had to be sharpened. I cut 14 ga square tubing and got less than 600 cuts before having to have the blade sharpened. As a result I am undecided as to whether or not I will be keeping the saw... ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Bosch invented the jig saw, and, with its top-handle models, it's getting close to perfecting it. The 1587AVSK has a nicely shaped handle, tapered where other saws are not, and a nice rubber grip that lets users (of all hand sizes) steer the tool firmly in hand. (Some toolmakers ignore ergonomics, but not Bosch--and we appreciate it.) The safety mechanism works well with the trigger, and the cut is super smooth. We like the variable-speed dial, the light weight, and the foot plate's plastic cover, which ensures that surfaces won't get scratched as they can by saws with metal plates. The blade-change system--if a little tricky at first--works great. No question about it, this jig saw keeps up Bosch's reputation as one of the prime movers in the power tool industry. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• 4-Stage orbital action adjusts blade motion - To match workpiece and cutting task
• Powerful 5 Amp motor, 500-3100 SPM
• Tool-free blade change system - For fast and easy blade changes
• Exclusive multi-directional blade clamp mechanism - For superior blade hold
• Low-vibration design - Ensures extremely smooth operation

Reviews (60)

THE BEST. PERIOD.
Just how good is this machine? So good that when Dewalt created their new top-of-the-line jig saw they copied the Bosch nut for nut, bolt for bolt.

Bosch invented the jig saw so they have some experience at getting it right. But the main thing to consider is what is important when buying one.

The Bosch 1587 has several features that make it the top dog.

First, it has heft. This heavy, well-balanced tool rides smoothly on surfaces and combined with an efficient counter-balance mechanism provides smooth cuts and a minimum of vibration. The top handle design further adds to the feeling of lightness and ease of operation despite the tools weight and power.

Secondly, it has different blade stroke patterns in orbital and in-line configurations and a chip blower that can be turned off and on. This, combined with variable speeds, provide for a saw that will take on any challenge.

Another feature that will spoil you in a hurry is the tool-less blade change. There is nothing more frustrating than trying hold a blade and fidling with a screwdriver! With the Bosch, just stick the blade in, turn the top cap three times untill it clicks and you're done. Hint: I leave the cap in the unscrewed position after use. That way when I'm ready to use it again it's near-instantaneous to get going.

This is a professional tool. It's the one I use in my finish carpentry business and it's the one my constituants use in their work. To spend more on a jig saw would be a waste of money. To spend less would be a larger one.

Smooth, Quiet and Strong!
The Bosch 1587 Jigsaw is very powerful, though other saws may boast slightly higher AMP ratings the Bosch may still have more usable power due to the efficiency of it's motor. The saw is smooth, quiet and most importantly absent of the vibration that has often beleaguered my attempts at fine work. Most other saws are plagued by this vibration and that really makes it difficult to track a strait line or to carefully cut out a finely traced scroll. Not with the Bosch, it's as smooth as can be and a pleasure to use. You may find yourself looking for excuses to break it out!!

The controls are ergonomically well thought out and are also very smooth in operation. The trigger switch on the 1587 provides variable speed for slow starts and also provides a speed limiter dial which enables the user to set the maximum blade speed when the trigger is fully engaged. The Barrel Grip version (1584) though very comfortable for scrolling does not include a variable speed trigger. Rather it has a toggle switch with a speed dial. This makes slow starts rather awkward to achieve and is the main reason I chose the top handle 1587.

The tool-less blade change takes a few minutes to master but once mastered it is quick and provides a very positive hold on the blade. I will admit that the blade change feature on the Milwaukee (also a nice saw, the only other to consider)is even easier but we cant have everything. The saw uses T-Shank blades and the Bosch Progressor version of these blades are second to none; use them!!

The saw includes adjustable "orbital action", a feature that allows the blade to orbit in a back/forth and up/down motion simultaneously, allowing the user to make faster more aggressive cuts. Orbital action greatly reduces the cutting time and makes scrolling less labor some. The draw back is that the cut is slightly less fine. Again the amount of Orbital action is adjustable and it can be deactivated all together depending on the material to be cut or your particular preference.

