Power Supplies Reviews

The X70 rags are great. They're lint free and very durable. Great for cleaning up spills, washing windows, or wiping down the inside of your car. High quality.

This inverter version of Yamaha's 1000 watt generator is great. It is super quiet, super light and seems to run forever on a tank of gas. I don't really understand this "inverter" technology, but it is obviously the future for generators. Apparently this generator has a "brain" and gears up or down to only produce the amount of power called for. It is really cool. I also have Yamaha's bigger inverter model, the 2800 watt. We had 2 screwguns, a 500 watt light and a radio on the 2800 watt and it was barely breaking a sweat. This 1000i is the little brother to that great generator. It's worth the few extra bucks it cost over the traditional 1000 watt generators.

I bought this dado blade as the result of reading a review in a woodworking magazine. I needed it to make about 300 dado cuts in plywood for a project that needed to be done quickly. The blade made very clean cuts. In fact, another woodworker saw the results and though I might have used a router since the cuts were so clean. The bottoms of the cuts are flat and were fairly smooth.

The blade storage case is nice to have. It comes with plastic spacers to separate the chippers and blades from one another when the blade is stored in the case. These spacers are a little cumbersome to use and the blades had moved around in the case when I first opened the box.

The chippers are not labeled so I had to use calipers to figure out which chipper was which. Once figured out the thickness of chipper and labeled the chippers with a permanent marker, the blades were easy to set up for the correct thickness using charts that came with the blade. I was using 1 / 2" plywood and set the width of the cut to 15/32" and the width of the cut was perfect. The blade included metal shims for fine-tuning the width of the cut, but I did not need them.

The blade also includes a DVD that shows how to use it. I was able to use the blade without the DVD, but the videos were well done and contained useful reminders on how to use the blade safely.

One thing you'll need to use this blade is a new table saw insert. I made a new one out of hardwood using a planer and bandsaw. I then clamped a dado sled on top of it and raised the blade into the insert, creating a zero clearance hole for the dado blade. If you don't want to go to this trouble, you can always buy an insert.

This is an expensive dado set, but the results are excellent. Since I plan to use it to make nice casework (and wood is expensive), it is worth the money.

I bought the SD608 dado set a couple months ago for use with a Delta 36-717 hybrid saw. As someone else mentioned here, it's very difficult to determine before you buy whether it'll fit your saw, so I contacted Freud. I received the following from a company rep:

"Check to see what the specifications are for dados on your machine. Many manufacturers limit the diameter of the dado to 6" while others allow 8" but may limit the width of cut. If your machine is rated for a 6" or 8" stacked dado, then there is the consideration of the arbor nut size, inside flange diameter, and arbor length. Unfortunately there are too many saws for us to keep a list of what these specifications are for every machine and be able to keep it up to date with changes made by the manufacturers, but with some quick measurements you can determine if your saw is capable of running the Dial-A-Width.

1. Arbor Nut Size - The arbor nut wrench size can not be larger than 1 3/16" (30 mm). The set includes a 7/8" wrench. If your arbor nut uses a wrench other than 7/8" (22 mm), you will need to use a wrench other than the one that comes in the Dial-A-Width.
2. Inside Arbor Flange Diameter - If the inside arbor flange is under 2-1/2" diameter you are OK. If it is over that, the Dial-A-Width will not work on your machine.
3. Arbor Length - Measure the length of the arbor on your machine and subtract the thickness of the arbor nut from that measurement. If what you have left is at least 1 3/32" then you can cut up to a 3/4" dado with your saw. If you have 1 3/16" or more then you can stack all the components on the arbor at one time. Still keep in mind that you must comply with maximums that the manufacturer of saw has for dadoes.

We have also heard of a few saws on the market that have an interference problem with the inside blade. To check this disconnect power to the saw, and with a blade on the saw look down inside the saw beside the blade. If there is anything like belts or structural members closer than 1/2" from the sides of the blade then this could be a problem. If there is any question after this visual inspection the take an old saw blade (can be a 10" or a 7 1/4" as long as they have the same arbor as the saw) and on the side opposite the arbor nut hot glue 6 US Pennies in a stack about 1 1/2" from the center of the arbor. Put the blade on the saw (still with the saw disconnected) and rotate the blade using the arbor wrench. If the pennies do not contact anything then you should not have an interference problem."

On the Delta 36-717 hybrid saw, the arbor is just long enough to use the full set of dado blades. I worry about getting the arbor nut on incorrectly and stripping the arbor, so I'm really careful about it. It's a pain to arrange the blades so that the teeth of one blade don't interfere with others, but that's not unique to this dado set.

However, I was most concerned about whether a hybrid saw could push an 8-inch dado; some recommend at least a 3-HP saw with this diameter. But it worked great with the 36-717, a 1-3/4-HP model. To be safe, I still make deep cuts in a couple passes, but I've never had a problem.

The dialing mechanism requires some trial and error to figure out. I was dialing it in, dialing it out, and having trouble figuring out which way I was supposed to be dialing, because I could only see a difference after I'd made a cut. Then I figured out that by watching the threads on the inside of the dialing mechanism, I could get a better idea of whether I was increasing or decreasing the width of cut.

The quality of cut is excellent--flat bottoms, smooth cutting, and minimal tear-out. I'm quite happy with the purchase, especially at the price I got it for: $175 on Amazon in March 2006.

I'm very pleased with the way this dado set is working out. I was concerned with using an 8" stack with a 1-1/2 hp delta contractors saw, but so far it's working out great--even with all the blades installed. I don't have any experience with other dado stacks, but to my eye the cuts from the SD508 are superb. Clean, flat bottoms and sides. No chip out at all. The only thing that is a hassle (not unique to Freud) is that it IS a dado stack. Putting the both cutters and the chippers together for a cut can be a chore. Now I know why Bill Hylton says avoids using a dado stack in favor of using a router to make dados in some of his books. :-)

Other reviewers said that they had a hard time judging which chipper is which. There are 4 in the set. Two 1/8", one 3/32" and one 1/16". I found that looking at them carefully from the side made it easy enough for me to determine the widths without resorting to using a dial caliper or other measuring device.

The box the blades come in is nice, sturdy and protects the blades well. Just make certain the tabs to hold it closed are secure. Otherwise there's the potential for all your blades to fall out if you aren't careful.

There's a dvd with an intro on how to use the dado, as well as a chart that tells you which cutter and chipper combos will produce a certain size dado/groove, that comes with the set. The dvd is specific to the dial-a-width product and really doesn't cover much other than the 'basic of basics' on how to use the dado. It also has a plan on it for a dado sled.

One other thing. Using any saw blade can be dangerous; using a full dado stack the first time can be VERY intimidating and dangerous if you aren't careful. Make sure all your safety gadgets are in place so you can deal with the intimidating part so you don't 'accidently' experiance the dangerous part of while using it. That said, after making a full depth, clean bottomed dado in one pass, all I can think to say is "sweet"! Feeling intimidated by all those spinning blades quickly fades to healthy respect.

I know this is a popular tool and has garnered good reviews in comparison tests. I liked it when I first started using it but after about 500 cuts I noticed the plunger wasn't working as smoothly as before, and I keep my tools clean & oiled. The sliding mechanism was wearing out far too rapidly than a 'professional' tool should. Then one day at work it just went dead; hadn't been dropped, wasn't overheated. So I probably got about 1000 cuts on this machine. The replacement? A Lamello, what I should have gone for originally.

This is the first plate joiner I have ever owned. I'm getting lazy, and no longer feel like cutting stopped dadoes for splines when edge gluing boards. So what to do? Buy a plate joiner! After all the positive reviews on Amazon, and the recommendations from a few people, figured the Porter Cable is the one to buy. Overall, this is a solid tool. The fence is long, and sturdy, the plunge mechanism has close tolerances so there isn't any "wiggle" (that is a highly technical term), and the micro adjust is great. If only using the dust collection bag, good luck! The tube leading into the bag clogs up, and the wood chips wind up everywhere except in the bag after cutting a few slots. Hook it up to your shop vacuum or, for you high end folk, your dust collection system, and there will be no problems.

This is a great product, and you can get it, along with any other products on Amazon up to $500 Free! Participate in this special promotion and get a free $500 Amazon Gift Card at this web site: nocoststuff.biz/amazon

I really liked my bosch jigsaw quiet smooth strong but!!!!! between putting new triger switches in it and my bosses bosch drills a fellow could go to the poor house when i first bought the jigsaw trigger went bad in first month boss has jig saws and drills all have had trigger switch problems bosch charges a hefty price for repair no more bosch tools in our shop back to dewalt always dependable

Most of the other reviews share this complaint: the blade change function is difficult and cumbersome. The black handle on top the saw flops around and won't stay in place. I advise others to look elsewhere for a quality saw.

