Power Tools Reviews
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Buyer reviews for "Power Tools" sorted by average review score:

Swisher LS10528 28 Ton Log Splitter 10.5 HP Briggs I/C
Made by Swisher Mower & Machine Company
- 6 gallon tank capacity
- 4.5 x 24" cylinder
- 16 gpm two stage pump
- one each horizontal and vertical splitting position
- 6-gallon tank capacity
Amazon base price: $1,349.94
List price: $1,599.00 (that's NaN% off!)
List price: $1,599.00 (that's NaN% off!)
Average review score: 

Great unit! :)Super fast shipping. This machine has plenty of power,yet it uses little fuel. Well built.
LOG SPLITTER-SWISHER LS928EXCELLENT QUALITY/NICE WELDS/DEFINITELY OVERKILL FOR AVERAGE HOMEOWNER/GREAT PRICE,NO TAX,FREE SHIPPING!!!-I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS MODEL TO ANYONE WITH A FEW ACRES OR SMALL RANCH BUT FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR I WOULD GET A 22 TO 25 TON INSTEAD AND SAVE A FEW HUNDRED BUCKS- MY LS928 JUST BLOWS THROUGH THE BIGGEST,WETTEST,HARDWOOD ROUNDS THAT I CAN PICK UP.THE 9HP BRIGGS I/C IS NICE TOO-STARTS EASILY-NOT BAD ON GAS.ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS TO SHIP.

Tormek CAK-115 Complete Accessory Kit
Made by Tormek
- Kit includes: universal gouge jig, multi jig, tool rest with TORLOCK
- Planer/jointer blade jig, knife jig, long knife jig, axe jig
- Stone grader, diamond stone truing tool, horizontal base, scissors jig
- Profiling leather honing wheel, short tool jig, and machine cover
Amazon base price: $
Average review score: 

