Saturday, October 30, 2010

Combating Power Loss Or Decreased Performance in Power Tools

Combating Power Loss Or Decreased Performance in Power Tools

Usually a loss of power or decrease in overall performance from our power tools can be defined by a suffering connection between the tool's power source (i.e. the power cord or battery) and the tool's motor.

Just where this glitch exists along the electrical highway though, is where our journey begins. To find our weak link, we'll simply follow the power flow from the tool's power source to the tool's motor and checking our main components along the way.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Dewalt DW718 Miter Saw Fence Alignment

Dewalt DW718 Miter Saw Fence Alignment

With a tool so tough as Dewalt's DW718 12" double-bevel sliding compound miter saw, it is no mystery that the sucker is going to get a little kicked around. Of course, the regular abuses of jobsite life will wear on the tool and eventually it's going to require a bit of tinkering on your behalf. Don't fret though, said tinkering is generally simple with the right tools and a bit of patience.

It may surprise you to learn that the leading cause of inaccurate miter saw cuts is actually a misaligned or warped fence.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Introducing: Dewalt's DCF815S2 Cordless Impact Driver

Introducing: Dewalt's DCF815S2 Cordless Impact Driver

In early October 2010 Dewalt released their new line of 12v MAX power tools. Among this release was the DCF815S2, an 1/4" impact driver with the guts and gumption to make mincemeat of its very anticipated debut and, perhaps, a mincemeat pie of the present competition.

Featuring a minor redesign that moves the tool battery directly below the handle, this 12v impact driver is now more compact and ergonomic than any of Dewalt's previous comparable releases. The slightly longer handle is slim and comfortable to grip and provides a stable base for the driver.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Replacing Power Tool Switches - How to Know the Time Has Come

Replacing Power Tool Switches - How to Know the Time Has Come

It is no mystery that a lot can go wrong inside a power tool, what is a bit mysterious though, is how to determine exactly which part of your power tool is currently suffering. As we all know, power tools are some seriously cool machines, so cool in fact, they will literally try to help you solve this diagnostic conundrum.

Knowing which subtle clues to look for can help you diagnose a power tool problem in a snap. For instance, when your switch goes bad, your power tool will behave in a specific way.

The first symptoms to arise will come in the form of malfunctioning or failing start-ups. You will attempt to activate the tool and as if life has simply left it for greener pastures, the tool will be absolutely dead, or, at least, it will require several pumps and perhaps a joggle or two to revive itself.

A Brief History of DeWalt Power Tools

A Brief History of DeWalt Power Tools

From the time he was a child Raymond E DeWalt watched and learned from his father the intricacies of woodworking and complex construction. Upon leaving school as an adolescent, he continued to follow this path and earned his keep at mills and construction sites as jobs were available.

The young DeWalt though, also learned from his father that a life in mill-work was difficult one, and in order to simplify his own life and to capitalize on both the physical and economical expenses of hard labor, he used the advantages of his youth and experience to continually refine and enhance the machines around him to meet the certain needs and specifications of different jobsites.

DeWalt's ingenuity and expertise in the field were largely and always evident and soon he was offered a position as the head of a major woodworking mill that manufactured nearly everything from the simple six-panel box to the modern, complex home.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Christmas Gifts For Dad - Power Tools

Christmas Gifts For Dad - Power Tools

Christmas gifts for dad do not have to be a painful, dreaded and miserable task around the holidays. Honestly, Dads are not that complex. Stuff they can do while drinking beer, stuff they can destroy or use to destroy or stuff that assists them in making food.

If you get them a gift in this area... success is yours. So, here are some examples of just one of those categories, stuff they can use to destroy, also known as power tools.

Reciprocating Saw

This little gem of a christmas gift for dad is a must have in the garage. Also know as a "saw zaw" this tool will basically cut through, cut off or cut around anything that you need it to. It is a very versatile tool and comes in different sizes, varieties and styles.

I would recommend looking at one of the popular brands of power tools (Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, etc) and finding your best deal on an at least 18V cordless type. If Dad doesn't have one already, it will make an excellent Christmas gift for Dad this year.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Corded Power Tools Vs Cordless - What's the Best Option?

Corded Power Tools Vs Cordless - What's the Best Option?

If you're looking to buy a new power tool such as a drill or saw, there's one big decision to factor in. Corded or cordless. There are benefits and disadvantages of both options. Here's a few things to consider before you hit the hardware store.

The first option that most people consider is cordless. There are a lot of immediate benefits to having a cordless power tool. The most obvious is that you don't have to mess around with a cord. Depending on where you are working in your house, it can be difficult to find an empty plug to use.

With a cordless model you have the freedom to move around. This is fantastic if you are doing several home improvement jobs at the same time. You can work inside and outside without having to constantly plug and unplug your tool.

There are also several disadvantages to cordless tools. The biggest is charging the battery. It takes several hours to recharge a cordless battery pack. Unless you plan ahead, this can put a wrinkle in you home fix it plans.