Titanium coating increases life of half-moon cutting blades; 3Max tear drop-shaped carbide blade that saves time on grout/thinset removal.

Mt. Prospect, Ill., May 9, 2012 – The hottest power tool segment should benefit from the best accessories on the planet. Bosch has delivered just that for oscillating tools with the introduction of a full line of titanium-coated segmented and full-circle cutting blades along with a new tear drop-shaped carbide blade for grout and thin-set removal.

Titanium coating on the oscillating tool cutting blades increases life by 30 percent versus conventional bi-metal blades thanks to better distribution of heat across the surface of the blade, which prevents overheating. Heavy-duty cutting applications range from light-gauge metal, including metal studs, to fiberglass.

Both half-moon segmented blades and full-size circular blades are available in 2-1/2″ and 3-1/4″ diameters.

The Bosch 3Max tungsten carbide blade combines a rasp and a carbide blade to produce an accessory that can cut grout and remove thinset, an advantage that allows the user to work with one accessory rather than changing from a rasp to a carbide blade in conventional offerings.

The tear drop shape allows the blade to remove tile using a rounded edge, flattening the base for thin-set and mortar removal using the flat surface, and use of the rasp finger to work in 90-degree corners and other tight spaces.

“Oscillating tools represent one of the fastest-growing categories in the power tool market,” said Brandon Eble, product manager, Bosch. “One of the drivers of that growth is the variety of accessories these tools can accept. By offering long-life cutting options and high-performance tile accessories, Bosch is providing users with tools that deliver maximum functionality at the job-site.”

Both blades accept the Bosch Oscillating Interface System (OIS™) adapter, which means they can be used not only on Bosch oscillating tools but those made by most manufacturers.

Bosch oscillating tool titanium cutting blades and 3Max blades are available now at distributors and home centers. To learn more or to find a local dealer, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99. Check out www.bethepro.com for additional tips and videos.

Bosch Oscillating Multi-tool Blades is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Channellock 7.5″ 758 Flush Cutter is a post from Tool Box Buzz

New IRWIN Marples Chisels is a post from Tool Box Buzz

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Electric Tool continues to expand the fastest growing 18V platform in the industry with the introduction of the new M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver. As part of the new M18 FUEL™ family, a new breed of cordless power tools within the M18™ System, the new 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver features Milwaukee’s exclusive combination of the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Electronic Intelligence to deliver up to 3X longer motor life, up to 50% more runtime, and a proprietary 3-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™ feature.

“The 3-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™ feature gives users better control over the power and speed required for specific applications,” says Tom Simeone, Sr. Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool Corporation. “With the touch of a button, they can go from a precise application such as fastening small machine screws to an application that requires maximum performance such as driving lag screws.”

The new POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor works harder, lives longer, and converts energy into power and torque more efficiently than leading competitors.  The POWERSTATE™ Motor is completely designed, engineered and built by Milwaukee Tool, providing up to 1600 in-lbs of torque and 0-2900 RPM to make the M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver the most powerful tool in its class.  The POWERSTATE™ Motor also reduces noise and cools more rapidly, delivering years of maintenance-free performance.

Milwaukee REDLITHIUM™ Batteries provide significantly more run-time, power and recharges than any other Lithium product on the market. REDLITHIUM™ also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions.  With Milwaukee® durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM™ Battery operates cooler and performs in climates as low as 0°F/-18°C with fade free power. A battery fuel gauge also displays remaining charge for less down time on the job.

REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence hardware and software, the most advanced electronic system on the market, allows the user to choose between three fastening modes with the DRIVE CONTROL™ feature.  Mode #1 is for precision work (0-850 RPM, 200 in-lbs of torque), Mode # 2 helps prevent damage to fasteners and material (0-2,100 RPM, 700 in-lbs of torque) and Mode #3 delivers maximum performance for the toughest applications (0-2,900 RPM, 1600 in-lbs of torque).

In addition, all M18 FUEL™ products include the new multi-voltage charger to allow users to charge all M12™ and M18™ batteries with one charger.