With all this said I struggle to think for negatives, but there are a few petty ones. Here they are: The blower though offering three settings could be more powerful at slower speeds. The shoe angle adjustment is not tool-less but rather it requires the use of a hex wrench. This wrench is included and fitted to the power cord... No biggie

On my saw it seems that the blade tends to cut very slightly off on deep material. I have made completely sure that I place the blade in correctly but it doesn't help. However, this issue has never been a problem in any of the work that I have done to date and it could be just my particular saw.

Well there isn't really much more to say...This is a very fine jigsaw and probably the best one available; the Milwaukee being the only real competition that I have seen to date. So don't be afraid of this purchase. You will certainly not regret it!!

Won't stand the test of time
I've had this jigsaw about a year now. Perhaps went through 20 blade changes. One would expect a thousand more before this tool goes to lala land, but that's not the case. The tool is now rendered useless because the mechanism for blade changes has gone caput. I am past warranty as far as bringing it back for replacement or refund. The other choice is repair which isn't worth the hassle from my perspective. In my opinion this tool will not stand the test of time. This is a twenty dollar tool if the blade mechanism is flawed. {{I suspect it is}}.

I don't want to disparage anyone from buying Bosch, just this particular model. The tool wants to do business - but for cripes sakes - It's gotta hold a blade to work. I am not a happy camper.

Extremely Satisified
I bought the Bosch Jig Saw a few months ago and I have been nothing but satisified with the tool. It cuts thought anything with ease (including ash wood floors) and can be used for many applications. I use my tools constantly and buying the best has made all the difference. I would highly reccomend this to anyone looking for a jig saw.

Cuts Plywood like butter
Every Bosch tool I buy seems like a substantial upgrade, and this jigsaw is no exception. I bought it a year ago to replace a cordless model (not Bosch), and what a difference! Cuts straight, fast, and blows the dust away so you can follow your mark easily. I mostly use it to cut plywood, but I cut two large oval-shaped blanks out of 2x mahogany right after I got it and no problem. I didn't even know I could cut an oval!

I just bought the ripping guide for $15 and now I can do a lot more....rip small pieces of trim from moldings, cut down larger boards with minimal set up time, etc. I'd say the guide is well worth the extra dough.

I see they have a newer model out, and I'm sure it's excellent, but I'm still so happy with this one that I can't see upgrading at this time.....but maybe next Christmas....

Definately a 5 star tool. Bosch has done it again. Shocker. ... Read more

Features

• Variable speed control / reversible
• 18- stage clutch plus drill position
• Compact, Light Weight, Ergonomic Design
• 2 - 1.2Ah Ni-Cd battery packs
• 30 minute quick charging system

Amazon.com

A drill/driver is a great tool, but not for every application, unless of course you consider stripped screws part of the charm of doing it yourself. Some jobs simply need the added muscle only an impact driver can provide, and the 14.4-volt cordless DeWalt DW054K-2 is one impact driver worth a look. At first glance, the DeWalt driver looks a little weak. After all, it measures only 6-1/2 inches and weighs just 4.1 pounds. But don't let appearances fool you. Under that slight exterior beats the heart of a champ. The driver produces an amazing 1,150 in./lbs. of maximum torque, making it ideal for even the toughest jobs and the tightest applications, where comparable drivers simply couldn't reach. The unit features an all-metal transmission, a durable magnesium gear case and an all-metal quick release chuck that accepts 1/4-inch hex shank bits. A textured, anti-slip comfort grip provides ultimate comfort and stability. A specially designed impacting mechanism reduces kickback -- and fatigue. And a variable-speed trigger switch with electric brake means better overall control.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Includes impact driver, two 14.4-volt XR batteries, charger and kit box
• 1,150 in./lbs. of maximum torque for a wide range of fastening applications
• Compact size and weight allows access into tighter areas
• 0-2,400 rpm and 0-3,000 bpm for faster application speed
• 1/4-inch hex shank drive with quick release

Reviews (4)

DeWalt's DW054 14.4v Impact Driver
I have used a few impact drivers in my day. Just recently I purchased the new 14.4v Impact for work. I am very impressed with it power and vesatility. I just hope I can stop myself from using it all the time.

Sudden Impact
This summer I decided to build three decks and install a three-rail fence around my property. These projects require a lot of fastening with 3 inch deck screws. I used my drill/driver for my first deck and my wrists were hurting from the torquing action. I received my impact driver and put it to use immediately. The Dewalt impact driver drives these screws quickly and effortlessly and I've tossed my drill/driver aside. I would highly recommend this tool to anyone using a drill to drive-in screws, lag bolts, etc.

great new technology- what took them so long
i am a 53 year old carpenter-builder who has carried my 18 volt dewalt for several years on my toolbelt (heavy). The batteries are going, my shoulder is going, and i can't get into tight places. The Dewalt impact took care of all the above problems. I took a chance (because there were no real reviews) and bought it -and I love it - you will not believe how small it is!!! Here is some real data - the first day on the job site we were trying it out and we drove ONE (the same one) 3 inch galvanized screw (the kind that strip easy) in and out 6 times without stripping the head (we stopped testing with no sign of stripping but the screw was really hot )- the amazing thing is that the impact is just as helpful backing the screw out.
Hex ended drills are readily available and were tested in wood and 3/8 steel - no problem. (i have only found smaller -1/4'' -high speed bits readily available) The dewalt hex ended spade bit (3/4'') cruised through wood with much less effort than my 18 volt. My only question is how durable it is. Time will tell - but beyond that I am happy as hell with it.

DeWalt Cordless Impact Driver
Okay DeWalt has created another must have tool. It is compact and has the torque for the big driving jobs that would require frequent battery changes or a finish up with a hand wrench. Now be ready and hang on as this will drive 99% or our needs for heavy torque jobs. See model DW055K-2 for the 1/2" driver output. ... Read more

Features

• Includes impact driver, two 12V XR batteries, charger, and kit box
• 1000 in./lbs. of maximum torque for wide range of fastening applications
• Compact size and weight allows access into tighter areas
• 0-2,400 rpm and 0-3,000 bpm for faster application speed
• 1/4" hex shank drive with quick release

Reviews (7)

Best tool in 2 decades!
Being a door installer, I ordered this tool as soon as it came out. Awesome! Drives hinge screws in with no problem. Drills up to 1/4" bits without impacting. Where was this tool 5 years ago? My 18v drills are semi-retired, who needs a corded drill now. An earlier reviewer said he had problems finding hex drill bits. Most home improvement stores carry them in sets and you can sharpen them accurately with a Drill Doctor sharpening system when they dull. But as always we want more speed, can't get enough. I'm sure that with 2 brands out now that are faster, Dewalt will step up to the plate and deliver the knockout punch, til the next round at least. You can't go wrong with this one. Get one today.....

Amazing !
Being a DeWalt tool owner I decided (for charging reasons) to stick with them.This tool is awsome!I tried driving a screw right through a 2x4 didn't slow it down !Any one doing electrical work with greenlee knockout punches(slug busters)get the 1/2 socket adapter for the inpact driver put a 1" socket on it and make some holes on electrical boxes !It goes so fast I don't dread using the slugbusters anymore. It is getting so I rarely use my 18v drill except to drill,not to drive screws anymore !

One wasn't enough!!
In my company we do alot of weatherstripping installs and we remove AC vents and replace them after working on the ducting. I am obsessed with tools if it is out there I have to have it. Usually I will have it within a week of its release, most of my tools are Dewalt, but honestly they do not make all tools up to par. In this case I do not have a problem with buying a different brand to get the best for the job. This being said I bought the first impact that hit the home improvement store in my area charged it up on the way to the jobsite so I could try it out. I was impressed right away so I let others on my crew use it to see what they thought roughly twenty people had tried it by the end of the day on the charge of the two batteries. On seeing these results I decided that this was the tool of choice for our business and went to buy a few more. Upon arriving at the home center they were out so I had to order them. After talking to the crew several said they would like to have an impact themselves. So I went and ordered twelve more impacts and none of the crew have been disappointed with the tool. A month went by are our crew had increased in size as did the amount of work and so I went and ordered fourteen more impacts.

