What’s a wood magnet? It’s a level that press-fits onto a 2×4 to make one hell of a long beam level. Assuming you can find an un-bowed and un-warped 2×4, it sounds like a decent idea. Of course, that’s a pretty big if.
Was this guy trying to remove the branch or break the table? Or hoist the table into the tree? All we know is that we’re pretty sure that this is what happens when you’ve had a beer or two and the wife has left you “unsupervised.” At least we hope he’s had a few; otherwise this would just be sad.
Here’s another compressor deal from Ace Tool, this time a Makita. Ace lists the Makita MAC700 at $150 down from the regular $288. This compressor has a 12.4A, 2 HP, 2-1/2 gallon oiled single “hot dog style” tank and delivers 3.3 CFM at 90 PSI. Ace Tool also offers free shipping on this unit which beats out all other vendors I could find — including Amazon!
Makita MAC700 [Makita]
Makita MAC700 [Ace Tool Online]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon
(Tuesday, June 26th, 2007) A new Dirty Jobs cements Mike Rowe’s stranglehold on the Discovery Network tonight. What sort of dirt does he have on those executives, anyway? Everything else seems to be a re-run tonight.
All times are central.
Enjoy.
As readers told us, Toolmongers build their own workbenches (unless they’re rich). TM reader and photo pool member Schnaars posted this photo of his home-built basic workbench which meets all our standards for a basic unit: functional, inexpensive, and practical. Good stuff!
Guess what? We have a few tools laying around the test shop, so we thought we’d go ahead and re-activate our Submit a Tool, Win a Tool giveaway.
What this means is that we’re offering up some of the smaller post-test tools hanging around the office to those who submit our favorite tools over the next few weeks. So, if you’ve got a minute, drop us a line using the Submit a Tool form and let us know what’s in your shop that we should have in ours.
And hey — we’re not just seeking your favorite tools. We’d also love to hear any tips you might have for fellow Toolmogners or great tool deals you’ve run across.
Note: This isn’t a contest, and we’re not going to announce winners; we’re simply going to pick someone from the list of submitters by whatever means that strikes us at the moment when we have something to give away, then contact that person by email directly. So, if you might like one of these tools — whatever they end up being — be sure and enter a valid email in the submission form.
Submit a Tool [Toolmonger, of course]
Ever want to tell Bosch what new tools you’d like? Here’s your chance. One of our friends over at Bosch called us up and asked us to pass on a question to you, and since we have a lot to say about the matter — and know you do, too — we decided to oblige. The question: What would you like to see in the Bosch 10.8V Litheon line? Remember, Big Brother Bob (Bosch) is listening.
Greenlee’s new HKL-1232 crimping tool offers up (literally) tons of clamping force – twelve tons to be exact. It’s a manually operated hydraulic crimper sporting a two-speed hydraulic pump that advances rapidly until it contacts the connector, then shifts to a lower speed to complete the crimp. Wiring a main electrical box, or work on an oil rig? This is for you. For the rest of us, it’s just freakin’ cool.
Think of this as a no-battery version of Black & Decker’s AutoWrench. Here’s how it works: the jaw is spring-loaded towards the “open” position, so when you pull down on the lever located where the knurled part usually is, the wrench springs open. You then release the lever and push the jaw closed around the fastener head with your fingers. It’s ratcheted, so it stays in that position until you pull the lever again. Irwin claims this action is two times faster than a standard adjustible wrench.
My grandfather had a hand-cranked drill, a Yankee screwdriver, and a manual bit brace. I used them all while growing up, but sadly only the Yankee’s whereabouts are presently known. And while I own a decent cordless electric drill — and use it frequently – I prefer the human-powered version for small jobs. It’s lighter, quieter, and the “battery” never dies. And oh yeah, it costs less than a battery alone!
Obviously electric tools are appropriate for larger jobs, but am I a retro-tech masochist using hand-powered drills for the lighter stuff, or do you share my enthusiasm? Let me know in comments.
Hand-Cranked Drill [Nasco]
Yankee Screwdriver Via Amazon
Think your work truck is a badass? Does it talk, come from another planet, fight evil or transform into a giant three-story robot? Optimus Prime does. And the benevolent big rig — and his robot homies — are descending to theaters July 3rd in the new live-action Transformers movie. If giant robots that turn into Peterbuilt trucks and sleek sports cars don’t do it for you, I have the sad duty to inform you that you are indeed among the undead. Check your pulse. See? Nothing.
You do have a chance for new life though: go check out the Transformers movie and be educated in cool — the ultimate merge of robot and truck. See you there.
Transformers Movie [Official Website]
Amazon currently lists the Makita 2012NB at $282.87, which is the cheapest I could find by about $120. It’s a 12″ portable planer with automated head clamps, a 15A, 8500 RPM motor, a 13″ x 30-3/8″ table, double sided knives, and dust collection ports. And at 83 dB, it’s (relatively) quiet, too.
Makita 2012NB [Makita]
Via Amazon
Street Pricing [Google Products]
(Monday, June 25th, 2007) Tonight could be a lot worse. The Science channel has a few shows other than How It’s Made that look interesting – especially for those of you who spend time tracking down old cars.
All times are central.
Enjoy.
The “problem light” joke may sail right by those of you who aren’t Venture Brothers fans, but you could re-purpose this for almost any kind of stylish indicator you require. In fact, we’re thinking about making one as an “on-air” light to keep the riff-raff out while we podcast. Thankfully Patrick Kovacich posted a whole collection of photos on Flickr to show us the way.
Problem Light (Steampunk Edition) [Flickr] [via]
Skil’s new 1560 3-1/4” hand held planer looks like it was designed by Cadillac’s auto designers — you know, the “faceted” crowd. But despite the over simple appearance, it looks like handy gear to have around the shop.
There’s no substitute for experience, but if you don’t have a clue where to start with a construction project, you can buy one: JLC’s Tips and Techniques book. JLC’s experienced construction gurus who give you the low down on handling tricky situations in practical, no nonsense formats.
(Saturday, June 23rd, 2007) DIY saves our TV watching bacon again as all the other networks fall short.
All times are central.
Enjoy.
www.flickr.com
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