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NEW PRODUCTS: Nine Great New Tools

By Travis Larson

From The Family Handyman

Micro bench tops for micro shops on micro budgets

How about a bench-top drill press, band saw and oscillating sander for $300? That’s not $300 apiece, mind you—each Ryobi tool sells for $99. Let’s face it: Most people can’t sacrifice the floor space needed for stationary tools. And bench-top versions are big enough to handle most shop tasks anyway. They’re small enough for you to store them out of the way and then hoist one on top of the workbench when you need it. Each comes with smaller versions of the features bigger tools have.

The 10-in. drill press (model No. DP101) has adjustable speeds, a locking depth stop and an adjustable, swiveling table just like the big boys, yet it only weighs 90 lbs.

The 9-in. band saw (model No. BS902) features a table that tilts to 45 degrees and a rack-and-pinion blade guide height adjustment. But the three features that set it apart are the built-in light and extra-large miter gauge and rip fence. The miter gauge and rip fence are better than the ones on my stationary $600 unit.

You may be unfamiliar with oscillating spindle sanders. They work by slowly moving a spinning sanding drum up and down when you’re sanding curved (especially concave) work. That keeps the sandpaper from wearing out as quickly, makes for faster sanding and cuts down on burn marks. Model No. OSS500 comes with five sizes of spindles along with sandpaper to get you started. Use the biggest spindle that’ll fit in the curve for the best results. Ryobi tools are now sold exclusively at Home Depot stores.

Ryobi, www.ryobitools.com

Tools for stinky feet

Before X-Static socks

After X-Static socks

My wife greets me the same way nearly every evening, and it’s not “How was your day?” It’s “Is that your feet??!!”

Last night I heard it from her even though she was 15 ft. away. Can’t say as I blame her. After a day of being cooped up in my PF Flyers, my dogs do smell bad. But she’ll have to come up with a new greeting now that I got me some of them X-Static socks from Duluth Trading Co. They have a special silver filament yarn positioned at the ball and heel that wicks moisture away from your skin when you sweat. That inhibits bacterial growth, the genesis of foot odor. I wore them in an unscientific multiday study, and they worked. Even my wife agreed. The socks cost $7.99 for a single pair, $6.99 for multiples.

Duluth Trading Co., (800) 505-8888. www.DuluthTrading.com

The latest word in hammer drills

You call yourself a serious DIYer and you don’t own a hammer drill? Get with it. Hammer drills are must-have tools for anyone who has to drill holes in concrete, stucco, tile, brick or any other masonry surface. They work by “hammering” a special masonry drill bit into the surface, pulverizing the material ahead of the tip so the bit can penetrate.

The new Ridgid Heavy-Duty VSR 1/2-in. hammer/ pulse drill (model No. R5010) is a good deal for two reasons. No. 1, at $169, it’s inexpensive for a well-made, pro-level tool. No. 2, it has a “Pulse Mode” button, which is great for running in concrete screws and screws with damaged heads, and for centering the drill bit to get holes started on hard surfaces. Other features include a variable speed dial, a monstrously long (12-ft.) cord, a switch with high and low speeds, a keyless chuck and a lighted plug. Best of all, it has an automatic safety clutch that keeps you from breaking your wrist if a bit or a hole saw binds in the work. Nice, affordable, high-quality tool with lots of features—and a nice case, too. Get a hammer drill and get serious! Sold on-line and at Home Depot stores.

Ridge Tool Co., (800) 474-3443. www.ridgid.com

A well-designed circular saw

Carpenters are zealous about their favorite circular saws. In fact, it’d be easier convincing the pope to switch religions than to get an experienced hammer-head to change circular saw brands. But the new 324Mag right-hand blade, featured, or 423Mag (left-hand blade) circular saw from Porter-Cable is worth considering the next time the old warhorse slides off the roof. It includes all the features that make for a pro-grade saw. Here are some noteworthy ones:

Power. Most saws have motors rated at 13 amps or less. The Mag has a stump-pulling 15 amps of power.

