I thought I'd start a thread to praise the tools that helps us build the dream HTs that we see here. What is your favorite-can't-live-without tool in your arsenal? What do you want to own next?

Here's my baby:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii254/bingschming/RidgidTS3650.jpg

This is the cornerstone of my amateur/weekend warrior garage workshop. Cast iron top, long rails, 1.5hp belt driven motor, solid fence, Herc-u-lift mobile system for $600 Cdn is ridiculous value. I also got a $150 HD gift card and given how good this TS is, I felt like I stole it. If you're a cabinet-maker who needs to rip thru 3" maple everyday, no, this is not your tool. For anyone less demanding than that, it is more than adequate. The fence and motor can be calibrated so your cuts are dead square. Build quality is excellent. The mobile base is a gift from the heavens if you don't have a dedicated shop. Having a large table to be ready for almost any job is like having 2 SVS Ultra in a family room or 400w monoblocks behind your LCRs. You may not need it every time, but you appreciate the ability when its called upon. Noise level is acceptable. It is less raucous than a benchtop Ryobi (cheap toy) table saw I had before this. Vibration is very minimal but not absent. I was concerned about the maintenance of a cast iron top in our Canadian winters (rust). My garage is insulated but not heated. All i have to say is I used TopCote spray ($14) about 3 times since I got it last Oct and there is not a speck of rust. The only beef are the instructions. It must have been written by some Taiwanese dude.

Next purchase:
either a jointer/planer combo or an air compressor and start collecting air driven tools.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Johnsteph10/Basement%20HT/P1000097.jpg

Paslode cordless framing nailer. I've gone through a box of 5000 framing nails and never had a misfire/jam. It also is relatively lightweight and is much easier to manuever than a normal nailer with a hose.

I actually managed to do most of my basement sans table saw. Only my engineered wood floors required me to borrow my dad's 20 year old portable unit.

My mitre saw ($79 ryobi) saw quite a bit of use during the process (what a trooper!), as did my cordless drill/driver... but I have to give the award to my 17 gallon Porter Cable air compressor (and nailers). Not only was having the compressor a big win in effciency, but it's probably the only larger tool from the basement project that i still use with some regularity (to winterize the sprinkler system).

Here is a short of her looking pesnively out into the back yard (before the project began).

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/before5.jpg

Favorite:
While it's a toss up between the nailgun and my mitersaw for the tools I use the most, my favorite has been my new Bosch impact driver. I now pop bits in and out without dealing with my screwgun's chuck, it's super light, compact, fits on my tool belt hostler like a six shooter, and it keeps my elbow from flaring up because of how easily it drives screws.

http://bosch.cpotools.com/images/product/medium/ps40-2a.jpg




For the "next tool" I'm in the final stretch of doing wood work, so I picked this up to help with all the up coming sanding. It could very well be the last tool I "need" to complete the project.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41CD1NXFWZL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

I'm gonna have to agree with the compressor/nail gun. The more I use it, the more I wonder how I ever got by without a pneumatic nailer.

without a doubt my favorite tool during my basement build:

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/2b/2b931e7c-7034-4684-91a6-ab7513ea9da0_300.jpg

Hahahahahahaha

Paslode cordless framing nailer. I've gone through a box of 5000 framing nails and never had a misfire/jam. It also is relatively lightweight and is much easier to manuever than a normal nailer with a hose.

+ 1
Had mine for 3+ years now, (probably 30K+ nails) used it the whole time we framed my house, cant say enough about it.. never a problem

My "New Favorite" Tool.. Track Saw.. Fast, Light, portable, extremely easy to use and Very accurate. Eliminated wrestling 4x8 sheets on the table saw.
http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/Bradathomedotcom/ris038.jpg
Brad

Hehe... this was my framer buddy during my constructuon:

http://www.caesare.com/basement/slides/IMG_1880.jpg

Pics HERE (http://www.caesare.com/basement/slides/IMG_1880.htm)

This is the cornerstone of my amateur/weekend warrior garage workshop. Cast iron top, long rails, 1.5hp belt driven motor, solid fence, Herc-u-lift mobile system for $600 Cdn is ridiculous value. I also got a $150 HD gift card and given how good this TS is, I felt like I stole it.....


I would agree this saw is great for the price. I burned up my old Craftsman table saw during the Theater build and replaced it with the Ridgid Table saw.

And the Herc-u-lift is great. So good that I when out and bought three more Herc-u-lift add on kits for other tools I have. Makes it super easy to move them around. On a nice I like to Move out of the garage and work outside. The Herc-u-lift makes it easy.

My only problem with the Ridgid Table saw is the storage. It considerable larger the the Sears one.

I have almost nothing for tools :(
but I still managed to make part of the unfinished basement usable as a Home Theater in my new home with one of these ... :)

http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/15774.103297_3.jpg

before:
http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/mc2th.jpg.http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/mc1th.jpg.http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/mc3th.jpg.http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/mc4th.jpg

after:
http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/515005th.jpg (http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/6230001.jpg).http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/51506th.jpg (http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/51506.jpg).http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/51508th.jpg (http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/51508.jpg).http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/51509th.jpg (http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac2/51509.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3447162601_34be1bd551.jpg

PioManiac,

That's a cozy little room you got there. Looks like you have an interior designer's touch as well as a handyman's!

Was thinking of posting a similar thread the other day while finishing up the wiring rough in.

First I will say that I do love my Makita drill, 18 volt power for a 14.4 volt size and weight. And the charger recharges the batteries in 15 minutes (jury is still out on how long the batteries survive before replacement by being charged this fast) but the two batteries last about a day and a half if you are working at a normal pace running 3 1/4” deck screws into framing studs or hogging out 5/8” holes for electrical runs and it easily fits up into rafter spaces that my old 18v wouldn’t. Even if you forget to charge the batts at the end of the day, they can be recharged while you take a short coffee break. Alas, if only it included a driver bit holder in the handle…

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/18/189c450d-70f7-4e2c-bac3-edc4b88014f1_300.jpg

As for air nailers, I would have to say that personally, I still prefer the old 16 oz hammer that my Old Man gave me a long time ago. I thought about borrowing an air framing nailer from a buddy, but by the time I accommodated my compressor in the basement and delt with air hoses, etc. My trusty old hammer will drive them just as fast. The Paslodes do look nice and convenient, but a little spendy to justify when my arm still swings just fine.

However, without a doubt my favorite tool would have to be this one.

http://www.tdiinternational.com/images/wire-strippers/12-40-wire-stripper_copy.gif

It is a wire stripper that just plain works. It strips the insulation everytime without dicking up the conductor and strips it to the right length. It even leaves the stripped insulation sticking off the end of the wire so you can grab it and throw it away instead of having to pick the little pieces of insulator off the floor or out of the carpet.

You can just move from 14 GA solid to 12 GA solid to 14 GA stranded and keep on stripping without adjusting or making sure you have the wire lined up in the right slot. Just grab the wire like you are grabbing it with the end of a pliers and squeeze the handle together until it clicks – stripped and ready for termination.

The cutting edge is made up of a bunch of individual teeth that conform around the wire as you squeeze so it cuts the insulator all around the wire instead of just cutting it on two sides and then ripping the rest away.

I actually “acquired” it from at my old job, it was in a box of sample wire from a vendor and sat in my office desk for a year or two before I tried it and realized how great it works, it then quickly found its way into my home toolbox.

A quick search on the web found this site:

http://www.tdiinternational.com/usr/handtools/wire-strippers/self-adjusting.html

The price seems pretty steep for what it is, but if I stripped a lot of wires, I’d pay for it. I’ve used one like these a lot in old jobs:

http://www.tdiinternational.com/images/wire-strippers/Universal-Stripper.gif

and the one above makes this one feel about as clunky as using one of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/0a/0aecb1ca-fb48-4cc7-9b28-d1a920f1ba7c_300.jpg

-Suntan

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3447162601_34be1bd551.jpg

This is a very nice tool! http://www.*****************/trafficreport/img/3721/k09f0423lglc/b.gif

However, without a doubt my favorite tool would have to be this one.

http://www.tdiinternational.com/images/wire-strippers/12-40-wire-stripper_copy.gif

I gotta get me one of those. I've been looking for a good wire stripper. I've been using this style, mostly:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii250/Sands_at_Pier147/teeth.jpg

and I've always felt there was a better choice.

For me my best/favorite tool has been a Festool track saw.

It has made cutting large sheets of plywood and mdf a piece of cake. Allows for you to make perfect cuts without trying to man-handle large, unwieldy sheets. It has been the best tool purchase I have ever made. Well worth it's high price tag.

nice tool but save your self 25 buck and get it here http://www.aikencolon.com/Knipex-1240200-12-40-200-Self-Adjusting-Insulation-Strippers_p_2192.html

Well if I have to pick the tool I like using the most it would no doubt be my air nailer/air compressor. It is a blast to use 8-) (pun intended !).

If I would have to pick my "favorite" tool for bank for buck and for it's "old reliable" nature it would be my DeWalt 10" compound miter saw.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/028877315362md.jpg

I has served me well for nearly six years now without one hiccup. I have trimmed out my entire house twice (don't ask), built a deck, a friends shed, the basement, and will be a crucial part of any other project that will eventually come along.

Regards,

RTROSE

This is probably the best tool i have gotten in the last couple of years. Ok its not a tool but it does keep them organized :).

http://www.wiremunky.com/image/tools/veto.gif

jeese Stamp... you push that tool bag everywhere you go ;)

...and I see you've upgraded to gifs rather than the boring pics.

Good choice in cordless drill by the way.

Speaking of pushing, if you are doing a big multi room basement project this is the only way to travel:

http://www.mainstreete.com/scarpati/pics/wire-open/M1836C46.jpg

Just need to remember not to put anything really tall on top and try to get under a door frame. When the project is over they make great storage units. I've got three in my basement.

