M&M Tool and Machinery Welcomes the Complete Line of SawStop Equipment

Posted by MALLORY | Posted in Friends of M&M, Machinery, Web Site News! | Posted on 21-07-2011

Manufacturing some of the most sophisticated woodworking equipment in the industry, SawStop has reinvented table saw technology, performance and safety. Accordingly, M&M Tool and Machinery is eager and proud to incorporate SawStop and their full line of industrial machines and accessories.

 

M&M Tool and Machinery is incorporating SawStop, an industry leader in table saw technology, to bring crafters a newer, safer, and more sophisticated woodworking avenue. With their emphasis in a new kind of safety, SawStop has revolutionized the way crafters interact with their equipment and the way that equipment performs at an internal and fundamental level.

SawStop’s industrial cabinet saw and their SawStop contractor saw are designed with a unique electronic safety system built to detect electronic fluctuations at the blade. Essentially, the saw is designed to know when something, particularly flesh, makes even the slightest contact with the blade. Upon detection, an aluminum brake is thrust into the blade, stopping it within milliseconds of said contact. This mechanism has literally saved thousands of crafters from catastrophic injury.

More technically, SawStop’s safety system induces an electrical signal onto the saw blade. This signal is constantly monitored for fluctuations by a digital signal processor. Because the human body is inherently conductive, its proximity and contact with the saw blade produces a fluctuation in the electrical signal which, in turn, understands that the blade has made contact with something other than the cutting material. Within a fraction of a second of this detection, a heavy-duty spring pushes an aluminum block (a brake pawl) into the teeth of the blade forcing it, as well as power to the saw’s motor, to an immediate halt. According to SawStop, this action occurs in just 3 – 5 milliseconds, or 1/200th of one second.

Ultimately, SawStop has evolved both the mechanics of the table saw and the relationship carfters have with their machinery. As such, M&M Tool and Machinery is proud to partner with SawStop and proud to participate in their focus on safety, awareness and staggering high-performance. Welcoming SawStop to their inventory, M&M Tool and Machinery now offers nearly every major woodworking and power tool manufacturer in the industry.

M&M Tool and Machinery is a family operated company in the heart of Salt Lake City, UT. For over seventy years M&M Tool has sought to provide the best knowledge and information, and the most down-right professional expertise to the tool industry. Through providing replacement parts, in-house service, and warranty repair to all power tools they sell, M&M Tool and Machinery has established themselves as a trusted global supplier of power tools, woodworking machinery, and all their working parts. For more information about M&M Tool and Machinery, power tool repair, or any of the thousands of products they carry, please call 866-485-8200, 877-583-7278 or visit their website at www.toolsandmachinery.com.

M&M Tool and Machinery Becomes a Bosch System Specialist Dealer

Posted by MALLORY | Posted in Friends of M&M, Web Site News! | Posted on 21-07-2011

Only an elite few businesses are selected by Bosch to become certified Bosch System Specialist dealers. Displaying consistent and overall excellence in service, selection and expertise, M&M Tool and Machinery is proud to be among these select and specialized dealers. 

 

M&M Tool and Machinery has been selected by Bosch Power Tool Corporation to become a Bosch System Specialist (BSS) dealer, one of only a very select group companies to be hand-picked for their focus, attention to detail and unique service and selection. In fact, M&M Tool and Machinery is the first Bosch dealer in the state of Utah to achieve such status, one of only thirty-six US companies, and one of only thirty-eight companies world-wide to earn the title, Bosch System Specialist.

BSS dealers are highly qualified power tool and accessory distributors. These companies partner with Bosch to provide crafters and tool-users unique access to power tools, accessories, replacement parts, power tool repair, and a level of expertise that can’t be found at just any ordinary tool shop. Accordingly, M&M Tool and Machinery is honored to have qualified for and to have been selected to boast this industry distinction.

As a certified Bosch System Specialist dealer, M&M Tool and Machinery offers a huge selection of Bosch products, a complete, competent and technically trained staff of fellow crafters and technicians, and an on-site power tool repair center designed to help tool-users get back to work as quickly as possible. They also offer a Loaner Tool program to eliminate the down-time usually suffered during the repair process. M&M Tool and Machinery additionally extends a ProFinance program allowing users to lease Bosch power tools, and, as a BSS dealer, they have first access new product releases (like Bosch’s GCM12SD axial-glide miter saw) and the equipment for new product demonstrations.

Altogether, M&M Tool and Machinery is proud to partner with Bosch Power Tool Corporation, proud to offer one of the best Bosch product selections world-wide, and proud to be known as a Bosch System Specialist. In growing their business, M&M Tool and Machinery intends to help crafters grow their own experience, expertise and personal power tool arsenals.

M&M Tool and Machinery is a family operated company in the heart of Salt Lake City, UT. For over seventy years M&M Tool has sought to provide the best knowledge and information, and the most down-right professional expertise to the tool industry. Through providing replacement tool parts, in-house service, and warranty repair to all power tools they sell, M&M Tool and Machinery has established themselves as a trusted global supplier of power tools, woodworking machinery, and all their working parts. For more information about M&M Tool and Machinery, power tool repair, or any of the thousands of products they carry, please call 866-485-8200, 877-583-7278 or visit their website at www.toolsandmachinery.com.

The “How To” of July 2011

Posted by MALLORY | Posted in "How to" of the Month, Tool Info, Tool Tips | Posted on 01-07-2011

How to Flush and Replace the Oil in a Worm-Drive Circular Saw

 

As one of the more popular power tools on the market today, a worm-drive circular saw can be found on nearly every jobsite and in nearly every garage on the block. They are built for durability and high-performance and make any number of construction and demolition projects that much faster and simpler to complete.

 

Despite their popularity, only a handful of circ saw users fully appreciate the importance of regular maintenance and particularly of keeping their worm-drive circular saws properly oiled. In fact, its common for the lubricant in these tools to become thick, dirty and sludgy which can extremely damage the performance of the saw and can contribute to premature wear and ultimately the premature failure of the tool. With just a little lube and a little extra time from those of us who glean so much work and happiness from our worm-drive circ saws, though, the early demise of these tools is entirely preventable.

Before explaining how to flush these bad-boys, though, I’ll start with a quick tip: users should check the oil level in their worm-drive circular saws before each and every use. This takes only a moment and ensures your saw will perform at its best each and every time you use it. Note: the oil level in the tool should never fall below the lowest threads in the oil housing.

So, to continue, if you are one of those users who doesn’t keep the best tabs on your oil levels and now you have a sludgy mess on your hands and inside your saw, flushing and replacing the oil in your tool is the only way to revitalize its performance and longevity. Fortunately, though, although a bit more time consuming than simply topping-off the oil, flushing it and replacing it is a quite simple procedure.

Disclaimer: Although it is not necessary to remove the saw blade to flush the oil from a worm-drive circular sawl, it is always safer to remove it. This eliminates any chance of injury to both you and the saw blade. Also, when not running to the tool to warm old oil or flush with kerosene (*see below), ensure the tool is fully disengaged from its power source while working on it.

To begin, simply let the circular saw run for about one minute. This allows the sludgy oil to warm and loosen making it simpler to drain. Next, remove the oil plug. The oil plug is the metal nut that sits just above the oil reservoir (the reservoir should be clearly indicated with images or text). To remove the plug, use the wrench that came with the tool (the same one you use to remove the saw blade), and twist the plug off. Tip the saw upside-down allowing as much oil as possible to drain from the reservoir

After draining the sludgy oil, refill the oil reservoir with kerosene. Replace the oil plug and allow the tool to run for another minute. This pushes the kerosene throughout and entirely flushes the gear housing clearing it, and the reservoir, of any residual oil build-up. Invert the tool once more to drain the kerosene entirely from the reservoir. 

Next, and last, you simply need to refill the reservoir with a brand specific lubricant. For example, if you use a Skil saw, you need to refill the reservoir with Skil oil. It is important that you use only these specific lubricants as other oils are not designed with the same particularities. 

Rest the tool on its foot atop a vertical surface (like a work bench or table) and fill the oil reservoir until oil spills slightly from the lowest point on the oil hole (the part closest to the oil reservoir) and replace the oil plug.

Remember to check the oil in your worm-drive circular saw before each use, top-it off when it needs it, flush the oil when it gets nasty, and and you and that circ saw should be well on your way for a long life of successful productivity.

The Featured Tool of July 2011

Posted by MALLORY | Posted in Drills, Featured Tool of the Month, Tool Info | Posted on 01-07-2011

Festool CXS Compact Lithium Ion Drill Driver

The ultimate tool for performance, precision, powerful drilling.

 

As the newest and certainly smallest addition to Festool’s Li-Ion drill platform, the CXS 10.8V cordless drill driver is one of the most impressive, if not earnestly the greatest compact drill to release in a long time. With a surplus of features that can be found on no tool but a Festool, the CXS boasts, among other distinguishing points, Festool’s FastFix chuck system, incomparable ergonomics, a weight of only 2-lbs, and the overall precision technology to render your colleagues amazed and your competition, well, embarrassed.

 

To begin with the FastFix chuck system, to optimize the CXS’s overall performance and compatibility, Festool has incorporated a removable, interchangeable chuck system. In fact, the drill has three different task-specific chucks: the Centrotec chuck, a keyless chuck, and a right angle attachment. These chucks are tool-less and can be removed and replaced within only a small handful of seconds and, as you’d assume, they enhance the drill’s capabilities in just about every imaginable circumstance. 

The Centrotec chuck is extremely compact and lightweight to provide both comfort and accessibility in tight-space environments. This chuck also allows users to change bits extremely easily and quickly with no more than the push of a button. The keyless chuck uses a ratcheting action to ensure your bits don’t slip or become loose while working, and the right angle attachment provides a 90-degree working angle allowing users to work in the most awkward spaces or tightest corners. The angle chuck also has a 360-degree swivel with 16 individual locking positions, and can be combined with the Centrotec and keyless chuck for a greater functionality. Users may also insert a (1/4” hex shank) bit directly into the right angle attachment. 

