Featured Articles
Engaging Young Minds in the Trades
by Todd FratzelInspiring Young Builders
As a father of two young children I often wonder where life’s path will take them when they fall into a career some day. I also think back to my own childhood and remember watching my dad (a carpenter) work countless hours trying to make ends meet. He would constantly instill in me that I needed to go away to college one day so I didn’t need to pound nails for a living. It’s really the same story that’s been told for generations, parents inspiring their children to have a better job and life than they did.
This cycle of each generation wanting to do “better” has forced our Country and Society for that matter into an interesting situation. Each year more and more young people drive...
Bosch Power Tools Show Off at World of Concrete
by Todd FratzelWorld of Concrete 2013 – Las Vegas
If you work in the construction industry and you’ve never been to the World of Concrete (WOC) then you’ve been really missing out. One of the reasons I love this trade show so much is the massive size of the outdoor exhibits. Sure its’ nice being outside in January enjoying 75 degree weather, but I like being able to pick up power tools and use them. This year I attended the show with Assistant Editor Rob Robillard. Together we spent the day checking out some exciting new products from Bosch Power Tools.
Before we get into the specifics why not check out a fun video we made highlighting out day at World of Concrete, 2013.
PB120 12V Compact Radio
Our first stop at Bosch was an introduction...
Freud Introduces Track Saw Blades
by Todd FratzelFreud Track Saw Blades Compatible with Festool and Other Track Saws
Atlanta, Georgia – Freud America, Inc. is pleased to introduce a new blade series ideal for Festool® and other Track Saws. This new blade series is the FIRST and ONLY one for a Festool® Saw with anti-vibration design for smoother, quieter cuts to deliver a better quality finish and longer life. Now, woodworkers will have a high-quality blade to realize the full potential of the Festool® Saw!
Freud offers four blades with a160mm diameter and a 20mm arbor; each is designed to provide excellent track saw performance, features include:
Exclusive TiCo™ Hi-Density Carbide delivers ultimate blade life. Unique TiCo carbide blends composed of sub-micron particles mean the tips...
Power Tools»
RIDGID Drill Press Review and Assembly
April 18, 2013 11:13 amRIDGID Drill Press Review Model DP1550
For the past 3 months I’ve had the 15″ stationary RIDGID Drill Press in my shop and it has made a huge difference in the...
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Shop Made Tools: Router Table FenceShop Made Tools: Router Table Fence In the first post in this series I described how to build a router table into...
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Shop Made Tools: Router TableShop Made Tools: Router Table In the review of the RIDGID R4512 Table Saw I mentioned that I had built a lot of...
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RIDGID R4512 Table Saw ReviewRIDGID® 10” Cast Iron Table Saw R4512 Review Todd first introduced us to this tool almost 2 years ago and I’ve...
Air Tools»
Ryobi AirStrike P320 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Review
June 9, 2013 7:08 pmRyobi AirStrike 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
Cordless tools continue to push for a life without cords and hoses! The folks at Ryobi just released an 18 gauge brad nailer that works...
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Bosch 23 Gauge Pin Nailer Review – Model FNS138-23Bosch 23 Gauge Pin Nailer The FNS138-23 was introduced at a Media Event in the summer of 2012. I remember being...
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Porter Cable Framing Nailer FC350BPorter Cable Framing Nailer FC350B We just received the re-Designed Porter Cable Framing Nailer FC350B that...
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Ridgid JobMax Pneumatic Multi-tool ReviewRidgid JobMax Pneumatic Multi-tool Starter Kit Ridgid has another power option to the JobMax lineup. This time...
Hand Tools»
New Folding Utility Knives from IRWIN Tools
June 10, 2013 7:37 pmFolding Utility Knives with BladeLock Technology
Folding utility knives seem to be all the rage these days and the latest designs from IRWIN Tools follow suit. IRWIN introduced...
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Milwaukee Fastback II Flip Utility Knife ReviewMilwaukee Fastback II Flip Utility Knife Review Last week a good size box arrived from Milwaukee Tool. The bulk...
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New Milwaukee Hand DriversMilwaukee Introduces Professional Grade Hand Drivers Over the last couple of years we’ve seen Milwaukee join...
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Kershaw Needs Work KnifeKershaw Needs Work Knife 1820 With Sandvik 14C28N Stainless-Steel Blade In the construction field you want a knife...
Measuring & Layout»
Stanley Celebrates 50 Years Making PowerLock® Tape Measures!
March 19, 2013 9:57 am50 Year Anniversary for the Iconic Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure
You’d be hard pressed to find someone in construction that hasn’t owned a Stanley PowerLock Tape...
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Milwaukee Milliamp Clamp MeterA Faster Milliamp Clamp Meter For Electrical troubleshooting The Milwaukee Milliamp Clamp Meter is claimed to...
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Johnson 7 Inch Johnny SquareJohnson Rafter Angle ”Speed Square” I recently learned that what I’ve always called a Johnson...
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Komelon Tape MeasureKomelon Professional High Viz Tape Measure I recently got my hands on a few of the brand new Komelon Professional...
Cordless Tools»
RIDGID 18v Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with Radio Review
May 21, 2013 9:38 pmRIDGID 18v Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with Radio
RIDGID just recently updated their outstanding Drill/Impact Combo Kit to now include a free radio for the same price...
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Ryobi ONE+ Li-ion Drill and Impact Driver GiveawayRyobi ONE+ Li-ion Drill and Impact Driver Giveawa For New Years did you resolve to complete some things on the...
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Ryobi ONE+ Li-ion Drill and Impact Driver KitRyobi ONE+ Li-ion Drill and Impact Driver Kit #P882 The first part of January the Ryobi ONE+ Li-ion Drill and...
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Bosch 12 Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw Review – Model CM12Bosch CM12 Single Bevel Miter Saw Bosch continues to focus on lighter, more portable power tools. This is a very...