Almost a complete drill replacement
As a proffesional contractor who relies on my tools to feed my family I have to say this tool is a winner. I was introduced to it by a finish carpenter who had been using one he got as a gift. It has almost replaced my regular heavy 18v drill. the hex bits work great, but beware of breaking them easily. Also the hex drill bits can not be resharpened easily. Between this tool and the Dewalt 7.2v screwdriver, I have gone from using my big 18v drill daily to less than weekly. I love this tool for setting and removing tapcon screws in concrete!!! nothing is better!! I also discovered that by placing a soft brass rotarly brush in it, it is a wonderful tool to cleen off wood, concrete, and sidding. I used to have my assistant clean the concrete splatters off of sidding until I discovered this. Now instead of taking the better part of a hour to clean a porch, it is done in less than 10 minutes and usually less than 5. Time is money and this tool saves time in a big way. The only major downside is the cost of hex accesories and the quality of them. You will definitely get what you pay for in them, so don't scrimp and buy the cheapies. Especially screwdriver bits, they break too easy and you'll just end up going through them faster. I highly recomend using square drive screws with this tool.

Awsome!!!
I have just received mine and it's better than I expected. I initially wanted to buy a Makita, but after countless hours of research, and comparing both specifications, the Dewalt has the Makita beat. More power, faster, lighter, smaller, and in my opinion, much better looking. Also cheaper. ...This is by far my favorite tool. I just wish that I could find drill bits that have 1/4 in. shank. ... Read more

Features

• Aggressive toe nail nose
• Selective trigger
• 3 1/4" clipped head nailer
• 3 nails per second
• 7.9 lbs

Features

• 11,000 rpm for fast, smooth cuts
• Spring loaded guard for operator safety
• Large viewing window for cut line visibility
• Soft start for precision cutting from the get-go
• 8.5 amps for fast cutting through harder materials

Reviews (2)

Bosch is the Best
Now that I have it, I can't live without it--Highly recommend

Bosch is the Best
No need to look or shop around, this is the one that you want. And we all know that Bosch makes great tools and this is no exception. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

DeWalt's 5-inch random-orbit sander is a great tool for professional woodworkers and painters, as well as homeowners looking for a reliable sander for do-it-yourself projects. It has a 2 amp motor that provides 12,000 orbits per minute, with a 3/32 orbit diameter. Its controlled finishing system maintains consistent control over the pad speed, minimizing gouging at startup. We found that the sander removes material quickly and leaves a good finish. While it has less vibration than many sanders we've tried--thanks in part to DeWalt's dual-plane counterbalanced fan--we found that gripping the tool from the side rather than from the top seemed easier on the hands, and thought the top grip could get tiresome in extended-use situations. We liked the dust canister configuration on this tool, which uses a simple and effective twist-lock mechanism to prevent air pressure from popping the canister off the tool. The sealed switch prevents problems from dust contamination. The kit comes with the sander, a dust collector, a vacuum attachment, and a case. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Accepts 5-inch 8-hole hook and loop paper
• 2-amp motor provides up to 12,000 orbits per minute
• Controlled Finishing System maintains controllable pad speed and minimizes gouging
• Dual plane counter balance fan
• Dust sealed switch for increased durability

Reviews (28)

A little rough around the edges
This sander really does work fine, it does the job it is designed to do. I do have a couple of complaints though. Firstly the dust bag is basically useless. Mine has broken twice and when it is in place it is largely ineffective. ( Actually though, I fail to see how a ssnder's dust bag can work without a vacuum, but anyway) and the other gripe is the power switch. Mine is in a dust protective booted cover, that I usually fail to properly toggle, so when I start to sand, it will turn off - or the worse case it turns back on when I am setting it down. I can say however, that this unit has held up through the years that I have owned it, dropped it, loaned it . . . So I have no question as to its durability. I cannot base it on any comparisons with other RO sanders, but I can say I have got my moneys worth over and over.

Lil' Yellow Bugger
What won't this little machine do? How about cook breakfast. As far as sanding I've done it all from finishing drywall, smoothing out old plaster walls, brought an old rusty flea market file cabinet back to life & even shined up the family grocery getter with a wool bonnet! Nice sealed switch, handy case & super convenient vacuum hook-up hiding in the dust bag. Buy it! If you have problems with this sander your probably not ready for power tools yet , get a rubber sanding block!

