Power Tools Reviews

Excellent product. Though I have joint and back problems and some other physical problems, I was able to put this portable structure up myself with minimal difficulty. It does an outstanding job of protecting my plants from the frigid temperatures, strong winds, and heavy precipitation we've been having here in Seattle's North End the last couple of months. It won't be hard to take down and store come Spring -- important, as plants need plenty of Sunshine and warmth when that is available. I recommend it highly.

This is a great little item. Like any tent-type structure you have to figure it out a little the first time (aha - poles go on the _inside_! - I get it). It's nice and sturdy and has room for several of those white plastic shelving systems you can get anywhere. I got a little ceramic heater at Lowes for $20 and added two black plastic tubs full of water for additional passive solar heating. Things are nice and tropical inside and my seeds are sprouting like mad. I hope to have a real full-size greenhouse someday but this is a fun and inexpensive starter.

This little greenhouse it terrific! I love it and have told all my friends and relatives about it so they can get one too.

I bought it to "save" tomatoes and herbs in my kitchen garden from freezing too soon. Our nights have dropped to freezing starting the last week of August and I had been going out to cover everything in flannel sheets and comforters every night then going out every morning to uncover them for daytime when it would be hot and sunny. It was just like having kids to put to bed every night and I couldn't leave home without worrying about not getting things covered before the night air got cold. Now I have this greenhouse, I just unzip the doors on the top section to allow for venting if the day is too warm and the air in the greenhouse stays just right even if I don't get home until after dark to zip it up all the way. The plants have really benefited from the added humidity too. I have even dug up some tomaoes, peppers and eggplants from the big garden and potted them in the greenhouse to see what happens. (The big garden has long since succumbed to the cold) They are starting to put out fruit and this greenhouse has given me at least one or two extra months for fresh produce and herbs.

Setup was a snap. I did it all by myself in nothing flat and then my husband gave me a hand with the tie downs because we have winds on a regular basis that can pick up a metal garage building and move it several feet. He was dubious about it staying put but by the time we got all the included tie downs in place he has changed his opinion.

Since the greenhouse is open on the bottom, I just slid it over my existing plants and then adjusted the position of the "skirting" on walls of my raised bed. After securing the tiedowns, I used some bricks on the outside skirting to secure it around the uneven terrain that I had errected it on. Next I installed the metal frame poles inside (they are just like the modern tent poles and go together within seconds if you read the directions and install them in the correct order.

The greenhouse comes in a nifty storage case and collapses down like those windshield sun screens that kinda coil up when not in use. Once my current kitchen garden plants have stopped producing, I plan to store the greenhouse and then set it up in a flat clear spot next spring for an early start on next year's goodies.

My terraced kitchen garden filled approximately one half of the greenhouse so I moved some garden shelves into one of the empty quarters and put a large wooden planter of herbs and strawberries in the other quarter. The shelves are holding 2 to 5 gallon pots with the vegetables I saved from the big garden before it froze. I still have more room if I want to fill it completely, but I left an aisle down the middle from one door to the next for now.

A little water goes a long way in this structure so I only water 2 - 3 times a week. I have more strawberries now than I had all summer and the tomatoes are really busting out.

There are small velcro'd openings for water hoses and power cords built in. I plan to set up a thermal controlled heat light this weekend as our first snow is due in a few days.

The doors have mesh screens as well as the polycarb door flaps. There are velcro straps all over for securing both sets of flaps.

We are installing a large sunroom/greenhouse to the front of our house next spring so this was the perfect little item for me to try out greenhouse gardening. I expect it to be a handy and useful auxilliary greenhouse for many years to come. No matter if you have a large garden or just a small bed, this greenhouse it really worth it's real estate in getting more from your plants in any climate. If I could, I'd buy several more and use them for cold frames in the big garden next year!

I bought this router to use in my cabinet shop as a dedicated setup to cut circles. The plunge base works smoothly and is accurate, however I have only been using it a short while, only time will tell if the mechanism works smoothly after serious dust buildup.
The look is very pleasing, for what thats worth, and the motor is very quiet for routers of this amperage. It has plenty of power for what I am using it for. I believe it has plenty of power for most routing applications other than large bit procedures.
The storage case is very nice and roomy and better than other brands I have bought.
Overall I am pleased with my purchase and do recommend it to others.
I also have a Hitachi M12V router and 2 14.4 volt cordless drills and have been very pleased with Hitachi products, currently no one makes a better product for the money.
Buy with confidence.

After having such a good experience over the past year with my M12V Hitachi, I ordered this one. My M12V sits solely in the table, so this router is for all my work out of the table. Just like the M12V, it works flawlessly. Hitachi just simply makes good routers, period.

Two big points to make. This thing is really about as powerful as the PorterCable 1.75HP, but lighter. It is also pretty quiet (though I still use ear plugs)........

It comes with about 5 different bushings. That's nice.

The 1/4 collet is solid.

This is a very good router.

I'll have to second the comments by other reviewers. For the money, this router combo-kit is hard to beat. The quality of the tool is excellent and the fact that Hitachi includes 7 template guides is a great bonus. The case is nice as well and is the right size to keep all the tool's equipment together without being too bulky to utilize.

Most routers with soft-start technology are priced significantly higher and do not come with as many accessories. The added sub-base is also a nice addition however, I would have liked to have seen Hitachi include a bit or 2 and an edge guide so that a first-time user would have a place to start from right out of the box. These issues are very minor and with the purchase of a starter bit set, this router will be ready to take on many of the tasks it is intended to do.

Operation wise, the power switch is easy to locate and the motor itself is one of the smoothest and most quiet I have used. I'm not sure if the router is actually putting out the listed 2 1/4 HP; however, I have not come across a single instance where it wasn't powerful enough to tackle the task at hand. I am planning to use this router in a table at some point and fully expect it to be able to handle that as well. As mentioned in a previous review, I wouldn't suggest using this or any other 2 HP single-speed router with raised-panel bits. That type of operation requires a slower speed since so much material is being removed at one time.

Overall, this is one hell of a bargain for a quality router and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it again.

I received this wrench as a gift and was initially skeptical that I'd be able to use it with my small air compressor (a Hitachi EC12 rated at 4.2cfm@90psi). While I wouldn't recommend this combination for an auto shop, I've found that for occasional use around the house, it works great. I've used it for removing things like lawnmower blade bolts, frozen nuts from plumbing fixtures, lug nuts, etc. with no problems at all. I was a little disappointed, however, to see that the wrench was made in China. I figured with a brand like Ingersoll-Rand it'd be a pretty safe bet that I'd be getting a US-made tool, but that was not the case. If I had bought the tool myself I would probably have bought a different brand for this reason alone. However, the tool works well and the build quality seems good, so I can't really complain.

After acquiring a small pancake compressor, I decided it was time to get an impact wrench. I bought one of the cheap, Chinese made "250 ft/lb" impact wrenches from a traveling tool show. What a mistake. It could not loosen hand-tightened lug nuts. I then happened on a well used 231 at a pawn shop. It has never failed to loosen whatever I have put it on. This includes lug nuts, an axle nut, rusted nuts and bolts, and an anti-corrosion anode on a 15 year old water heater. This tool works wonders on fasteners which would drive a sane person mad if he tried to loosen them with hand wrenches or a ratchet. I would like to get a IR2131, but the old 231 won't let me justify replacing it.

This is the ONLY 1/2" impact wrench I would ever recommend. It's relatively lightweight. The knurled knob allows you to change the impact force and direction, even with very greasy hands.
I used this for 5 years when I turned wrench, and gave it a good workout. I have dropped it, kicked it, forgotten it in the rain (once), and it keeps working. The only thing I was always sure to do was keep it well oiled and cleaned at the beginning and end of each day. At the end of the 5-year period turning wrench, I bought the rebuild kit (another nice feature, available in the 90's for about {$$$}), which restored all of its original power.
Also, check out the I.R. impact sockets. Value priced at less than ($$$) for the deep socket set, and I have never broken one. Fine tools at reasonable prices!

Buying a lathe it one of the hardest decisions you will make in putting a shop together. The possibilities are endless, and, as you move up the price curve the cost of a misjudgment can get terrifying. Unless you are willing to settle for a mini-lathe (Jet makes several good lathes in that category as well) the bigger a lathe you can buy (up to a limit) the happier you will be in the long run.

The 1642, right in the middle of the price range can turn up to a 16" inch diameter bowl and up to 40+ inches in length - in other words, a small log - is one possibility you should seriously consider. At 400+ pounds it is solid enough to dampen vibration without taking a crew to assemble or move it. With a 1-1/2 horsepower motor it has enough power to do just about everything you might want to do.

Spindle speed is controlled by a two-position belt drive (0 - 1700 rpm or 0 - 3200 rpm) and is continuously variable over those ranges. While variable speed isn't a necessity, it's amazing how quickly you learn to depend on the ability to change speed as you turn. This is a superior piece of equipment and to get something better you would have to spend at least twice as much.

There are exactly two things I don't like about this lathe. One is trivial, I would have likes an optional hand turning wheel instead of having to grab a cylindrical turning bar to turn the work about manually. This is only a problem with pieces that are too small to grab onto - like pen mandrels. The other issue is that, to turn a bowl over 16" you have to run the head to the other end of the lathe, rather than turn it in place. This means the lathe takes up a bit more space and is slightly less convenient. But if you are working in that size range you probably should be looking at a more specialized tool.

