Perhaps you went to a Halloween party over the weekend and saw a couple of good costumes and though how much time did that take to make. Every year we always check out the Instructables Halloween Contest which never fails to be full of really creative and original costumes. Even more exciting for us is that they go into detail on the construction of the costumes and have detailed conversations with other costume design enthusiasts.

Here is a good example of the construction on a Tron Legacy costume with some really helpful dialog on the Electroluminecent sheet process and materials used. There are several categories to share the projects including costume, kids costume, pet costume, make-up, props, masks, pumpkins, houses, decorations & food. Each category gets some sweet prizes including Mac Laptop, desktop laser cutter, iPad 2, cameras, and some Demel tools. We would encourage everyone to take a second or two and vote on your favorites.
    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We fall into the category of people guilty of not using our programmable thermostats correctly. It was set correctly at one point but at season changes we found it actually being a little wasteful and easier to just set it manually. The Nest is a brand new thermostat that will learn your patterns make you more comfortable and save you money. If you read this Wired article it is actually going to save the world.

It does seem to make a lot of sense and we’ve got to say it’s a pretty good looking design. Basically you set it manually for a week and it will learn your patterns. Afterwards it will start to make adjustments to save on heating/cooling costs but if you make manual corrections it will continue to learn. It also has a motion sensor so if you leave for the weekend but forget to adjust the thermostat it will know and automatically save you some money while you are away.

Also as you might expect your iPhone or iPad can adjust the home's temperature from anywhere and it will actually save the data to a website you can log into and see where you are saving the most money. The cost on the unit is $250 but should pay for itself pretty quickly without hardly any work. Not sure if it will save the world but chances are it will save you a few bucks and make you more comfortable. Check out the even more detailed video below for additional info.   

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We’ve been using Goo Gone for many years now and can actually recall the very first time we ever used the citrus cleaner. It was just after we brought home our very first car, a used 4 door Honda and it was awesome. The first thing that had to go was the dealer badge they stuck on it for some free advertising. After taking off the plastic piece however there was some really nasty adhesive left on. A buddy told me Goo Gone was the only thing that would take it off without damaging the paint. Sure enough it came right off in seconds and the paint was indeed unharmed, since then we have been through many bottles.

When Goo Gone contacted us to do some testing on their new 16oz Pro-Power Formula ($7, Amazon) we were 100% on board.  We did not know however they would be sending along a New DeWalt Saw covered in sticky stuff to actually test it out. First off, thank you for the new saw! Second the new Pro-Power Goo Gone works terrific, all the sticky stuff was completely gone in seconds and of course it did so without damaging the saw in anyway.

Then we started thinking what else can it clean? What kind of job could it do on greasey tool parts with years of gunk build up? The tool repair techs we work with use industrial parts cleaning bins to get everything cleaned off before replacing parts, seals, gaskets and using fresh grease on a tool. Could Goo Gone do the job if they didn’t have a part cleaner on hand? Yep it sure could, see the parts below.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 04:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We got to use this Florescent Light Tester 2210-20 ($199, Ohio Power Tool) unit at the Milwaukee Headquarters a few months back and while it seems like a pretty simple tool it will truly change everything for millions of maintenance people. The unit has a wand that extends 2.5’ that by simply touching to the bulb you can test to see if it has gone bad. What is even more impressive is if the bulb is ok the unit can also test the ballast in seconds without taking the whole thing apart. And just for good measure it can also test the new bulb before it goes in just to double check everything is all good.

Have you ever done it yourself or even just witnessed a maintenance guy go through the process if it should be a bad ballast? Typically first step is get all the bulbs, climb the ladder and replace them. When that doesn’t work go back to maintenance (or hardware store) and get a new ballast. Take the bulbs out again and take the whole fixture apart. At this point you are still not sure if it is indeed a bad ballast, just that it is most likely. Perhaps the new bulbs were also bad or wiring problems or something else, really it is all just diagnosis to this point. When the ballast is replaced test the old bulbs again, if they are also bad install new ones. With the new Milwaukee Tool all that diagnosis is done in seconds and 1 trip to maintenance or hardware store is all it will ever take.

We are not exactly sure the launch date or price opf this new unit but Ohio Power Tool is guaranteed to be one of the first in the country to have them. Check out their Milwaukee Testing Tools to Pre-Order very soon. For more info read the full Milwaukee Press Release below.  

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation continues to expand their Test and Measurement line with the introduction of a new-to-world product for testing/troubleshooting fluorescent lighting. With the ability to test fluorescent gas, check pin connections and test ballasts, the Milwaukee® Fluorescent Lighting Tester will allow professional Electricians and Building Maintenance Technicians to troubleshoot an entire building in half the time. 

“There are 1 million electricians and 1.6 million maintenance technicians across the US alone, and Lighting is the #1 or #2 application for both of these groups,” says Jon Morrow, Director of Marketing, Test and Measurement for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. “Fluorescent lights make up the vast majority of the lighting used in commercial and industrial locations, but no complete tester exists in the market.  Without a complete solution, professionals have adopted a replace and hope strategy…change the lamp or ballast and hope that fixes the problem. With the new Fluorescent Lighting Tester, professionals can troubleshoot with confidence.”

Complete with a 2-1/2 foot, fully retractable antenna, users can easily reach all lighting fixtures. And since they will only change the lamps and ballasts that need replacing, users will save invaluable time and money by adding this easy-to-use tool to their arsenal.

Additional features include a removable antenna adaptor to increase “flicker” response, audible and visual indicators for easy readings, a built in LED work light to illuminate dark work spaces, and a rugged over-mold grip for increased durability.

With the introduction of these new products and plans to grow the Test and Measurement line in the future, MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to the trades, and will continue to offer innovative solutions in safety, performance and productivity.

Milwaukee Fluorescent Lighting Tester 2210-20
Test all T5, T8, T12 fluorescent lamps
Optimized for T8 electronic ballasts
Check pin connections on all T5, T8, T12 lamps
Includes: 2210-20 Fluorescent Lighting Tester, Adapter, 4 AA Batteries, Manual and Carrying Case.
   

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Being one of the last to the oscillating tool party has had its advantages for Porter Cable and their new PC250MTK ($104, Amazon) Multi-Tool. To start with they bumped up the horse power to a larger 2.5 amp motor and added a 10’ corded for better worksite maneuverability. The feel of the unit also seems a little more thought out and comfortable, like they laid out all the competitors and said how can we do this better. Check out this detailed Video from WoodCraft blog:

They also included pretty much every accessory they make in the case right out of the box. Most impressively a Grout Removal Blade which you typically will not find in any other base level kit. Here is the whole list: (1) Wood Blade, (1) Wood/Metal Blade, (1) Precision Wood Blade, (1) Flush Cut Blade for Wood, Drywall and Metal, (1) Sanding Platen, (27) 60-120-240G Sand Paper, (1) Flexible Scraper, (1) Rigid Scraper & (1) Grout Removal Blade.

The most impressive aspect of the tool however is the quick changing blade system. It really could probably be the easiest blade change process of any oscillating tool on the market to date, including the Fein Multimaster which has been the apex of the category. As long as that high tension spring holds up this system will be hard to improve upon.

Unfortunately this mighty tool does have some short comings which actually have nothing to do with the tool itself. To start the case is killing me, it just will not shut on the first try ever because the accessories are supposed to be arranged sticking strait up and need to align perfectly to close which doesn’t happen. Also the long cord is great use but terrible to cram back into the flimsy plastic case.

The bigger problem however is the accessories themselves. Porter Cable went lone wolf on their accessories which we feel is a big mistake. The universal OIS platform that Bosch, Milwaukee, Ridgid and others have all adopted already have tons of great accessories available. Had the PC250MTK been compatible it would have been pretty great but the set on the Porter Cable means you are locked into their platform. As it stands pretty much all the available accessories are included in the box, more available at Lowe’s or Amazon but it really is just the basics. The blades are also not very high quality but fairly inexpensive so not a big problem.

Overall for around $100 the Porter Cable package is a great deal. Everything is in the box so you can tackle many jobs right away. This also would make this a great gifts idea for a young home owner or occasional handyman for the holidays which are right around the corner.  
   

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 09:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is a pretty smart idea and worth a look now that we are headed into the cold season. The Cordless Mr. Heater MH35CLP ($159, Amazon) may be a consideration if you are going to be working away from a readily available electric power supply. This new unit has the ability to store enough runtime juice in its onboard batteries for 8 hours of cordless use.

It can also be plugged into any 110v outlet and use while the batteries recharges. The force air fan allows the heater to produce a very respectable 35,000 BTU or enough to heat 800 sq ft. The new more efficient unit is also 50% quieter than other forced air units and cool enough to touch, so even if the plan is to mostly have it plugged in there are still several advantages.

We have not tested this unit out so can not testify to all it is promising but it would be nice to have an alternative to the non-electric radiant heat propane units which are not very effective at heating an entire space. For non-propane fully electric heaters up to 150,000 BTU, Ohio Power Tool supplies a wide range of options.
    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not the way you want to be woken up... 

EVERETT, WA - ... The husband, 36, told police he woke up to a power tool on his neck. It was on, he said. Police observed cuts to the man's neck and shoulder. He was treated and released from Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. The man told police that it was dark in the room but when he turned on the light he saw his wife holding the sawzall ...


Read Full Story - Herald.net

Get Your Own Milwaukee Sawzall at Ohio Power Tool... provided of course your spouse is somewhat stable.
    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When we first got a chance to use the Milwaukee M12 cordless jig saw we definitely impressed for a couple of reasons. The handle design with the full rubber top is really the first of its kind to allow for a more traditional top grip or barrel grip hand position. Second it has impressive power for a 12V unit although we probably shouldn’t be that surprised anymore because the M12 Hackzall has already proven 12V tools can deliver on cutting power and runtime. Third the variable speed trigger was very accurate and precise which made using the light weight saw very smooth. Finally the price on the 2445-21 ($149, Ohio Power Tool) is pretty good considering it includes some of the mid to higher end jig saw finishes and less than any other cordless jig saw kit we've seen.

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation continues to expand the versatility of their M12™ LITHIUM-ION system with the introduction of the M12™ Cordless High Performance Jig Saw. Featuring a new-to-world Hybrid Grip™ design, the M12™Jig Saw combines the best features from both top handle and barrel grip jig saw designs to provide superior cut control and balance.  At only 4.1 lbs and 8.75” long, the M12™Jig Saw is also the most compact, lightest weight professional cordless jig saw on the market today.

“Powered by revolutionary M12™ RED LITHIUM™ Battery technology*, the saw’s incredible cutting power and control delivers a portable cutting solution for a wide range of trade applications,” says David Lincoln, Associate Product Manager, Cordless for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. “Ideal for carpenters, remodelers, plumbers and electricians, this tool provides the perfect solution for making quick cuts in wood, metal, wall tile, or plastics without the hassle of pulling out a cord.”

A 3/4” stroke length and 0-2,800 SPM variable speed trigger deliver fast and accurate cuts in multiple materials, while  the Quik-Lok™ T-Shank blade clamp and tool free 45° bevel capability allow for quick and easy tool adjustments.  An LED light highlights the cutting surface for improved visibility.    

With constant innovation in Lithium-Ion, MILWAUKEE® continues to expand its leadership position in the sub-compact category. With over 30 tools currently in the system, the M12™ platform is the largest sub-compact system in the industry, offering innovative solutions in power, productivity, and portability.

Specifications (2445-21)
3/4” Stroke Length
0-2800 SPM
Bevel Capacity: 45°
Length: 8.75”
Weight: 4.1 lbs
Tool Free Blade and Bevel Changes
Includes 2445-20 M12™ Jig Saw, (1) M12™ RED LITHIUM™ Battery, 30-Minute Charger, (1) 50-42-5310 10 TPI Wood Cutting Blade, Anti-Splintering Insert, Non-Marring Shoe & Contractor Bag.

Specifications (2445-20)
3/4” Stroke Length
0-2800 SPM
Bevel Capacity: 45°
Length: 8.75”
Weight: 4.1 lbs
Tool Free Blade and Bevel Changes
Includes 2445-20 M12™ Jig Saw, (1) 50-42-5310 10 TPI Wood Cutting Blade, Anti-Splintering Insert, Non-Marring Shoe & Contractor Bag.

REDLITHIUM™ Battery Technology - Milwaukee’s new REDLITHIUM™ batteries provide up to 40% more run-time, 20% more power and 50% more recharges than other Lithium products on the market. The new technology will also operate in extreme temperatures as low as 0°F/-18°C and will run 20% cooler, with fade free power and no memory effect.
     

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 03:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New Drills - We have gone over the second generation Drills and Hammer Drills that we watched actually get thrown out of a helicopter 500ft in the air and still worked. These new hammer drills are now available in two really agressively priced kits with the impact driver: Compact Tough Hammer Drill & Impactor CLPK232-181 ($199, Ohio Power Tool) and Brute Tough Hammer Drill & Impactor CLPK221-181 ($299, Ohio Power Tool).

Build a Combo Kit – In addition to these great deals on the 2 tool kits, Ohio Power Tool has also lowered their prices on many of the bare tools so you can build your own larger combo kits. See Bosch 18V Tools page and at the bottom all the Bare Tools are priced individually. Add a ½” impact wrench for $99, jig saw for $129 and/or flashlight for $19 among many other great deals on grinders, bandsaws, SDS-Plus, etc.

Free Battery with Power Boxes - You may have seen the Power Box Toss video of us playing cornhole with real working versions of these near indestructible radios. Now you can get a free BAT610G ($93, Ohio Power Tool) instantly with purchase. This is the best deal we have seen on these radios yet and opens it all those people that want the best jobsite radio on the market but don’t have any Bosch 18v lithium batteries yet!
     

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are looking for a very precise way to bend up to 3” steel and stainless steel pipe these new manual pump, hydraulic benders may be interesting for you as they bend and measure at the same time. The manual pump also makes these units competitively priced and provide excellent control. The model HB382 ($1019, Ohio Power Tool) can handle up to 2” pipe and weights about 160 lbs. The model HB383 ($1790, Ohio Power Tool) will handle up to 3” but hits the scales at nearly 400 lbs making it a little tougher to just throw in the back of the truck. Read more information on these units for the official Ridgid press release below.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 03:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just hitting store shelves this week are the new Bosch ROS65VC-5 & ROS65VC-6 (Both $229, Ohio Power Tool) sanders. These models are identical in all aspects except one comes out of the box with a 5” pad while the other a 6” pad. Either can interchange to use any standard 5” or 6” size pads which could be a handy feature although our guess is most will live predominantly one way or the other.

Comfort was one of the biggest areas of focus for this new sander with several important improvements. The anti-vibration is achieved by almost entirely separating the housing from the motor in all but a few spots of block foam and two wire connections (shown above). The entire top of the sander is also covered in soft grip rubber with a removable front handle so there are dozens of comfortable ways to hold this tool. Together this means hours more of sanding fun can be had before you get tired, yeah.

Filtration is another area of improvement however in our experience if you are scouting out the latest in sander news on our blog and getting ready to drop over $200 on a new sander you are likely to be hooked up to some form of dust collection. That being said the new canister is pretty effective and we really liked that you can empty it by unscrewing the back without the need to remove the whole canister. Of course the canister can be removed and hooked up to a hose and all the sanders include adaptors.

  
To get a better look of this new sander check out our buddy Rob (AConcordCarpenter) going over a few of the features in the video below. For all your Bosch Tool needs, woodworking or otherwise, we recommend you also check out Ohio Power Tool.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 07:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)