Very happy with this sander
I own the PSA variant of this sander and got this one for free. The result: my PSA sander is now collecting dust instead of generating it. This is a great sander from rough to finish work, and hook and loop has saved me a lot of time when I have had to change out paper on a regular basis, and the edges of the paper seem to hold up better than that on the self adheasive. Not only that, I have had a hard time finding 8 hole 5" PSA paper at the local hardware stores. My only complaint is that the dust bag doesn't collect much dust before a small cloud begins to form around the sander. I am now looking at going down to the local Dewalt repair shop and see if I can get the hook and loop base for my DW420.

Great sander for the money
Another great tool from Dewalt. Bought this tool 2 weeks ago and put it to the test immediately. I sanded over 20 cabinet doors, some sheetrock, and rusting metal in that time and everything came out flawless. The hook and loop style is great for quick changing of pads. The dust bag works poorly as with any other woodworking tool(as should be expected) and should be hooked up to a vacuum system. I like this model cause parts are meant to be replaced, which means this tool should last for a long time with some minor maintenance. It only has one speed but unless you are utterly devoted to sanding it should be all you need. The only thing I could see swirl marks was on the metal but not many people are going to use this to sand metal so it shouldn't matter. After the abuse this sander took in it's first 2 weeks with the results I achieved I know what brand of sanders I will get from now on.

palm sanders
my psa dewalt palm sanders have about 2000 hours on it and i love them ! My new hook and loop palm sander has about 100 hours and i am ready to throw away the hook and loop pad . Hook and loop costs about twice as much but lasts half as long as psa. Psa cuts a lot faster and costs a lot less. ... Read more

Amazon.com

: When it comes to recip saws, Milwaukee is the undisputed king, the "Sawzall" name serving almost as a generic label for all reciprocating saws (to Milwaukee's chagrin, we're sure). The flattery is completely deserved, especially in this case. Cordless convenience couples with Milwaukee's know-how for one of the finest recips on the market. It's incredibly well-balanced, powerful and yet easy to handle. The Power Plus battery offers improved run time over standard batteries, and time is money. We love the steel Quik-Lok blade clamp system, which lets you change out blades in a flash and without any tools. For safety, there's a lock-off trigger speed control that prevents an accidental startup. And like Milwaukee's other Sawzalls, if you're in a tight space, you can flip the blade over for close-quarter cuts. This is definitely the tool for the busy contractor. It may be a little spendy for the home do-it-yourselfer, but it's worth every penny.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Limited warranty
• 18 volt, 2.4 amp-hour Power-Plus battery
• 1-inch stroke length for aggressive cutting, 0-2000 strokes per minute
• Powerful 18-volt rare earth motor easily handles all Sawzall applications
• Cuts up to 72 2x4s on a single charge

Reviews (2)

I think the last reviewer got a bad one.
The previous reviewer of the Milwaukee 6515 18v Sawzall must have obtained one manufactured on a Monday morning or something. I do not own this saw myself, but I have frequently borrowed it from a co-worker and have been very impressed. Battery life is surprisingly decent, and the saw performs nearly as well as its plug-in counterpart. It's a bit pricey though, costing around twice as much as a corded saw.

Did I Get A Bad One?
I bought this saw based on Milwaukee's reputation and the satisfaction I have had with their electric tools. This recip saw is no comparison to my DeWalt. It has no battery life and seems to lack the power of the DeWalt. Even when fully charged it seems to struggle through the work piece. Possibly a bad battery because I'm sure that Milwaukee would not intentionaly produce something which posesses the lack of quality as displayed in my saw. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

What a beauty! One of the lightest framing nailersavailable, this DeWalt weighs in at just 7-1/2 pounds but packs awallop, sending nails into even the hardest woods with minimalrecoil. Dry fire lockout prevents this workhorse from firingempty, and should it jam up, you'll be working again in no timethanks to DeWalt's well-engineered quick-release jam-clearingmechanism. You can change the depth of the drive in a jiffy, too,and without tools. (You have to love that!) As with DeWalt'sother nailers, you receive both bump and sequential actiontriggers with your purchase. The magazine is angled at 31degrees, and combined with its 12-3/4-inch height, you cantoenail in the tightest spots. A reversible rafter/belt loop is anice touch, and DeWalt also tosses in a bottle of oil and somevery cool-looking safety glasses. With this nailer at yourdisposal you can't go wrong. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Cast titanium exhaust plate for durability
• Magnesium frame and magazine weighs only 12.5 pounds
• Only 12.75-inches tall, can drive nails in the tightest openings
• Delivers plenty of power, 900 in./lbs. @ 100 psi, for engineered lumber
• Tool-free depth adjustment

Reviews (5)

Pretty good nailer
I read many reviews before buying a new framer and it was between this one and the paslode. My company builds lots of decks and new homes, so this gun gets a workout. It has worked alongside a couple of paslodes now for about 6 months. It is excellently balance and powered. My only complaint is that after working through the winter in severe cold, it needed a full overhaul (under warranty thankfully) for the seals and O-rings while the paslodes kept right at it. Overall, a great gun, just hope it does not need seals every six months.

Only does half the job it is meant to do
When I purchased this gun it seemed to be a winner.Light, powerful , great features. It wasn`t untill I loaded the gun with a new box of 8`s to bang out a sheathing job.This gun will not shoot any brand of 8`s strip nails , tried them all.It seems like the spring holding the strip nails has too much force and buches them together , jamming the gun after three shots.It does shoot 10`s excellent with ease , but for [money], it does half the job of any other nail gun.Try a friends before you buy one....

A Framer's delight
This is a sturdy, well-made gun that fires 3 1/4 and 2 1/2 inch
clipped heads with equal tenacity. The bump-trigger is very light and I can easily rat-a-tat if I'm not quick off of the "bump". I might switch to a single selective trigger which comes packaged with the tool. Wish I had a carry-box or fabric bag that came with it. I'm ready to tackle several decks now just to feel it work. GREAT Tool !!! C.H. Josephs

nice nailer
A case would have been nice. Some dewalt things come with a case and some don't, I guess. A air inlet connection would have been nice as well. I had to hunt down a connection in my compressor junk.... glad I had one. I don't have any framing nailers to compare this to so I'm not quallified to rate this item against the competition. The price was nice with the 50 dollar rebate. The air inlet area seems to be machined off center by design (perhaps to keep the airhose from being hit duing recoil), but this caught my eye right away as a flaw
because it just looks crooked(hell, let's face it, it is crooked). I love new tools, so I am overall glad to have purchased this nailer and look forward to nailing!!

Awesome Nailer
I've used proter cable for a long time and I was a bit nervious purchasing this nailer. I've framed 2 houses now in 3 months with this gun, and it is a champ. It has shot about 11 boxes (22,000 nails), It's been dropped from the 2nd story (twice) and generally been abused as most framing guns are, I mean Ive got a 2 x 12 in my other hand, im not setting the nailer down gently right? It gets dropped alot. I've had 3 jams where Ive had to pull off the magazine to clear the driver, thats 3 jams in 22,000 not bad. It just does what it's supose to all day everday, what more could you want? ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're looking to add a solid, reliable cordless impact wrench to your tool crib, the heavy-duty, 3/8-inch, DeWalt DW051K-2 12-volt cordless impact wrench might be worth considering. This mid-level impact wrench has everything you'll need to loosen and tighten tough bolts and drive fasteners through metal, concrete and wood surfaces. Plus, it's small enough (6-1/2 inches long and 3.5 pounds) to get into places larger units with comparable features simply cannot reach. But don't let its size fool you. Under that slight exterior beats the heart of a workhorse. The wrench churns out a whopping 1,200 in./lbs. of maximum torque with speeds ranging from 0-2,400 rpm and 0-3,000 bpm. The unit features an all-metal transmission, a durable magnesium gear case and a 3/8-inch hog ring anvil that accepts impact sockets with ease. A textured, anti-slip comfort grip provides ultimate comfort and stability. A specially designed impacting mechanism reduces kickback -- and fatigue. And a variable-speed trigger switch with electric brake means better overall control.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Includes impact wrench, two 12-volt XR batteries, charger and kit box
• 1,200 in./lbs. of maximum torque for a wide range of fastening applications
• Compact size and weight allows access into tighter areas
• 0-2,400 rpm and 0-3,000 bpm for faster application speed
• 3/8-inch square drive with hog ring retention

Reviews (4)

great tool
I am a professional mechanic and have used many cordless impact drivers. This is the best I have run across. I wish it was 14.4 volt so it would use the same batteries as drill but that is my only complaint. Plenty of power will break non impact sockets and small bolts beware. Lightweight and powerful. I will buy 18volt 1/2" impact in future when funds allow.
My recomendation BUY IT!

Beware from where you purchase this item
Beware of purchasing this or similar items from Amazon. I inadvertently ordered the wrong item and when I went to cancel my order less than 30 minutes later, they said I could not because it was being prepared for shipping. Still is 2 days later by the way. When I went to their return section, they said that this item could not be returned. Why does someone sell you something that cannot be returned to them?? Now I am stuck with an item that cannot be used and cost me a pretty penny to boot or of course I can sell it on Amazon myself, for less and pay the shipping. Go to the stores so you know what you are dealing with. Sure would be nice if they disclosed prior to purchasing that the item can not be returned.

DeWalt 12v Cordless Impact 3/8 drive
This cordless impact is very impressive, not only does it have
100 lbs of torque, it's light weight and compact.

Why not an 18-Volt Version DeWalt?
This isn't so much a review about this 12-Volt unit as it is a critique on DeWalts decision not to provide an 18-Volt version to their loyal customers. DeWalt markets their 12V and 14.4V Cordless Impact Wrench Kits, but what about one for their ever popular 18-Volt line??? Personally, I prefer to save and standardize whenever possible, hence my decision to stick with their 18-Volt line of cordless tools. Standardizing to a 18V battery allows all of my batteries to work with all of my cordless tools. The power of their 18V units pack enough strength to handle just about any job. Why not offer that with their 1/2" impact wrench line? Especially when you consider the work an impact wrench does. If DeWalt is testing the market to see if Cordless Impact Wrenches will sell by putting out 12 and 14.4V versions, it would seem the wrong way to go. These tools (Impact Wrenches) aren't the meat and potatoes of tool manufacturer's lines, and I would hate to see DeWalt discontinue making them due to low sales, because of folks like myself who are going to wait for the real tool (an 18V version) to hit the market. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This DeWalt circular saw is a rugged tool designed with professional carpenters' needs in mind. It has a 15 amp motor that produces a whopping 2,075 watts, which is equivalent to about 2-3/4 horsepower. In less scientific terms those numbers mean this saw can slice through lumber like a tornado through a trailer park. If that's a little too fast for you, it also comes with an electric brake for quick stops. The generous 5-1/2-inch base pivots for depth of cut and bevels on a ball-joint mechanism that offers smoother, faster adjustments than the simple hinge arrangement typically found on other saws. It has a bevel capacity of 0 to 50 degrees, and--like the depth-of-cut gauge--the bevel gauge can be easily recalibrated if the saw takes a tumble on the job. Depth-of-cut adjustments are made by unscrewing the front handle a bit, adjusting to the desired depth, and screwing it back down tight. This operation is so smooth it can be done without even changing your grip on the saw, reducing downtime between cuts. The saw's construction is solid throughout and it should be capable of living a long life on even the toughest job sites. Blade changes are quick thanks in part to the easy-to-reach shaft lock button; however, onboard storage of the blade-changing wrench would be an improvement. This is a great tool for serious professionals in need of serious cutting power. At 12.3 pounds, it isn't the lightest model available, but big power doesn't come in small packages, and 7-1/4 inch sidewinder circular saws don't get any burlier than this. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• 50 degree bevel capacity
• Rear pivot depth of cut adjustment allows your hand to remain behind the tool at minimum depth of cut
• Powerful 15-amp/2,075-watt motor made for long life and difficult applications
• Heavy gauge, high strength aluminum alloy shoe
• Electric brake

Reviews (10)