OK, I'll jump in. The Makita combo kit I got a year ago to replace my still working nicad Makita. The impact driver is worth its weight in gold! The impact action means never stripping the threads off screw heads and the LED lights are more usefull then I thought they would be. I have used many brands of drills; both mine and trying out friends drills and these stand out. Second place goes to the Sawzall, the ducktape of power tools.

http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/mmeister5/334927_lg.jpg

jeese Stamp... you push that tool bag everywhere you go ;)

...and I see you've upgraded to gifs rather than the boring pics.

Good choice in cordless drill by the way.

The Milwaukee is a beast but it doesn't sit upright on its battery very well especially if you have a heavy bit. (not that i should be doing that anyway LOL)

Tool bags to me are like purses to women. I have more than 10 and so far this one wins hands down. It functions perfect as luggage for out of town projects also. (Veto Pro Pac XL)

The Milwaukee is a beast but it doesn't sit upright on its battery very well especially if you have a heavy bit. (not that i should be doing that anyway LOL)

I use a slightly older model, and it stays vertical easily with a 1"dia 17" long auger bit. Killer drill...definitely my best tool.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w201/smokinghot1/milwaukee.jpg

Without a doubt that after my hammer(!) my table saw / routing table is the most useful.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3574285263_f2c39eb43d_b.jpg

Built my whole theater with the following:

Compound Miter Saw
Compressor
Nail Gun
Stapler
Hammer
Cordless Drill/Screwdriver
Jig Saw

No table saw, no miter, no router, etc.

My favorite tool by far was the nailer.

+ 1
Had mine for 3+ years now, (probably 30K+ nails) used it the whole time we framed my house, cant say enough about it.. never a problem

My "New Favorite" Tool.. Track Saw.. Fast, Light, portable, extremely easy to use and Very accurate. Eliminated wrestling 4x8 sheets on the table saw.
http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/Bradathomedotcom/ris038.jpg
Brad
What a tool thread? Bout darn time! Geesh I almost missed it!

+1 on the plunge saw love mine too.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/jeffcjeffc/P4190308.jpg

But when it all comes down to it it has to be my Steel City table saw and Osborne miter gauge, don't use the miter saw much anymore for miters

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/jeffcjeffc/shop.jpg


Edit- Next tool/s turbine spray system and a router table or insert for the table saw

I got the BES LC-1025 model, which I think I saw recommended here a while back:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/548901.jpg

I retrofitted some recessed lights into the living room and this thing did an amazing job. The edges of the holes were super smooth, the holes were always the exact correct size, and the dust collector did a good job of keeping me and the furniture from getting a drywall shower. Also, the spring-loaded design means that when you finally cut the hole all the way through, there's no sudden pop or jerk as the center piece comes loose.

The main downside is that because it's spring-loaded, you have to exert constant pressure to keep it cutting; after a couple of holes your shoulder may get sore. The lip of the dust shield did also lightly scuff the matte ceiling paint, but not enough that I bothered to touch it up.

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/Mr_Mike_P/0027704.jpg

picked this set up for $100! (brand new)

I got the BES LC-1025 model, which I think I saw recommended here a while back:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/548901.jpg

I retrofitted some recessed lights into the living room and this thing did an amazing job. The edges of the holes were super smooth, the holes were always the exact correct size, and the dust collector did a good job of keeping me and the furniture from getting a drywall shower. Also, the spring-loaded design means that when you finally cut the hole all the way through, there's no sudden pop or jerk as the center piece comes loose.

The main downside is that because it's spring-loaded, you have to exert constant pressure to keep it cutting; after a couple of holes your shoulder may get sore. The lip of the dust shield did also lightly scuff the matte ceiling paint, but not enough that I bothered to touch it up.

Hey I have one of those! Used it for my in ceiling speakers, a must have if you have many to do :D

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/Mr_Mike_P/0027704.jpg

picked this set up for $100! (brand new)

Great deal. I have the same drills, but I spent about $100 buying two batteries a while ago.

Ok, we have a tool thread...

and Biggie hasn't posted a pic of his (in)famous napkins...
and CJ hasn't posted a pic of his level...
and Gonzo hasn't posted a pic of his ladder...

:(

Speaking of tools, this is the best tool rack I've ever owned (Costco - $149). The stuff on it helps too. ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=144703&stc=1&d=1244427594

Speaking of tools, this is the best tool rack I've ever owned (Costco - $149). The stuff on it helps too. ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=144703&stc=1&d=1244427594

So, uh ... what your favorite brand of tools? :rolleyes:

My moneys on Ryobi for his favorite brand.

jeese Stamp... you push that tool bag everywhere you go ;)

I had some fun today making this : http://wiremunky.com/?p=306

It's a photo gallery of every tool bag/box i have ever owned. Luckily i start a new project wednesday, it should help keep me off the forums for a while :).

My moneys on Ryobi for his favorite brand.

