jtkendall

I really hope they come out with some slim 3.0 M18 batteries, I have a 1.5Ah and 2.0Ah slim pack and I want more for when I have to use something a few times and not all day. The big 3.0's that came with the jig saw just make a heavy tool even heavier, I can't imagine running a 9.0 on it.

My main platform is Milwaukee M12 because that's what most of my tools are. I'm slowly upgrading to M18 tools and adding in tools from other brands; I don't think I will invest in another 12v platform except maybe just a Fein MultiTalent. My brushed M12 drill will probably remain my only drill until I have a need for a hammer drill or it breaks, however I've replaced the brushed M12 impact with a brushed Makita 18v version.

Anyone here used the Ryobi biscuit joiner? How did it do? It's $70-80 less than the price of the Makita and Dewalt corded versions which makes it appealing especially when I won't necessarily be using biscuits on a daily basis.

I like the idea, but not the price. I can get a gas powered zero-turn for less than it from Toro, or a John Deere one for a little more. A John Deere in a similar style is a grand less, so they would have to drop the price to that level for me to even consider it. Their battery powered push mowers seem reasonably priced and I'll probably look into them come Spring since my mower is on it's last leg.

I don't know if it's normal, but I had the same thing going on when I charged my 2.0 and 3.0 batteries with the fuel gauge yesterday. The red indicator was on for almost the entire charging time and the gauge was at 4 when I checked them near the end of the normal charging times. I know the 2.0 was almost entirely dead when it went on, the 3.0 was at 3 bars. I was also using the DC18RC charger

I pulled out everything I had at the time except the 2-1/4 HP EVS Multi-Base Router kit to take this photo back in the beginning of October for an Instagram contest. It won me a free 9.0 battery. Everything stays in a case or bag at the moment unless I'm using it, once I get the garage setup as a shop I'll have things in their own area. I'll pull everything out and get an updated "family photo" then. The only decision I'm not happy with is the SDS hammer, I should have bought the the M18 Fuel version instead of corded and I probably should have picked the regular handle over the D-handle. A few weeks ago I got the idea to move my batteries to a Milwaukee organizer with some Kaizen foam. Original Idea before the foam arrived: Final layout after I received 2 more 9.0 batteries: 6x 1.5Ah M12 batteries, a rapid charger and 3x 9.0Ah M18 batteries. Plenty of power in an easy to carry box. I'll probably start replacing the 1.5 batteries with compact 3.0 batteries.

That sucks, I hope it shows up soon. I received one last week as part of a prize package. The light that is also supposed to come as part of the prize wasn't available at their office to send out, but the batteries were readily available according to the message I received from them today. Hopefully since they have them readily available in the US it means they've received them in Canada and can get them out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was wondering this too, good to finally know the answer as well as get some ideas for how to use it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol. I was looking at drill kits just as a cheap way to get into other battery platforms before Christmas. A holiday sale made a impact driver kit the same price as the drill. I need it more often than a drill, so I have a new battery platform to throw money at. I want the Ridgid cordless router so I'll probably be using a drill kit as a way into that platform. If they don't make the tool you want in a kit, the drill kit is the way to go because it's going to be cheaper than buying a battery and charger most of the time. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've heard both good and bad things about them but figured at $6 it was worth it to have some bits in the case until I figure out if it's going in my bag with my M12 drivers and bit kits or in a different bag. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was hoping for a side handle to the face so at least one of them got some sense knocked into them. The first one needs to learn the difference between a model number and a serial number. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Today's haul includes: - Dewalt Concealer Goggles - Radians reusable plastic ear plugs - Makita Double-Ended Power Bits - Makita 2.0Ah 18v Battery - Makita XOB01Z 18v Cordless Sander Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I change my own oil and try to do as much work on my own even when going to a mechanic might be faster or easier. The only time it sucks is when it's cold out since I don't have a garage that you can park a vehicle in. My truck has 280K+ miles on it and I like using extended mileage 15K oil and filters so I don't have to do changes often. I've replaced the starter and o2 sensors since I've had it, but for a 20yr old truck it runs pretty well. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's very true, if it lasts a year it'll have paid for itself in time saved. I didn't realize how long Wen had been around until today, so that's reassuring. I think I'll give it a shot and see how it does. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I imagine the 8" can't be much different if at all quality wise compared to the larger versions. I had never heard of Wen before spotting them on Home Depot, but that's likely a case of me just browsing for specific brands. I saw some reviews on Wen products about damage, but it looks like all of them occurred during shipping so if I buy in store or inspect the package carefully before accepting delivery I should be able to reduce the chance of receiving a damaged unit. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyone have any experience with the WEN 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press (http://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-8-in-5-Speed-Drill-Press-4208/204853910) or WEN products in general? I don't currently see a need for anything larger than this bench top model and 2" of spindle travel should be plenty for the kind of projects I want to build. It looks pretty straight forward and is only $72 which fits in my budget nicely.

Today I had a chance to use my Dewalt 611 router to round over some Flame Birch (aka Curly or Figured Birch) and some Olivewood that are destined to be cheeseboards. There's more work to be done to them but my sander isn't here yet. I need to use it more and figure out the best speed for different woods, it's probably going to end up in a router table in the future since I mainly use it for round overs. Also figured out that the Milwaukee M18 Compact Blower is good for blowing away copious amounts of sawdust. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I didn't see this posted yet, but the M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Rocket LED Tower Light Kit is on special buy at Home Depot for $199 with a charger and 5.0 battery through January. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Rocket-LED-Tower-Light-Kit-2130-20P/207121220?MERCH=REC-_-rv_homepage_rr-_-NA-_-207121220-_-N Online my local HD listed it at the $249 price, but changing stores showed the discounted price. Not sure if it's a fluke with my store or only some stores are offering it. None of the local stores have them in stock so I have to order online anyway.

They have sales people in Michigan that are actively selling to customers so they have to charge sales tax even though they have no physical stores there. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! He is, he's @justinkendall on here, I don't think he's done an intro post though.

I almost preordered the blower bare tool last night. I need a blower but between the Festool Pro 5 preorder fiasco and the fact that come January there will probably be snow on the ground I'm holding off until Spring. The blower and string trimmer are both on my to buy list though. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Christmas was mostly cash or gift cards because I'm not easy to shop for. People could take guesses at tools but the only one who could actually get me tools and know I don't have them is my brother. He picked me up a Makita XDT111 kit since I don't have a 18v impact driver and wanted to get into a new battery line up. I turned the cash and gift cards (except the Petco one) into new tools. I picked up a Makita XOB01Z cordless sander, a 2.0 Makita 18v battery, ear plugs, double-ended Makita impact bits, and a pair of Dewalt Concealer safety goggles. I was planning on getting the Milwaukee cut out tool and their corded random orbit sander, but didn't want to spend more than I had received and Acme Tools had a $25 Makita coupon that made it a better decision. I can walk into Home Depot and pickup the cutout tool any day and I don't really need it at the moment like I do a sander. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hello all, my name is Josh, I am a software developer (websites and iPhone apps) who is making the transition to full time woodworker. I started a tool review website earlier this year to make me write more, to keep notes on different products, and most importantly to share my experience using specific tools with others. I am heavily invested in Milwaukee tools, but own a Dewalt 611 router, and just received a Makita XDT111 Impact Driver Kit for Christmas. I already ordered some more Makita tools, and I am planning to purchase a Dewalt 745 or possibly the Flexvolt table saw and a thickness planner. So I'm not just sticking to one brand. I look forward to interacting on these forums and hopefully helping answer questions on things I know. If anyone has any questions let me know! I'm active on Instagram as@jtkendall and my tool reviews Instagram is @jkendalltools. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk