The folks at Milwaukee are offering one of my newsletter subscribers the chance to win a handful of their hand tools.  This is a great opportunity to win a gorgeous set of hand tools for yourself or significant other.  If all works out you may even get these prior to Father’s Day!!!

To learn more about their demolition screwdriver set click on this link.

Milwaukee PRO Hand Tools Giveaway Description:

Milwaukee has a reputation for making high quality and durable power tools so it was an easy transition for them to focus on quality  hand tools.

We’re not taking about any old hand tool we’re talking about a series of professional grade, heavy duty tools designed after extensive user focused research and designed to solve common job site frustrations.  Solving job site frustrations and finding better ways to get the job done is key here!

Below is a description of the set of hand tools that will be given away.

2 Milwaukee 10IN1 Multi Bit Drivers:

• 10IN1 ECX™ Multi Bit Driver (48-22-2101): 10 functions include ECX™ #1, ECX™ #2, PH #1, PH #2, SL 1/8”, SL 1/4”, SQ #2, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.

• 10IN1 Square Drive Ratcheting Multi Bit Driver (48-22-2302): 10 functions include SQ #1, SQ #2, SQ #3, PH #1 PH #2, SL 1/8”, SL 1/4”, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.

Each tool also features chrome plated bits for marine grade rust protection and magnetic bit retention. Additional inclusions like the wire stripper, loop maker and wrench-ready hex shank provide further job site functionality for increased productivity.

8 Piece Screwdriver Set w/Square Drive

The 8 piece screwdriver set features a barrel handle, anti-roll design tips and forged shanks and heat treated steel caps for increased durability in striking and prying applications.   These drivers were made for the contractor that thinks his screwdriver is also a chisel and pry bars!

The 8 Piece Screwdriver Set w/ Square Drive 48-22-2009 includes:

• SQ #1 (4” Shank),
• SQ #2 (4” Shank),
• SL 1/4” (4” Shank w/ Steel Cap),
• SL 5/16” (6” Shank w/ Steel Cap),
• PH #1 (3” Shank), PH #2 (4” Shank),
• ECX™ #1 (4” Shank)
• ECX™ #2 (4” Shank)

Milwaukee 4PC Nut Driver Set with SAE Universal Driver Head     (48-22-2404)

These nut drivers fit Square, Hex, 12 point & Spline fasteners, and have the ability to remove rusted and stripped bolts.  A 3” hollow shaft design, allows fastening of long bolts or threaded rod applications. The drivers also feature wrench-ready hex steel shanks that are forged and chrome plated for maximum durability and additional leverage.  ID markings allow for fast tool identification.

•  1/4″ x 3″ Shaft Nut Driver
•  5/16″ x 3″ Shaft Nut Driver
•  7/16″ x 3″ Shaft Nut Driver
•  9/16″ x 3″ Shaft Nut Driver

FASTBACK II™ Flip Utility Knife With Storage (48-22-1902)

I can’t say enough about this knife – it’s awesome.  I wrote an article detailing it here:  Milwaukee Fastback Flip Open Knife

In my opinion, there are three features that are worth noting and set this knife apart from the competition:

1. A Tool Free Blade Change:

A push button allows the user to quickly and easily pull the utility blade straight out of the tool.

2. Finger Detent:

A finger detent keeps the users hand from slipping toward the blade and allows for more control and effort to be placed into the cutting application.

3. High Quality Clip:

I can’t tell you how many plastic clips I’ve busted over the years. Milwaukee uses a heavy gauge wire clip that retains it’

s pressure and holds the knife securely ~ well done!