This is an absolutely fantastic saw. I purchased it to replace a not-so-old Skil that repeatedly chewed up trim I'm installing. The Bosch saw, by stark contrast, cuts smoothly and solidly. No shaking or vibration, even with the thickest and most intricate cutting. I feel in control of the Bosch; there's no question that the Skil model controlled me. Now I need to replace all the trim I installed using the Skil - there's that much of a difference.

Like other reviewers I was a little surprised at how (1) easy it is to change the blade and (2) how tight the blade locking process is. You can't miss the click...so keep cranking 'til you get there.

I like this router but I'm not too impressed by it when comparing it to my original 90's DeWalt, DW625
Which is considered by many to be the best router of all times. Plain and simple.
M12v is a good router for the money and you can't beat the 5-year warranty. Why I'm not too impressed?

First the negatives compared to original DW625:
Plunge depth very limited. Can't use extreme long bits.
The collet dept for bits is not deep enough as in DW625 and could create a problem vibration with longer bits.
Soft start not that soft. Especially if you increase the speed during cut, you will get kick back.
This is extremely loud router.
No ¼ collet only reducer.
Plunge lock very crude.
The height adjustment is coarse threaded rod and requires many turns. Recommend Router Raizer if you are using it in the table.
Bit opening very small, can't swing large router bits. Will need to cut off the ears.
Plunge action not as smooth.
Looks like they've changed the base from older M12v's and most likely the motor quality? this base is so bad that the guide doesn't go through. I will be exchanging mine and hope the next one is better otherwise it's no way on this MALAYSIA made junk even for the price.
It's made in MALAYSIA and not japan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you can find a used one that's made in Japan get it otherwise?

The positives:
Dead on accurate as far as the bits being 100% perpendicular to the base from all sides.
Much better looking than the new M12v-2 which is the ugliest router in history.

I bought a 3 pack of these routers for my router table for making stile & rails & door cutters and they work great for the table !

For hand held routing they are a bit heavy is the only disadvantage of this router !

The big advantages are soft start and the massave H.P. it offers !

I highly praise this product !

Anthony J. Miles

Hitachi has been making the M12V for awhile now and any serious woodworker knows the name well. It stands for quality and precision.

I use this router only in a table and couldn't ask for more. I have the RAIZER mating it to help with above-table adjustments.

I have never had a problem with this router. It works for everything. 3.25 HP is right on the money.

Buy this product without hesitation.

I love all the features of this saw except the fence...when it goes out of square, forget it! The fence is the weak part of this saw...you have to first remove a screw and bolt holding the swinging fence extension to access the two bolts holding the fence to the left. There are also two bolts holding the fence to the right. If this saw goes out of square from the factory you might as well forget about it...I'm not impressed. I'm selling mine and buying a Hitachi or Bosch.

Just got this saw and have only made a few cuts, but I love it already. The cuts are incredibly clean, even when using the blade that came with the saw. The action is very smooth. The big table is definitely a plus, The miter adjusts easily and smoothly. The bevel adjustment could be a little better, but it is not bad. A couple people said the saw does not do both right and left bevels, but that is not true. It was a little off right out of the box, but it was easy to get aligned. All in all, I think I made the right decision.

This is the best saw I have ever owned! I don't have alot of fancy talk, But I have this saw!
I am a finish carpenter from the jersey Shore. The builders and homeowners are very demanding about quality. There is no hurrying up here. The real carpenters take the time to make the extra cut to make the mitre perfect.
With this saw, the extra cut doesn't take that long. The first cut is so perfect. If it takes a second cut, it is usually because you put the header slightly off level.

Thi saw is quiet, smooth, accurate and in addition to that realy good looking.

I am glad to have spent a most of a weeks pay to own this saw

THe Bosch 3915 is a great addition to my power tool collection. I was impressed with it's ability to cut 2x8's and 10's as well as fine trim. The rails have little play and can give you very accurate angle cuts in both miter and bevel positions cut after cut.The only thing that could be improved is the dust bag chute. IT clogs very easily when cutting undried (framing) lumber.

