Two Routers in One?

Investing in a router combination kit is one of the smartest decisions a woodworker can make. These combo kits are versatile, efficient and economical and offer crafters greater functionality from a more efficient resource. Providing both a fixed base router and a plunge base router that simply share the same motor, these kits are proficient and quite a bit like having two industrial routers in one.

So, across the board, combination router kits are awesome and economical, but Bosch has taken the high-performance efficiency of these packs to an entirely new level. In fact, the Bosch MRC23EVSK 2.3 HP combination router pack is one of the most impressive tool kits to release in a long while. With innovative features, intense power and precision, and the functionality of two sophisticated power tools, this router pack is a true-blue exceptional.

To get a little more technical, these routers are powered by a 2.3 HP motor that offers both variable speeds (10,000 – 25,000 RPM), a soft start feature (which reduces start-up torque), Constant-Response circuitry (to maintain constant speed under load) and all the precision and power you need to work with delicate materials or with thick hardwoods. Additionally, the motor and router bases are outfitted with electrical contact strips that (when matched between the base and motor) channel electrical current directly from the motor and into the tools’ switch. This mechanism makes possible the routers’ trigger control system, one of the coolest features on these tools and and the first of its kind in the industry.

The trigger switch system in this router pack relocates the tools’ switches to the handles of each base (rather than directly on the motor) providing greater controllability, comfort and operator safety. These are finger grip, lockable triggers that eliminate the awkward one-handed starts and stops you’ll find in other comparable router kits. The system is actually quite groundbreaking and makes a pleasant difference when operating the tools. Of course, the router handles are also contoured, soft-grip handles for ergonomic comfort and enhanced controllability.

The routers additionally feature an always-on LED system with a series of LED lights around the spindle that are, as the name indicates, always on. Essentially, any time the motor is plugged-in, these LEDs provide a clear, illuminated view of the workspace surrounding the bit area. Additionally, the motor’s cord features a ball-joint swiveling mount for handy mobility and greater maneuverability under, essentially, all circumstances. The tools also boast a two-stage quick clamp system for fast tool-free conversion and a precision centering design which allow users to maintain the exact cut-line when using guidance devices like jigs, templates and dovetail fixtures.

To get a little more technical still, the plunge router in this combo features a smooth plunge action with a spring-lock plunge lever and a depth rod for simple and precise plunge routing, and with Afterlock Microfine Depth Adjustments, modifications are smooth and exact at any plunge setting. The fixed-base router also features versatile depth adjustment with a continuous Microfine adjustment range, and because the kit also includes an adjustment wrench, adjustments are simple through the optional router table as well. The fixed-base is also designed with threaded holes for simple mounting to a router table (in the common three-hole pattern).

So, the kit is seriously awesome and in addition to all this awesomeness, the MRC23EVSK also includes (with the fixed base, the plunge base and the router motor) a 1/4″ and 1/2″self-releasing collet chuck, a 16mm shaft wrench, 24mm collet nut wrench, a T-handle hex height adjustment wrench, three M4 screws for table mounting, and a carrying case with built-in compartments for all items included.

An Innovative Saw That’s as Powerful as it is Compact 

Where superior performance and innovation is concerned, Bosch is one of those manufacturers that just doesn’t mess around. Building power tools and equipment that essentially embody efficient design and innovative, evolved functionality, Bosch is a tried and true source for exceptional power tools and woodworking equipment. Recently releasing a new jobsite table saw with a focus on providing greater power and capacity with a smaller more portable package, Bosch suggests that effective power and performance can be harnessed outside of stationary or cumbersome equipment.

This new worksite table saw, the GTS1031, in fact, can be carried around with only one hand. Thanks to the saw’s optimal balance, body design, and ergonomic handle-grip, the saw can be transported from the shop to the jobsite, up some stairs, down some stairs, around the corner, and back to the jobsite again with relative ease and convenience. The table saw weighs 52-lbs (slightly heavier than some comparable jobsite table saws, but the few extra pounds are negligible when one considers the additional capacity and durability precautions this saw provides) and with rubber feet on its side and base, the saw can be stored safely and comfortably either vertically or horizontally.

