Misc. Tool Talk and News, Mid-April 2017

I’m sorry if you’re bored of this photo, but it’s what I use when I can’t think of any other way to kick off a random topic post.

Earlier today I sent 3 ball bearing tool storage combos to new homes. A Dewalt 40″ combo, a Milwaukee 46″ combo, and a Husky 52″ combo.

Of the 3, I think the Dewalt is the best, and the Milwaukee and Husky are tied for best bang for the buck. The Milwaukee and Husky both have great features, but if I had to pick one over the other I’d say that the Milwaukee has better polish (but not as much as the Dewalt).

I spent a good part of the day doing some workshop setup and storage area cleanup. I have a lot more organizing to do, and then it’ll be time for a major purge. That’ll be fun, but a lot of work.

I realized that I’ve posted quite a few things to the ToolGuyd Instagram feed that would be of interest here, but not as full posts. So, here they are, embedded.

Subscribe to our Instagram, @ToolMag, if you like this kind of stuff.

Glue from my @rockler_woodworking silicone glue brush sat for a few months, but a little wiggle and it came right off. Big chunks came off the tray, those little bits will probably require a quick washing. #tools #toolguyd #toolreview #woodworking #iboughtthis

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Apr 14, 2017 at 3:03pm PDT

I was wondering where my Rockler glue tray and brush had went! I wanted to see how quick it would be to clean, and it turns out the answer is “rather quickly.”

Lots of reviewers have been singing praise for the @fein_us 12V Multimaster and drill. I'll know soon whether I feel the same. #tools #toolguyd #drill #cordlesstools #fein #toolsample #woodworking

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Apr 14, 2017 at 6:24am PDT

New @milwaukeetool dust extractor. Press materials suggest it's aimed at rotary hammers and grinders for masonry applications. Might work for wood too, will look into it. But the focus is on getting workers complaint with new silica containment rules. #tools #toolguyd #milwaukeetools #vacuum #contractor

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Apr 12, 2017 at 2:51pm PDT

I’m waiting on some more details before posting about the new Milwaukee dust extractor. It seems okay, but not very special. Might be made by a separate OEM, they haven’t answered that question yet.

I <3 these @microjig push blocks. #tools #toolguyd #woodworking #safetyfirst

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Apr 10, 2017 at 6:57pm PDT

I posted about MicroJig safety push blocks a few months ago, and the “honeymoon period” hasn’t ended yet.

Tried a @freud_tools Dado stack today. Good results. #toolsample #toolguyd #tools #woodworking

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Apr 9, 2017 at 4:51pm PDT

I used this Freud dado blade to cut grooves in drawer slides a few days ago. It’s decent. I noticed a new version on the market, and reached out to Freud to see what the differences might be, but haven’t heard back yet.

New blue and black @kershawknives Link. Made in USA! Gently resting on a @ryobipowertools charger. I love my Kershaw Link, this new version (thank you Kershaw!) looks fantastic. And Ryobi 18V tools? *thumbs up*. Will be doing some testing today, love the 6-port sequential charger, and it's pretty compact too. #tools #toolguyd #edcknife #knives #ryobi #cordlesstools #newtools

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Mar 22, 2017 at 7:36am PDT

The Kershaw Link is a great knife, the new blue version is nicer. Also made in the USA. Now available for ~$45-55 via Amazon.

Bought a lifetime supply of potentiometer and encoder knobs. Might be able to use them as small robot wheels too. #audio #diy #knob #maker #potentiometer #electronics

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Mar 18, 2017 at 2:42pm PDT

Do you think I’ve got enough knobs?

My PB Swiss Tools order came in, or at least most of it. Half for use, half for review interest. Oh man, I'm not eager to look at the credit card bill! #tools #toolguyd #newtools

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolmag) on Dec 2, 2016 at 9:11am PST

Still have a bunch of PB Swiss tools I need to review. I went a little overboard in placing a Black Friday/Cyber Monday order last winter.

Honestly, these are the types of things I had wanted to use our Tool Talk forum for, but that’s better for public discussions, and Instagram seems better for quick image or update sharing.