Cord. The extra-long (10-ft.) heavy-duty rubber-coated cord means you can leave the extension cord on the shelf—no cord ends to catch on your work.

Table adjustments. Bevel and blade depths adjust smoothly with nice, big handles that provide plenty of leverage.

Table. The heavy-duty but lightweight cast aluminum table has nice, square edges for following cutting guides.

Blade changes. A little lever slides out of the arbor nut so you can turn it freely. No more hunting for the arbor wrench.

Dust control. The unique dust port can be pivoted out to redirect the sawdust or hooked up to a shop vacuum to suck it away.

Easy-to-load case. The case is roomy enough that you don’t have to work to stuff the saw and the cord in. And it has metal rather than plastic clasps, so they won’t wear out or break off in the cold.

It’s a bit on the heavy and spendy side ($130), but what quality tool isn’t? Find one wherever Porter-Cable tools are sold. To find a retailer near you, call (800) 487-8665.

Porter-Cable, (800) 321-9443. www.porter-cable.com

A saw that’ll cut almost anything

The Twin Cutter saw from Craftsman is kind of a cross between a reciprocating saw and a circular saw. Unlike other saws, it has two 6-1/8 in. diameter carbide-tipped blades that rotate in opposite directions. That means there’s no danger of kickback, so it’s easy to make a plunge cut to get started and it doesn’t need a shoe to stabilize it. The saw is designed to cut just about anything except masonry or ceramic materials like tile. It cuts much faster than a reciprocating saw, which makes it a natural for demo work like hacking out nail-infested lumber or ripping out plumbing pipes. So if you’re a pro in just about any trade or if you just bought a fixer-upper, this saw is a very worthwhile investment.

The Twin Cutter saw will make burr-free cuts on old galvanized and copper water pipes, aluminum and angle iron as long as the metal is less than 1/8 in. thick. (Use a lubricating stick as shown above to lubricate the blades for metals.) It also cuts any type of wood or plastic, although making long, straight cuts takes a bit of practice. Get yours at any Sears store for about $190.

Sears, (800) 349-4358. www.sears.com/craftsman

Hand tools

We gave a pair of Mechanix work gloves to a professional carpenter last fall and told him to let us know what he thought. Larry’s gloves have been through the wringer, and his verdict? Thumbs up! His comments:

• “Not as clumsy as other gloves I’ve tried. They’re the first gloves that let me pick and hold individual nails.”

• “The padded palms are great for gripping and comfort when I’m using handled tools like hammers or splitting mauls.”

• “Warmer than conventional unlined work gloves.”

• “I ended up liking them more than my biking gloves. In fact, they’re the ones I grab when the Harley calls.”

Mechanix work gloves come in a huge array of different styles depending on the use. High-quality leather, Kevlar/neoprene padding, strong stitching and a spandex top make the gloves fit tight and last a long, long time. Every glove has a hook-and-loop closing band that makes the glove fit, well, like a glove. Larry’s gloves are the Series 2.5 and run about $25 plus shipping. Go to the Web site to help you decide which ones work best for you.

Mechanix Wear, (800) 222-4296. www.mechanix.com

Safety kit

Everyone has safety gear, but where is it when you need it? If you’re like me, it’s a constant hunt for the earplugs, the glasses are all scratched up and you can only find one glove at a time. The Safetypaq from Dynapaq includes high-quality clear and tinted safety glasses, earplugs and work gloves. All are enclosed in a tote case that keeps everything together and undamaged between jobs. At $29.95, it’s a great gift for the absent-minded DIYer in your family. You can order by phone or on-line.

Dynapaq, (800) 559-0491. www.dynapaq.com

Art Direction • EVANGELINE EKBERG

Photography • BILL ZUEHLKE

From The Family Handyman - September 2004

• • Tools
• Home Repair

• New products
• 
• Big New products
• From the Chicago Hardware Show
• 
• New green products
•