Available in June of 2012, the new M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver is a true testament to Milwaukee’s focus on the user and investing in game changing technology. For more information on M18 FUEL™, please visit www.milwaukeetool.com/fuel.
Specifications
M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver (2653-22)
Volts: 18V
Peak Torque: 1600 in-lbs
Max RPM: 0-2900
Max IPM: 0-3600
Tool Length:  5-1/2”
Tool Weight (w/ battery): 3.6 lbs
Includes 2653-20 M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver, Belt Clip, (2) M18™ HIGH CAPACITY REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs, Multi-Voltage Charger and Carrying Case

M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver (2653-22CT)
Volts: 18V
Peak Torque: 1600 in-lbs
Max RPM: 0-2900
Max IPM: 0-3600
Tool Length:  5-1/2”
Tool Weight (w/ battery): 3.0 lbs
Includes 2653-20 M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver, Belt Clip, (2) M18™ COMPACT REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs, Multi-Voltage Charger and Carrying Case

M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver (2653-20)
Volts: 18V
Peak Torque: 1600 in-lbs
Max RPM: 0-2900
Max IPM: 0-3600
Tool Length:  5-1/2”
Tool Weight: 2.1 lbs
Includes 2653-20 M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver and Belt Clip

Milwaukee® Continues to FUEL Innovation with M18 FUEL™ Impact Driver is a post from Tool Box Buzz

As Bosch continues to expand their ever popular 18V cordless line of tools they continue to pressure the market with incredible tools. They recently sent us their all new 18V cordless die grinder, model DGSH-181. At first I was extremely skeptical about how a cordless tool would compete with an air powered tool. My review and the results will likely shock you as much as they did to me!

Features and Specifications

• Best in class power-to-weight ratio – High performance 4-pole motor at <4lbs (tool w/ batt)
• Superior ergonomics – Best handling with slim grip for reduced fatigue in extended use applications
• Flexible Power System (FPS) – Compatible with Fat and Slim Pack batteries
• Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) – Protects motor from overload
• Slim, soft grip design – For more comfort in extended use applications
• Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) – Protects batteries from overload, overheat and self discharge
• Battery: Lithium-Ion
• Collet Chuck Diameter: 1/4″
• No Load RPM: 22,000
• Rating: 18V
• Voltage: 18V
• Weight: 3.97 lbs with Battery

Performance and Evaluation

This new tool certainly fits into my “retirement” gig so to speak. Since retiring as a fire chief I spend my free time building hot-rod cars and restoring classics. So I’m very familiar with air operated die grinders as it’s one of the most used tools in our shop when it comes to body work and cleaning up welds.

We tested the new 18V Die Grinder in the Hot Rod shop for several days. We used it to not only grind but also cut! As you can see above this new Die Grinder is so powerful you can put cutting wheels on it and start cutting as well!

Overall we were blown away at the power the DGSH-181 has. Frankly it has as much power as the air assisted tools we’ve been using for years in the shop. In addition to the impressive power performance we also noted:

• The 19 mm chuck wrenches that come with the grinder make swapping grinding heads quick and easy.
• The battery performance was really good. We were very impressed on the run time vs the amount of tasks that it was used for in the shop day after day. In between tasks we just put it back on the charger seeing that the Li-Ion battery allows for more frequent charges.
• The built-in battery gauge is a great feature! No more guessing!!
• Well balanced tool with a prominent on/off switch location.
• Weighing in at 3.5 lbs this grinder is considerably heavier than an air powered die grinder. However, in some situations the extra weight is a welcomed advantage for tool control.

Final Thoughts

The Bosch DGSH-181 is an exciting new tool to go “cordless”. In fact, the performance of this tool was so good that we believe it’s going to make an immediate impact on the industry. While it’s unlikely to kick air powered die grinders to the curb, it will likely offer a great solution for the jobs that don’t have access to a good compressed air source or for jobs where mobility is essential.

If we had one “knock” on the new tool it would be the size. As you can see above the Bosch 18V Die Grinder is considerably larger than it’s air powered cousin.  Obviously a smaller tool that does the same work would be preferred, however, there are times when the heavier grinder will be a welcome addition to the tool box.

