Freud Fusion Trio Saw Blade
/Freud unveiled their new Fusion Trio saw blade at IWF 2014, but is it really any different than their previous 40 tooth combo blades? We've been using one for a few months now. Find out how it fares in the shop.
We love new tools.
GRR-RIPPER Gravity Heel Kit from Micro Jig
/This video is a first look review of the new Gravity Heel accessory for Micro Jig's GRR-RIPPER. The Gravity Heel is a significant upgrade of the trailing hook that comes with the handle bridge kit. Like the trailing hook, it adds a physical pusher below the GRR-RIPPER, but it retracts when the GRR-RIPPER is on top of a piece of stock, allowing it to be used 'hand over hand'.
Rockler's Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp
/Rockler sent us a set of their Auto-Lock T-Track Clamps to review. They are designed to work with the T-Track Stops we reviewed previously, but work great by themselves all around the shop. See how we even use them on the Table Saw!
Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp
Osborne EB-3 Miter Guide
/One of the best ways to upgrade your table saw is to replace the factory miter gauge with an aftermarket upgrade. There are many choices, but the Osborne EB-3 is the only one that isn't based on the traditional protractor design.
Is it really as good as they claim? Osborne Manufacturing provided us with one and we have been using it for a couple months in the shop. Watch the video to see if it really is a new way to work.
Rockler's T-Track Stops
/Rockler sent us their new Stop Kit for their T-Track System. Watch the video to see how Ralph uses them around the shop.
Rockler's Glue Applicator Kit
/Rockler continues to expand their silicone glue tools following the success of their glue brush. Ralph tests and reports on their latest version, the Glue Bottle Applicator Kit in this video review.
Glue Applicator Kit
Crosscut Blade Comparison, Under $80
/Both Irwin Marples and Freud recently sent us their new crosscut blade offerings, so we decided that a head to head comparison was in order. Watch as Ralph tests their cut quality on both the miter saw and table saw in different woods, and compares them for features. Both blades sell for under $80.00 USD.
Irwin Blade- Amazon Irwin Blade- Rockler
Freud Blade- Amazon
Micro Jig's GRR-RIP BLOCK
/Micro Jig sent us a pair of their new GRR-RIP BLOCKs to try out and evaluate for you. These are companions to the GRR-RIPPERs and highly useful when you are not cutting through stock.
Irwin Tool's FK Series of Folding Utility Knives
/Ralph takes a first look at Irwin's FK Series of utility blades. These folding knives use standard utility blades, lock open and have some very useful features. He examines all the features and give you his impressions.
Rockler's Trim Router Circle Jig
/Rockler has released their new Trim Router Circle Jig and they sent me one to try out and review for you. It adds circle cutting capabilities to your Bosch, Porter Cable or DeWalt trim routers.
Some New Ideas in Measuring Tools
/In this video, Ralph reviews the Uniruler folding rule, along with two new tape measure designs from Future Tools LLC.
FastCap's Kaizen Foam
/FastCap's Kaizen Foam offers a fast and easy way to create fitted tool storage in drawers and cases. They sent us a sheet to test and review for you.
Lee Valley Vise Rack Stop
/Clamping parts on one side of your vise can cause it to rack, diminishing clamping force and possibly causing damage to the mechanism. Lee Valley sent us their simple and clever Vise Rack Stop to test and review for you.
Lee Valley's Veritas Front Vise
/Lee Valley's Veritas Quick Release Front Vise features an easy to use quick release lever and very smooth operation. It has been on my bench for years and is still going strong! See how it works.
Veritas Detail Palm Planes
/These may be modern versions of traditional Luthier's Planes, but they are good for much more just instrument making! These tiny planes fit into spaces others cannot.
Veritas Bevel-Up Smooth Plane
/A low angle blade and up-facing bevel make this plane a winner for fine finish work and shooting boards.
FastCap's Square-N-Tape
/Square-N-Tape adds speed square functionality to your favorite tape measure. Watch the video and find out why Ralph thinks this product is a big time saver when framing.
Rockler's Bench Dog Ultra Push-Bloc
/In this video, Ralph reviews Rockler's new Bench Dog brand Push Bloc. Although they won't replace GRR-RIPPERs at the table saw, he finds them useful at the router table.
The Bench Dog branding means you can buy them from Rockler as well as many local hardware stores and home centers.
Veritas Dual Marking Gauge from Lee Valley
/Ralph reviews Lee Valley's Veritas Dual Marking Gauge. Find out how its unorthadox design makes for great flexibility.
Lee Valley's Miter Slot Caliper Holder
/Squaring your saw table to the blade is a critical factor in both the accuracy and safety of your saw. Lee Valley sent me their Caliper Holder to test and review for you.