The saw’s base, despite its durable, all metal design, is lightweight and incorporates the aforementioned carry handle to ensure industrial durability and optimum portability, and because the saw also offers complete under table storage (for the included rip fence, miter gauge, blade-change wrenches, push stick and Smart Guard components) the table saw remains compact and efficient. The GTA500, the stand for the table saw (sold separately), is also engineered for compact convenience and optimal storage and portability.

The Squarelock rip fence on this table saw is designed for superior accuracy, for “maximum trueness,” as Bosch would say, rendering the Squrelock the best-in-class fence for its smooth gliding, dead-on accuracy, and solid, consistent high-performance cutting. The fence also clamps securely to both the front and back rails and squares itself automatically. The saw’s Smart Guard system, consisting of an innovated modular blade guard, anti-kick-back pawls and a 3-position riving knife (these install without tools), additionally offers superior control over each cut and smooth, seamless operation. The saw additionally features a tool-free dust chute clear-out with simple access on the back of the saw.

So, the GTS1031 is compact and deadly accurate, but the thing is also terrifically powerful. It’s powered by a gorgeous 15-amp motor (with 4.0 max horse power) that produces 5,000 (no load) RPM – more power than their full-sized worksite table saw (the 4100) which produces only 3,650 RPM. The saw additionally has a -2 – 47-degree bevel angle range, a 1/2” wide dado capacity, a depth of cut (at 90-degrees) of 3-1/8,” and (thanks to an expandable table top) an impressive ripping capacity of 18” to the right and 7-3/4” to the left. It’s awesome.

In addition to the aforementioned rip fence, miter gauge, push stick, blade-change wrenches, and Smart Guard System, the saw also includes a 10” 24-tooth carbide saw blade.

20V MAX – It’s Hammer Time

Dewalt has put the hammer down.

Accelerating their new 20V MAX platform with a mighty 3-mode SDS rotary hammer kit, Dewalt has reestablished itself as a manufacturer that doesn’t play games with power or performance. The DCH213L2 rotary hammer kit is intensely powerful and, despite that aforementioned mightiness, the thing operates with a smoothness that is almost entirely uncharacteristic of rotary hammers in general. The tool, like the rest of Dewalt’s 20V platform, embodies the best of both compact convenience and industrial power. 

Utilizing SHOCKS Active Vibration Control system, the hammer produces significantly less vibration during use. Of course, this smoothness of operation is good for a number of reasons, operator comfort, perhaps, peaking that list benefits. As it turns out, the hammer is not only more comfortable to use, it’s more controllable (which enhances your productivity), and produces faster, cleaner results as well. With a blasting impact energy of 1.7-ft/lbs, the hammer also delivers a huge amount of power. In fact, the thing essentially produces the same force as a corded SDS rotary hammer, this one has simply evolved. It’s grown away from the cord and toward a cordless operation that is smoother and more powerful than previous models. The DCH213L2 additionally features a factory-set clutch to reduce the uncomfortable high-torque reactions that spur from the occasional jammed bit. This ensures some peace of mind and enhances the hammer’s overall operation.

Furthermore, the hammer’s compact L-shaped body design allows users to access tight spaces while still providing optimal balance and usability, and because the tool also includes a 360-degree side handle, operators enjoy improved comfort and control, and ease of use in tight spaces or during awkward or rigorous applications. In addition to this efficient body design, the hammer also boasts the the umph of Dewalt’s new 20V MAX battery system. With these 3.0-Ah batteries, the hammer not only maintains its well balance, but it also maintains big power for longer periods of time. The batteries are lightweight, they charge quickly, and they offer more work throughout each charge-cycle and through their total life-time as well.

The DCH213L2 weighs only 6.4-lbs and, in addition to offering 3-mode operation, the thing also features a variable speed reversing switch which enhances user control and delivers greater versatility in all applications. So, Dewalt has put the hammer down, and it’s not budging. This cordless SDS rotary hammer is sleek, smooth, balanced, and ultra-powerful to deliver exceptional operation and better overall results. The kit additionally includes a 1-hour charger, two 20V MAX (3.0-Ah) batteries, a 360-degree side handle, a depth rod, and a kit box.