Overall we think this tool is a great asset and a nice addition to any shop that grinds with power tools. If you’re looking for a more mobile die grinder this tool is great for the job. If you’d like to buy it you can at your local Bosch dealer or online at:

• Bosch DGSH181K Lithium-Ion Die Grinder with 3.0 Ah HC Battery

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Bosch 18V Die Grinder – Model DGSH-181 – Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

BORA®, a product division of Affinity Tool Works, just released a Try Square.  Available in two sizes, 8-inch and 12-inch, the BORA Try Square is a great addition to any shop.

A try square is a woodworking or a metal working tool used for marking and measuring material.   The term “square” refers to the tool’s primary use of measuring material accuracy at a right angle;  to “try a surface” is to check its straightness or correspondence to an adjoining surface.  I find myself doing this alot when joining wood or using my block plane.

I use a try square to check wood cuts, score cut lines, check block plane edges, for router layouts and tool blade set ups for square as well as flatness.

TIP:  I use the 12″ try square as a straight cut guide when cutting with a circular saw – its fast, reliable and easy to do.

The old woodworking saying, “straight , square, smooth” requires a try square!

The BORA Try Square is stock is constructed out of durable polyethylene and the blade is stainless steel.   It has four molded angle guides: 22.5-, 45-, 67.5- and 90-degrees. These marks allow the user to verify layouts for complex angles.  The Try Square also features a “stability ledge,” which keeps the ruler flat to the work surface for 90-degree layouts.  I especially liked this feature.

I’ve never really used try squares as rulers but the BORA ruler has 1/16-inch and 1/32-inch etched graduations, that I found real easy-to-read.  When testing these squares in the shop I took a liking to them.  their light, durable and reliably square.

The BORA Try Squares have a lifetime warranty.

BORA Try Squares is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Anderson, SC, April 16, 2012 – DELTA®Power Equipment Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of benchtop and stationary woodworking machinery and dust management systems, is introducing four innovative new sanders designed to meet the needs of today’s professional woodworker and serious home shop woodworker. The new sanders include a 26-inch Dual Drum Sander, Model 31-481; a 6-inch x 89-inch Oscillating Edge Sander, Model 31-482; a Heavy Duty Oscillating Bench Spindle Sander; Model 31-483; and a Heavy Duty Oscillating Spindle Floor Sander, Model 31-484.

DELTA® is also introducing more than 95 abrasive SKUs to support these new sanders, and all DELTA® sanders, with high quality, long lasting sanding products, including sleeves, belts, discs and strips.

“We are very proud to be able to expand the Delta offering in the sander category,” said Bryan Whiffen, President and CEO of Delta Power Equipment Corporation. “We are not only filling out our product line in a very important woodworking category, but bringing an innovative new product to market in the Delta tilting spindle arbor design. With these new tools, Delta is continuing its tradition of offering woodworkers the very latest innovations and the very best in terms of capability and durability.”

Heavy Duty Oscillating Spindle Floor Sander, Model 31-484

This new sander features a unique 0° to 45° tilting spindle arbor design which allows the woodworker to adjust the sanding angle and to bevel sand while the table remains flat. Its 1-1/2-inch oscillating action uses more of the sleeve, prolonging sleeve life while protecting wood from excess heat created by a fixed oscillating spindle. It has adjustable positive stops at 45° and 90° and large bevel scale for accuracy and convenience.

It also features a 24-5/8-inch x 24-1/2-inch precision ground cast iron table and fully enclosed, heavy duty steel-frame construction for optimum dust management and minimum vibration. Its heavy duty, cast iron trunnion system supports an oil-bath gear box, providing increased stability and accuracy.

