Some time ago we reviewed the Blaklader Bantam Work Pant and were very impressed with the quality and toughness that went into the production of those pants. Blaklader makes much more than pants however we were curious if the same attention to detail and high level of functionality went into their other product. They also offer a wide range of jackets and we recently had the opportunity to review the Toughguy Pile Lined Jacket($109, Amazon) one of their warmest in the line.
Durability
The 13oz cotton shell helps this jacket live up to the name Toughguy, the thick material will resist wear, cuts and provide protection from the elements. The zipper and buttons are big and heavy duty, easy to access even with gloves on. Of course the jackets carry the same life time guarantee on stitching that comes on their pants but most likely will never be needed. After a few weeks of wear the jacket has been broken in and is getting even more comfortable.
Functionality
Similar to the pants the jack is very well throughout with a professional in mind. Pockets include sleeve zipper pocket, pen holders, phone pocket, standard chest and side pockets. The cuffs and waist adjustments are buttons snaps so no nonsense and keep the jacket tight. The extended back was also another nice feature we very much appreciate as a taller guy (6’6” and XL fits us great).
Warmth
The very soft 11oz polyester pile lining of this jacket is easily our favorite feature. It’s funny that this jacket is named the Toughguy because while it is tough on the outside it is very soft on the inside. The lining is only a vest while the sleeves get a quilted lining (see above left). This keeps the body very warm but allows for better mobility and function for your arms when working. The pile lining goes all the way up the collar so when zipped all the way up it is very soft and warm on the neck.
All in all we really like this jacket and think it is a great value for the price. The jacket comes in 2 color options, black and navy blue (shown above). If you are looking for something even tougher or perhaps on the lighter side see the full list of Blaklader Jackets and vests here.
2 Days with a Milwaukee M12 Thermal Imaging Camera 2260-21
We recently had a few days with this thermal imaging camera and learned a fair amount about its functionality and our own home in the process. We originally got to see the unit at Milwaukee’s headquarters (see original post here). Given a little more time with it the Milwaukee M12 2260-21($2500, Ohio Power Tool) really is an amazing piece of technology you need to get your hands on.
A few things we noticed after having a little more time with it were that the thermal image and regular camera image aren’t the same size (in terms of cover the same area) when toggling between the two. It really isn’t a problem when you are actually using it because you are looking at the real thing but it is something to keep in mind for pictures and reporting later. It caused us a little confusion at first when we had downloaded them. Above you will see the duel captured images you get from a single trigger pull with the thermal image laid over the regular image (640x480 vs 160x120). Many other cameras don’t even have the regular camera function so we aren’t complaining just a heads up. The camera also burns through the M12 battery in about 15-20 minutes so not a bad idea to have a spare on hand if you are using this professionally.
This was a real eye opener, see the thermal image above (again overlaid to the real thing) of our bedroom and yes you are reading that correctly our windows are actually warmer than the old walls and not just the curtains this was the case all over. The walls are original brick + wood slat + plaster with zero additional insulation, pretty much means the walls are nearly as cold as the outside. Several years before we called this place home the windows had received a high quality upgrade, probably thinking that would help keep the place insulated and warmer. Clearly they did not have a camera like this one when they made that upgrade or they would have seen the real issue.
We managed to check out the whole house in a matter of about 15 minutes and it was a very educational trip. If you have an opportunity you should really borrow or rent one of these cameras and comb over your house to find and possible fix poor insulation spots or dangerous hot spots from bad wiring. It’s also simply fun to satisfy good old fashion curiosity... Is the dog possessed? Sure looks like it. With a few easy fixes and some additional insulation most people could save a fair amount on their energy bills. Check out Ohio Power Tool for all your Milwaukee Tool needs!
Dremel Multi-Max MM40 with Quick Lock Oscillating Tool
The problem we were faced with was how to make a clean cut in a tight space on a desktop computer stand. The space was too small to fit a jig saw or reciprocating saw and needed to be a clean cut to sand down and touch up with paint. The solution came in the form of a Dremel MultiMax MM40($139 Ohio Power Tool) which would be able to make the cut and sand the piece down using only one tool.
We felt that this was the perfect opportunity to use the new DremelMulti-Max MM40 in a true “real world” application.They didn’t want to go find a new computer station so we did some “post fabrication” on the existing one.Basically just cut the piece of wood off the darn thing so their oversized laptop would fit.