20V MAX

Bigger Power, Greater Speeds, Better Cuts

A circular saw is one of the most universally useful power tools on the market today. Whether you are a professional crafter, a weekend warrior, or simply an everyday do-it-yourself-er, a circular saw is an exponentially helpful tool to have on-hand. These saws are generally lightweight and portable and deliver smooth cutting and cutting solutions nearly everywhere you might encounter something that requires a spinning blade. It is for this universality, and a few additional features, that make Dewalt’s new DCS391L1 20V MAX compact, cordless, 6-1/2” circular saw such an intriguing power tool.

To be a spot more specific, the saw unites compact portability and sleek maneuverability with greater power and performance and some of the most impressive battery technology in the industry. The 20V MAX battery is smaller and lighter-weight and because it boasts 3.0-Ah (the standard in this particular model), the thing offers greater run-time with each charge and greater overall life-time use. Additionally, the tool’s power delivery system is extremely efficient and because the saw is also lightweight and ergonomically comfortable, the DCS391L1 ensures your own efficiency on the job as well. Ultimately, the saw’s sleek design and overall weight of just 8-lbs coupled with advanced battery technology, ergonomic comfort and an overmolded rubber comfort grip, render the tool well-balanced and easily controllable. 

The circular saw also features a beautifully powerful motor. With 460 MWO and 3,700 RPM, the motor produces intense power and speed allowing operators to engage in demanding applications with both ease and confidence. The saw is additionally outfitted with a high-strength, lightweight magnesium shoe which provides both durability on the jobsite and reliable, long-term cutting accuracy. The circ saw offers a bevel capacity of 0 – 50-degrees for aggressive bevel cutting in a variety of positions and applications, and with a depth of cut of 2-1/4” at 90-degrees and 1-5/8” at 45-degrees, the tool offers comprehensive functionality.

The circular saw kit includes this 6-1/2” circ saw (of course), a 6-1/2” carbide-tipped blade, a 3.0-Ah 20V MAX lithium ion battery, fast charger, and a kit box. Oh – and just in case you were curious about the warranty, the kit also comes with a 3-year limited warranty, a 1-year free service contract, and a 90-day money back guarantee. In other words, Dewalt is pretty darn confident not only that you’re going to love this tool, but that it will continue to exceed your expectations for a long time to come.

How to Replace the Pad on a Random Orbital Sander

Replacing the pad on a random orbital sander is one of the most common maintenance procedures found in the power tool industry. Fortunately for woodworkers and tool users, it is also one of the very simplest tasks your power tools will every as you to perform. In fact, replacing your sander’s backer pad requires little more than, well, removing one, installing the other, and slapping a few screws around in between.

To cut straight to the chase, the first step in any repair or maintenance procedure is to disengage and unplug your sander. All power tools and working machines should be entirely off before you begin working on them.

Additionally, because not all sanding pads are the same (the consistency of the pads and number of their dust-collection and screw holes vary from pad to pad), the first step in replacing this item on your sander is ensuring you have the right backer pad (from the right manufacturer) for the procedure at-hand. To do this, all you need is the model number of your tool and one of the following few things: access to the tool’s schematic and parts list, access to a tools/parts/service rep at your preferred tool parts dealer, or access to the internet. Any of these avenues will set you on the right path to finding the exact part number for the exact pad you need. Simply share your tool’s model number, and the item you need for it should follow suite. 

Once you have procured the correct pad for your specific sander, you can get into the meat of the procedure. First, remove all mounting screws from the existing backer pad (there should be either three or four screw-holes, the other holes (either five or eight) will be for dust collection). Remove and discard the old pad. Place the new backer pad on the sander matching the screw-holes in the pad to those on the sander. Insert and slightly tighten-down each screw. Again, leave each screw slightly loose until all screws have been inserted and half-tightened. Once all mounting screws are in place, tighten them firmly.