It has a powerful 1 HP, 110V motor with 1,725 RPM spindle speed and 71 oscillations per minute. Precision ball bearings support the main spindle and heavy duty worm and gear mechanism drives the oscillations. A removable rear access panel makes spindle changes easier. It has on-board storage for all inserts, spindles and wrenches and comes with 10 interchangeable threaded spindles with 100-grit sanding sleeves (1/4 in., 3/8 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., 3/4 in., 1 in., 1 1/2 in., 2 in., 3 in., and 4 in.), 6 inserts, power lock-off pin and 2 wrenches. It will be available in June and has a suggested retail price of $1,649.99.

Heavy Duty Oscillating Bench Spindle Sander, Model 31-483

This sander features fully enclosed, heavy duty steel frame construction for minimum vibration with a 14-3/4-inch x 14-3/4-inch precision ground cast iron table. Its 15/16-inch oscillating action uses more of the sleeve, prolonging sleeve life. The sander has a 0° to 45° tilting table design, allowing for accurate bevel sanding with a positive stop at 90° and a large bevel scale for accuracy and convenience.

The Model 31-483 also features a heavy duty, steel table support and bevel system which provides increased stability and long-lasting durability with twin locking handles for stability in any bevel position. This sander has a powerful 1/2 HP, 115V motor with 1,725 RPM spindle speed and 29 oscillations per minute. Its smooth precision ball bearings support the main spindle and heavy duty worm and gear mechanism drives the oscillations.

It has on-board storage for all inserts, spindles and wrenches and includes 5 interchangeable threaded spindles with 100 grit sanding sleeves (1/4 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., 1 1/2 in., and 2 in.), rubber drums on 1-1/2-inch and 2-inch spindles, 4 inserts, power lock-off pin, 2-1/4-inch to 4-inch dust port adaptor and 3 wrenches. It will be available in May and has a suggested retail price of $449.99.

6-inch x 89-inch Oscillating Edge Sander, Model 31-482

This sander features a powerful 1 1/2 HP, dual voltage 115V/230V (wired 230V), 1 phase motor with 3,900 SFPM belt speed and 108 OPM allowing it to be an aggressive, powerful sanding system for quick material removal in vertical or horizontal positions and any bevel positions in between. Its 1/4-inch belt oscillation ensures full use of the belt, reducing uneven wear and reducing the potential for sanding lines while prolonging belt life.

This sander’s table height easily adjusts to position the work piece in order to use a specific area of the sanding belt and it has a large belt surface allowing for edge and surface sanding and the additional option of contour and inside curve sanding using the 9-3/4-inch x 11-3/4-inch cast iron table attachment around the 4-1/4-inch drum on the motor side of the machine.  Other features include:

• Heavy duty steel, adjustable 24-inch x 4-inch fence for horizontal sanding
• Precision ground steel platen with graphite pad provides consistent sanding results
• Graphite pad keeps the platen cool during operation which helps eliminate distortion and extends belt life
• Large, 29-3/4-inch x 10-inch cast iron support table with t-slot
• Locking t-slot miter gauge provided for sanding miter angles
• Convenient, top-mounted tensioning lever and tracking controls
• Integral dust shroud and 4-inch dust port ensure optimum dust management.

The Oscillating Edge Sander comes with a back stop, sanding drum cast iron support table, miter gauge, tracking tool, fence, one 6-inch x 89-inch 100 grit sanding belt, and adjustment tools/wrenches. DELTA® offers 80- 100-, 120- and 150-grit sanding belts, sold separately. It will be available in May with a suggested retail price of $1049.99.

26-inch Dual Drum Sander, Model 31-481

This sander features increased capacity which allows for sanding material up to 12-1/4-inch deep x 25-1/2-inch wide. It also has an independent adjustable rear drum, offering the woodworker one-pass sanding capability using 2 grits, reducing processing time. Its rear roller adjustment dials ensure the rear drum is level and it has a heavy duty steel frame design with superior finish for long-lasting durability.

