Power Supplies Reviews

small lite wieght sander that go and do more than any other sander. Has plenty of power to remove material and help in shaping wood. Just seams to send dust flying everywhere. If it had dust collection it would definetly deserve 5 stars, but then again if it had dust collection it would just get in the way.

I've been using this sander for many many years now. In fact I have 3 of them in my shop. Of course I bought them from Amazon.

Only thing you have to do to maintain this great tool is to change bearing. You can get them from Makita or many other on-line part shop.

I've had one of these little sanders for about 15 years.

It's a very specialized tool, and in my case, there haven't been many uses for it - however, when only a small belt sander will do the trick, this tool has worked well, without any problems.

It's light, safe to use, has plenty of power, changing belts is simple and fast, the handle for your left hand greatly aids in tool control, and overall, is well designed. The only feature mine lacks is variable speed, which the newer sanders have.

Even though the belt is narrow, it can throw off lots of dust, so consider using it outside (if possible), or use a respirator. It isn't a good choice for sanding flat wood much wider than an inch, since it's difficult to not leave groove marks at the belt edges.

After weathering three hurricanes last year here in central Florida, we decided to take the plunge and invest in a generator. We were looking for one with enough power to run our refrigerator, ceiling fans, lights, television, microwave, computer, and miscellaneous small appliances (coffeemaker, fans, etc). We also wanted the machine to be portable so it could be stored in our garage when not in use and moved outside by one person when it needed to be run. It should be gasoline powered, relatively fuel efficient, and affordable. Finally, we wanted to be able to hook the generator into our house circuitry so as not to have to deal with extension cords. Connecting to the house circuitry meant installing a transfer switch for safety and to meet National Electric Code requirements. A transfer switch allows you to power essential, pre-selected branch circuits (refrigerator, living room, dining room, for instance) from either utility power OR generator power, but never both simultaneously. The transfer switch does the very important job of electrically isolating generator-powered branch circuits from utility service. Without it, you would be energizing service lines outside your house, creating an extremely dangerous condition; for instance, you could electrocute utility crews working to restore power. The transfer switch configuration also requires the generator to supply 120/240VAC power, which is what is used to power the transfer switch/subpanel.

For the list of items we wanted to power, 5000W is the correct size. A larger generator would be needed if we wanted to run our central air conditioning system, the hot water heater, and/or the electric range.

We visited the usual home-improvement-superstore suspects to look at 5000 Watt generators. TroyBilt and Generac are well under $1000 and certainly affordable, but they are made by Briggs & Straton and are of poor quality, in my opinion. I bought a brand new TroyBilt/B&S power-washer some years back and after about 6 months the seams in the plastic gas tank came apart, causing it to leak gasoline when filled more than part way. I bought a new Toro lawn mower with a B&S engine which suffered the exact same fate - the seams in the plastic gas tank failed. Perhaps I am just unlucky with B&S products. But for me, I am not interested in owning another one.

Honda generators were very nice and have a well-deserved reputation for reliability. However, they were just not affordable - at least to us. If I were a site contractor and was going to use it every day, then maybe I could justify the $3000+ cost, but certainly not for a machine that was going to spend most of its days sitting in the garage.

We settled on a Makita G6100R generator and I have been very happy with it. The 6100R is identical to the Robin Subaru RGV6100 -- evidently rebranded under the Makita name. It is powered by an 11HP OHV, 4-cycle, air-cooled Robin Subaru engine which, according to the literature, has an aluminum alloy block with cast iron cylinder liner, electronic ignition with automatic timing adjustment, dual ball bearing supported crankshaft, automatic decompression system, and splash type lubrication. The generator is brushless, self-exciting, 2-pole, single phase and generates 20 Amps on each of the two 120V output circuits for a total of 40Amps (20Amps at 240VAC). The 5-gallon metal gas tank will, reportedly, allow it to run under full load for about 7 hours. This generator is also available with an electric start (model G6101R). The one I bought (G6100R) has a recoil-type starter (pull cord). I had no problems starting it, whatsoever. It starts very easily. I also purchased the Makita 110004-A 2-wheel mobility kit, which I highly recommend. Without it, you are looking at close to 200 lbs of dead weight to move around.

I purchased a Gen/Tran PowerStay 200660 manual transfer switch, which allows me to switch up to 16 branch circuits between utility power and generator power. When in operation, the generator sits OUTDOORS and away from HVAC intakes (avoiding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning) and plugs into a Reliance PR20 power inlet box using a 10-foot L14-20 power cord (20A @ 120/240VAC). A 50-foot length of 10AWG 4-wire Romex runs from the power inlet box, through the attic, and connects to the transfer switch next to the main power center (breaker box). Basically, you start the generator, then switch the transfer switch to open the Utility breaker and close the generater breaker, thus supplying generated power to all the branch circuits wired into the transfer switch subpanel. A nice side feature of this setup is that when the utility power comes back on, power will be restored to those branch circuits not routed through the transfer switch (such as air conditioning). Therefore, you will know right away when the utility power comes back on.

I decided to upgrade my generator from the 2500 watt Coleman I was using. It would barely run a refrigerator. We had a terrible ice storm here in Durham NC a few months ago. I was without power for three days and we were luck it was only that long. I did alot of research into generators. Here's what I found. Honda gens are wonderful but expensive. Grenerac is garbage for long term use. Read the reviews if you doubt. Makita built by Robin compare feature to feature and quality wise with Honda. I like the way Robin builds their engines, all ball bearing construction. No sleave bearings here. I have use this gen twice so far and it will power my whole house no problem. The control panel on this gen is well layed out. I used a outlet box with a twist lock plug to feed power into my main pannel. By the way Amazon has the best price on these gens.

Just recievd the Makita G6100R 6100 Watt Generator and was very impressed on how it worked. Filled with oil and gas, gave one pull on the starter cord and started to run. Ran my entire house on the generator (with a 20 AMP twist lock plug wired into my circuit panel)for 5 hours with no problems. Has great features normally found on higher priced models. Idle switch is great along with smooth and QUIET running Robin (Subaru made) engine. Can't beat the price either! Get the wheel kit, this generator is heavy!

I have used the 8977-20 heat gun from Milwaukee for one entire day. It was on virtually the entire time for the purpose of removing varnish. It is light weight, quiet and provides ample heat for the job. The temp control is conveniently located at the rear of the gun. My only suggestion would be to provide a stand that would allow it to point upwards without blocking the airfow. It does have a flip-out stand but it rests the gun on the air intake. Other than that minor point, it is a great product

This puppy works great. I have run for several hours while prying up self-adhesive floor tiles and have had no problems. It's light weight and the handle does not get overly hot so you can use it without a glove.

The Milwaukee heat gun is very quiet and provides rapid, constant heat. Temperature adjustment is easy, granted it does take some guess work to determine the output temperature. I've used this unit constantly for paint removal and shrink sleeving applications.

I have had this saw (older model) for over 10 years now and i never regreted buying it. I am a finish carpenter and i don't use this everday but for once a week i need it - it has always been there and never let me down. i needed to buy another one for my other crew and didn't hesitate buy this newer model.

The best sawzall I have ever used..I've owned this saw since 1996, never had a problem, other than the powercord had to be replaced..It outcuts all the competion, and I highly recomend it to any tradesman, or DYI.

This is a great tool; one I don't know how I did without for all these years puttering around the house. With the proper blade, this saw does it all!

These days it is not readily apparent how much difference there actually is in the quality of products. Generic Hardware stores are forced to sell inexpensive products instead of high quality ones. This is because folks these days are more interested in filling their hobby areas quickly, instead of purposefully. I've been a mac user for years, and have really come to understand the cost of quality in the area of computers and their applications. I recently became interested in metal working and bought one of the lowe's 'special' ($59.95) grinders for doing some basic grinding operations. It is an OK machine, but there is absolutely NO comparison to the machine presented here. We have been expanding the hobby and are going to use this grinder as part of a belt grinder system as well. When the Baldor arrived - the box says it all. The picture doesn't convey the seriousness of this product. Its big and robust. And when you flip on the switch it runs like a swiss watch. If you want to be inspired by your tools instead of challenged by them - invest in good tools - this is a great grinder. You could probably build a battleship with it.

Avoid the Walmarting of America - buy fewer things of more lasting value. This grinder will be around when your grinding days are way past over.

Dan P.

I have had made Baldor grinder since December, and have had NO problems. It would make an excellent addition to any woodworking shop!

If you are looking for a smooth, powerful, heavy-duty grinder, this is it! It should provide many years of trouble-free service.

Also, Amazon.com provided excellent service.

I'm glad it got it.

This is an industrial quality grinder that is sure to be passed down to the next generation. It is built like a tank and runs very smoothly. Sure, it costs more but I think i got what i paid for. Quality machine made in the USA.

We use this gun for cedar siding, trim boards, and plywood sheeting for both roofs and sidewall sheeting. The gun is light, reliable, durable, and easy to repair if you do abuse it. We have replaced an aircap and a top seal (the gun took a nose dive off a 3 story victorian roof) That said we have enjoyed using it and would recommend it. Can't think of a down side so a 5 star buy. One note if your I would recommend the wire collated over the plastic collated ...we have had issues with the little plastic trails that hangs onto the nail and sticks out around the head. Wire seams to be cleaner.

I bought this reconditioned, and I like both the saving, and the fact that someone looked over the tool. This winter I shot 10,000 plastic colated Hitachi nails through this gun without a single misfire. The company I worked with uses the Hitachi siding nailer, thats why the nailes were hitachi. And I bought a Bostitch nailer because it was both cheaper, and watching others with the Hitachi frustrated with jambing and misfires, helped me make my choice

I BOUGHT THIS PARTICULAR NAIL GUN FOR DOING CEDAR SHINGLE JOBS. ITS VERY LIGHT WEIGHT. VERY HELPFUL WHEN USING IT FOR 8 HRS A DAY FOR SEVERAL DAYS IN A ROW. I OWN OTHER BOSTITCH GUNS , NEVER HAVE ANY TROUBLE. PARTS ARE EASY TO GET IF NEEDED. NAILS FOR IT ARE AVILABLE ALMOST EVERYWHERE. PLUS ITS MADE IN U.S.A.

I got this tool set for christmas, and haven't stoped using it.
Whether building a shed to doing home repairs this is a great set of tools I would recommend to anyone. 5 stars doesn't begin to discribe it.

If your looking for a go anywhere do anything tool kit, then this is it. The 18V power combined with the balanced, lightweight design makes this 5 tool set a real value. I love the "feel" and versatility this unit provides and the second battery and quick charger keep me right on task with no delays. The sander is especially nice because it can get into the very tightest of corners. I used the grinder to cut off some nails poking out under my deck boards and it made quick work of them. And the saw was up to the task of cutting the hole in the roof I needed for installing a new attic vent. Thank goodness this is a cordless unit with real power. Finally, I didn't think I would ever use the chisel, but yesterday I installed a new oak threshold (the old one had dry rot) and needed to chisel some of the new threshold out to account for some uneveness between the stoop and the brickwork. Overall, this unit works really well and I also like the space saving case. My only reservation is where to get replacement sandpaper with the same holes in it, but I finally found some that fit at a local True Value. Everything I thought it would be and more. Highly recommend!

I've owned the ComboTool 5-n-1 for almost a year now and I absolutely love it. I originally purchased it for (2) reasons, 1)sometimes you just need a reciprocating saw and 2) the cost of a reciprocating saw is nearly as much as the 5-n-1. Therefore, with the extra features/tools included, I saw it as an incredible value.

I just recently completed the installation of a new fireplace and chase(non-masonry chimney). I can say with complete confidence that I could not have done it without the 5-n-1. Oh, sure, I could have gone out and rented/bought the tools that I needed. I could have gone up and down 20 feet of scaffolding to swap tools. But, the time and cost of doing so would have been a real detriment. With this tool I was able to keep everything right by my side and swapping is a matter of seconds. Another huge advantage was the 18V battery pack. If I can help it, I'll never go back to extention cords:-) Because the tool comes with (2) batteries, one is always charging(it only took about 40 minutes) while the other one is in use. Not one time in nearly 3 weeks of this project did I have to stop working to wait on a battery. On top of that, they are amazingly powerful. For instance, I used the recip. saw to cut through 6-8 floor joists in my crawl space and the thing never flinched. Needless to say, I'm a completely satisfied customer. I recommend the 5-n-1 with 5 stars.

This countersink has to be the best on the market. Ive tried many diffrent brands over the years and never found as good. I buid resturants for a living that requres a demanding scheul.which really puts tools to a harsh test.this tool has preformed well.

I have burnout,broken,dulled,and demolished every kind of countersink/drill bit Ive been able to find over the years. Even my old fovorite, the Fuller countersink, would need attention after 8 or 10 jobs. I'd get a year out of a set, maybe. Then I got my hands on some DeWalt countersink, and after more than a dozen jobs I still haven't had to sharpen a one. Even the #6 & #8 which I use the most. The countersink has stayed sharpe though hundeds of holes,in plywood,pressboard, formica,& solid stock. The drill bit has also exceded my exspectations. It has stayed true and hasn't shown any signs of fatigue. I have yet to have to sharpen either piece, which has save me time (and money). This is the best countersink combination I have found. I could go years without buying another one , if I didnt loose it at the last job.

