There's nothing better than buying a great new power tool that you love. Except for having that same power tool that you bought come with all the extra accessories. But alas, even with the Fein Multimaster, Makita 2704 table saw, Milwaukee 6538-21 reciprocating saw and Dremel Screwdriver/Stylus Combo kit, sanding pads become worn, blades need to be sharpened, upgraded or even replaced and sometimes little accessories just get lost.
The right accessory can cut task times in half which makes the power tool accessories an essential part of getting a job done quickly and accurately. In essence, the correct accessory is as important as the tool itself.
When shopping for tool accessories such as blades, bits and sanding pads, if you are not purchasing the manufacturers brand, be sure that what you do buy will be compatible with your power tool. Most power tools and accessories these days are made overseas where they don't always have a strict set of standards from factory to factory. The end result is sometimes a cheap, knock-off brand accessory that doesn't quite fit your power tool correctly and another trip to the store for you.
So purchase power tools brands that you know and trust and the same goes for those power tool accessories.
I'm pretty sure that you are going to want the Tools of the Trade Magazine's September/October issue. Editor Michael Springer is going to do an in-depth issue of the new fall tool lineup and there are more than a few new power tools that you'll find good use for.
Milwaukee Electric Tools, PorterCable, Bosch, Ridgid and DeWalt are all competing with lighter, more compact and higher performing tools - just what you all have been asking for. From one-handed reciprocating saws to granite topped table saws to Lithium Ion powered whatsajigits, you'll have more innovative tools to choose from than ever before!
Stay tuned because we'll be posting the new tools as we get them. You can also check out ToolsoftheTrade.net for power tool comparison testing on miter saws, portable miter stands, circular saws, reciprocating saws, pneumatic Nailers and more!
Ahhh... this photo looks much easier than setting screws one at a time. What is it? A very cool new tool from PAM Fastening Technology, the PC12 Cordless screwdriver. The most helpful feature of this screwdriver is that it autofeeds screws. No more driving single screws when you are building a deck or laying a subfloor. This screwdriver is perfect for those punch-out jobs where a cordless tool is needed.
With a two-piece ergonomic design, the PAM Fastening PC-12 Cordless Screw Gun accommodates 1 to 2 inch fasteners and up to 600 screws per battery charge. Weighing only 5.1 lbs, the PC-12 is 14 inches long making it ideal for remodeling where a corded tool is inconvenient or where electric power is not an option.
"The PC-12 Cordless Screw Gun is designed for remodelers and contractors who appreciate the performance of a well built and durable cordless screw system designed for drywall," noted P.V. Archer, Marketing Manager for PAM Fastening Technology. "It makes quick work out of the largest projects."
PAM Fastening Technology also has a few Extension Guns:
1. The P13KED is a dedicated "long gun". It is ideal for "standing jobs" such as decking & subflooring and utilizes screws from 1" - 3". As you can see in the photo, this person looks a lot more comfortable and productive standing while screwing in a subfloor than if he were on his knees moving across the job.
2. The P13KUE is a universal long gun that can be used with or without the extension. The P13KUE features a fast change option that allows for quick change over to different screw sizes from 1"-3" in size. It also features a tool-less Countersink adjustment - quick and easy to change on the fly and can be used for decking, subflooring, drywall to wood or steel, roof tile and siding.
3. The Pneumatic SX2K extension system. This pneumatic gun is ideal for industrial applications such as manufactured housing. The SX2K takes 1" - 2" fasteners and can be used with or without and extension and doesn't need electricity.
The recent release of the iPhone 2.0 firmware upgrade has made the already awesome Apple iPhone even more awesome. Why? Well, iPhone owners can now install 3rd party software applications on their devices which are available for free or purchase from the new iTunes "AppStore". In just three weeks, over a thousand apps have been developed for the iPhone. Some are games, others are productivity tools, and others-like a virtual sheet of bubble wrap that you can "pop"-are just plain weird.
So what does this have to do with tools? I was browsing the App Store the other day and noticed a new app called "Level". Essentially, it's a virtual bubble level that operates on an iPhone or iPod touch. For just 99 cents, you can now have a very accurate handy-dandy "bubble" level on your phone. Make sense? Check out this video demonstration:
I'm a regular on Lumberjocks.com , a cool - neighborhood-style woodworking forum. There's one guy on the forum, Lee Jeesberger, who makes fine wood-crafted furniture, built-ins, cabinets, hand tools - you name it, this guy will make it out of wood. He's even invented a feeding system for sheet products, the Ezee-Feed Infeed/Outfeed System
that you may already know about.