HINT: Some folks find it simpler to insert the mounting screws into the screw-holes on the new pad before matching them to the holes on the sander. This allows the screws to guide themselves into place. Using this method, it is still important to half-tighten each screw before fully tightening any of them. 

And at that, you have successfully replaced the backer pad on your random orbital sander. Engage the power tool, giver the sander a quick spin to ensure the pad stays put, and consider the thing now in fine fighting form.

Dewalt’s DWS780 Miter Saw:

A 12” Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw With XPS Technology

More than a handful of craftsmen list Dewalt among their preferred and most trusted industrial equipment manufacturers. This, of course, is no coincidence. Dewalt has a well earned reputation of high-performance and big power and with tools like their new and revitalized DWS780 miter saw, there is no real question why Dewalt is an industry leader. Introducing this miter saw in response to the growing craftsmen demand for a saw that can perform in both the shop and on the jobsite, this tool is turning heads and clean-cutting a huge amount of stock. 

Designed specifically to meet the needs of professional woodworkers and industrial builders, this saw is rugged and powerful enough for the demands of job-site life while also being precise enough for more delicate applications in the shop. The thing is durable enough for tasks like decking and framing, but still weighs only 56-lbs making it one of the lightest saws in its class. The thing is designed around the professional crafter and is engineered to perform in both of his worlds – both inside and outside, aggressive and precise. Additionally, with such a comparatively light-weight build, the tool is also equip to be more easily carried between those two worlds. It travels well, so to speak.

To get a little more specific about the new perks this saw brings to the table, the tool features an integrated XPS cross-cut position system. This precision system casts a “laser-like” shadow on your work surfaces directly over the cut line. Really, a smooth, thin shadow is cast atop your materials indicating exactly where the blade is going to touch-down. This mechanism is deadly accurate and, allegedly, requires no adjustments – ever; no recalibration over time, and no adjustments after blade changes. The XPS system provides a truly accurate cut-line with no maintenance whatsoever. Of course, this improves your general visibility of the cut-line and enhances your overall working accuracy and results as well.

The saw’s motor delivers 15-amps of power and 3,800 RPM for long lasting power and greater life-time durability and with an effective dust collection system (which captures more than 75% of the debris you generate), the DWS780 is ultra-efficient on all counts. The saw’s exclusive back fence design additionally allows users to cut up to 2×16 dimensional lumber at 90-degrees and 2×12 at 60-degrees. The tool’s tall sliding fences can easily slide out of your way to perform bevel cuts, while also boasting the chops to support crown molding up to 7-1/2” nested and base molding up to 6-1/2” vertically against the fence (horizontal capacity (with baseboard lying flat) is up to 16”).

Additionally, the tool’s adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate (including 10 positive stops) both improves your cutting accuracy and increases your overall productivity and with miters 60-degrees to the right and 50-degrees to the left, a revised gearbox and belt-drive design (which increases vertical cut capacity) the saw offers a huge overall cutting capacity. An oversized bevel scale additionally ensures your bevel angle adjustments are fast, accurate, and simple.

The miter saw delivers ultra fast and accurate miter angles with a cam lock miter handle (which also features detent override), and special thanks to the tool’s dual horizontal steel rails, innovative clamping mechanism, and smooth linear ball bearings, the tool’s is masterfully durable and conveniently compact. The DWS780 additionally boasts a precise miter system and machined base fence support that optimizes the thing’s overall durability and cutting accuracy. The kit includes a 12” carbide blade, a blade wrench, dust bag, and vertical material clamp.

Altogether, the thing is comprehensive, competitive and really quite cool. If you’re looking for something that can perform well in the shop and on the jobsite as well, something that travels and stores easily, and something that can provide both big power, intense precision, and a 3-year limited warranty, don’t look too much further than this new 12” double bevel sliding compound miter saw.

Preparedness:

Beginning Projects With All Your Ducks In a Row 

Before you start a project it is important not only that you have all the materials necessary to complete that project, but also that you ensure your power tools and equipment are in the best working condition possible. Clean and inspect your power tools before a big project and, if you can, keep a few spare parts on-hand as well. This prevents last-minute scrambling and frustrating project delays.