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Giveaway Rules:

In order to enter this giveaway you must follow the instructions below:

1. Subscribe to or be a subscriber to A Concord Carpenter’s weekly newsletter.   

2. Enter your information here:  ENTRY FORM

Extra Entries:

Increase your chance to win with EXTRA entries. Five extra entries are available for each one or of the following.  [Note - repetitive entries with different email address will be deleted]

1.  ”LIKE” ConcordCarpenter on Face Book

2.   Follow ConcordCarpenter on Twitter and Tweet the giveaway and tag :

      WIN A Milwaukee Hand Tool Set Up http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/2013/05/milwaukee-hand-tool-giveaway.html @milwaukeetool

3.   Subscribe To AConcordCarpenter’s YouTube Subscribe Channel [You will receive an notification when a new video review posts]

Entry Dates:

Giveaway ends on May 10th at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will receive an email and be announced on Face Book on June 7th, 2013, winner must respond within 48 hours of first notification to claim prize. Open to 18 yrs old, residents of U.S. and Canada.

Good luck!!

The post Milwaukee Hand Tool Giveaway appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

Bosch Revamps Grinders

I was recently asked to cut four old structural “Lally columns” out of a house and replace them with new columns.

(The term Lally column refers to a round, thin walled structural steel column oriented vertically to provide support to structural spans. A Lally column is filled with concrete to prevent buckling. The advantage of a Lally column over conventional structural steel is that it can be cut to length on a construction site with a plumber’s pipe cutter.

The Lally column is named after its inventor, John Lally, who ran a construction company from 1898 – 1907 in Waltham, MA where I grew up. Thus the origin of the regional construction term, “Lally column.”)

Choosing Your Grinder

As a carpenter I don’t use grinders that often except for occasionally cutting re-bar or structural bolts out of the way. But by happy coincidence the same week I bid the Lally column job the folks at Bosch had asked me to test one of their new grinders.

I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to evaluate a grinder than the need to cut out steel cased and concrete filled columns.

Bosch has recently completely overhauled their grinder line-up and now presents customers with eleven tools to choose from: four slide switch grinders and seven paddle switch grinders.

With this new line Bosch offers a number of different features to meet a variety of user needs – and the promise of more control, more power and more life. I was about to find out if that promise would be kept.

I’ve always believed that you should focus on one product and make it “DIESEL” as opposed to offering numerous versions of the same product. I say this every time I walk into the Cheesecake Factory restaurant and look at their 15 page food packed menu – focus – folks – focus!!!!

The new grinder line up is:

Slide Switch Grinders:

•  AG40-85: 4-1/2-inch angle grinder featuring an 8.5-amp, 11,500-rpm motor;
•  AG50-10: 5-inch angle grinder featuring a 10-amp, 11,500-rpm motor;
•  AG50-11VS: 5-inch variable speed grinder featuring an 11-amp, 2,800 – 11,500-rpm motor;
•  AG60-125: 6-inch high-performance cut-off/grinder featuring a 12.5-amp, 9,300-rpm motor

Paddle Switch Grinders:

•  AG40-85P: 4-1/2-inch angle grinder with paddle switch featuring an 8.5-amp, 11,500-rpm motor
•  AG40-85PD: 4-1/2-inch angle grinder with no lock-on paddle switch featuring an 8.5-amp, 11,500-rpm motor
•  AG40-11P: 4-1/2-inch high-performance angle grinder with paddle switch featuring an 11-amp, 11,500-rpm motor
•  AG40-11PD: 4-1/2-inch high-performance angle grinder with no lock-on paddle switch featuring an 11-amp, 11,500-rpm motor
•  AG50-11VSPD: 5-inch variable-speed angle grinder with no lock-on paddle switch featuring an 11-amp, 2,800 – 11,500-rpm motor
•  AG50-125PD: 5-inch high-performance angle grinder with no lock-on paddle switch featuring a 12.5-amp, 11,500-rpm motor
•  AG60-125PD: 5-inch high-performance cut off/grinder with no lock-on paddle switch featuring a 12.5-amp, 9,300-rpm motor

First Impression:

I chose the AG50-11VSPD paddle switch grinder after trying it out at this years World of Concrete convention in Las Vegas. The Bosch AG50-11VSPD is a 5-inch, 11 amp, variable speed grinder that weighs 6.5 pounds with a 11,500 RPM motor. I felt this grinder was going to be able to easily accomplish my column cutting task.

I really liked the way the paddle handle switch felt and truly believe that the no-lock on switch is the only way to go with grinders.