As if the interchangeable chuck system wasn’t quite enough, operators may opt to use no chuck at all and may simply stick a (1/4” hex shank) bit directly into the end of the drill. This means you really need no chuck at all and have unparallelled access to and functionality in the most awkward or close-quarter environments.

Festool’s CXS also boasts a unique battery design that eliminates the standard bulky handle and, although the drill is essentially too light to cause too much discomfort, this design ensures optimal user comfort under working stress and strain. The drill is additionally designed for ambidextrous use rendering it comfortable for both righties and lefties. The drill is perfectly ergonomic and with ideal balance and uncommon lightweight, the tool feels just like a tremendously functional extension of yourself.

The battery is long-lasting and fast-charging and built with the technology to ensure users glean the best, most efficient power for the longest possible amount of time. The charger is also designed with Festool’s advanced Li-Ion technology to ensure it communicates fluidly with the battery and can deliver just the right amount of charge and a little nurturing TLC, too. Transfering a complete charge in just about 30-minutes and including two (cross-tool compatible) batteries, the CXS system allows you to work continuously and comfortably ensuring the most exceptional working results.

On top of that, the tool has the same general features as many other compact drill drivers, but what separates the Festool CXS from the those of other manufacturers, is its superior attention to every single detail. From a performance that can not be rivaled, powerful out-put and professional results, to ergonomic comfort that can not be contested or replicated and the tool’s overall technical excellence which prevents wear and ensures smooth longevity, the 564274 drill driver is just a better tool than, essentially, any other in its class

Altogether, the drill is plainly and simply amazing. It is incomparably comfortable, offers tremendous reliable power and extremely versatile functionality, and does it all in a sleek 2-lb package. Among other extras, the CXS also incorporates a high-intensity LED light, rotating belt clip, and magnetic bit storage.

July 2011′s Quick Tip of the Month

Posted by MALLORY | Posted in Quick Tip of the Month, Tool Tips | Posted on 01-07-2011

So you’ve got a new worm-drive circular saw…

 

After the first ten hours of use with your new worm-drive circular saw, replace all the existing oil with fresh, brand specific lubricant. This maintains the saw’s high-performance and longevity, and ensures its interior parts cooperate with optimal smoothness.

How to Properly Oil/Lubricate a Bosch or Skil Worm-Drive Circular Saw

Posted by MALLORY | Posted in Tool Info, Tool Tips | Posted on 01-07-2011

A worm-drive circular saw is one of the more common power tools among both professional tool-users and weekend do-it-your-selfers. They are universally useful and have the tenacity to make most any construction or demolition project spectacularly more simple. Few users, though, understand the importance of regular maintenance, like lubrication.

 

Fortune, however, was kind to worm-drive circular saw users, and lubing your circ saw is a pretty simple process. A quick word of advice, though, before beginning this brief tutorial: always check your oil levels before using the saw. The oil level should never fall below the lowest threads in the tool housing, and, should that oil become thick or excessively dirty, flush the saw of the old oil and entirely relubricate it (*see below for flushing instructions). 

OILING:

The first and foremost step in getting that saw good and lubed is disengaging the tool, ensuring it has no power source to draw from, and resting it firmly (on its foot) on a sturdy, flat surface. Next, you simply need to reach and check the oil. To do this, use the tool’s wrench (the same one used to remove the saw blade) to remove the oil plug (this is the metal nut just above oil the reservoir that reads “oil level in operating position” on the right hand side of the tool). Add fresh oil to the oil reservoir allowing it to fill enough to spill out (a little) of the oil-hole at the arrow pointing up from the reservoir

Next, you simply need to replace the oil plug and all will be right as rain with your worm-drive circular saw. Oh, and although you absolutely must use high-quality, high-speed oil (never, ever use motor oil), it is highly and always recommended that you use only Bosch or Skil lubricating oil in these tools. Using these lubes also offers the extra piece of mind in knowing that your tool is smooth and happy, and the simplicity of knowing exactly what to buy (Bosch lubricant: part number WD7LUB, Skil Lubricant: part number 80111). So, when lubing these Bosch and Skil saws, use only Bosch or Skil oils. 

FLUSHING:

Now, if when checking the oil, the existing oil in the saw is ultra-dirty or thick, you will need to entirely flush the bad oil from the saw. To do this, immediately replace the oil plug, reengage the tool and allow it to simply run for about one minute to warm and loosen-up the existing oil. Remove the oil plug once more and invert the saw allowing the oil to drain completely from the reservoir.

Next, fill the reservoir with kerosene, return the plug again to its plugged position, reengage the tool and allow it to run for one minute. This will flush and clear-out the gear housing and reservoir of any residue. Remove the plug and invert the tool once more to entirely drain it of the kerosene.

After ensuring you’ve drained as much kerosene as possible from the reservoir, refill it with the aforementioned Bosch or Skil worm-drive circular saw lubricant (fill it, again, to a bit of a spilling point at the oil-hole). Return the plug, and you have successfully lubed your circular saw and single-handedly enhanced its life and performance. Good job.