Perfect compliment to your TormekI purchased a Tormek 2006 at a local woodworking store a couple months ago and used the included fixture to sharpen my hand chisels and hand plane irons. Results were amazing. I now know what a sharp edge is and how nice it is to have truely sharp edges on these tools.
I didn't spend a boat load of money just to have sharp chisels and planes. This machine is billed as the tool to make a sharp edge on just about anything.
Well... After getting the whole set of fixtures, I set out to sharpen my planer blades, jointer blades, turning tools, knifes, and everything else the whole set would sharpen, minus the axe fixture. Everything turned out absolutely perfect, the first time. Sharp as a razor. I've found out that the first time sharpening a tool with the Tormek may take some time but after the initial grind is established, resharpening is a breeze.
I would recommend this kit to anyone who has a Tormek.
I didn't spend a boat load of money just to have sharp chisels and planes. This machine is billed as the tool to make a sharp edge on just about anything.
Well... After getting the whole set of fixtures, I set out to sharpen my planer blades, jointer blades, turning tools, knifes, and everything else the whole set would sharpen, minus the axe fixture. Everything turned out absolutely perfect, the first time. Sharp as a razor. I've found out that the first time sharpening a tool with the Tormek may take some time but after the initial grind is established, resharpening is a breeze.
I would recommend this kit to anyone who has a Tormek.
You can sharpen just about anything with this kitLet me say that the Tormek system is a big bullet to bite. Seems like a lot of money spent just to sharpen things. When you get into using the sharpening system, you soon realize, that the time spent on sharpening is cut in less than half. Additionally the keen edge, (almost scary) that it puts on your tools, saves you a lot of time, and enables you to produce fine work. Instead of spending a half an hour sharpening for each 20 minutes I spend on the lathe, I spend less than half of that. And the time that I spend is more pleasurable than the stroke, stroke, stroke, with a stone and oil.
The main draw of this complete kit, is that it saves you a lot of money over the individual items.
The Tormek system, hands down, has been touted as the best across the board, in all of the woodworking reviews. The tool stays cool, the edge is brought to a polished finish, and it is easy to use.
With the accessory kit, you can even sharpen your neighbors kitchen knives. In addition to just about every other sharp edge you have in the house.
The accessories are quality made, and should last a lifetime. A bit pricey yes, but once you go for it, you know your set for any kind of sharpening you may need.
My only gripe about the system, is that you have to regrade the stone for each tool. I have been trying to think of a better way. The only solution I can come up with, is to have twin stones, side by side. Dress them both with the diamond truing bit, to get two even-same size surfaces. Then grade one of them to 220 grit, and the other one to 1000 grit. Then when you mount a chisel, for example, you would rough it out with the 220, and immediately go over to the 1000 to finish it off. Why is this important? Because you can not remove a tool from a holder, and reinstall it exactly the way it was. You may think, well I will get it close, and if you are willing to do the finer grade on just the tip, that will work. But when you go to resharpen, you have to remove more material to redress the whole surface, in order to get the full face. Capeche? So we are back to having to redress the wheel for each sharpening.
At the demonstration from the Tormek factory rep, he regraded on every tool, and spent some time leaning on the grading stone, to get it totally to the other grade.
So do we see a Tormek II in the future? I think they do not want to introduce a second stone, since that is the single most expensive part of the kit, which is expensive to start with. On small tools you could regrade half the stone, and get the same effect.
Thought you would find that interesting. The accessory kit is a nice package. I know restaurants, and barber shops etc, have an ongoing need for sharpening services. This setup makes it worthwhile to have an onboard inhouse service.
Great kit, great system, bite the bullet and buy the complete kit. In the long run you will be glad you did.
The main draw of this complete kit, is that it saves you a lot of money over the individual items.
The Tormek system, hands down, has been touted as the best across the board, in all of the woodworking reviews. The tool stays cool, the edge is brought to a polished finish, and it is easy to use.
With the accessory kit, you can even sharpen your neighbors kitchen knives. In addition to just about every other sharp edge you have in the house.
The accessories are quality made, and should last a lifetime. A bit pricey yes, but once you go for it, you know your set for any kind of sharpening you may need.
My only gripe about the system, is that you have to regrade the stone for each tool. I have been trying to think of a better way. The only solution I can come up with, is to have twin stones, side by side. Dress them both with the diamond truing bit, to get two even-same size surfaces. Then grade one of them to 220 grit, and the other one to 1000 grit. Then when you mount a chisel, for example, you would rough it out with the 220, and immediately go over to the 1000 to finish it off. Why is this important? Because you can not remove a tool from a holder, and reinstall it exactly the way it was. You may think, well I will get it close, and if you are willing to do the finer grade on just the tip, that will work. But when you go to resharpen, you have to remove more material to redress the whole surface, in order to get the full face. Capeche? So we are back to having to redress the wheel for each sharpening.
At the demonstration from the Tormek factory rep, he regraded on every tool, and spent some time leaning on the grading stone, to get it totally to the other grade.
So do we see a Tormek II in the future? I think they do not want to introduce a second stone, since that is the single most expensive part of the kit, which is expensive to start with. On small tools you could regrade half the stone, and get the same effect.
Thought you would find that interesting. The accessory kit is a nice package. I know restaurants, and barber shops etc, have an ongoing need for sharpening services. This setup makes it worthwhile to have an onboard inhouse service.
Great kit, great system, bite the bullet and buy the complete kit. In the long run you will be glad you did.

Travel Mate 6.0 Amp AC/DC Converter
Made by VECTOR MFG LTD
- VECTOR MFG LTD #VEC004A 6A AC/DC Converter
- VECTOR MFG LTD
Amazon base price: $
List price: $24.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $22.99
List price: $24.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $22.99
Average review score: 

Works like a charmI always wanted an adapter like that. My main usage is keeping my coffee piping hot in the office. I have a plug in hot-mug for my car. Now I can enjoy the same in the office.
Just what I neededExcellent results -- got what I expected, and on time. The Travel Mate AC/DC Converter solved my problem at about half the best price I had seen.

Wagner HT 775 Heat Tool
Made by Wagner Power Products
- Variable temperature - 750 to 1000 degrees F.
- Power - 1680 Watts/ 5700 BTUs
- Die-cast metal housing
- Cool-Down feature
- replaceable heating element
Amazon base price: $64.99
Buy one from zShops for: $78.99
Buy one from zShops for: $78.99
Average review score: 

the millwaukee 775 heat gunUsed this heat gun on 35yr. old window glaze. The heat generated by the gun made this job very easy to remove the glaze. I would recommend this product.
Great PVC heater/benderI bought this heat gun to heat PVC in order to bend it. I was using a butane torch and this works much better. It generates more than adequate heat, but without the problems of burning the PVC. It is light and easy to handle. I also really like the stand that is attached, allowing hands free bench work. The cool down feature works well, reducing the (in my case anyway) potential burns. I would definitly recommend it, at least for bending PVC.

Wap 302000414 Attix 8 AS/E Wet Dry Tank Vac
Made by Alto
Amazon base price: $499.99
List price: $590.00 (that's 15% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $489.00
List price: $590.00 (that's 15% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $489.00
Average review score: 

excellent tool These vacs are definitely state of the art. I just bought the stripped down version of the Attix 8 and am very pleased with it. The bags are expensive, but with very large capacity. The machine doesn't necessarily need bags, but because I just vaccumed my new timberframe house after the hanging of drywall, I felt the bags were necessary.
Good power, low decibel motor, attachments included in price ( not extra, like some vacs), and, in general, a very sturdy machine.
For most tradespeople the simple stripped down version, (which I purchased online for $360) will suffice.
I wish that a machine of this quality was being produced in the US.
Good power, low decibel motor, attachments included in price ( not extra, like some vacs), and, in general, a very sturdy machine.
For most tradespeople the simple stripped down version, (which I purchased online for $360) will suffice.
I wish that a machine of this quality was being produced in the US.
This is the top rated shop vacuum - commercial gradeI spent a month looking at everything I could to find the very best. I was interested in primarily two things; static water lift capability and the lowest sound pressure level. The Attix 10 and Attix 8 are the winners in that respect. There is no over exagerated manufacturers' ratings. Very solid. The messured average sound pressure level is 60db. I can talk to my wife while it is being used in the house without having to shout at her. The motor has bypass cooling as well. This means that the motor is always being cooled even if the hose is plugged. You DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE FILTER FOR WATER PICKUP. The main filter is washable and lasts a long time. If you want to see actual real world tests for this unit compared to the cheaper made Fein go here:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shopvacs.html
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shopvacs.html

Woodline USA's - 30pc Professional Router Bit Collection - 1/2" Shank Router Bit Set
Made by Woodline USA
- Great Selection of Our Most Popular Bit Profiles
- Industrial Carbide Tipped - Precision Crafted Router Bits
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Rugged 1/2" Shank
- Euro Anti-Kickback Design
Amazon base price: $
List price: $256.15 (that's NaN% off!)
List price: $256.15 (that's NaN% off!)
Average review score: 

Awesome SetThis is one of the best set of bits I've owned. I was skeptical about ordering tools online, ordered this set anyway as a gamble and was pleasantly surprised by how happy I am with them. Upon calling Woodline to express my happiness I learned more about their lifetime warranty, and it actually is a lifetime warranty, no fine print (but I doubt I'll ever have to use it) and was pleased with their friendly customer service.
The Best Set I Have Ever UsedLike many of you I have purchased many router bits over the years and I have been dissapointed more times than not. However, after the speedy delivery of my 30pc set from Woodline (I recieved the set only 2 days after I ordered IT!) I was amazed with the quality of the router bits. The carbide is superior to anything I have used before and the bits cut so smooth without any burning or chatter. I have used everything from expensive Italian imports, US made, Taiwan, and Chinise, and I will never use anything other that Woodline router bits again! Bob Mcowski - Devoted Woodline User

1/2 in. Drive Composite Impact Wrench
Made by AirCat
Amazon base price: $
List price: $287.10 (that's NaN% off!)
List price: $287.10 (that's NaN% off!)
Average review score: 

Big brother to the 3/8Get one and you will never go back any other brand. This is a true nutbuster.

10" Woodworker's Table Saw (Does not include Fence Rails)
Made by DEWALT
Amazon base price: $
List price: $1,321.94 (that's NaN% off!)
List price: $1,321.94 (that's NaN% off!)
Average review score: 