If pressed to explain this I would have to say that I often use tools in weird positions and in confined spaces. The paddle switch offers a multi-grip that allows me to operate to tool in the front, middle and rear of the grinder housing depending on my body position or need for control.

The paddle switch is nice because I can power on or off the tool from where ever my hand position is. My older grinder had a lock on switch where once turned on, I could move my hands around the body of the grinder but always had to go back to the switch to turn off the tool. I always felt that was a dangerous feature.

I also noticed that Bosch moved their air inlets to avoid the operators’ hands from blocking air flow and overheating the grinder and the side handle has a flexible almost shock absorbing feature to it.

The newer Bosch grinders also have 2 amps more power than previous generation models and improved carbon brushes that are claimed to offer more than double the lifetime of predecessor brushes, which means less downtime for maintenance. They also feature “Bosch Electronics System Plus”: which is an electronic package to protect motor and shut down tool in a sudden bind situation

 Using the Grinder:

Let the sparks fly! I used a Bosch diamond blade on the Bosch AG50-11VSPD grinder and it cut amazingly clean and fast as well as made lots of sparks!

While cutting out four of these columns I noticed several of the safety features. The first feature is that the grinder has a “soft start.” The tool fired up to max speed and was able to maintain its speed during a cut. I literally beat the ass off this grinder trying to get it to bog down. The only time I noticed any effect on my grinding was when the grinders’ electronic clutch engaged. The electronic clutch is a built in safety feature designed to shut the motor down to prevent a bind situation.

The second feature I liked was the grinder’s side handle. Like most grinders the handle can be positioned on either side of the tool but this handle has a flex design built into it. This design is used to reduce vibration from the tool and it works.

Overall Impression:

I was impressed at how powerful and safe the Bosch AG50-11VSPD is. The paddle switch is my switch of choice as I prefer and am a true believer that it is the safest way to operate a grinder. The electronic clutch engaged at least once on each of the four columns I cut out. Having the tool motor shut off as opposed to the tool spin out of your hand is a welcomed advancement to safety.

The post Bosch Grinders appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

A good dust control strategy is essential to being a professional contractor and keeping your customer happy throughout a construction project.

I’ve learned early on that learning how to control remodeling dust by keeping it out of the air and non-remodeled portion of your clients home is often more important than the quality of your work.

There is nothing worse than having to spend an hour or more cleaning the job site after a sanding, cutting or drilling application created airborne dust. Worse yet is to have to pay for a professional to clean the site because the airborne dust you created stetted everywhere in the house.

Dust inhalation can cause occupational asthma, silicosis, cancer and other debilitating respiratory diseases. When cutting masonry and concrete, it is vital to take precautions to protect yourself against the silica in those products.

I’ve written several articles on best practices to control remodeling dust. One of those practices is to capture dust at the source using dust extractor vacuums. This means using a quality tool activated HEPA vacuum to suck up the dust at the source, as it is created.

You can accomplish this two ways:

•  Have a helper hold a HEPA vacuum at the tool making the dust, or;
• Use a tool activated vacuum and a dust extractor hood that attaches to the tool and captures the dust during the cutting or drilling application.

Dust Extraction At The Job Site

Dust control and dust extraction shouldn’t be an afterthought and should be incorporated into your operations to maximize your work along many dust-controlling practices.

If you take the time to tool up properly and set up your construction site for dust extraction and control you will enjoy the following benefits:

•  Save time and money with your clean up time,
•  Increase your production and efficiency
•  Improve your work site air quality, less air pollution
•  Professional approach to your work, impress your customers.
•  A clean and safe working environment
•  Compliance with laws and regulations
•  Improved quality of the finished product

Happy customers become loyal, pay their bills and refer you to other customer.

Capture Dust At The Source

Regardless of whether you’re working in the shop or on a jobsite, a good dust extraction system should start with capturing and removing dust at the source.

Removing airborne dust by capturing it at the source means using a high efficiency vacuum and dust collecting attachments to collect the dust at the blade, sanding pad or drill bit.