The Dremel Multi-Max MM40 comes equipped with a variable speed 2.5 amp motor.This packs quite an upgraded punch from earlier Multi-Max models. We also see the introduction ofDremel's patentedQuick Lock System, their tool-less blade change solution which is pretty handy for us folks who always lose the pieces and parts to their tool kits.
This kit comes with several of the most popular blades and sanding pads. A few others you might also want to pickup are grinding rasp and a grout removing tool which are pretty popular. See the full Dremel Accessory list here.
For the Computer Desk Project
We started with the half moon blade, which is typically used in a multi purpose application for wood/drywall.While we felt it was a blade we had good control over the speed of cut was just not there.
Once we switched to the wood specific blade it started to rip. (See Video Above)The sanding pads were pretty effective and easy to switch with the Velcro backing. We hit it with a couple passes, starting with the larger grit then moving finer. For the final step we hit it with several coats of black Krylon spray paint and it came out very nice.
All in all the Dremel MM40 is probably our favorite oscillating tool on the market today, in this price range. Dremel continues to launch a wide range of new accessories which add to the products overall versatility. One biggest downfall of other newcomers, such as the Porter Cable PC250MTK, is the lack of available accessories or places to buy them. We really think the Quick Lock ™ tool-less quick change system does a great job of making this one of the most refined oscillating tools at any price point. If you are debating between this unit and the Dremel MM20($99, Ohio Power Tool) we would strongly suggest going with the MM40 for more power and ease of use.
Custom Extension Cords – Safer, Cheaper, Easier to Identify
It’s almost funny just how disposable extension cords are considered on large jobsites. Mostly due to these items just magically growing legs and walking off, never to make it back to the tool crib after even just 1 job. It is because of this many purchasers try to go as cheap as possible when it comes to extension cords. The result is this often means safety and efficient features such as GFCIs, lighted ends, 3-outlet, All-Flex insulation, E-ZEELOCK, etc might get skipped all together. What’s the point if they are only going to last a fraction of their life expectancy anyway?
By customizing extension cords specifically for your company you can put your name and info right on the cord as well as select custom colors to make it very clear to identify which cords are yours. This dramatically reduces theft as well as saves time and prevents potential conflict when multiple companies are operating in close proximity. Because custom cords are typically ordered in larger bulk quantities price can be about equal to off the shelf pricing. Couple this with the fact that a much higher percentage of the cords actually make it back to the home base after each job the savings can be significant. Contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 for a quote on custom Voltec Extension Cords. These custom cords do take 8-12 weeks to get done so now is the certainly the time to place orders if you would like to have them for spring time.
Ingersoll Rand Cordless Impact W7150 with 1100 ft lbs Torque
This Ingersoll Rand ½” cordless impact W7150-K1($376, Ohio Power Tool) will have the same torque number as the very popular 2135TiMax ½” gun. That is 780 ft.lbs. operating torque and an amazing 1100 ft.lbs. nut busting torque. Until now it was simply accepted a cordless impact gun will not have the power of a pneumatic tool, we may see that all change when the W7150 gun is released in January 2012. The platform looks to be a new 20V IQv battery and does not look to be compatible with existing Ingersoll Rand IQv Cordless tools or charger. Below are 3 new videos from the recent SEMA show.
Generac New XP Professional Series vs GP Series Generators
Generac Generators have been around since the 1950’s and has built a name now synonymous as the standard in automatic stand by generators with their Generac Guardian line. These generators carry the only industrial OHVI engines, designed and build specifically for needs of power generation. In addition the OHVI engines are build right here in the USA at the Generac factory in Wisconsin.
The same industrial OHVI engines are now available for portable use in their new top of the line XP professional series. These new USA built generators are as tough as anything you will find on the jobsite today. The 3 Year Services warranty, 2 year or 200 hour service cycle and network of nationwide dealers make these generators pain-free to maintain. The never-flat tires and screw on/off oil filter also add to these generators ease of maintenance.The integrated lifting eye and full GFCI electrical panel make the XP series OSHA and NEC 2011 code compliant for transport and operation.
Since these engines are the only on the market built specifically for power generation purposes and not multiuse for lawnmowers and snow blowers, they are designed specifically to handle all day operation typical of professional grade generators. The True Power Technology on the XP series creates very clean power with 5% or lower Total Harmonic Distortion, safe for laptops, high end refrigerators, variable speed sump pumps and other equipment with onboard electronics. Another feature exclusive to the Generac XP line is Idle Control which saves fuel, engine wear and makes the units run much quieter possibly saving your sanity when working around them. For jobsite use these Generac units can go right up against other top of the line professional brands such as Honda, Kubota, Multiquip and others. California approved CARB models also available, call 800-242-4424. Watch the Generac video on the OHVI engine below.
When comparing the Generac GP series vs the XP series generators they are really very different animals. The GP series made by Generac are also good units however they are priced very competitively and do not have many of the same high-end features. The motors on these units are imported OHV, the warranty is 1 year, they do not have as long between service intervals, oil filtration is not a simple screw on/off, they do not feature GFCI so not OSHA compliant, no lifting eyes, no idle control and no not feature True Power Technology so power output is not as clean and can run as high as 25% Total Harmonic Distortion. This means you would run a risk plugging laptops and high end electronics directly into the generator without additional surge protection.
The GP series does certainly offer some great benefits at less than half the price of XP series. Features include the same great network of service centers, never-flat tires, low oil shutoff, covered circuits, fuel gauge, electric start and a low tone muffler for quieter operation. These units cannot be beat for the dollar to power output! For occasional home, tailgate and camping needs these units are excellent and cannot be matched by any other low cost options.
Both of these series of power generators are excellent options but clearly have different intended purposes. We wanted to try and make it a little more clear what you get for the money with each line but it is our feeling both lines are really great values and are backed with terrific service. For further generator questions contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424.
BX 2011 Safety Award for Safe Storage of Oxygen & Acetylene
The OSHA rule on any jobsite requires separating fuel gases, most commonly Acetylene, from the oxidizer agent when “not in use”. Where this gets fuzzy is if the two tanks remain connected and fully set up there is a 24 hour period where it is considered “reasonably anticipated” the set up could be used. This leads to many people simply leaving their setups fully assembled indefinitely which is certainly not the objective. It also leads to an increase in theft of regulators leaving tanks uncapped and even more exposed to potential catastrophes.
There have been attempts to build a better storage cart that would safely store the 2 gases on a single cart by providing enough of a solid barrier between the tanks to “separate the gases”. This has unfortunately leads to other problems including adding significant weight and height to the carts while at rest may be safer but try to transport the cart and that 5’ solid steel separation wall leans back and crack someone in the face. Now you got a whole other set of safety concerns.
The team at Speer Mechanical in Columbus, Oh devised a much smarter solution that OSHA agents can agree solves the problem of truly separating the gas 20’ as intended in the regulation. Their tanks are all on individual carts which simply lock together with a bolt on lower portion and a latch on top. The two carts are easy to move around together but at the end of the work day break apart in minutes. The tanks are always chained to the carts so storage in never a problem and the regulators get put away eliminating potential theft.
We spoke with Gary Wells of Speer who put the original setup together, along with Fred Bothwell the head of safety for the company about the configuration and they said it is now standard on all their jobs. We asked Gary if he had any intentions of trying to sell this product and he said he did not but encouraged us to get the word out to possibly help make other jobsites across the country safer as well as help out his fellow tradesmen by saving them a little extra time each morning and evening. Really great guy, so please if you start manufacturing these and making millions, kick our boy a little something on the side.
The company was recently honored at the Builders Exchange Annual Meeting with the 2011 Safety Innovation Award where they received the award in front of several hundred of Central Ohio’s top construction professional. Great job guys!
Milwaukee 5” Deep Cut Band Saw 11amp with LED 6232-21
We have talked about the successful redesign of the 11amp & 13amp Milwaukee Grinders that happened this year in this post, in use in this post and a head to head video in this one (sorry deal from that post is over). Much of the technology that made the motors so powerful and compact in the redesign has now made its way to their very popular Deep Cut Bandsaw 6232-21($299, Ohio Power Tool).
The compact motor actually moves it out of the way for a clear line of sight to the cut. This is not possible with any other portable band saw on the market and makes for more accurate cuts. The addition of an LED light also helps make the cutting area more visible.
The saw gets a wider mouth at 5” capacity, tool free shoe adjustment and loses 3 lbs of weight for better user performance. Overall durability is increased dramatically thanks to a sealed metal direct drive system (currently chain drive), Job Site Armor composite guards and tire brush for better blade contact.
The new saw will replace the existing 6232-6N($299, Ohio Power Tool) in early January 2012 at roughly the same sale price. We will certainly be taking one of these into the field shortly and will report back as soon as possible on what guys think.