I have burnout,broken,dulled,and demolished every kind of countersink/drill bit Ive been able to find over the years. Even my old fovorite, the Fuller countersink, would need attention after 8 or 10 jobs. I'd get a year out of a set, maybe. Then I got my hands on some DeWalt countersink, and after more than a dozen jobs I still haven't had to sharpen a one. Even the #6 & #8 which I use the most. The countersink has stayed sharpe though hundeds of holes,in plywood,pressboard, formica,& solid stock. The drill bit has also exceded my exspectations. It has stayed true and hasn't shown any signs of fatigue. I have yet to have to sharpen either piece, which has save me time (and money). This is the best countersink combination I have found. I could go years without buying another one , if I didnt loose it at the last job.

As one reviewer already said this is the best tool for cutting plaster walls. You can easily replace sections of the wall with drywall or cut openings for outlets/switches by using this tool to cut the plaster. Once the outline is cut you can remove the paster in the section to be replaced without chipping or cracking the rest of the wall. Then you remove the lathe and fill the hole with drywall. I was able to cut about 25 feet before I wore out the bit. Well worth the money. Use a vacuum when cutting to suck up the dust. Can't go wrong with this on plaster.

I've been trying to find a way to cut plaster neatly, and without creating a lot of dust. I've tried various bits in my RotoZip (with vacuum attachment), various bits and wheels in my Dremel, a masonry wheel in my drill, and even a circular saw. All of these failed, either because the cutter wore out too quickly, or too much dust was created. This little diamond wheel, however, has worked well. It is so thin; it creates little debris. I can hold my vac nozzle right up next to it while I'm cutting, and I capture most of the dust. I've cut about twenty feet of plaster thus far, and there is no noticeable wear (reduction in diameter of the wheel). So far, I am very pleased.

If you have ever tried to make a smooth curved cut in a super-hard porcelain floor tile, you probably gave up. I almost did. I needed to make very accurate semi-circle cut at a side of a tile that goes around shower drain. No tools allowed performing this task. All professional tiling specialists (I asked at least 5 of them) suggested nipping the tile, saying that that was the only way to do it.
All rotary cutters, INCLUDING THIS ONE, would say "Do not use on floor tile". Well, you would not be able to do the job using ONLY this diamond cutter, but wait, there is a solution that worked unexpectedly fine for me.
Follow these steps:
1. Draw a cut-off line on the front side of you tile with a pencil.
2. Using a rotary tool with variable speed capability and this cutter, work along the line making superficial groove (1/16 of an inch is enough). IMPORTANT: use low speed setting (up to 8000 RPM), otherwise the cutter will overheat momentarily; work for no longer than 3 seconds at a time, then just let it idle for another 3 - 5 seconds to cool off.
3. When you are done with the groove, set you rotary tool aside - you won't need it anymore - and use a wet saw to make parallel cuts every 1/4 of an inch. Cut it all the way up to you groove. When you're done, you can snap off cuts strip by strip at the place where your groove is, which will result in ideally precise cut on the face of your tile.
THE BOTTOM LINE: no other tool can be used to make a precise inner curved cut in a floor tile.
Smart, isn't it? :-) And I'm not even a pro!
Thanks Dremel!

If you are going to hang more than 20 sheets of drywall get one of these. It makes the job easier, faster and easier to mud later. This gun is light and fits well in your hand.

I have an older version of this tool (6801) with less power, no reverse, and a fixed speed rather than a variable. Even with these limitations, this was a very useful tool. I only work with drywall as a DIYer, but the time and efficiency savings from having a specialized tool were worth it for me. This category of tool was one of the things which really differentiated Makita when they started importing to the US, and they continue to do a good job with it in my opinion. If you have a large project involving drywall, this is probably a good investment. Spend some time practicing on scrap - it will probably save you some frustration.

Anyone who is contemplating a drywall gun because they are still using a drill to hang drywall should give this tool some serious consideration. It is a very affordable tool for those of us that do not do enough drywall to justify the cost of the higher end units, yet still offers the adjustable depth controls, variable speed andlightweight that make one of these tools worth having.