Dust Extraction Saves Time And Money

Having a safer, cleaner air environment and less settled dust to cleanup are two things that you and your customers can appreciate. Dust collection practices will separate you from your competition but presenting a complete and professional approach to your dust collection and containment. Another thing to consider is that EPA regulations are moving in the direction of requiring contractors use a HEPA dust containment system.

EPA HEPA Vac requirements

•  Constructed so that 100% of the airflow passes through the filters.
•  HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of all particles of .3 microns or larger.

I use a Bosch Airsweep, model 3931A-PB is a 13 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter on my jobsites. My Bosch HEPA filters exceed the EPA requirement and capture 99.99% of particles that size. (VAC019)

Less Wear And Tear On Tools

Good dust extraction extends the life of your tools by reducing motor heat resulting in dust-induced tool failure.

Purchase Dust Extraction Technology

If you are buying new machines or power tools, look for products that have built in vacuum hoods and ports, which will make your dust collection more effective. For me this means using a tool-activated vacuum with 99.99% filtration efficiency.

Tool activation refers to a built in vacuum feature that allows power tools to plug into the vacuum and remotely turn the vacuum “on and off” with tool activation. My Bosch Airsweep VAC offers “Activation by Power Tool” Mode, a similar feature. Tool activated vacuums will run for a few seconds after the tool is turned off, to clear the hose of dust.

Another feature that my Bosch Airsweep has which I like is Pulse-Clean™ electromagnetic filter cleaning system that is only activated by the vacuum when needed and helps to maintain maximum suction power. This system blows air out of the filters to keep fine particulate dust from covering the HEPA filter and reducing efficiency.

Do Your Homework

Take the time to research and then purchase a vacuum cleaner that is designed for collecting concrete dust, masonry, plaster, wood and other material. Applications for this vacuum should include:

•  Concrete grinders, 5″ with dust evacuation guards
•  Tuck point grinders with dust evacuation guards
•  Masonry saws with dust evacuation guards
•  Sanders, Planers, drills and miter saws

Dealing With Existing Older Tools

Many of my job site tools like my random orbital sander; belt sander, miter saw and planer all have dust bags. These dust bags work ok but are ineffective at collecting and controlling air borne dust. Attaching a vacuum hose to these ports significantly improves the efficiency of the dust collected.

Adding suction to these exhaust hoods or ports creates a dust capture velocity and effectively that grabs and pulls the dust particles away from the cutting or sanding action and into a filtered vacuum canister. Some tools, like plaster sanding and concrete cutting create so much airborne dust that specific hoods should be attached to the tool to create a better more efficient way to trap and collect the dust.

Dust Collecting Accessories

Purchase accessories that fit your tool and are equipped with vacuum ports and hoods on the guards for dust extraction and vacuum hose attachment.

Useful Dust Extractor Features

1. Operation Modes:

Many high quality vacuums offer different modes of operation. This gives you the most vacuuming versatility on the job site and allows you to choose from regular vacuum, power tool activation, and filter cleaning operation.

2. Auto Filter Cleaning:

Filter cleaning is a new feature that many high quality vacuums now have. A built in features blows air through the filter to keep fine particulate from accumulating on the high efficiency filter which maintains your vacuums suction power.

HEPA Filter accompanies dust extraction va

3. Power Broker Control:

Look for a Power Broker™ feature. Power Broker is a Bosch feature that I have on my Bosch Airsweep, model 3931A-PB is a 13 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner.

The power broker feature allocates electric power (15 amps on a 15 amp circuit, 20 amps on a 20 amp circuit) between vacuum cleaner and connected power tool to optimize usage of the available power and avoid blown circuits. Also allows suction control for other purposes as well.

4. Elevated Filter Location:

This feature places the vacuum filters above the maximum dust or water accumulation height to help maintain maximum airflow and suction power.

5. High Capacity Filter:

Fine dust filtration capabilities that captures 99.93% particles of 3.0 microns and larger in diameter is important to capture that fine plaster and concrete dust.

6. Low Amp Motor:

Look for a motor that won’t trip the electrical service breakers when you turn on the tool or run it with other tools. My Airsweep has an 11.1-Amp motor with soft-start and bypass cooling.