I was going with Rigid, with Milwaukee a close second. :D

Regards,

RTROSE

So, uh ... what your favorite brand of tools? :rolleyes:Festool. Unfortunately, I didn't know that before I bought all the yellow stuff. :)

Speaking of tools, this is the best tool rack I've ever owned (Costco - $149). The stuff on it helps too. ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=144703&stc=1&d=1244427594

WOW. Someone went to the Black and Decker, I mean Dewalt store!

I do really like that Festool vacuum thingie by the rack!

:D

CJ

This thread looks really familiar. I tried to search for the old thread that we had a year or so ago but I came up with NADA!

My favorite tool has varied by the phases I was working in. I really liked my miter saw and stand while framing, the wire tester when doing electrical, and the drywall lift and these while doing drywall:

http://www.blindmark.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/blind_mark_large.jpg

BUT, I'd have to say that the one tool that saved me many, many hours is this one:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff52/carboranadum/Forum.jpg

I've learned so very much from this community over the 6 years I've been reading. It's saved me 100's of hours of time and I'm sure 1000's of dollars in my build. I'm indebted to those who take the time to document their plans, issues, successes, and challenges. There is NO WAY I would have come this far without the help of this community.

Oh, to see what John's talking about relative to my level, you'll need to read a few posts on my thread starting here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16567724#post16567724

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff52/carboranadum/Other%20Photos/IMG_1033.jpg

CJ

Festool. Unfortunately, I didn't know that before I bought all the yellow stuff. :)

Look at the bright side, you save a couple $1000!

It sounds plain, but I don't think I can complete a job without a carpenter's pencil. Everytime I grab a regular pencil it seems to roll away from me. Beyond that very boring item, my next favorite very boring tool is a speed square. On to the real stuff, I love the mitre saw, can't imagine a job without it now.


A tool question for you folks. Old tools versus new tools. I have an old hammer, that I just love. 22oz, the perfect balance for me, and no actual performance problems - just ugly (paint on it, cuts and scratches, and so on.) A family member (who shall not be named to protect... well me) bought me a nice shiny new hammer. Same weight, seems balanced ok, something just isn't quite right.

So my question is, for hand tools like that, when you get a good one, do you keep it around forever? Would you rather keep your old, beat up, tool that "fits you" or have a new one?

So my question is, for hand tools like that, when you get a good one, do you keep it around forever? Would you rather keep your old, beat up, tool that "fits you" or have a new one?

I would rather get a new one, realize that the old one is better and go back to using it. I tend to purchase tools in multiples and just keep the ones that work best (not sure where the other ones end up).

CJ

I have my grandfather's hammer - oak handle, unknown weight...but just seems perfectly balanced. He gave it to my dad and my dad gave it to me. I also have a relatively new 22oz $20 hammer...but have never used it. I'm sure it would be easier and faster...but it just doesn't feel "right."

What stapler are people using for stapling GOM to their furring strips?

the porter cable upholstery stapler. So far 40,000 staples and not one misfire or jamb.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FIGHK8xXL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

What stapler are people using for stapling GOM to their furring strips?

I was just shopping for one, and wanted pnuematic, but the cheapest one I saw was $119. I ended up going with an electric one for $30. Haven't used it yet and can still return it if you guys feel it was a big mistake? My thinking was that for $30 all it had to do really was my screen and the GOM to pay for itself.

Any thoughts on electric vs. Pnuematic?

I was just shopping for one, and wanted pnuematic, but the cheapest one I saw was $119. I ended up going with an electric one for $30. Haven't used it yet and can still return it if you guys feel it was a big mistake? My thinking was that for $30 all it had to do really was my screen and the GOM to pay for itself.

Any thoughts on electric vs. Pneumatic?

I have an electric unit and ended up getting a air one instead. The electrical one isn't strong enough to drive the staple all the way into hard wood. I forget the brand, could be "Arrow" or something like that? My compressor driven one has no such problems.

I have an electric unit and ended up getting a air one instead. The electrical one isn't strong enough to drive the staple all the way into hard wood. I forget the brand, could be "Arrow" or something like that? My compressor driven one has no such problems.

+1

I bought an electric stapler years ago for a project, and I struggled through it. Haven't used it since.

Thanks Michael and Brian. I thought that would be the story. So why do I try to be cheap anyway? :)

Anyone got a source on one that is less than the $119 I've seen?

I have the same one Big mentions. I think I bought mine for like 80 bucks from Amazon. I have only used to upholster a head board and it is was fast and flawless. Many moons ago I had an electric one and there is really no comparison.

edit- here is a link to the PC stapler
(http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-US58-22-Gauge-C-Crown-Upholstery/dp/B00004SBC3/ref=dp_cp_ob_hi_title_1)

I bought mine on Amazon. I just looked, and it is $86.13 with free shipping.

And mine does misfire, but it's because I need to clean it. I used it to staple down some of the roofing felt, so the hammer thingy that drives the staple kept driving into the asphalt paper. There formed a thin coating of bitumen in the hammer and it would occasionally get stuck without letting the staples advance. I just need to clean it with a Q-tip and some pitch remover.

Other than that, though, I've had no trouble with it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Johnsteph10/Basement%20HT/P1010178.jpg

I am totally in awe of Makita's saws -- It cuts through 2x10 PT like butter. I'm able to cut literally paperthin (as in I can see through it) slices. I'm coming from a Ryobi/Delta saws in past...and this is great.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GY4RHKSNL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

is what I bought. It's more expensive (~$120) but I figured the flexibility of being able to use different staple lengths would be worth it in the long run.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Johnsteph10/Basement%20HT/P1010178.jpg

John - what stand is that?

Staplers - I have a Porter-Cable stapler but it's only a 1/4" crown model so it was not good for GOM.

I went to Harbor Freight and bought their "commercial duty" 1/2" crown stapler for $29.95. Oddly, it looks exactly like their $19.95 non-commercial duty stapler.

When I bought it, I figured that even it I had to buy 2 of them it would still be a lot cheaper than a name brand upholstry stapler.

Anyway, I've shot over 25,000 staples with it and have had zero problems. I don't like their cheap tools but for this purpose it worked out great.

Btw - they also sell the staples at a very reasonable price.

Cathan - John's stand appears to be for his miter saw. You can see the extensions with the rollers on them.

It looks like a nice one.... I have one for my dewalt but it doesn't fold up as nicely as John's.

I love the wheels on it. I SOOO wish my miter stand had wheels. It folds up fine, but it is just a big bulky aluminum saw horse-looking thing. That is sweet that you can leave the miter saw attached to the stand and just wheel it around.

John - what stand is that?

Michael -- is the Ridgid MSUV (miter saw utility vehicle) - got it at HD on closeout for $139. It's the only one I could find that had everything I wanted...especially with solid rubber tires for easy movement. It has a heavy-duty spring assisted lever to make it easy to setup/fold down. It also has roll out shelves for holding long pieces of trim/lumber.

It is heavy as all get out but it really makes using/storing a rather large saw a piece of cake. I can't recommend it high enough.

Thanks. The tires is what caught my eye. It would make storing my saw a ton easier.

I've got one of those Ridgid MSUV's and it's awesome. Highly recommended.

Anybody use a Paslode upholstery stapler? if so, how do they compare to the PC? The Paslode's are in stock at HD's here in Canada for $75 or so.

Any recommendations on a jig saw?
I'm in need of a jig saw for a non-HT project (present for my wife).
I had an older Skill brand but it didn't really have any power behind it.
I don't us one a lot but I might as well buy quality.

Paul

Jigsaws - I like the Bosch I have... you can plunge it right into the wood very easily.

Staplers - I have a Porter-Cable stapler but it's only a 1/4" crown model so it was not good for GOM.

I went to Harbor Freight and bought their "commercial duty" 1/2" crown stapler for $29.95. Oddly, it looks exactly like their $19.95 non-commercial duty stapler.

When I bought it, I figured that even it I had to buy 2 of them it would still be a lot cheaper than a name brand upholstry stapler.

Anyway, I've shot over 25,000 staples with it and have had zero problems. I don't like their cheap tools but for this purpose it worked out great.

Btw - they also sell the staples at a very reasonable price.

So the 1/2" crown works that much better for GOM?

Any recommendations on a jig saw?
I'm in need of a jig saw for a non-HT project (present for my wife).
I had an older Skill brand but it didn't really have any power behind it.
I don't us one a lot but I might as well buy quality.

Paul

I agree, I think Bosch Makes the best Jig saw.

Note that there are two types, the one with the handle top where you have pull the trigger to power it, and the one with a barrel grip, where you flip a switch to power it.
I personally prefer the barrel grip one, as it's easier for me to control without having to squeeze a trigger, but get the one you're most comfortable with...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Johnsteph10/Basement%20HT/P1010178.jpg
.

That folds up nicer than expected. There is a crazy expensive Bosch one that I have been eyeing for a long while, but could never justify the $300 price. I am re-organizing my garage workspace, might need to consider that Rigid - although by me its $180.

I used the Craftsman 1/4 in. Crown 18 ga. Stapler only $90.00 plus the air compressor. I have gone through at lease 50,000 staples. Used the staples to hold up the radiant barrier, insulation, sound board and the GOM. So it got used alot!

I agree, I think Bosch Makes the best Jig saw.

Note that there are two types, the one with the handle top where you have pull the trigger to power it, and the one with a barrel grip, where you flip a switch to power it.
I personally prefer the barrel grip one, as it's easier for me to control without having to squeeze a trigger, but get the one you're most comfortable with...

I second that exact recommendation.

A 1/2" crown staple is better for fabric simply because the wider spacing helps keep the material from tearing from one hole to the other.

Jigsaws - I like the Bosch I have... you can plunge it right into the wood very easily.