I would rate this a best buy for the amateur through semi-professional woodshop. I've been using one for a while now, and I've had no reason to regret the decision. Keep in mind that, whatever lathe you buy, your next really big expense will be equipping it with all the neat gadgets that make woodturning a world of it's own.

After fighting a Grizzly lathe for months, I unloaded it on the next sucker ( Sorry, but it was cheap... and inexpensive, too ). The Jet lathe arrived in good condition via ABF who took forever to deliver it. It is heavy, but one person can easily assemble it with a hand cart and a pair of saw horses. Beautifully built. Everything goes together without any adjustments or rebuilding. The true variable speed is a joy to use. The sliding head stock makes bowl turning feasible for left-handers. If you are going to use a lathe, hock the family silver and consider this one.

Jet really thought of everything on this lathe. I previously had a 1/2 HP lathe with turning headstock and one of those cheap stands they typically come with. This thing is HEAVY. The stand is basically two sets of cast iron legs that weigh quite a bit all by themselves. The features on this lathe make it a pleasure to use. The variable speed is simply a dial that works like one of those pushbutton/turning light switches so you can dial in any speed you like. The electronic readout is really neat too. It also has forward/reverse so you can reverse the direction for sanding.

If you're in the market for a lathe, don't opt for the cheap solution like I originally did. If you're going to get a lathe, get a good one like this one. The features it has and its convienences allow you to get better and better at the lathe over time instead of fighting the equipment. You will end up needing a little more than 1/2 HP over time. This lathe rivals ANY of those costing much more. The only way I wouldn't seriously consider this lathe was if I were going to do many large bowls.

It never has failed to do anything I asked it to do and I've had it for about 1 year now.

It is heavy and well made. Comes with one sleeve. It was a wait to obtain. Seems to have limited availability. Great for
straight edges. Sleeves are also tough to find other than from Jet.

This 3" spindle assembly is substantially larger, and heavier than the standard spindles which comes with the Jet Benchtop Osciallating spindle sander. The advantage to having a larger drum is that it creates a flatter surface where the crown meets with the wood. That creates a smoother surface on larger pieces. The smaller spindles that come with the unit, range from the 2" on down to the smallest ones, which are great for getting into smaller corners etc, but on a large flat or gradual curved surface they can create dimples in the surface if you don't keep the material moving.
Is the 3" spindle neccessary? Not really, with a careful technique, you can accomplish it with the smaller spindles, but it definitely makes it easier. Highly recommended.

This kit gives you a whole different range of capability with your Jet sander. Take this kit, put your sander on a stable tool stand, and then pat yourself on the back for the money you saved by not buying a floor model sander. With this kit, your sander tackles a much broader range of tasks.

When sanding smooth, flowing curves (like the curvature in a bandsawn box, for instance), the added diameter of this piece keeps the sander from gouging troughs in your workpiece.

I highly recommend it!

I received the Makita 3612CX1 from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. Since then, I have cut a few half-blind dove tails with it on a PorterCable Omnijig. It feels well, cuts well and is loaded with nice features such as the soft start and electronic brake. These 2 features enhance the router's utility in combination with templates and machines such as the Omnijig.

The router is also fairly quiet and is lacking that high pitch scream that other routers have. This makes it a lot easier on the ears. This router is going to serve 100% above the table, while my other 2 routers are being dedicated to the router lifts.

I strongly recommend this router, especially if you are only going to have one general purpose router.

Pros:

1) Same as 3612C, but packaged differently for $40 less.
2) Low pitch noise and quieter than my 10-year old single speed Makita 3612 router.
3) Soft start which keeps it from jumping off of jigs.
4) Eletric brake shuts down faster so it can be removed from jigs quicker without taking a bite out of them. Makes multiple cuts faster.

Cons:

1) The coupon for the router bit set is an inconvenience. Amazon should ship the bitset with the router or supply it themselves. Have to find another vendor to order the bit set from.

You can like different routers for different reasons. I had two of the fixed speed version of this router. One got stolen, I replaced it with the variable speed version and I love it for these reasons:
1. It is very quiet even at highest speed for a 3-1/4HP router. In fact it is much quieter than the fixed speed version of the same router at the same speed.
2. It is relatively small and light for its power. It is not a light router, you will have to use with two hands always. But I can do delicate edge treatments with small bits with no issues. It is powerful enough to mount under the table when you need to. That's why I think this is a very versatile router.
3. Plunge action is very smooth and capacity is good. 3 step debt gauge works fine although I use it rarely since the router is powerful enough to do most cuts in one pass.
4. Fit and finish is great. You can tell it is a well-made tool when you hold it. Power cord is long and soft - does not stay coiled when you are using it.
5. You can lock it down using the height adjustment mechanism - not the plunge lever- and it acts like a fixed based router. Therefore you do not have to change bases from fixed to plunge. You always have both at your fingertips. That's why prefer this over the multiple base combo kits.. another reason why I call this a very versatile router.
6. Also the 3-piece door bit set came with the router, not a coupon. The bits are very high quality. Thick carbide tips, nice bearings. Nice wooden box.


