Archive for May, 2009

Quality cutting tools are an important part of the success of every machining system. The quality of the cutting tools has a direct impact on the quality of the end product and the overall productivity of the process. This makes the choice of cutting tools a very important business decision. The cutting tools you use need to be durable and able to resist damage under the extreme conditions they will be exposed to. 
 
There are many different carbide cutting tools available. The carbide end mill set is one of these tools. Cutting tools have seen many improvements over the last few years. These days the two main types of cutting tools are high speed steel and carbide. Carbide is quickly over taking high speed steel when it comes to a variety of cutting tools including end mill sets. This is because carbide has many advantages over high speed steel.
 
Carbides are compounds made from carbon and another element. There are many different types of carbides including calcium carbide, silicon carbide, and aluminum carbide. There are many industrial application of carbide. One big use of carbide is the creation of cutting tools like end mill sets. There are two main grades of carbide cutting tools. Cast-iron carbides are used for cutting cast iron and are made very strong so they can stand up to cast iron which is very abrasive. 
 
Steel grade carbides are designed to hold up under the high heat that often occur when cutting steel at a high speed. The carbide commonly used to create cutting tools, like carbide end mill sets, is tungsten carbide which includes a cobalt binder. Tungsten has a long reputation for strength and the ability to resist wear. Colbat is added to harden the cutting surface of the tool. There are many advantages to using carbide cutting tools. Some of the biggest advantages to using carbide for your end mill sets include its ability to resist damage from abrasion and thermal deformations, its tough wear resistance, and its high torsional strength.

Woodworking Beginner’s Tools

Having the ability to do carpentry and woodworking will help you all through your lifetime. Before attempting to repair woodwork in your home, or starting a major carpentry project, it is essential you have the right tools for the right job. You wouldn’t want to replace a shaky stair step using roof nails instead of long wood nails. You don’t put up drywall by using a sledgehammer, and you would not want to make angled cuts, if you don’t have a hitachi saw.

A Hitachi Miter Saw will help you to make the exact cut , to match your specific measurement. Using a hand held circular saw will not provide the accuracy that you need.Its ok if it is too long, but if its too short, then you are out a piece of wood, and good quality lumber can be expensive.

Once I  put up a wall in my house. The dining room was next to the kitchen, and we needed to wall off the kitchen for use as a bedroom. Using a hand held circular saw, I was able to put it together, but sometimes I was off a little bit, and I even had to throw out a piece of good lumber . The Hitachi Miter saw would defintely have been able to make the angle cuts that I needed for the wooden braces. With the miter saw,I put in the four corners, as well as the exact measurements I needed for the rest of the lumber.

Always use safety glasses when you are working with wood. If you get sawdust in your eyes, it will be painfull. Get your measurements, make sure that you mark them, and then remeasure them. Remember to use a level so that it lines up with all of the woodwork. And most importantly,  for the best angle  and precision cuts, use a Hitachi Miter Saw.

If you are looking to buy  Hitachi miter saws such as the hitachi c10fsh 10 inch sliding compound miter saw with laser at great prices I would recommend Amazon.com

 

Jet 708580 JBM-5 Review

Review of Jet 708580 JBM-5 1/2 Horsepower Bench Mortiser
 
Manufacturer: JET
Average Customer Rating:
 
Customer Reviews (72)
List Price: $421.00
Amazon Sale Price: $285.65
Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours
Free Shipping Available
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Product Description

Jet 708580 JBM-5 offers great performance with many good features, constructed from cast iron and steel it guarantees durability, motor is TEFC with ½ hp and 3/8” chuck capacity allowing for good performance and reliability, 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” bits come included. Positive grip on mortise drill bit is easy because of three jaw drill chuck and extended chick key, positive drilling control is made possible by rack and raising and lowering pinion head.

Jet 708580 JBM-5 features long multi position feed handle repositioning allowing for simpler operation and precise handle positioning, it also includes two hinged doors which allow complete drill chick access as well as removable safety toggle switch which prevents accidental activation.

Specs:
Motor: 1/2 HP, 1Ph, 115V TEFC
RPM: 1725
Chuck Capacity: 3/8"
Chisel Shank Capacity: 3/4"
Head Stroke: 4-3/4"
Chisel Center to Fence: 3-1/2"
Under Holddown: 4"
Fence Size: 1-9/16" x 12-1/2"
Base Size: 7-5/8" x 12-3/16"
Bushing Size: 5/8" & 3/4"
Weight: 44 lbs

Product Details

  • 1/2-horsepower bench mortiser; 115 volts; 1,752-rpm motor
  • 1/2-inch chisel capacity; 4-3/4-inch head stroke; rack and pinion head
  • Constructed from rugged cast-iron and steel
  • Includes mortiser, three bits, chuck key
  • 44 pounds; Backed by 2-year limited warranty

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

JET Benchtop Mortiser is Tops!
 