Plunge? This is possible with a jigsaw? I must thinking something different

You can rotate a jigsaw into wood. Start with the saw tipped forward so the blade is almost parallel with the material, then rotate on slowly. The blade will plunge into the wood until it's in it's normal perpendicular position.

Have never even thought to try this ;). If the need ever surfaces I will give it a try!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Johnsteph10/Basement%20HT/P1010178.jpg

John - what stand is that?

I picked up one of these when I got my 10" Ridgid Miter Saw at HD as a package - and I love it. The best part about it is that the sliding bars that attach to the base are very adjustable, so you can use any brand mitre saw (or other tool) with the base.

I also have a Rigid MSUV, and I could not imagine working without it.

I'm on the RIGID TS wagon, TS 3650.

I used a cheap Sears 10" bench saw on a stand to build a 14' entertainment center a couple of years ago and what a pain.

SWMBO watched me struggle and came home with a new TS. :D

Great cuts, I can handle full sheets of plywood after adding an extension table to it.

Also on the list:

Freud SD200 Stacked Dado kit
and the Porter Cable compressor kit.

That folds up nicer than expected. There is a crazy expensive Bosch one that I have been eyeing for a long while, but could never justify the $300 price. I am re-organizing my garage workspace, might need to consider that Rigid - although by me its $180.

As someone who has the Bosch portable table saw that uses the same folding mechanism, I'm sure that the Bosch miter saw stand is sweet. Reading the online reviews it sounds like Rigid made changes to the design that were not well received. And the equivalent Dewalt stand isn't as portable and seems to have quality control issues.

This Milwaukee Milwaukee kit (http://www.toolauthority.com/Milwaukee-0926-24.html) was my best buy (FYI, this link is just the only place I could find the Ni Cad battery version, not the place that I got it) I got it on close out at Home Depot for $272, which was a great buy. The batteries are GREAT and every tool has TONs of power. Battery run time seems good and it is 1.5 years old and battery life is still good.

I also have a Rigid MSUV, and I could not imagine working without it.

+1 on the Rigid MSUV...

I went to Harbor Freight and bought their "commercial duty" 1/2" crown stapler for $29.95. Oddly, it looks exactly like their $19.95 non-commercial duty stapler.

When I bought it, I figured that even it I had to buy 2 of them it would still be a lot cheaper than a name brand upholstry stapler.

Anyway, I've shot over 25,000 staples with it and have had zero problems. I don't like their cheap tools but for this purpose it worked out great.

Btw - they also sell the staples at a very reasonable price.

+1

I haven't shot 25,000, but otherwise the same experience.

A friend did have one of their older staplers fail (I don't think she's clear on the concept of oiling pneumatic tools), but for $20 who cares?

Some really nice toys described here.

Never having used the Festool products, I thought it was kind of a gimmick, but that track saw could really come in handy, even before I start my HT construction. My attic needs more flooring.

I really love my lineman's pliers - just an awesome hand tool.
http://www.drillspot.com/pimages/2553/255357_300.jpg

Though the Dewalt cordless drill would be my essential tool.

/http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Johnsteph10/Basement%20HT/P1010178.jpg

I thought I'd shoot the board a heads up on the Rigid sale currently going on at HomeDepot ....in Ontario Canada anyway.

I just bought this same stand for $135cdn, and cannot simply rave enough about the customer service I got from the Rigid Rep.

I picked it up first thing this morning to ensure that there would be some in stock. Unfortunately, my particular one had several minor blemishes. I happened to be back in the area and decided to stop back in to see if maybe it was a B-stock sale. Anyways, I explained my situation to the rep, and he offerred to open a second box to inspect a replacement. Once we comfirmed the condition. He then immediately packed up his truck and followed me home to take back the original and set up the replacement.

30 mins later after he left, I got a knock on my door. It was the rep, with the bag of bolts and the assembly instructions that we left at HomeDepot while we had the replacement's box open.

If the sale price wasn't enough....you got to hand it rigid's customer service.

+ 1
Had mine for 3+ years now, (probably 30K+ nails) used it the whole time we framed my house, cant say enough about it.. never a problem

My "New Favorite" Tool.. Track Saw.. Fast, Light, portable, extremely easy to use and Very accurate. Eliminated wrestling 4x8 sheets on the table saw.
http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/Bradathomedotcom/ris038.jpg
Brad

I'm considering buying either a track saw or a table saw. I need something to cut 4x8 sheets of MDF, and was originally thinking of using my circular saw for this. However, I think I may not be able to get a smooth cut, even with a guide like this:

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654719

But the track saw just seems to have a singular purpose, whereas the table saw seems to have many more uses.

How did people make the decision to buy the track saw?

Full sheets of MDF are still pretty unwieldy on a table saw. I find it easier to break them down with a circular saw and then cut to final dimensions on the table saw.

But the track saw just seems to have a singular purpose, whereas the table saw seems to have many more uses.

How did people make the decision to buy the track saw?

Just build your own track. It takes about an hour to do.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/mdrueen/IMG_0012-2.jpg

I have two - one for short cuts and another for 8' lengths.