Anyhow, Lee started a post about crafting Dead Blow Mallets that caught my attention. He said "They’re easy to make, and useful around the shop. Not to mention they look great and are a good use for small scraps of exotic woods." I commented on how I would like one to hang on my wall because they really are a beautiful piece of art and he was nice enough to send me one!
What are dead blow mallets used for, why do they make noise when you shake them and why the leather on the end?
Well, that's what I asked Lee and he responded with "The leather is to protect your head when whacking it. Start off soft until you build up a callous." It was very useful for me on that particular day...
Actually the noise is made by lead pellets on the inside. This gives the mallet extra impact when hitting a joint together with it, or convincing a board it is in the wrong place. The leather protects the wood projects you're hitting, while permitting you to give it a pretty good whack. So there you have it, a beautiful hand tool for making beautiful wood pieces. I still like to keep it on my desk for my knocking my knoggin.
Before Lee sent me the mallet shown in the photo, he adhered leather on each end using contact cement. He uses contact cement as opposed to other adhesives for the following reason:
"The reason to use contact cement for this is the very same reason not to use it on veneers. It remains flexible. Super glue is brittle after hardening and using the mallet will break the rigid glue line, and allow the leather to come off.The first mallet I made, at least ten years ago still has the original leather glue to it, and that was using contact cement. I sent one of the mallets I showed in the pictures to Jude. When I attached the leather to the face a couple weeks ago I used a non water based contact, applied a coat to each surface and allowed it to dry. I then second coated both surfaces and allowed that to dry.
With the leather laying on the bench, glue side up i pressed the face of the mallet onto it. Than I whacked it against the bench a couple times. Using my scalpel I cut the leather around the outside edge of the leather. Then using a spinning and rocking motioned I worked the edges tight to the wood. This will never come off!"
THIS IS SO COOL! DIY NETWORK'S BLOG CABIN ANSWERED OUR TOOLOGICS QUESTIONS! CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW!
FYI ~ DIY Network’s Blog Cabin is the first ever interactive home-building television series, putting bloggers in control of the design and construction of a waterfront vacation home. Blog Cabin is returning for its second season SOON ~ watch it on the DIY Network starting August 14th !
Beginning in January of 2008, DIY Network.com invited visitors to vote each day on various aspects of the cabin –while maintaining an ongoing interactive dialogue through DIY Network's blog, millions logged on to vote on over 40 different design features, from the floor plan to the lighting to the paint colors in each room. DIY Network's expert hosts took the blogger suggestions and constructed the house based on the blogger's specs, and the results will be revealed in this season's Blog Cabin. DIY viewers can watch the "blog cabin" take shape next month (beginning August 14th) as well as enter online for a chance to win the blog cabin. Official Site: http://www.diynetwork.com/blogcabin
Blog Cabin premieres August 14th at 9pm on DIY Network.
Straight from the South:
Tired of the static electricity build-up when you're working on electronic devices? Well then check out PB Swiss Tools Electrostatic Dissipating (ESD) screwdrivers. These tools are designed to safely discharge static electricity, making them the ideal choice when working on computer, electronic and other sensitive devices.
Swiss Tools achieves this with a combination of antistatic material and the innovative SwissGrip® handle. SwissGrip® screwdrivers have a soft handle surface that effortlessly transfers the rotational forces of the hand to the screw, thus maximizing torque. They are particularly respected in all industries where problem-free, non-tiring work is a must. The special structure means that a secure grip is ensured even if hands are wet. PB Swiss Tools ESD series tools are best for work on static sensitive electronic components, computer repair, avionics, circuit boards, surface mount technology, and more.
Electrostatic discharge is one of the major causes of device failures in the semiconductor industry. Manufacturers and users of integrated circuits must take precautions to avoid Electrostatic discharge. The new PB Swiss Tools that are designed to help include:
8315A ESD Torque® Handle: This convenient tool makes it easy to check screw tightening torques for assembly operations. 8215 ESD screwdriver Set: Professional toolkits for installation and service work that includes EDS handles and precision screwdrivers. 8215A ESD Handle for Interchangeable Blades: Standard ESD handle for PB 215 interchangeable blades.
Ahhh... this photo looks much easier than setting screws one at a time. What is it? A very cool new tool from PAM Fastening Technology, the PC12 Cordless 
PAM Fastening Technology also has a few Extension Guns: 
The recent release of the iPhone 2.0 firmware upgrade has made the already awesome Apple iPhone even more awesome. Why? Well, iPhone owners can now install 3rd party software applications on their devices which are available for free or purchase from the new iTunes "AppStore". In just three weeks, over a thousand apps have been developed for the iPhone. Some are games, others are productivity tools, and others-like a virtual sheet of bubble wrap that you can "pop"-are just plain weird.
I'm a regular on 
Straight from the South: 