Review Date: March 24, 2000
Reviewer: Roy Brouwer, Milwaukee, WI
After having used biscuit joiners, dowels, and hand-made mortise and tenon furniture, I decided to invest in a powered benchtop mortising machine. After seeing and using various brands, I found the JET JBM-5 to be the best designed and most precisely built of the lot. The machining, design, simplicity of use are the best available for the novice-to-advanced woodworker. The hold-down bracket is designed to clamp evenly and the depth stop is easily adjusted without tools, unlike the Delta model. Another useful feature is the unit can be reversed on its base, allowing mortising of long objects--I built a clamping devise on the back of my mortising stand and can accomodate 36" long material for end-mortises or wide stock. The 2 year warranty should be more than adequate, given the history of other JET tools I've used--all running prefectly as designed.
Love that mortiser
 
Review Date: May 1, 2000
Reviewer: Gerald B. Hatley, Southern Pines, NC
I have a Delta drill press and had used a mortising attachment for several years. It is quite difficult and time consuming to set up. I had wanted a dedicated mortiser and decided to try the Jet, and boy am I pleased. Basically, right out of the box you are ready to make great mortises. I attached it to an auxilliary table as described in the manual and began work. I am building an antique pie safe and am using very hard red oak lumber. The Jet tooled through the red oak like cutting through butter. I especially like the slow speed (1750 RPM) that the drill bit turns. You are assured that you will not burn the wood. The chisels are also incredibly sharp. I found it easy to set the work fence to center the work piece and properly setting the cutting depth adjustment is a breeze. All in all, a very fine tool. Very glad I bought it!
JET Mortiser is #1
 
Review Date: January 8, 2000
Reviewer: Lisa, USA
There are many features that I really enjoy with this machine. First the fact that I do not have to also purchase the bits. The bits have worked fine for me and I have used them on some oak and hard maple. The extended chuck key provent me from busting my knuckles on the casting. Lastly I like the slower speed because the bits do not burn near as easily as on other machines I have used.
Great tool to own and use, best value
 
Review Date: August 16, 2000
Reviewer: C. Tang, Salt Lake City, UT United States
This the first Jet tool I bought and own when I started making this mission style bedframe (On cover of Jeff Miller's Beds) about 6 months ago. Because this tool, I bought two more Jet tools so far (650 dust collector and the 6" jointer). This mortiser is everything I wanted to do with mortise. I made 132 mortises for the slats on the bedframe that turned out beautifully. I am making two matching nightstands and a mission style coffee table. The three chisel bits come with the machine along worth more than $100. I looked at other mortisers before buying this one, they all require you to buy extra things to get started. The setup was easy, changing bits was a snap as well. I mounted the mortiser on a piece of thick plywood siting on top of my workbench. When I had to work on thick stocks (6-7"), I just took out the three mounting screws and rotated 180 degrees. That gives me another inch or so distance from the plywood base. It makes very clean cut. But sometimes it sounds pretty lound if the bit rubs the chisel, and you have to clean the dust fast enough to avoid burning when making deep cuts.
Great Product might need a little more power =)
 
Review Date: June 19, 2001
Reviewer: Jason A. Williams, St. Petersburg, FL United States
Ok so I have spent the last 2 days with my new jet mortiser and I Love It. After having purchased the jet MF17" drill press which came with the mortising attachment and torturing myself with setting that thing up every time I needed a square hole cut, this machine is a Dream come true. setup was done in under 10 min, i glanced at the manual once to identify only one funny metal part, the rest went together purely by intuition =) fit and finish was perfect, not a dent or scratch on it, i did manage to stall it a few times in some oak, but I was using my old 3/8" chisel that came with my drill press, (time to sharpen that thing) i put a new sharp chisel in and it was like cutting warm cheese. but everything else is perfect. I love this machine! Oh and one other thing I did take a good long look at the delta mortiser and was disappointed in the quality of that unit. The fence was crooked, the depth stop needed a hand tool to adjust, and its finish seemed mediocre, it did not come with the long neck chuck key needed to use these machines.. I have been a long time delta supporter but I think they have dropped the ball on this one.
Smooth work
 
Review Date: June 26, 2000
Reviewer: Wayne Cease,
The Jet mortiser sets-up easily. There are only a few pieces to assemble. Plug it in and turn it on. The chuck is easy to reach. It is also very quiet, the only significant noise coming from the auger bit inside the chisel if it rubs.