That Rigid sale is Canada only it looks like.

Anyway, Sears has some items on sale. Because I dont know much about these tools and really wont use them a ton, I still see them having some general value around the house. Therefore, I was thinking about spending a few bucks to get a table saw and a miter saw, just to have.

HD has some Ryobi tools, for $115 each for a 10" Miter and table saw and then Sears has a Craftsman Miter and table saw for $130 each.

These are certainly low end on the price scale, but how are they as far as quality? I dont need to pay extra for features I will never use. As it is, I will most likely only use these items a few times here and there for small projects. Spending 300 per tool is a waste for me.

Just wanted to get some feedback, to see if these lower priced items are even worth it. Or am I better off not having them at all? Or, if you have a similarly priced alternative, I am all ears. Thanks.

whats the best fixed base/plunge router combo to go with? My cheap POS B&D plunge router has already crapped out on me.

Any good suggestions....

Those little impact drivers are the best tools ever. They will even drive large lag screws. Using deckmate screws with the star head. (I really miss the old deckmates that used a square drive)



Favorite:
While it's a toss up between the nailgun and my mitersaw for the tools I use the most, my favorite has been my new Bosch impact driver. I now pop bits in and out without dealing with my screwgun's chuck, it's super light, compact, fits on my tool belt hostler like a six shooter, and it keeps my elbow from flaring up because of how easily it drives screws.

http://bosch.cpotools.com/images/product/medium/ps40-2a.jpg

whats the best fixed base/plunge router combo to go with? My cheap POS B&D plunge router has already crapped out on me.

Any good suggestions....

I sure like my DeWalt 621 plunge. The dust collection works real well too!
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/jeffcjeffc/P4270323.jpg

Some info (http://www.patwarner.com/dw621.html)

I actually want to replace my table saw with a track saw. My table saw is small and a pain to use, especially with 4 x 8 sheets. Until now, I thought Festool was the only maker. Didn't realize there was a Dewalt.

I'm considering buying either a track saw or a table saw. I need something to cut 4x8 sheets of MDF, and was originally thinking of using my circular saw for this. However, I think I may not be able to get a smooth cut, even with a guide like this:

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654719

But the track saw just seems to have a singular purpose, whereas the table saw seems to have many more uses.

How did people make the decision to buy the track saw?

I have this track saw as well but also have a pretty nice table saw. If I were to only have one or the other it would have to be a table saw hands down. However, the plunge track saw is a great tool and is very nice being able to bring this kit to the wood vs bring the wood to the saw. I no longer fret about sheet goods and sure makes this process very easy to deal with. But being a tool junkie- it was a must have for me :eek:

I actually want to replace my table saw with a track saw. My table saw is small and a pain to use, especially with 4 x 8 sheets. Until now, I thought Festool was the only maker. Didn't realize there was a Dewalt.
As a note Makita has one now as well

As a note Makita has one now as well

The Makita one was the version I was thinking of buying: for around $500, I could get the saw and a track long enough to cut eight foot sheets. On the other hand, for almost "nothing", I could make a guide for my circular saw and use the guide and saw to cut eight foot lengths of MDF. I would need to make the guide and make it so that the saw doesn't wander away from the guide. The choice is between spending 4 hours or so making the guide and testing it (and perhaps having it fail), or spending an hour or so going to buy a new track saw. That, and trying to justify the cost on a track saw that's really awfully one-dimensional in its uses.

Especially when if I'm not too concerned about waste, I could simply cut the sheets using my circular saw, and just cut so that there's an extra inch or so of material and make the cut by hand. Then, I put this cut section on my new table saw, and cut it there. A reasonably good table saw and stand can be had for the same price as the Makita track saw and track.

It's a tough call.

my trusty framming hammer

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t241/hlomax/Framing_hammer.jpg

and
my black and decker 3/8 corded drill


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t241/hlomax/blackdeckerdrill.jpg


PS .. I know I said two but I must be allowed to add this one very important tool!!!

Let me add that without this one nothing would have gotten done!!!!!!!!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t241/hlomax/black_decker_autotape.jpg

I've used a whack load of time and money saving tools, but nothing says fast more than this fella... I painted a 4000 square foot home (interior) two coats, plus ceilings on 3 floors in one day... 57 gallons of paint... Catch me if you can:):):)

http://i38.tinypic.com/2s6ttmf.jpg

What kind of compressor is that used with?

What kind of compressor is that used with?

A very big one I bet =P

If you don't have a Fein MultiMaster then get one:
http://www.homeandgarden.com.au/images/catalogue/fein4.jpg

You won't know how you ever went without it for so long.

What kind of compressor is that used with?

Looks like that thing hooks up to a paint pump that pressurizes the paint in the feed line to the gun.

If you don't have a Fein MultiMaster then get one:

You won't know how you ever went without it for so long.

It didn't take long for word to spread and now there are several versions of this tool on the market, Fein is the most expensive. Not sure that it performs better than the others. If you need to remove grout you need this tool!