I have used this saw to put up intricate crown molding and to build a large outdoor playset. Cuts are very accurate and precise!!! And since it is a slide it can cut much larger pieces of wood than a non-sliding miter saw. Highly recommend!!!!

THIS SAW IS THE BEST IM A CARPENTER AND I LOVE IT BEST THING SINCE SLICE BREAD. DEWALT MAKITA AND HITACHI CAN JUMP ON DEEZ, THEY HAVE NOTHING ON BOSCH

Like many other reviewers I had to have non-warrentied repair to the saw for the blade change mechanism. Repair was so expensive for the PLASTIC gears that I just sold it for parts. I DO love Bosch products and am moving up to Newer Model that had better blade chaning mechanism.

I can cut right through all the superlatives and say that my 1587 has done nothing since I bought it but cut 4/4 and 8/4 hardwoods.
I am talking about exotic hardwoods! One and two inches thick for those not familiar with lumber-yard terminology. Hardwoods like purpleheart, stone-like Azul Macaul Cauba, sticky Brazilian Cherry and even the ultimate test in my opinion, Brazilian Walnut.
That is as iron of a wood as I have had experience with and I once managed a company that imported exotic lumber from around the world.
This saw cut them all for the last several years without a problem.
Not only that, I was using it to cut at least ten lineal feet a day, several times a week much of the time during the Spring, Summer and Fall.
I purchased my saw used and it performed exceptionally for me for three years. I just recently sold it a contractor for more than 60% of it's regular retail price in my area.
That is the kind of performance I like! Tools that perform AND hold or retain re-sale value.
I've owned the PC and bought and used the Hitachi and past models of the Dewalt. The Bosch significantly out performed the others in several ways in addition to the re-sale value mentioned above. Those were..
- ease of blade change.
- durability and build quality.
- smoothness and speed of cut.
- general fatigue on your arm.
These weren't subtle performance differences! These were significant
ones.
The more I handle tools the more I appreciate the ones that don't jiggle your tendons and numb your hands. I like the ones that can handle the tumble off the workbench because let's face it, that happens to all of us.
I am not a Bosch flag waver!
But I have to say, they make the best darn jigsaw I have ever used!
There is only one thing I didn't like on this saw. That is that it requires a tool to adjust the bevel plate. I would much rather see a self contained mechanism such as on the PC.
I give it four stars because I leave a little room for perfection. But this in my opinion is the best jigsaw you can get.
Good luck!

Well I received this jig with a free 6 inch orbital sander ,sander works great, but anyway about the jigsaw honestly I think it's definately ranks top, just my thought , although the only thing as someone mentioned is the blade change but once you get use to it no problem! The speed control in the trigger to speed control it self , I gotta say I love it!

I have a house under construction and I spend a lot of time working along side my contractor on various projects. We both own this nailer, and run them both simultaneously from a single Porter Cable Job Boss compressor. I've enjoyed the nailer enough that I have since bought an additional three Porter Cable nailers in various sizes and a pancake compressor. I also bought another Job Boss compressor as a gift for a carpenter who has been helping us on the house, and he was thrilled. The compressor has a detachable control head so you can take the regulator and connection points with you onto a scaffold or into the house, and leave the compressor behind.

The nailers are dependable, well built, and easy to use. Loading the framer is fast and straightforward. The one criticism I would have of the FR350 is that changing from trigger-actuated to contact-actuated firing is a two handed operation that normally necessitates removing my work gloves. I understand the additional safety that provides, but I think there must be other ways to handle the switching without compromising safety.

I would recommend not only the FR350, but Porter Cable in general for any homeowner who wants to have professional grade tools at a reasonable price.

You get a lot of bang for your buck with this nailer. I've shot a few cases of nails with it over the last couple of years, and it's only jammed a couple of times (off-label nails). Other than that, it's a workhorse and an excellent value.

Based upon my excellent experience with a Porter Cable finish nailer / compressor combo, I obtained the Porter Cable FR350 framing nailer. I am in the midst of building a 24x30 workshop on our property. Have completed the framing and the tool has never missed a beat - not a jam, misfire, or quirk. Easy to end nail or toe nail.

If you have a need or want for a framing nailer - this unit works great.