In the mean time check out the video below of Mike, our fellow Coptool author, making a few cuts with it in the Milwaukee booth at the recent STAFDA trade show. For even more info, the full Milwaukee Tool press release is below that.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to demonstrate a focused commitment on corded product with the launch of four new Deep Cut Band Saws that provide 2X more durability while still delivering on the heritage of long-term reliability and performance that make Milwaukee Band Saws the industry standard for professional tradesmen.The new Band Saws also deliver best-in-class power, revolutionary cut visibility and the industry’s largest cut capacity.
“To achieve 2X more durability than the competition, our new Band Saws focus on a combination of external and internal developments,” says Andrew Plowman, Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool.“Externally, the Job Site Armor™ Technology is comprised of a proprietary composite material and crush zone barriers to absorb impacts. Internally, an all metal direct drive system provides maximum tool life and requires less servicing than the chain drive alternative. A gear protecting clutch extends gear and motor life by absorbing high impact forces caused by blade lock-ups, and the completely sealed design of the direct drive protects the internal gears from water and debris contamination over time.”
In addition, the new Band Saws feature Milwaukee's new patent pending motor technology that packs more copper in a smaller amount of space.“More copper results in more power,” says Plowman. “The new Band Saws deliver the most cutting power in their category at 11 Amps.”
This motor technology also allows for a much slimmer motor housing, which increases the user’s line of site to ultimately deliver more accurate cuts. Balance is also improved with this design, allowing the tool to rest naturally and comfortably in the user’s hands to provide better control. At only 14.5 lbs, the new Band Saws are 3 lbs lighter than the existing models to further improve balance and comfort.
Additional features include an LED light that illuminates the work surface for increased accuracy and productivity, and a tool-free locking adjustable shoe that allows the user to quickly adjust from an extended shoe to no shoe in seconds. With the largest cut-capacity in the category, the new tool has the versatility to cut up to 5” x 5” material in one pass while the adjustable shoe allows for less tool rotation when cutting material above 5”.
The new Band Saws will launch in January of 2012, delivering industry leading durability, performance and ease of use as they join a legendary line of MILWAUKEE® metalworking products. Milwaukee’s commitment to best-in-class durability is backed by the MILWAUKEE® Heavy-Duty 5-year warranty.
Specifications (6232-20) 11Amps 120V AC 0-380 SFPM 5” x 5” Capacity 14.5lbs Includes AC Deep Cut Band Saw
Specifications (6232-21) 11Amps 120V AC 0-380 SFPM 5” x 5” Capacity 14.5lbs Includes AC Deep Cut Band Saw & Carrying Case
Specifications (6238-20) 11Amps 120V AC/DC 300/380 SFPM 5” x 5” Capacity 14.5lbs Includes AC/DC Deep Cut Band Saw
Specifications (6238-21) 11Amps 120V AC/DC 300/380 SFPM 5” x 5” Capacity 14.5lbs Includes AC/DC Deep Cut Band Saw & Carrying Case
We had a chance to see this stand in person at the recent STAFDA trade show and what makes a lot of sense here is the adjustable brackets which can accommodate a number of different miter saw brands. It would also be an ideal platform to custom build mounts for other tools and work surfaces, at least that was our first thought anyway. The stands DWX726($199, Home Depot) are available now online. They are also sold with the new DeWalt 12" Miter Saws DWS780 which we reviewed a few months back. Read the full DeWalt stand press release below.
TOWSON, Md.– Today, DEWALT announces the launch of its new Rolling Miter Saw/Planer Stand (DWX726), which allows for easy jobsite mobility thanks to its wide rubber wheels and fold-up design. The DWX726 is designed for a variety of contractors including cabinetmakers, trim carpenters, framers, installers and many other professionals who are tasked with using a miter saw or portable thickness planer on the jobsite.
“We created this stand to address the need for contractors to move quickly and efficiently on the jobsite and in the shop,” said Rafe Bennett, director of product marketing, DEWALT. “Along with convenience, our new Rolling Miter Saw/Planer Stand is compact, durable and easily adjustable, making it ideal for all contractors tasked with difficult woodworking jobs and projects.”
With three-position pneumatically assisted raising and lowering, the DWX726 is easy to assemble to minimize downtime. The unit is also durable with a tubular steel construction that allows for 300 pounds of maximum weight capacity. The mounting rails are easily adjustable, and they can adapt to nearly any miter saw or portable thickness planer on the market. Additionally, the stand offers wide adjustable infeed and outfeed roller work supports, which provide up to eight feet of material support.
Weighing a manageable 67 pounds, the stand is 98-inches long and 32.5 inches wide when it is unfolded. To save space, the unit folds vertically and measures only 59.5 inches by 17 inches.