I studied a long time before buying this sawMy woodworking hobby outgrew my starter saw a few years ago, but circumstances did not allow me to buy a new saw until this year. Since I really wanted to take my time with this decision, I studied the market, put my hands on every saw I could, and read everything I could find on the web about table saw features. Since I work in a library, I also had access to every table saw review in most of the woodworking magazines.
Eventually I came up with the following criteria:
- I have a one car garage for a workshop, so space was a big issue. I was only looking at saws with 30" capacity to the right of the blade. I also limited my search to saws that could be pushed flat against a wall if need be. This left only hybrids and cabinet saws to consider.
- I wanted the most powerful motor I could get without having to switch to 240 volts, yet have the option to rewire the saw for 240v later if I so choose (thus eliminating 3hp saws).
- I wanted a solid fence that was accurate and DID NOT DEFLECT when locked down.
- I wanted some decent dust collection abilities.
- I wanted a quieter saw with less vibration than my old Delta contractor's saw.
- I wanted to spend less than $1000 to get the saw, yet have lots of options for upgrading/outfitting later.
Eventually I chose the DeWalt 746, and here are my observations:
The saw package arrived in relatively undamaged crating (seven days after I ordered it from Amazon), and the saw was in perfect condition. Here's a tip - I ordered this saw over the phone and was given the option to pay $25 to have the saw delivered on the ground in my shop - well worth it! Assembly was not too bad (3 hrs), but the manual could have been a bit better. In my mind it was a bit too small and the illustrations corresponding to each step of assembly were not always on the same page! This saw is heavy and the cabinet/stand is very stiff and strong. I feel that the base of this saw is a much better design than the open stand of my old Delta. The saw also runs very smoothly - it is A LOT quieter than my last saw and vibration is at a minimum. The motor is about as powerful as you can get while running 120v without popping breakers left and right (which I have read is a common problem with the 2hp motors running 120v). I have not had any problems ripping 8/4 white oak with a good sharp blade... Speaking of blades, the one that came with this saw is inferior. I will keep it just for those instances where I want to cut treated lumber for outside projects or some other such task not requiring precision or smooth cuts. I have always wanted a Biesenmeyer fence, but I read good things about the fence on this saw and was eager to try it for myself. I am pleased to say that it is a very sturdy (and heavy) fence with some ingenious features. Most importantly this fence operates very smoothly, it does not deflect when locked down, it was easy to adjust square to the miter slot and blade, and zeroing the fence scale could not have been easier. I did have to fuss with it a bit to get the fence face set 90 degree to the table, but once I got it there it seems to hold the setting well. Dust collection on this saw is absolutely excellent. I hooked up my Fein Turbo II vacuum and basically no significant sawdust escapes. I couldn't be happier in that department. As for safety features, I like splitters and hate blade guards so I was pleased to find that the splitter/blade guard on this saw is able to be separated (I did just that). The splitter is easily adjustable and works well.
As far as downsides go... Well, as I mentioned earlier the assembly manual could have been way better and the blade that came with the saw is junk. Also (and I read this several places ahead of time) the table is not absolutely flat. Using a straightedge I found a couple of hollows in the surface. I don't think they are significant enough to throw off the accuracy of what I am doing with this saw, but be forwarned that if you use a tablesaw to cut something more intricate than tenons you may have a problem with this. Unlike other reviewers I didn't have too much of a problem with the steel extension wings that came with this saw. When installed properly are they perfectly level to the main table? Yes. Are they perfectly flat? No, but acceptible for what they are. I wanted a good saw that could be upgraded and these are good enough for temporary use. In fact there are a host of great accessories/upgrades available for this saw. I already ordered a cast iron router table wing (made by Bench Dog) and soon I plan to order the DeWalt cast iron wing for the other side of the saw.
When it comes down to it, I am very pleased with this saw. The features all met or exceeded my personal needs. This is important, because I have no doubt I could have gotten a saw that performed nearly as well for a lot less money, but it would have failed to meet one or more of MY criteria. As for the price - I bought mine at a time when the saw was on sale and the mobile base was included (see my separate review of the mobile base). The sale price coupled with Amazon's ongoing deal of 25 dollars off any order over 199 gave me this saw at more than a seventy dollar discount. If your needs are similar to mine, then take a close look at this saw. I highly recommend it!
Eventually I came up with the following criteria:
- I have a one car garage for a workshop, so space was a big issue. I was only looking at saws with 30" capacity to the right of the blade. I also limited my search to saws that could be pushed flat against a wall if need be. This left only hybrids and cabinet saws to consider.
- I wanted the most powerful motor I could get without having to switch to 240 volts, yet have the option to rewire the saw for 240v later if I so choose (thus eliminating 3hp saws).
- I wanted a solid fence that was accurate and DID NOT DEFLECT when locked down.
- I wanted some decent dust collection abilities.
- I wanted a quieter saw with less vibration than my old Delta contractor's saw.
- I wanted to spend less than $1000 to get the saw, yet have lots of options for upgrading/outfitting later.
Eventually I chose the DeWalt 746, and here are my observations:
The saw package arrived in relatively undamaged crating (seven days after I ordered it from Amazon), and the saw was in perfect condition. Here's a tip - I ordered this saw over the phone and was given the option to pay $25 to have the saw delivered on the ground in my shop - well worth it! Assembly was not too bad (3 hrs), but the manual could have been a bit better. In my mind it was a bit too small and the illustrations corresponding to each step of assembly were not always on the same page! This saw is heavy and the cabinet/stand is very stiff and strong. I feel that the base of this saw is a much better design than the open stand of my old Delta. The saw also runs very smoothly - it is A LOT quieter than my last saw and vibration is at a minimum. The motor is about as powerful as you can get while running 120v without popping breakers left and right (which I have read is a common problem with the 2hp motors running 120v). I have not had any problems ripping 8/4 white oak with a good sharp blade... Speaking of blades, the one that came with this saw is inferior. I will keep it just for those instances where I want to cut treated lumber for outside projects or some other such task not requiring precision or smooth cuts. I have always wanted a Biesenmeyer fence, but I read good things about the fence on this saw and was eager to try it for myself. I am pleased to say that it is a very sturdy (and heavy) fence with some ingenious features. Most importantly this fence operates very smoothly, it does not deflect when locked down, it was easy to adjust square to the miter slot and blade, and zeroing the fence scale could not have been easier. I did have to fuss with it a bit to get the fence face set 90 degree to the table, but once I got it there it seems to hold the setting well. Dust collection on this saw is absolutely excellent. I hooked up my Fein Turbo II vacuum and basically no significant sawdust escapes. I couldn't be happier in that department. As for safety features, I like splitters and hate blade guards so I was pleased to find that the splitter/blade guard on this saw is able to be separated (I did just that). The splitter is easily adjustable and works well.
As far as downsides go... Well, as I mentioned earlier the assembly manual could have been way better and the blade that came with the saw is junk. Also (and I read this several places ahead of time) the table is not absolutely flat. Using a straightedge I found a couple of hollows in the surface. I don't think they are significant enough to throw off the accuracy of what I am doing with this saw, but be forwarned that if you use a tablesaw to cut something more intricate than tenons you may have a problem with this. Unlike other reviewers I didn't have too much of a problem with the steel extension wings that came with this saw. When installed properly are they perfectly level to the main table? Yes. Are they perfectly flat? No, but acceptible for what they are. I wanted a good saw that could be upgraded and these are good enough for temporary use. In fact there are a host of great accessories/upgrades available for this saw. I already ordered a cast iron router table wing (made by Bench Dog) and soon I plan to order the DeWalt cast iron wing for the other side of the saw.
When it comes down to it, I am very pleased with this saw. The features all met or exceeded my personal needs. This is important, because I have no doubt I could have gotten a saw that performed nearly as well for a lot less money, but it would have failed to meet one or more of MY criteria. As for the price - I bought mine at a time when the saw was on sale and the mobile base was included (see my separate review of the mobile base). The sale price coupled with Amazon's ongoing deal of 25 dollars off any order over 199 gave me this saw at more than a seventy dollar discount. If your needs are similar to mine, then take a close look at this saw. I highly recommend it!

115 Volt WELD-PAK 100 Wire Feed Welder Needs No Gas! Ready to Use!
Made by Lincoln Electric
Amazon base price: $
Average review score: 

Only minutes from opening box to weldingThis package comes complete and ready to go for steel. Don't forget that you'll need another ~$120 before you're welding Aluminum (I don't have this accessory).
Caution: the video that comes with the welder is heavy in safety (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), but very light in the technique of welding. A welding book would be a good addition.
The mask that comes with it is a happy medium, easy to see when working but also easy on your eyes.
I've welded up to 1/8" steel with good penetration. Thin walled tubes so far have proven elusive (burning holes in them) but I'm sure it's my technique rather than the welder.
Lincoln-Electric is a great company, I hear they tret their employees very well. Good to buy a US made product.

12-Ton Benchtop Hydraulic Shop Press
Made by Northern Industrial Tools
- Height from ground to top of working space: 28in.
Amazon base price: $
Average review score: 

shop pressI need a small press for forming aluminum sheets 1/8" thick.
this press loks like an excellent poassibility.
willard L. Kern
this press loks like an excellent poassibility.
willard L. Kern