The post Dust Extraction appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

Installing A Cupola

I love Cupolas, this article will show you how to How to install a decorative cupola. In my neck of the woods all barns worthy of their salt have a functional cupola an most of them.  

I had the opportunity to rebuild an 80 to 100 year old cupola in historic Concord, Ma center and have since repairs a several other cupolas.

What Is A Cupola?

A cupola can be decorative or functional architectural structures mounted on top of homes and barns and usually centered along the roof ridge line. When functional a cupola is used to ventilate a building or roof area and they are often made from wood, copper or composite materials.  They often come in one piece or if larger two or three pieces.

The cupola in this installation is from a company called Walpole Woodworkers.

Cupolas have three sections:

• base
• louver vents or windows
• finial or weather vane

How To Install A Decorative Cupola

A decorative cupola differs from a functional cupola in that the roofing material and roof sheathing does not need to be cut away to create a vent hole.   these types of cupolas should be installed with step flashing to prevent leaks.

Cupola Install Materials Needed:

1. Pencil
2. 30 foot Tape measure
3. Utility knife
4. Level
5. Jig saw or hand saw
6. Drill with 1/8″ pilot bit
7. Drill driver or screw driver
8. 2-1/2″ stainless screws and 4″ structural screws.
9. Two 24″ pieces of pine or strapping and a screw to make a roof angle finder
10. Exterior wood putty or plugs
11. Silicone caulking and caulking gun
12. Touch up paint
13. Roofing nails and roofing caulk
14. 2×4 material for mounting to roof sheathing
15. Cupola and weather vane if applicable

Decorative Cupola Installation Steps

Locate the Cupola location:

Measure and mark the center of where the cupola will be installed.  If the roof is longer than your tape measure pull two tape measures from opposite ends and determine where the center of the two opposing tapes meet.

Measure left and right to determine the outer sides of the cupola.  Remove only the roof ridge shines.  I cut the center shingle out and then use a nail puller [cat's paw] or a flat bar to remove the roofing nails and ridge cap shingles.  The goal is to try to remove them in one piece so you can use them later for patching, if needed.

Cut and remove ONLY the ridge shingles and / or ridge vent up to the outer edge of where the cupola will sit.

You may need to use the utility knife to trim the shingles back.   Use care not to expose the roof sheathing.  If you do you will need to patch this spot with Vycor rubber flashing tape or flashing and shingles to prevent water intrusion.

Determine the Roof Pitch:

On the ground insert one screw into the ends of the two 24 inch pieces of wood to make a hinge tool to copy the roof pitch.

Bring this bevel up on the roof and lay it over the area where you removed the ridge shingles.

Insure that the angle finder is pressed tightly to the shingles and then insert a second screw to lock in and hold the angle in place.

Once this is complete use a level to mark a plumb line in the center of your ridge and onto your angle finder.  This plumb line will be your top reference line when tracing the cupola.  Bring your angle finder off the roof to the cupola to be installed.

Mark The Cupola Base:

Determine which sides will be the front and back of your cupola.

Measure and draw a center-line on the two opposing bases on your cupola.  This is the two sides that will straddle the roof ridge.

Using your angle finder line up your plumb line on the center line and ensure that the bottom legs of your angle finder line up at the lower corners of the cupola.  Doing this will ensure an accurate and symmetrical cutout.

Mark both sides of the cupola the same way and use a saw to cut out the angle along your marked lines.

If you have a steep roof, greater than 9-12 pitch you may need to install an extended base.

Install Mounting Boards:

Mount four sections of 2×4 blocks on in from your outside exposed edge  of your cupola.  Pre drill your holes in the block and apply silicone to the bottom of the block prior to attaching it to your roofing.

Mount all four blocks to the roof sheathing and try to get the top fasteners into the ridge board.

Position The Cupola On The Roof:

Once you are satisfied with the fit on the roof attache the cupola with two to three stainless steel screws into each mounting block.  Plug or patch the screw holes.  On PVC cupolas I use the Cortex screw and plug system

Apply silicone only to the seams that straddle the ridge and are fastened to the mounting blocks.  This will keep angled water from getting under your cupola and getting to your mounting blocks.