The sander’s latching top door provides direct access to dual drums for easy sanding wrap changes, and features toolless drum wrap tensioning clamps, making installation and removal of sanding strips easy, requiring less downtime. It has an industrial grade 3 HP, 230V, 60 Hz, 1 Phase Main Motor with magnetic controls; 1/6 HP, 1 phase, variable speed feed belt motor with feed speeds from 3 FPM to 20 FPM and a drum speed of 1,550 RPM. It comes with a magnetic on/off main motor switch and a removable key switch for the variable speed feed belt motor. Its two 4-inch dust ports provide efficient dust collection requiring a total of only 600 CFM. It comes with feed belt, two sanding drums, one 80-grit and one 120-grit sanding strip. Sold separately, DELTA® offers 3-piece sanding strips in 80-, 100-, 120-, 150-, 180- and 220-grit. The 26-inch Dual Drum Sander will be available in May with a suggested retail price of $2299.99.

The new DELTA® Sanders are all backed by a Five-Year Warranty. For more information, customers can visit www.DeltaMachinery.com or write to customercare@dpec-na.com. Join DELTA® on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deltamachinery .

Delta Announces 4 New Sanders: Drum, Edge, Bench and Floor Spindle Sanders is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Once again someone has designed a product that I sure wish was my idea! Rockler recently introduced Silicone Glue Brushes as a re-useable alternative to disposable glue brushes. I recently started using these brushes around the shop and I want to share my thoughts on them.

Features

• Silicone Glue Brush measures 7” long.
• The tapered brush tip measures 1” wide x 1/2” deep.
• Completely waterproof – just soak it in water after your glue-up.
• Price $3.99

How It Works

Rockler’s new Silicone Glue Brushes work the same way silicone cooking mats work. Most everyone is familiar with the new silicone cooking pads that bakers use. The silicone doesn’t allow food to stick to if when it’s burned. In the same way that silicone cooking pads work, Rockler’s Silicone Glue Brush works exactly the same.

I tested the new brushes using several glues including: Elmer’s Wood Glue, Elmer’s Wood Glue MAX and Gorilla Glue. All of the glue’s came off the brush when I removed it days later. The key is to let the glue dry, then peal it off the brush afterwards.

Silicone Glue Brush Video

Check out the following short video. I think the video speaks volumes for this great new tool from Rockler.

Rockler Silicone Glue Brush Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Building a home or adding onto a home requires that today’s builder to use alot of metal connectors.

New building codes require us to build and brace our structures  for hurricane force wind, lateral movement and uplift.   These stricter building codes have led the building industry to adopt better and stronger ways of building houses.

Metal connectors, whether it is in the form of a seismic tie,  hurricane rafter tie, joist hanger, or stud plate tie are used to reinforce weaker connections on the building.    The problem with all these metal fasteners is that it takes a ton of time to install them.  

Using a metal connector nailer speeds up your productivity and allows you to easily drive fasteners with pinpoint accuracy and speed.

Senco recently released their JoistPro metal connector nailer that is touted to be both  durable and lightweight.   Two models are available: the JoistPro 150, a dedicated 1-1/2” tool, and the JoistPro 250 for nails up to 2-1/2” long.

JoistPro 150

The JoistPro 150  is made for getting into tight quarters.  Art 10.4″ tall and weighs 4.6 pounds.  It fires a single strip of 1-1/2″ paper tape collated nails ranging from .131″ to .148″ in diameter. The tool nose exposes each nail tip for exact placement into the metal connector holes. A dry-fire lockout prevents blank driving.  It alsdo features a  360˚ adjustable exhaust that directs btool exhause away from the operator.

The Senco JoistPro Metal Connector Nailer will retail for approximately  $219

JoistPro 250

The JoistPro 250has a larger nail capacity and is a more powerful nailer .  The JoistPro 250 fires a single strip of 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″ paper tape collated nails ranging from .131 to .162 in diameter.

The Senco JoistPro Metal Connector Nailer will retail for approximately $299

Senco JoistPro Metal Connector Nailer is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Cordless nailers continue to gobble up market share in the pneumatic fastening market. Until recently there existed two basic options including nailers that relied on a fuel source (gas) or battery powered versions that used the power of a flywheel. Both of those technologies had advantages but now there’s another option and it’s at the top of my list. Welcome Fusion Technology from Senco!