The DWX726 joins DEWALT’s existing line of work stands, which were released earlier this year. The current line-up includes the Heavy Duty Miter Saw Stand (DWX723), the Compact Miter Saw Stand (DWX724), the Heavy Duty Work Stand (DWX725) and the Heavy Duty Work Stand with Miter Saw Mounting Brackets (DWX725B).
The Rolling Miter Saw/Planer Stand sells for approximately $199 and is available now at The Home Depot. The stand will come with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee.
New Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Max SDS-Plus Hammers RH228VC
The original Bosch Bulldog 11224VSR($164, Ohio Power Tool) is still the most common SDS-Plus drill we see on jobsite even with so many more powerful options on the market. Bosch certainly does not want to be out gunned in this category however so they have launched the latest edition to their D-handle rotary hammer drills Bulldog Xtreme Max RH228VC($259, Ohio Power Tool).
These new units are available now and we are planning to do a follow up after some field testing so stay tuned! In the meantime read the full Bosch Press Release below.
MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., – The Bosch name has long been synonymous with great performing rotary hammers. With the introduction of the RH228VC Bulldog Xtreme Max Rotary Hammer, however, Bosch Power Tools bested even its own top-of-the-line tools.
While competitor hammers typically achieve either power or vibration control by compromising the other, Bosch’s RH228VC tops its class in ALL meaningful measures. The hammer delivers 40 percent more speed, 20 percent more power (2.4 ft lbs) and up to 30 percent less vibration (12 m/s2) than most of the other hammers in the class. Able to drill holes up to 1-1/8” in diameter, the hammer also beats the competition when it comes to concrete drilling capacity. Whether frequently drilling large-diameter holes, using core bits or doing all-day chiseling, the RH228VC is the perfect choice for the contractor who needs maximum performance in extreme applications.
Bosch achieved dramatic enhancements by re-thinking the most important components inside the rotary hammer. A longer piston and impact bolt, combined with a precision-machined striker, increases the hammer’s efficiency, which, in turn, greatly increases both speed and power. Indirectly, the more efficient operation also enhances durability, because the RH228VC strikes harder and drills faster with fewer BPM (0-5,460). That means less wear on the powerful 8-amp motor.
The longer piston reveals additional benefits when users consider vibration control. By creating a longer air cushion between the piston and the striker, Bosch greatly reduced vibration caused by the striker’s backstroke. Bosch then employed internal counter-balance technology to further offset vibration. The longer air cushion technology first debuted on the 1-5/8” SDS-max® Combination Hammer introduced in January 2009. The new piston design and the counter-balance mechanism are both firsts in the RH228VC’s size category. Competitive hammers typically only use handles that isolate users from the hammers’ vibration without actually dampening it.
Like the Bulldog Xtreme before it, the RH228VC features the unique HammerHooK™ system for innovative tool storage during the job.The RH228VC also offers variable speed operation (0-1,230 RPM under load) and three operating modes (hammer, drill and hammer/drill). The unique Vario-Lock™ SDS-plus® chuck allows chisels to rotate to the optimum working angle. Additional features include Bosch’s patented rotating brush plate, for equal power in forward and reverse, patented 45° pivoting cord turret, integral clutch to minimize torque reaction and metal gear housing for ultimate jobsite durability.
We are always on the hunt for new and interesting tool storage tools systems. Whether we are talking work benches, trailers or tool boxes it seems to always be a topic that catches our interest. We recently got our hands on a Veto Pro Pac LC(closed top model) and can’t say enough about the heavy duty construction and attention to detail in functionality. It is not a large bag, although they do make larger, but as everything has a place it seems more than adequate to all the hand tools we would need for mobile work.
The pack certainly does get heavy even 2/3rds of the way full but unlike some other bags we really did not question the strength of the bag, hooks, strap or any of the other components. This may be over kill for your everyday around the house toolbox but for serious users and professionals this seems like a smart investment. A great holiday gift idea! The organization alone will save countless hours of riffling around for tools and bits.
If you still are unsure about the durability, check out the video below of a similar Veto Pro Pac(open top model) taking some 200+ rounds of fire from our friends at Tools in Action.
How to Make a Log & Stick Reindeer Christmas Decoration
We made one of these in Cub Scouts many moons ago and remember thinking it was pretty cool at the time. Our personal task for decorative yard art typically is to avoid it but for some reason these little creatures still seem pretty fun. Also it is a great project to do with the kids around this time of year. We will give some credit to Worx Electric Chainsaw and Rockwell Jawhorse for making a product video that is enjoyable to watch.
