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Posts tagged tools
How to Pick a Circular Saw
014 years
Are you looking to purchase a circular saw? Decided that the old handsaw just isnt enough to help build your deck? Here’s how to pick a good circular saw that will do what you need and last a long time. Considerations include:
- Power — you want enough power for the saw to move easily through even the toughest lumber to avoid dulling and heating the blade
- Price — you want a tool that will last but you dont want to spend more than you paid for your car
- Sidewinder or worm-drive — there are differences in torque, but I would recommend picking whichever you prefer the balance on
- Cordless? — Limited run times and lower toque hinder the cordless models, but if you need to use a circ saw away from power, or infrequently for small jobs, these units can be lightweight and portable alternatives to corded models
- Adjustment — look for a model with intuitive adjustment controls that allow you easily change settings
- Know how to use and care for your tool. Be sure to read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions. To safely use a circular saw and keep it in top condition for years of reliable use, you need to follow the guidelines.
Plunge versus Fixed Base Router
014 years
A tool that you may want to consider as you start to be come a true woodworker is a router. A router can help you add that professional edge to wood to make your boring woodworking projects suddenly look professional. The key to picking a router that will do what you want and satisfy your needs can be tough, but here are a few things to consider:
- Horse Power. The more powerful the better. You don’t want your router to strain under the load. For a standard use unit, look for 2 HP or more.
- Plunge vs. Fixed Base. While a plunge router allows you to ‘plunge’ as the name implies into the middle of boards and grind out material, a fixed base router is made to follow edges. Consider how you wish you use your router and the projects you may take on.
- A good compromise. Some routers like the Skil 1825-RT 2-1/4-Horsepower 2-Inch Router Combo Kit
combine both a fixed base and a plunge base, making a versitile alternative for beginners and skille craftsmen alike.
Don’t forget you’ll also need a good router bit set
Projects you can now accomplish with your new router include:
- Cutting out sink holes in counters
- Rounding edges on tables and cabinets, drawer fronts, etc.
- And much, MUCH more.
DIY Tool Review: Kreg Jig Jr. Pocket Hole Jig
014 years
Today we’re looking at another tool I’ve recently purcahsed for DIY projects around the house, the Kreg Jig Jr.
Both systems are made by Kreg and offer the ability to drill precision pocket holes to join boards. Pocket hole joints make rigid connections between perpendicular boards, well suited to tables, drawers and other framing applications. The Master System more easily mounts for repeated use and can be adjusted to accommodate larger board thicknesses.
The Pros: Works just like they say! Simple to use. All measurements are done for you! And everything you need (except a power drill) is included, so you can quickly adjust the jig and make your drills. Works very well with only minimal time looking through the users guide.
The Cons: The Kreg Jig Jr. is small and can sometimes be difficult to clamp in place or annoying to unclaim and reclamp between uses — where the master system version would clearly have the advantage.
The Review: 4.8/5.0 Works exactly as they say in the ads. It makes it simple to get professional looking joints that hold together tightly. I was able to quickly repair an Ikea dresser drawer that had started to come apart with just a couple simple holes and screws, set precisely to the right angle and depths by the Kreg Jig. Get the professionally finished appearance most do-it-yourself folk strive to achieve–without much real work!
Can’t wait to use this for another project! Any suggestions? Have you used the Kreg Jig? What did you think?
Instructions on How to Use a Swanson Speed Square
014 years
Today, we’re taking about the Swanson Speed Square
The speed square is a rafter square, miter square, try square, scribing guide, protractor and, perhaps most usefully, a good saw guide.
Instructions to use a speed square:
As a Saw Guide: You simply hold the speed square base against the lumber and align the guide rail on your circular saw (being sure to keep your hands clear of the blade) to make clean straight cross-cuts.
As a Protractor: Simply hold the base against a flat surface and find the desired angle marking.
To Find Rafter Angles: The primary use is to find the angle for rafters. Calculating the correct angles for a rise to run ratio is simple with trigonometry, but the speed square eliminates the need for a calculator. First, set the pivot at the edge of the board. Next, rotate the square around that point until the edge of the board aligns with the mark you want on the common scale. Mark a line along the ruled side of the square.
The speed square also makes quick work of hips and valley rafters– same method as for common rafters, but use the Hip-Val” scale.
To scribe parallel lines: An often overlooked feature is the scribe feature. The tool provides a set of notches 1/4 inch apart. Set a pencil in the desired notch and slide the square along the board to mark a parallel line.
Be sure to pick one up before your next DIY woodworking project.
Basic Tools for Woodworking DIY Projects
014 years
Let’s take a moment to talk about tools you’ll want when you are working on building or woodworking do-it-yourself projects.
You probably already have some things:
- hammer
- screw drivers, phillips and flat head
- basic saw
- pliers, a must for so many projects
- clamps – I recommend the kind you can squeeze to tighten such as Irwin Quick-Grip Bar Clamps
- Tape measure or yard stick
- pipe wrench and/or crescent wrench
- T-square
- level
- sandpaper
But you’ll quickly discover you need other tools and particularly with wood construction some power tools will serve you well. One set that’s comprehensive and has done well for me personally is the: Factory-Reconditioned Ryobi ZRP841 18-Volt Super Combo Kit
At only $129 and free shipping on Amazon, it’s a deal thats tough to beat. With 18V interchangeable batteries, you’ll have all the power you’ll need to cut and drill and drive virtually any project you need, with driver/drill, circ saw, sawz-all style reciprocating saw, and flashlight.
Other items to think about:
- Random orbit sander
- Dremel or similar rotary tool
- Staple gun
- Jig saw
When selecting tools it’s important to take quality into account. While the cheapest tool may be perfectly fine for one or two projects, a higher quality tool may provide years of service. Be sure to factor how often you plan to use a tool and your expectations of tool longevity into your value calculations on a new tool purpose. For larger or single-project-use tools, consider borrowing from a friend or renting from a local home warehouse.