The chisels that came with it have been great so far. Nice clean cuts.

This and the Delta tenoning jig make building mortise and tenon joinery furniture easy. Cut your mortises with this, then use the mortise to set the size of the tenon on the tenoning jig. Very easy to reproduce the cuts for each leg/stile and rail.

It can really improve your work if you use mortises.

Porter-Cable 513 Review

Review of Porter-Cable 513 1-1/2 Horsepower Lock Mortiser
 
Manufacturer: Porter-Cable
Average Customer Rating:
 
Customer Reviews (7)
List Price: $2,249.01
Amazon Sale Price: $1,099.99
Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours
Free Shipping Available
Buy It Now at
 

Product Description

Expensive but worth every cent, Porter-Cable 513 1-1/2 HP lock mortiser gets the job done, hand mortising is gone forever, this baby will do it faster and better then anything else on the market. Porter-Cable 513 features strong 11 Amp motor with 27,500 rpms allowing for very precise cuts. It can cut mortises up to 7 x 1-1/4 x 4-3/4 inches, great for making box lock cuts. It will center the cutter on the edge of the door automatically, and can handle doors as thick as 4-1/2 inches. It’s made of durable steel alloy for many years of consistent, accurate cuts.

Highly recommended!

Product Details

  • Heavy-duty 11 Amp mortiser makes cutting box locks a breeze
  • Mounts doors as thick as 4-1/2 inches and centers automatically
  • Cut mortises up to 7 x 1-1/4 x 4-3/4 inches (LxWxD)
  • Weighs 37 pounds; Made from a durable steel and alloy material
  • Includes height rod assembly (4 rods - 804960, 1 stop - 800203, 1 nut - 800204), wrench, 3/4-inch bit, 1-inch bit, Allen wrench, operating manual

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

DELTA DP300L Review

DELTA DP300L 12-Inch TwinLaser Crosshair Drill Press
 
Manufacturer: Delta
Average Customer Rating:
 
Customer Reviews (26)
List Price: $341.69
Amazon Sale Price: $209.99
Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy It Now at
 

Product Description

Review of DELTA DP300L 12-inch TwinLaser Crosshair Drill Press

DELTA DP300L is a perfect tool for all kinds of precision drilling, no matter what you need to drill - wood, metal or plastic this drill will do it easily. It features five speeds, adjusting the height of the rack and pinion table is very smooth and easy to do. Its adjustable locking system provides easy angle adjustment great for repetitive drilling jobs, laser crosshairs are bright enough to be easy on the eye and still provide perfect accuracy every time you drill. We also liked flexible torch which provides additional working light and very convenient 11 inch table for stuff you may need while working.

Highly recommended!

Product Details

  • 12-inch drill press with laser crosshairs to ensure precise drilling
  • Powerful 5-speed, 120-volt, 60 Hz, 1,725 RPM motor
  • Fully adjustable table for angled drills
  • Measures 32 x 18 x 13 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 78 pounds
  • Includes adjustable lamp, 1/2-inch chuck key, and 11-inch tilting table for tools

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

SuperKut Insulation Knife

SuperKut Insulation Knife by VinTool

If you ever installed home insulation, you know working with insulation rolls and batts can be difficult.  The most challenging is actually cutting the insulation to the proper size you need.  Using the more traditional methods of cutting insulation like the common utility knife or razor blades are not only inefficient but also cause painful hand fatigue and injury.  Fortunately, I found a great solution to this problem that will help you in all your insulation installation projects.

I met up with a insulation contractor, Vince Schultz, who after 23 years in the trade invented the most effective insulation knife I have ever seen or used.  Vince explained to me that using traditional utility knives to cut insulation is like using a dull plastic picnic knife to cut a t-bone steak…you’ll eventually cut the meat but with too much effort.

Using a utility knife or other similar cutter, forces you to press too hard on the insulation to cut through the thickness of the material causing painful hand fatigue. Watching his crew struggle day in and day out, Vince invented the SuperKut Insulation Cutting Tool.

The SuperKut tool is designed to give you the leverage needed to cut through thick insulation material fast with minimal hand pressure on the knife.  This increases your productivity and greatly reduces hand related injuries caused by trying to apply too much pressure on a knife to cut through the insulation material.

To see the SuperKut Insulation Knife in action, go to http://www.VinTool.com.   You’ll be able to view a video that shows Vince using the knife that has increased his and his crew’s productivity on the job and greatly reduced hand injuries. The SuperKut Insulation Knife is a tool that belongs in your tool bag no matter if you are a professional or weekend project warrior.

See the SuperKut in action and read what others are saying: http://www.VinTool.com

Bostitch U/RN46-1 review

Factory-Reconditioned Bostitch U/RN46-1 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer
 
Manufacturer: Bostitch
Average Customer Rating:
 
Customer Reviews (40)
List Price: $389.00
Amazon Sale Price: $169.99
Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy It Now at
 

Product Description

Review: Bostitch U/RN46-1 factory reconditioned – more or less this means that this is almost a brand new tool, it has been returned to the manufacturer who has replaced all the worn out parts. Occasionally you can find a scratch or two but it will not impact the performance of the tool. Bostitch U/RN46-1 is a 1/4" NPT roofing nailer, it weighs 4.8 lbs and has magnesium housing for increased durability. It also features aggressive wear guards, carbide inserts as well as non skid pads. The Bostitch U/RN46-1 is so far the only roofing nailer which features integrated last nail capture which means it will not fire once it runs out of nails. It also has Bostitch patented single action side load canister and packs a 410 lbs of power for even the most demanding jobs. Another feature we really liked is its adjustable dept control, its real easy to set and provides consistent nail drives. Grip is comfortable and shingle guide can be adjusted without using tools. Highly Recommended!

Product Details

  • Factory-Reconditioned Bostitch 3/4-inch to 1-3/4-inch coil roofing nailer with lightweight magnesium housing
  • Use this dynamic nailer for composition roofing, exterior drywall, vapor barrier installation, insulation board, fiber cement siding, and vinyl siding (with VSA4 adaptor )
  • Features zero nail lockout feature to eliminate dry firing and indicates when to reload the magazine
  • Includes patented single-action side load canister for fast, 1-step nail loading
  • 10-by-6-by-11-inch at 4.9-pounds; backed by full 1-year warranty

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

It is important to learn about different types of power tools, and which ones are right for you, in order to save time with your repairs around your home.  There are several ways in which these tools can be powered, such as an electric or gasoline motor, or a compressed air motor. Power tools can be either stationary or handheld and are used for professional construction activities, or for home use. A large choice of power tools are available for applications such as cutting, sanding, shaping, drilling, painting, polishing, and grinding. More complicated woodworking and metalworking techniques often require bigger stationary tools. Portable tools are items such as a drill, cordless screwdriver, sander, or saw.

Here is a list of a few of the more prevalent tools for home DIY tasks:

The Drill:
A drill is a tool that has a drill bit attached to the front. You can use this tool for drilling holes in wood, metal etc. There are many types of swapable drill bits that can be clamped to the drill.  A spin off of this tool is the cordless screwdriver. This tool is specifically designed to handle the functions of a manual screwdriver and avoids fatigue to the user. Additionally, it can handle doing the job of a conventional drill, but in a much smaller, lighter package. For those general DIY activities around your home, the cordless screwdriver is a crucial tool.

A good tool is the Milwaukee 6545-6 2.4V 2-Speed Cordless Screwdriver – Tool Only. Another great tool is the
DeWalt DW920KR Factory Reconditioned DW920K 7.2-Volt Cordless 1/4-Inch Two-Position Screwdriver Kit

The electric sander:
A sander is designed to smooth the surface of a material, usually wood. Characteristically it has a mechanism that allows the the accessory of a sheet of sandpaper that is then quickly rotated in order to perform the job. There are varying types such as belt-, orbital-, or disc-sanders which all serve the same purpose. This power tool is designed to greatly lessen the fatigue and time that is normal when hand sanding materials.

The Electric Saw:
This tool cuts through materials like wood or metal using a blade or rough wire. A band saw, chain saw, or circular saw are some of the different types available. The band and circular saw are suitable for meticulous cutting of wood or other materials, while the chainsaw is better designed for rough jobs like cutting down tree trunks or branches.

The Router:
This tool uses a unique bit, which spins very fast, and allows to cut out, trim, and shape wood or other soft materials. Very precise shapes can be achieved with this tool that would be close to impossible with different power tools such as a standard drill.

The Lathe:
Usually, woodworkers use lathes to make symmetrical shapes around a spinning axis on a piece wood, but can also be used with metal. The piece of wood or metal is inserted into the lathe that then starts to spin the piece. The material can then be shaped into a symmetrical shape while spinning by using techniques such as deformation, knurling, drilling, sanding, and cutting.

Keeping your needs in mind you can find many other power tools out there. It is imperative that you do your research.