The folks at Senco recently sent me one of their latest cordless nailers with the Fusion Technology, the F-16A Cordless Angled Finish Nailer. The F-16A offers a truly cordless pneumatic nailer without the hefty weight of a flywheel or the need for fuel cartridges. The nailer is strictly powered by an 18V Li-Ion battery pack and their patented Fusion Technology.

Features and Specifications

• Firing Mode:    Selectable Actuation Trigger
• Battery:    One Li-ion 18v
• Charger:    80% in 15 minutes, 100% in 45 minutes
• Tool Weight:    6.2 lbs (2.81kg)
• Patented Reflex-Shot design
• Robust aluminum drive cylinder
• Rugged aluminum magazine
• Eco-Friendly energy – 18v Li-ion battery
• Selectable drive switch
• Nose mounted LED light
• Adjustable & reversible belt hook
• Thumbwheel depth of drive
• Innovative EZ-Clear feature
• Includes case and charger
• 2-year limited warranty

Fusion Technology

I’ve been using cordless nailers for years with very good luck. I’ve regularly used models from Paslode and Bostitch with very few complaints with the exception of one. Both brands use a fuel cell that contains gas. The gas is used for a combustion source that creates pressure in order to drive the fastener. The fuel cells can be expensive, stinky, and rather finicky in certain weather conditions. Needless to say I was really excited and somewhat skeptical when I read about Senco’s Fusion Technology. Boy was I in for a surprise!

Before we get into the actual performance from my field testing I think it’s important to understand how Fusion Technology works. Take a couple minutes and watch the following video from Senco that explains how this technology works.

Performance and Functionality

Now that you’ve seen how this impressive tool works let me chime in with my thoughts.

First and foremost I’m blown away at the design, features, and quality of this nailer. Right out of the box it’s quite easy to tell that the tool is built with top notch materials and skilled labor. The nailer is solidly built and extremely comfortable to use.

Like most all tools the factor that means the most is performance and the F-16A did more than perform it’s tasks but it also impressed the hell out of me. I used the new F-16A on several projects including door and window trim and trimming out some new cabinets I just built in my shop. The nailer performed way above my expectations and comes about as close to a pneumatic nailer as you can without attaching an air hose to it. It consistently fired the fasteners as quick as I could line up my shots.

In addition to consistently firing fasteners it also impressed me with regard to the following:

• On/Off /Selectable Drive Switch – The on/off switch also sets a drive mode including single shot mode and bump mode. I really like how you can make this selection with the on/off switch but I’m completely perplexed as to who uses a bump switch with a finish nailer. Then again, maybe track home builders that get paid to work fast use them?
• Balance and Comfort – The nailer is well balanced and comfortable to use and I found the grip comfortable. The one down side to the design is the weight. This nailer weighs in at just over 6 lbs while my Paslode finish nailer is just under 5 lbs. While that might not seem like a lot it sure can add up over the course of a day. The extra weight is almost certainly due to the 18V battery pack.
• EZ-Clear Feature – The F-16A nailer is probably the easiest nailer to clear of jambs that I’ve ever used! Be sure to check out my video to see how quickly you can remove the entire fastener magazine and quickly clear a jamb. Very sweet design!!
• Depth of Drive – The depth of drive adjustment is very easy to use. It’s located on the front of the nailer and makes adjustments quick and accurately.

Video Review

Check out the following review for additional thoughts and a closer look at the F-16A.

Final Thoughts

I love how competition throughout the tool industry continues to give us amazing new tools. Senco has raised the bar with regard to cordless nailers and Fusion Technology has me hooked. I’m so impressed that the F-16A gets my vote for best cordless finish nailer! It’s built from high quality materials and it works so well I almost forget it’s cordless. If you’re in the market for a cordless finish nailer then the Senco F-16A gets the highest vote of confidence from me. Go buy one!

Where To Buy

Senco nailers are sold at authorized dealers and online at several locations. If you’re interested in buying it online then I’d recommend you check out the following link from Amazon. Priced at $400 these are not cheap but I can tell you they are top notch.

• SENCO F-16A, Cordless Fusion 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer

Senco Fusion F-16A Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz