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This Old Workshop began our tool tests back in 1995. Since that time we have reviewed a long list of tools, jigs and supplies. Now our tests are performed by 2 seperate shops, one in Portland, Oregon and the other in Clovis, California. We have found that having two test shops gives us a better review over all. Each shop brings a unique point of view to the table while testing each tool or product. Our rating system is broken up into 3 parts. One: Performance, Two: Price for Value, Three: Shop Necessity. Each one is rated 5 out 5.
Performance: We will consider several factors when grading performance. Asking questions like,
- Did the equipment perform as well as the manufactor says it should?
- Is it easy to use, adjust and clean?
- Is it well built?
- Is the overall quality of the equipment up to standards?
- Is this a tool that will last and hold up under use?
Price for Value: In the economy of today's shop budgets, is the tool "worth" having for the price.
- Is the tool a good value for what it produces?
- Is the price worth paying for in exchange for time savings?
- Is maintenance, or supplies too expensive?
- How does the price and quality relate to the competition?
Shop Necessity: Is this something you must have in your shop.
- Is this tool something you should have?
- Is this equipment a requirement or a luxury?
- Is this tool going to collect dust? or be a favorite tool?
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The LaserKerf system arrived in a small box. Inside were several parts, some wires, a battery box, power adapter and various small pieces. My first impression was oh great, some assembly required. The install was a little bit confusing for me but one phone call to the company had me straightened out. Score one for customer service. I do not count this as a bad feature they simply could not make a manual that covers every type of install for every brand of saw. The Laserkerf comes in models to fit a number of saws and models. The one I was working with is for my Ridgid radial arm saw.Once in place I aligned the laser, which was very easy using the controls built into it, the line shown directly on the cut line of my radial arm saw. The thickness of the line was pretty much exactly the size of the kerf of my saw blade. This looked promising. I mounted the battery box and switch onto the main part of my radial arm saw so it would be easily reached. You can also use the included ac power adapter in place of the batteries, which I plan to do at a later time.
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Here we go with another new tool from Rockwell that can make a nice holiday gift for your homeowner or other DIY enthusiast . The Versa-Cut mini circular saw. Opening up the box I find the Versa-Cut saw, a pair of allen wrenches in a holder attached to the power cord, an edge guide, a non-marring base cover, a carrying bag and a set of 3 blades for cutting wood, thin metal, aluminum and tile.
Looking over the features I found the saw’s laser guide, mounted on top of the saw so I am expecting it to show right on the cut line. The Versacut has a plunge system that allows the saw to get to full speed before cutting, this helps avoid kick back. The Versacut also has a safety switch and a vacuum attachment.
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The Rockwell SheetMaster
Every now and then we get to test a really nice tool, the Rockwell “SheetMaster” is one of those tools. , The SheetMaster is an upgraded version of Rockwell’s JawHorse. Rockwell tools have been in the tool business since 1994. In the fall of 2008 they introduced the original JawHorse, a very versatile clamping and work station. Now they have updated the design with the release of the new SheetMaster, with over a ton of clamping force the SheetMaster is the answer to many requirements around the house, workshop or worksite. The clamp is closed with the use of a foot pedal leaving your hands free to manipulate the item being clamped.
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Trend Routing Technology, in the U.K, and now distributed in the USA., has been creating woodworking products since 1955. The list of their creations is quite varied. Today we will be testing some of Trend’s Diamond sharpening whetstones and guides.
I am the first to admit I do not like sharpening tools; I would rather bite the bullet and have a professional sharpen them for me. This is not only expensive but it is a hassle to take them in, and return a couple days later with a large hole in my wallet. This said, I am always on the look out to find a high quality sharpening system that is easy to use and reasonably priced. Trend has produced a set that is all of those things and even more.
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The mortise and tenon joint is a staple of woodworking. Creating them can pose a few challenges. Building a custom jig with the size and orientation of the joints is fine if you only need a single size and shape. But if you find yourself making several jigs to cover the varied m&t joints in even a single project then a variable jig is something you should consider. The Leigh Jigs Super FMT Mortise and Tenon jig is a very nice answer to this challenge. The joints are created by using an array of snap in guides that allow you to cut a large variation of tenons and corresponding mortises. A specialized router base predrilled with many holes that allow it to receive many of today’s most popular routers. Aligning and attaching the base to your router is something that needs care and precision. In fact every step of aligning the jig is crucial. Any mistakes here will show up on every cut you make. Unfortunately with the selection of routers these days leigh can only write detailed instructions for some of the steps but is can be a bit vague when it comes to your specific router. It would be unrealistic to expect any more then that.
Subcategories
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Hand Tools
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Measuring tools
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Clamps
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Cutting Tools
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Guides and Jigs
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Joinery
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Machine upgrades
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