Hitachi C10FCE2 Review

Hitachi C10FCE2 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
 
Manufacturer: Hitachi
Average Customer Rating:
 
Customer Reviews (101)
List Price: $263.34
Amazon Sale Price: $134.51
Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours
Free Shipping Available
Buy It Now at
 

Product Description

This saw is great for just about any project but it excels when you need angled cuts in two planes like crown moldings or picture frames. Hitachi C10FCE2 features a 15Amp motor with speed up to 5,000 RPMs (no load), with this baby you’ll have no problems even with the toughest cutting jobs.


The C10FCE2 10-Inch
Compound Miter Saw offers:
  • A powerful 15 Amp motor
  • 5,000 RPM no-load speed
  • 0-to-52-degree miter angle range to the right and left
  • 0-to-45-degree bevel range to the left with stops
  • A five-year warranty




This 10-inch compound miter saw combines power with precision and user-friendly design.
View larger.
Make Cuts Confidently and Quickly
Another great feature is the 10-inch blade which allows for longer cuts to save time, also the thumb-actuated positive stops allows you to select preset points for specific angles which again saves time with faster adjustment.

Swing and Tilt for Beveled Cuts
Hitachi C10FCE2 has 0 to 52 degree miter angle, both right and left and 0 to 45 degree left bevel range including bevel stops, this gives you the range and precision needed for very precise work.

Built for Comfort, Generously Proportioned for Easy Work
Handle is horizontal with elastomer grip, it reduces vibrations which again greatly increases both the comfort and maneuverability. You will also receive a dust collector, very useful for reducing dust particles and improving both your comfort and safety.

Due to the large table you’ll also have more then enough space to work, large extended flip fence can be raised up to 4 inches and is great for crown mold cutting. Carbon brush is easy to access and replace which will greatly extend tools lifetime, with just 26.3 pounds Hitachi C10FCE2 is easy to transport and is 100% compatible with Hitachi UU610 miter saw stand (this really is a great combination for serious woodworker).

Warranty:
Standard Hitachi 5 year warranty!


What's in the Box
C10FCE2 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw with 10-inch TCT saw blade and extended fence, dust bag, vise assembly, box wrench, and hex bar wrench.


Bevel angles are easy to set and maintain. View larger.

A clearly marked scale offers easy reference for quick work. View larger.

Carbon brushes help ensure dependable performance. View larger.

A dust collection attachment minimizes airborne particles in your workspace. View larger.


Product Details

  • Carbide blade included
  • 15-Amp motor
  • Large pivoting fence
  • 5,000 RPM
  • Bevel angle 0-45, miter range 0-52

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

A cordless screwdriver is the perfect homeowner’s power tool for boring 1/4in.-dia. holes and driving small screws. There’s no need for a huge, strong, excessive tool for that kind of application as these tools are often more costly, so a full-fledged drill isn’t always the best decision – a cordless screwdriver is all you need.

A cordless screwdriver uses rechargeable batteries instead of an electrical cord to power a reversible motor that is attached to the shaft. What we love about these screwdrivers is their lack of heavy weight which is much more comfortable to hold, they reduce the amount of repetitive movements which decreses hand fatigue, and they provide more torque than a standard screwdriver. However, you can definitely still tighten your screws manually and only use the extra torque when you need it.  Also, a cordless screwdriver usually has a reversible motor and the two-way switch on the grip will determine which direction the motor will turn.  It can also really facilitate doing work in those tight or awkward spots.

Nowadays it’s common for a cordless screwdriver to be powered using lithium-ion batteries, which is great because this substantially increases its run time.  The new lithium-ion batteries installed in cordless screwdrivers are capable to recharge very rapidly which insures that your tool will be ready to use when neccessary.
If you’re looking to purchase a cordless screwdriver, look for one with an electronic clutch that will preserve the battery. Also, look for one with a lock up mechanism in the stopped position otherwise it gets difficult to loosen a screw or to finish tightening it.  One downside of a cordless screwdriver is that they are known to have switch and wiring problems.  It is vital to read a lot of reviews online in order to know of the issues that these tools may have.

These are some of the more popular brands that are available at most dealers:

  1. Craftsman
  2. Bosch
  3. Skil
  4. Dewalt
  5. Hitachi
  6. Milwaukee
  7. Black & Decker
  8. Ridgid
  9. Makita

All of these brands are good value with good warranties. The Bosch has the best speed control (Variable speeds up to 600 RPM with 8 clutch settings) and Li-ion battery life, while the Hitachi has very nice rubber handles that are enjoyable to handle. Each of these companies make great cordless screwdrivers, so it is your personal preference and budget that will determine the correct one for you.

Always keep in mind not to force your newly purchased cordless screwdriver on a hardheaded screw.  This will increase the life of your cordless screwdriver and ensure you spend many a great years together.