It didn't take long for word to spread and now there are several versions of this tool on the market, Fein is the most expensive. Not sure that it performs better than the others. If you need to remove grout you need this tool!

It's actually been around for 40 years and the last patents just ran out. Everyone is jumping on-board. This tool can plunge-cut in close quarters - does what no other type of tool can do.

Yep, I have the cheap ($40 vs. $500) Harbor Freight version of this tool. It's great for occassional use, but it vibrates a lot more than the Fein.

CJ

If you don't have a Fein MultiMaster then get one:
http://www.homeandgarden.com.au/images/catalogue/fein4.jpg

You won't know how you ever went without it for so long.

Would that thing cut tile (say, an inch or so of tile) that's been bonded to cement? I tried using a diamond tipped blade for my rotozip, which works, but takes an incredibly long time. I searched for tile cutters for the Fein, but these seem to be blades for removing grout or the bonding agent on the tile, but not for the tiles themselves (at least I didn't see this -- a lot of the links for this tool appear to be in the UK for some reason).

Would that thing cut tile (say, an inch or so of tile) that's been bonded to cement? I tried using a diamond tipped blade for my rotozip, which works, but takes an incredibly long time. I searched for tile cutters for the Fein, but these seem to be blades for removing grout or the bonding agent on the tile, but not for the tiles themselves (at least I didn't see this -- a lot of the links for this tool appear to be in the UK for some reason).

I think they make a blade for that but you might want to try a 4" grinder with a diamond blade

I think they make a blade for that but you might want to try a 4" grinder with a diamond blade

Thanks, that was my first choice.

However, without a doubt my favorite tool would have to be this one.

http://www.tdiinternational.com/images/wire-strippers/12-40-wire-stripper_copy.gif

It is a wire stripper that just plain works. It strips the insulation everytime without dicking up the conductor and strips it to the right length. It even leaves the stripped insulation sticking off the end of the wire so you can grab it and throw it away instead of having to pick the little pieces of insulator off the floor or out of the carpet.

You can just move from 14 GA solid to 12 GA solid to 14 GA stranded and keep on stripping without adjusting or making sure you have the wire lined up in the right slot. Just grab the wire like you are grabbing it with the end of a pliers and squeeze the handle together until it clicks – stripped and ready for termination.

The cutting edge is made up of a bunch of individual teeth that conform around the wire as you squeeze so it cuts the insulator all around the wire instead of just cutting it on two sides and then ripping the rest away.

I actually “acquired” it from at my old job, it was in a box of sample wire from a vendor and sat in my office desk for a year or two before I tried it and realized how great it works, it then quickly found its way into my home toolbox.

A quick search on the web found this site:

http://www.tdiinternational.com/usr/handtools/wire-strippers/self-adjusting.html

The price seems pretty steep for what it is, but if I stripped a lot of wires, I’d pay for it.

-Suntan

Based on this review, I bought one of these. My opinion of this tool is that it's a piece of junk. I was not able to get it to work, regardless of how I changed the settings. Furthermore, the adjustable part of this kept moving around, and I was constantly adjusting it.

Is there a trick to using this tool? I gave up and went back to my old tools.

Based on this review, I bought one of these. My opinion of this tool is that it's a piece of junk. I was not able to get it to work, regardless of how I changed the settings. Furthermore, the adjustable part of this kept moving around, and I was constantly adjusting it.

Is there a trick to using this tool? I gave up and went back to my old tools.

I don't know about that wire stripper, but I can tell you I've heard a lot of good things about these types of strippers (wire):

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Pro-Grade-Self-Adjusting-Cable-Stripper/dp/B000IYTCG6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1260999094&sr=1-1

Much cheaper to boot.

I don't know if the wire stripper is the exact duplicate of mine (Paladin made in West Germany it that old). But mines a fantastic stripper, but I only use it on fine wires when I building audio boards and cables. Lots of copies around now. Never even thought of using it on AC power wires.

Darn tools are so expensive, but I hate to cheap on a big piece. Pneumatic nailer, I went cheap, but am yet to use, but still, I hope it works out. As for a miter saw, I have been eying the craftsman ones and their sales, but decided I might as well go with a 12" and by the time I do that I might as well pay a little more for a trusted brand like dewalt. Some have been slamming them lately, but I love my 18 volt drill from them, so I hope I like the DW715 miter saw that santa is bringing just as much. On sale at Lowes plus 10% off coupon, it came out cheaper than the refurb on Amazon, so I hope I am happy with it. Next summer I need to put shelves in the shed and at some point I need to put some trim around my rack, so I have 2 minor jobs scheduled for it. Sure it is over kill, but isnt much of what we do here over kill...?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3447162601_34be1bd551.jpg

Man if I had a ton of those tools sitting around, I would be starting my theater soon !!!! hehe (the main tool everyone here needs to start theirs)

How many 100's are in the photo?

18:eek:

That about bought me all my tools for this project...