It's not a Super Sawcat, but it's decent.
If you've ever used a B&D Super Sawcat-either 7 1/4" or 8 1/4"-you'll understand my point of view. The Sawcat is the saw to which I judge all others. The first and most obvious comparison is the DeWalt's electric brake-the blade still turns after the saw is shut down. When you shut down a Sawcat the blade stops, and I mean now. The next item is the shoe plate. The DeWalt is wide enough, but if you look at a Sawcat's shoe plate you notice B&D turned up the edges just a skosh so when you run it down a straight edge it won't hang up in that invariable gap between the straight edge and the item you're cutting. No turned up edge on the DeWalt. In addition on the DeWalt's shoe plate where there are the marks indicating the blade path at 45 and and 0 degrees there is a bit of residual casting that makes the 0 degree line indistinct. I suppose a slight high speed modification with a file will cure the problem, but a Sawcat wouldn't require any file work. These, of course, are details, but, hey, that's what carpentry is all about. On the plus side are all the items mentioned by other reviewers-good long cord, easy depth adjustment (although the indicator on the depth gauge sits far enough away from the gauge to make exact reading questionable), external brushes, good balance, and power. Whether or not the DeWalt can stand up to years of gaff like a Sawcat, I can't say. In sum, the DeWalt is a decent saw for the price, but guys like me will keep looking for that stash of new old stock Sawcats.

The Best DeWalt Circular Saw ever made!
While it being an impressive claim considering the quality of DeWalt portable tools, the DW364 is still a far cry from the Super Sawcat of the late to early 90's.

The DW364 was the first Dewalt (of the yellow variety) circular saw that featured an electric brake. It's strong shoe/base coupled with a strong knob/depth adjuster makes this as solid a saw out in the market. Blade changing is practical with the blade lock feature. Easy motor brush access, makes this saw very easy to self-service.

Good saw that has only proven itself

Excellent saw, but not perfect
In 1998 I was buying a few of the last high-end items needed to start my own roofing company when I bought this saw. After dealing on several other tools, I asked the salesman (a retired general contractor) what was the best circular saw in the store. Without pause, he grabbed this DeWalt. I have other saws available, but this is practically the only saw that I've used since June of '98. I'm a teacher so I only do carpentry in the summers, but still this saw has been subject to a lot of use and more than a little abuse. It still works perfectly. It's an incredibly powerful and durable saw. If you use good quality blades, I don't believe that the wood exists that it can't cut through with ease.

If there were three things that I'd do to improve it, it would be these:
1. make it lighter
2. left-side cutting blade instead of right-side
3. laser-light guide for cutting

I know that the first two are already available on newer models, but I've yet to use them. If everything else is the same, those saws should be darn close to perfect. My next circular saw will be a DeWalt, but it might be several years until I need one.

Excellent saw!
Nothing but good experience with this saw. Great power, good ergonomics, and totally reliable. The shoe is sturdy, perfectly aligned, and promotes smooth cutting when used with a straightedge. The front-mounted depth adjust knob is far more convenient and more sturdy than the usual rear-mounted depth adjust nut. The blade brake works exceptionally well.

Highly recommended!

Has It All!
Owned this saw for over 10 years. Has really good power, even when the cut is off and the blade gets twisted a bit. Depth gauge and trapeze blade drop are great features--the later moves the blade up/down while maintaining the saw grip at the same angle. Most others rotate the grip up as the depth decreases. Forward grip handle twist locks the depth, easy to use and secures tightly. Good line-of-sight for the cut-line, never a problem! Great buy for the $'s. ... Read more

Features

• 1 Quart cup
• 89% P.T.E. [product transfer efficiency]
• Works with 1-1/2 H.P. and larger air compressors
• 3 spray patterns
• NBC non bleeder gun 2 stage trigger

Reviews (1)

Already have compressor? Get one of these!
Works extremely well, has all the features/adjustments of regular HVLP sprayers, works even with my little 2HP 6 Gal PorterCable pancake compressor that came with my air nailer. Granted the compressor does run more often than when your just nailing things, but I haven't had a problem as I build some furniture projects. I imagine painting a room or large objects would be better suited to turbine units that can supply a continuous airflow. But it beats spending hundreds more for a turbine unit that would just take up more space in my shop. If you have a compressor and want to try spraying finishes this is an economical way to start. A complete review can be found on the internet by searching. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful cutting power at 0-2,700 strokes per minute
• High capacity 3.5Ah Ni-MH battery for extended run time
• Keyless blade clamping system for quick blade changes
• New ergonomic balanced tool body for comfort and control
• 65 minute charging system for less down time