Here are some negatives you should consider- but these are not enough for me to give it a lower rating:
1. The plunge lock lever is metal and you have to push it down with the side of your index OR middle finger. With lengthy use, this may hurt your finger. I screwed a small bent extension to mine so that I push it down with tips of my two fingers and it works wonderfully.
2. It does not have a case.

If I lose one of my routers, I would buy a another one of these without a question.

The router is great and works great just like ones i've had before. There was a great sale on it when i got it. I was a bit dissapointed to found out that the router bits that are supposed to come with it, and there was just a coupon for them. You must have to try and get them from a local dealer or somewere else ? rather inconvienent .....

My first chain saw!
I am 5'2" and 110lbs.
This saw is light enough for me to put to use,
I am amazed how fast I can get finished with
readiness for the winter.

RECEIVED AS ADVERTISED

I have owned several of these saws for business, no other small saw perfoms so well. Quick, efficient cutting capability...moving at 5,500 feet per minute it is simply the fastest electric chainsaw on the market. Lightweight, easy to reach oiler...quiet (well, in comparison to my big saws!)
A great choice for the home or business.

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.

I bought the cheaper version of this (green HF one). Given my research has shown Powertwist is generaly better quality but functionally the same as the green ones, I think the cost increase equals things out pretty much. I am throwing up this review as I regularly use amazon for research and wish someone had "spilled the beans" for me before my purchase.

I proactively bought the link v-belt to replace my relatively new belts in my jointer, table saw and drill press. Given the cost and hindsight being 20-20 I probably would have waited til my "regular" v-belts wore out.

First off, I was getting terrible results until I found out that the "T end" of the links needs to trail in the rotation of the belt. Given proper installation, I can do the penny balance trick on my table saw turnng it on and off.

I really do not understand all the superman-like transformations people are describing. The noise level is not radically different and my machines were not vibrating that much to begin with. Maybe there is significant benefit to smaller contractor style tools, but on larger, properly tuned gear (250lb and up range) I think the difference is probably not worth the cost of proactive replacement. There are much better upgrades that can be had in the woodshop for power tools.

Exceeded even my heightened expectations. I don't know what mad man or woman thought this would be the best solution, but it is astonishing. Don't read any farther, just click Buy Now!

I had looked around for a belt to fit my table saw motor replacement and found Power Twist V-belt would fit the bill nicely.
I didn't know exactly what fixed belt size would fit the motors pulley, the Power Twist offered the best solution. Grizzly's offered the best price on this item as I shopped around.

I had to play around with the links to understand how the loop link ends closed, as the instructions and pictures were not that informative. This variable sized link belt worked great on the new table saw replacement motor pulley. Slippage nill, and vibration undectable. Just be sure to orient the belt arrows to the direction of pulley turn.

Received this in time to use it on a small addition I'm currently building. Began to have some problems right off the bat with this gun. First off, it won't fire the last 5 nails without another strip of nails to back them up. Now this may not be Hitachi's fault, but I used the nails that Amazon advertised with the gun, and a second strip will not fit in. So you have to pull out the last few nails to proceed. Second, the safety probe slipped from the track it rides in and jammed, preventing the gun from shooting until you stop and replace the safety into position. This happened several times, slowing the process down immensely. Pretty costly considering the price of labor these days. I have to say I really expected a lot better engineering from Hitachi. They need to do some serious re-designing on this one.

I have had this tool for about a year now. It works excellent for all metal hardware. Would recomend to anyone in the framing industry. However for the general do-it-yourselfer, I would recommend just buying a palm nailer. As far as other hardware nailers are conserned, I belive this is the best. Paslode's version comes in second, but I like that the Hitachi uses the nail as a guide (unlike the paslode that uses a metal guide that sticks out then retracts, another part to worry about). I also recommend the short magazine, loading doesn't take long, and its worth the extra movement you have, being able to get it into tighter places.

I bought this gun about a year ago. It's great when you are fastening joist hangers on decks, truss ties, floor truss hangers. Man this kicks too. Careful when you use it cause it can shock your wrist. Makes my framing days alot faster when I am build a new home. It's very light and small enough to get into tight spots. I like how safety works on it. And loading is pretty nice too. This gun is worth having if you frame alot houses or build alot decks. Time it saves is worth the cost. Would buy again.