2003 ShortCuts Tool Tests

Black & Decker - The Pivot Plus cordless screwdriver, tape measure and light, . Column 434
A pivoting screwdriver/drill that is a real convenience for the homeowner. 

BladePoint - Universal Laser Pointer. , Column 441
The BladePoint laser replaces the washer on most compound miter saws.

Craftex - Roller/Ball Stand, . Column 441
This is a must in any woodshop. The head flips for either a roller or a ball feed table.

Delta - The Six-Pack Cordless Tools, . Column 441
Six 18-volt tools include Light, Brad Nailer, Jig Saw, Circular saw, Sander, Drill/Driver and two battery packs.

Delta - Ambient Air Cleaner, . Column 441
Great for shops with limited space it has two fluorescent lights as well as efficient dust filters.

Delta - Down-Draft sanding Table . Column 441
This one fits on your bench-top and your shop vacuum plugs right into it.

DeWalt - DW054 Cordless Impact Driver, .
This is a powerful 14.4v tool that has plenty of torque, hang on tight.

DeWalt - DW500 Corded/Cordless, Wet/Dry portable shop Vacuum, . Column 440
A great idea with a Hepa filter and a two-gallon capacity.

DeWalt - DW433 Belt Sander, . Column 440
So many improvements in a belt sander, three rollers for stability, removable handle, up top power cord, efficient dust control.

DeWalt - DW735 Thickness Planer, . Column 440
This new one offers a 13" capacity, two cutting speeds, three knives, automatic head lock, material thickness scale, fan assisted chip ejection.

Douglas - DF118 Finishing Hammer, . Column 441
A shallow claw, polished head, side nail puller, nail starter slot and replaceable hickory handle are some of the features of the Douglas. 

Dremel - Motor Tool Kit, 3956-02, . Column 440
Comes complete with flexible extension hand tool.

FastCap - Dots, . Column 430
These dots in various sizes and wood species or colours cover screw heads etc.

Freud - LM74M1010 Glue Line Saw Blade, . Column 419
This is an excellent blade for ripping that will easily replace the need for a jointer.

FluidMaster - Flush & Sparkle, . Column 429
One cartridge lasts for months and does not stain the tank interior.

General - 90-100MI 16" Bandsaw, . Column 441
A 2-speed saw with available riser and a quick blade release. It includes a fence and miter gauge.

Homelite - Expand-it tools, . Column 417
Improved Expand-it tools include a pole chain saw for tree branch lopping.

Johnson - Laser Level, . Column 429
An excellent tool at a great price for leveling and even surveying.

Krylon - Krylon Fusion Paint, .
An excellent spray paint for those weathered plastic deck chairs, no preparation required, simply remove the cap, shake and spray.

King - KC1702C Bandsaw, . Column 441
This is a 17" saw with a rack-and-pinion fence elevator and a cast-iron table.

LePage - LePage All Purpose aerosol caulk, . Column 430
A convenient aerosol container eliminates the need for a caulking gun.

Makita - LS1013 Sliding Compound Miter Saw, , Column 441
A heavy Duty SCMS that goes beyond the 45 degrees both left & right.

Makita - 5007FA Circular Saw, , Column 441
This 7 1/4" saw has a 15 amp motor, electric brake and even light up the cut line with an LED.

OneWay - 2436 Lathe, . Column 441
The Rolls Royce of lathes is vibration-free with an electronic speed control.

Porter-Cable - H6501S-W 6,500 watt Portable Generator, . Column 427
Powered by a Honda, the 7-gallon tank will keep lights on for nine hours.

Ryobi - Eight-Pack Cordless Tools, . Column 441

Ryobi - AP1300 Thickness Planer, . Column 397
Loaded with features at a low price.

Ryobi - BT3100 Table Saw, . Column 402
This revised table saw has more power and more conveniences of the highly successful BT3000.

Ryobi - DP120 Bench-top Drill Press, . Column 407
A 12-speed, 1/2" chuck, an excellent value, an innovative circular table with flat edges for clamping.

Ryobi - CSB 121 Circular Saw, . Column 407
A 13 amp, 7 1/4" light duty portable saw.

Ryobi - CSB131K Circular saw, . Column 407
This is a heavy duty 7 1/4" circular saw with a 15 amp motor.

Ryobi - BTS20 Portable 10" Table Saw, . Column 423
An excellent tool with ample power for most work and on wheels to boot.

Ryobi - SC180VS, 18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw, . Column 423
Lots of innovations including a Teflon surface table top, a single tube for dust blowing and LED light.

Ridgid - R2600, 5" Random Orbital Sander, . Column 426
Super quiet, pulse start, easy to hold, efficient dust pick-up, quick stop, choice of pads.

Ridgid - Cordless 4-Pack, . Column 432
Ridgid raises the bar with 1/2 hour twin pack chargers, includes Flashlight, Circular Saw, Hammer/Drill/Driver & Reciprocal Saw. Excellent features in all. 

Ridgid - R5010 Pulse Hammer/Driver/Drill, . Column 432
The drill bit will never wander on start up due to the 'pulse' start, backlit logo plug, 12' power cord, Dual Range Variable Speed and more.

Ridgid - R3120 Variable Speed Jig Saw, . Column 435
Tool-less blade changes, 4 orbits for fast cuts, backlit plug with 12' cord and more.

Ridgid - R2619, 6" Random Orbital Sander, . Column 436
Variable speeds, 2 orbits for faster material removal, excellent dust collection, well balanced, backlit plug and 12' power cord.

Senco - PCO 947-FIP18 Combo Compressor, . Column 441
Lightweight and convenient is this combo pack from Senco that includes brad nailer, coil hose, brads, safety glasses and oil.

Triton - Super Jaws, . Column 396
This is a variation on the Workmate but all steel and a great pair of hands on the job-site.

Vaughan - Mini Bear saws, . Column 400
These Dozuki style saws cut smooth on the pull-stroke and have varied tooth configurations.

Wizard - MacLock Security Lock, . Column 418
A Dead-Bolt with a 30" blade to keep the baddies out. Easy installation.

Zircon - CF12 Pro Circuit Tester, . Column 397
Zircon makes it real easy to trace a home electrical circuit. A beep or a light tells you which fuse or breaker you are looking for.

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Graham McCulloch is a Woodworker and writer and lives in Halifax.
Drop us a note by writing to: ShortCuts, c/o Sunday Homes, The Halifax Daily News, P.O. Box 8330, Station ‘A', Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 5M1. Or you can E-mail us at graham@shortcuts.ns.ca.

Need woodworking or do-it-yourself product information? More than 10,000 products and services can be found at the Woodworkers Resource Center on the ShortCuts web site at http://www.shortcuts.ns.ca .

 

© 2003 Graham McCulloch All Rights Reserved