HouseBlog Headlines - Tools

SketchUp: The Newest Tool for DIY Home Improvement?

With it's latest free tool, Google has the potential to (yet again) revolutionize the way DIYers work and collaborate.

Acquired by Google in March, SketchUp (available in Windows now, with a Mac client coming soon) is a simple yet powerful tool for designing and rendering 3-D models online. Originally intended for professional designers, the tool has proven accessible and popular with amatures as well.

Google's acquisition and subsequent release of a free entry level version has only accelerated that trend. Already, Google has taken steps to increase integration of SketchUp with Google Earth (their more powerful download-version of Google Maps). Even better, they're now offering a searchable SketchUp Warehouse that allows people to upload and download 3-D objects to share and build on with others.

For example, the folks over at MAKE Blog has started a regular feature that highlights how people are using SketchUp to design and then build things like http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2006/04/workbench_plans_made_with_sket.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890">a workbench and a bar.

Here at Houseblogs.net, our members have make occasional reference to using SketchUp for modeling home improvement projects as early as 2005. (You can find references by doing a search for the term using the houseblogs search tool.) There's also been some recent chatter about the tool over in the Houseblogs Forum.

The possibilities of a mass-market tool like this is are pretty inredible. It seems reasonable to expect that the archive of freely-available objects will become a great resource for DIYers who are remodeling or even just redecorating to quickly design a room and then use lamps, couches and a a piano that others have created to quickly and easily mock-up furnishings.

If you're interested in learning about SketchUp, Google has posted a nice overview of the tool and has also set up a SketchUp discussion group where you can share questions and ideas.

Posted on 06/28 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Milwaukee Orbital Jig Saw

It's time for another entry in our series of occasional Tuesday write-ups on the latest new and innovative tools.

This week's feature is the new Orbital Jig Saw from Milwaukee. 

At 6.5 amps and featuring a variable speed trigger that ranges from 0-3000 strokes per minute, this Milwaukee is one for those keen on the bells and whistles.  If you've been thinking for a while that your jig saw really needs LED task lighting, your wait is over.

For me, the nice feature is that this saw uses the same quick-lock mechanism for handling blades as Milwaukee's sawzalls do.  While I appreciate the fact that the twenty-year old old Black & Decker I've borrowed from my father still gets the job done (and the price was sure right) I've grown a bit tired of the hex key locking mechanism.  Quick-locks should go down in the list of great DIY inventions of the 21st century in my book.

Anyway, the Milwaukee comes backed by a five year warranty and should be coming to stores shortly.

Posted on 12/14 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Engraved Tools...Great or Gimmick?

Marketing it as "the newest tool innovation," Craftsman has introduced laser engraving for some of their tools. Is it worth it?

The new feature is available for a variety of their shop tools, although the selection is largely slanted towards the mechanic variety. No custom engraved chop saws here. (They also offer engraving solutions for storage solutions via adhesive name plates.)

Engraving is built in to the cost of the tool, so the extra fee isn't immediately clear. Comparing items, though, a personalized 53 piece mechanics tool set runs $59.99 which its un-engraved sibling would set you back just $39.99. Not a fortune, but the free engraving you get when purchasing other well-known engraved toys.

So, given the premium you'd pay for the pleasure of having your name etched permenantly on your shop tools...is it worth it?

At first I thought it was a bit of a vanity item. Then I wandered through my shop and noticed how many of my tools were probably loaned to me at some point by someone...I think. (Did I buy that halogen lamp or is that the one my dad loaned me....?) Twenty bucks for engraving is definitely less than buying a whole new wrench set, from that perspective. And even if it is a bit of a vanity item, it seems like the perfect quasi-personal birthday gift for the person who has everything (hint, hint, for a few of you reading...you know who you are).

So, I'll give it a mild thumbs up myself. Anyone else have thoughts?

Posted on 10/18 | Comments (6) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Milwaukee Job Saw

A simple tool that capitalizes on the ubiquitous popularity of Milwaukee's recriprocating saw.

Most of us probably know Milwaukee for their category-defining Sawzalls. In working on our Chicago bungalow, a Sawzall was one of our first tool purchases.

The Job Saw builds on that success by providing a hand-powered attachment for taking extra advantage of all those Sawzall blades you have lying around. Just drop any blade in to the Quick-Lok handle (the same fastener as a Sawzall, so no tightening with a hex key required) and your up and running.

At less than $20 over at Amazon.com, it's a minor investment for a pretty versitle cutting tool.

Posted on 10/11 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: New DeWalt 12 inch Miter Saws

I love my DeWalt chop saw, so I was intrigued to hear that they're updating their entire line of 12" miter saws. In addition to some feature tweaks, they're also compatible with DeWalt's new Miter Saw Laser System (a separate $70 add-on).

Details on the full line are after the jump...

Here's the scoop:

  • The DW718 is the top-of-the-line...a double-bevel sliding compound saw. It will cut wider boards than any other model offered because of the sliding mechanism.
  • The DW716 drops the sliding mechanism but keeps the double-bevel (meaning it can't do a miter cut on boards over 10" but it can still
  • The DW715 is the runt of the litter, lacking either the fancy dual-bevel or blade slide of it's bigger siblings. (Translation? It's the only one you can really afford.)

Wondering which features are for you? Wikipedia has a nice tutorial on miter saws that can help.

Posted on 10/04 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Miter Saw Laser Add-On

Already have a miter saw and feeling left out of the laser revolution? Fear not! Irwin has introduced a stand-alone miter saw laser kit to "laser-fy" just about any existing chop saw.

Posted on 09/20 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Monkey Hook

This week's Tools-day is actually kinda a tools-free thing...it's Monkey Hook! What is Monkey Hook, you ask? From the manufacturer's website...

"The Amazing Monkey Hook® is a US Patent-Pending lightweight, super-strong spring steel product that enables anyone to hang a picture, mirror, or wall accessory of up to 50 lbs. securely and in just seconds, with No Tools Needed!!"

Again, kinda a stretch for 'tools-day' but we've almost finished our second floor so I guess we've got hanging pictures on our mind. ;-)

(via BuildingOnline)

Posted on 09/13 | Comments (3) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: National Hardware Show 2005 (Redux)

In case you missed it when we covered it back in May, HGTV is finally getting around to broadcasting their own recap of the 2005 National Hardware Show. It premiered this past weekend, but you can catch it again the next two Sundays at 5pm ET/PT.

Posted on 09/06 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Craftsman Corded Drill with Dual Lasers

Sears is offering 15-ish% off their new Craftsman Professional 3/8 in. Corded Drill, which stands out because it includes a dual laser for eyeballing vertical and lateral alignment.

Mmmmm, lasers....

Posted on 08/30 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Big Lugg Tool Holsters

Big Lugg makes several tool holsters to help carry larger coordless tools on your belt. The Heavy-Duty Multiple Use Power Tool Holder has a swivel mechanism so the tools doesn't fall off when bending over. The Belt Clip Tool Holding System uses a clip and bungee-ball approach.

Reviews on Amazon and Taunton's Breaktime forums suggest they're pretty good, although not practical for the heaviest of tools.

Posted on 08/23 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

 

The remainder of the archive is presented here in condensed form. To read any entry simply click on the date below each headline.

 

Tools-day: Stanley Butt Marker

Posted on 08/16 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Contour Gauge

Posted on 08/09 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: SawStop, the Safest Tool You Can't Have

Posted on 08/02 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Senco FinishPro 18-Gauge Brad Nailer/Compressor Kit

Posted on 08/02 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Dremel 300 Series

Posted on 07/26 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Milwaukee Super Sawzall

Posted on 07/26 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Hitachi Hammer Drill

Posted on 07/19 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Delta's X5 Shop Tools

Posted on 07/19 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Buy an Invention!

Posted on 07/12 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Milwaukee V28 Lithium-Ion Coordless Series

Posted on 07/05 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Craftsman LED Flashlights

Posted on 07/05 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Stanley Laser Level and Square

Posted on 06/28 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Hitachi 18V Driver Drill

Posted on 06/28 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Rubbermaid Paint Buddy

Posted on 06/28 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Stanley FatMax Hacksaw

Posted on 06/28 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: AKZO's 1-2 Paint Containers

Posted on 06/28 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: 2005 Business Week Design Award Winners

Posted on 06/28 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Stanley Curved Claw Graphite Hammer

Posted on 06/21 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: The Extractor

Posted on 06/21 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Bosch Introducing RFID-Based Theft Deterant System

Posted on 06/21 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: SkewDriver All-in-One Screwdriver Kit

Posted on 06/14 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: All-in-One Square Drive Starter Kit

Posted on 06/14 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Square Drive Screwdrivers

Posted on 06/14 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Square Drive Bits

Posted on 06/14 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Square Drive Screws

Posted on 06/14 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Craftsman Father's Day Sale at Sears

Posted on 06/07 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Craftsman Pro Laser Track 2-in-1 Jig Saw

Posted on 06/07 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Steel Sandpaper

Posted on 06/07 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Craftsman at Kmart

Posted on 06/01 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Ready-To-Roll Paint Tray

Posted on 05/31 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Nail Master 2

Posted on 05/31 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: New Craftsman Sanders

Posted on 05/31 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Lowe's Tool Clearance

Posted on 05/24 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Stapler/Nail Gun

Posted on 05/24 | Comments (2) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Home Depot

Posted on 05/23 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

The Whovel. Impressed?

Posted on 05/19 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Revenge of the Hardware Show

Posted on 05/19 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Laser-Enabled Tools

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Thread Repair Tool

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: "The Annihilator" Reciprocating Saw Blades

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Kawasaki Brand Power Tools

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: DigiTape

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Hemi Power Tools

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Sabrr 5-in-1 Tape Measure

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Bionic Wrench

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Zircon MultiScanner i700 OneStep

Posted on 05/17 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: 2005 National Hardware Show

Posted on 05/17 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Rousseau Table Saw Stand

Posted on 05/10 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Right-Angle Coordless Drill

Posted on 05/10 | Comments (3) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Miter Saw Utility Vehicle (MSUV)

Posted on 05/10 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Pink Toolbelt

Posted on 05/03 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Barbara K! Tool Kit

Posted on 05/03 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Fein Multi-Master

Posted on 05/03 | Comments (5) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Tomboy Tools

Posted on 05/03 | Comments (1) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day Meets Mothers Day

Posted on 05/03 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Freud Saw Blades

Posted on 04/26 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Nice Price on a 12" Compound Miter Saw

Posted on 04/26 | Comments (3) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Grizzly 10" Woodworkers Table Saw

Posted on 04/26 | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Makita 10" Entry Level Table Saw

Posted on 04/26 | Comments (4) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Cordless Finish Nailer

Posted on 04/19 | Comments (2) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Magnetic Bit Holder

Posted on 04/19 | Comments (3) | Filed under Headlines : Tools

Tools-day: Jobsite Radios

Posted on 04/19 | Comments (4) | Filed under Headlines : Tools