Leave the lower pitches roof edges open to drain any wind driven snow or moisture that may make its way under the louvers.

Use the ridge shingles that you removed, if in good condition, to make any additional patches or to cover and roofing you removed.

The post How To Install A Decorative Cupola appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

Part 1 of 2

A great friend of ours bought my wife and I a beautiful blue, glazed pot for our wedding anniversary. The blue glaze matches the blue tiles surrounding our pool.

My wife has wanted a water feature by the pool for awhile now and asked me to make this glazed pot into a water fountain.

Part of my honey-dew list this weekend was to start building the water feature, similar to the one one shown above, for our back yard.

I decided to construct a disappearing fountain. This will be a great way to add the sound of moving water to the pool area and flower garden in our yard.

Some quick research has shown that a glazed pot is suitable for a fountain and has a life expectancy of 20 plus years.

My vision is for this fountain to have a 3/4″ copper pipe protruding approximately two inches above the rim / water line.

I’m not sure yet if I want the bowl to be completely full of water or whether it will have smooth, round stones in it and water plants around it. I’ll get to that later…

Either way in order for this fountain to overflow, I need a method to collect the overflow and recirculate it through the fountain. This method is called a disappearing fountain basin.

The spot we chose is this corner, to the right of the large stone at the end of the pool deck. [click to enlarge photo]

Choosing Materials

I decided to use the hidden fountain basin. [shown below]

The basin is made of reinforced plastic and the grating is reinforced PVC with a mesh netting covering the grate.

The basin will house the pump, pipe and other connections as well as a reservoir of water for the fountain.

The basin will be buried at ground level and covered with decorative stones. I plan on using Mexican beach pebbles.

The basin has a mesh layer over it to stop small debris from entering it. [below]

Hidden Fountain Pump

I chose to purchase my pump and basin from a local nursery. I chose a Little Giant submersible pump designed for continuous circulation. This pump can handle up to 400 gallons and pumps 475 gallons per hour.

The pump and hose -below.

To keep my options open, I chose a pump powerful enough to push the water above the waterline, if it’s too powerful I will restrict the water flow with a shut off valve that I plan on installing.

I plan on using Algaefix [pond care] to keep the water clean. Algaefix effectively controls different types of algae that plague ornamental ponds and fountains and will not harm plants.

This solution treats 50 gallons of water with one teaspoon, applied once a week.

I want to achieve several things with this project:

1. I want to install a shut off so I can restrict and control the flow of water. [Photo: below red handle]

2. I want to be able to drain and disconnect the pump and bowl for winter storage.

3. I want to hear the splash of the water as the water overflows from the pot.

4. I may try to add an irrigation head or bury the basin close to one so that the water level can be re-filled without dragging out the hose.

I toyed with a variety of connectors before arriving at the final configuration shown below.

Below is the shut off valve that I will use to restrict the water flow. It is important to put anything that restricts the flow of the water after the pumps discharge and not before the intake.

I connected the shut off valve with a pair of 3/4″ x 3/4″ nylon barb adapters and stainless steel clamps. The nozzles had Teflon applied to the threads before screwing them into the shut off valve. [below]

The shut off vale is connected to the pump with 3/4″ hose and a stainless clamp.

At the end of the hose I used a 90 degree, irrigation, elbow insert 1″ x 3/4″.

The PVC elbow connects to a 3/4″ copper threaded male adapter fitting. A short piece of 3/4″ pipe seperates the male adapter from my disconnect fitting.

The disconnect fitting will allow me to drain the pot and remove it for winter storage.

Disconnect fitting shown open. [below]

The final connections shown below. The copper tube will be mounted through the center of the glazed pot.

My next post will show the following steps that need to be completed:

1. Install the hidden basin in the ground

2. Drill a 3/4″ hole in the pot to receive the copper pipe.

3. Epoxy the hole and fill two existing, not centered, holes.

4. Trench an electrical line to the pump. Tie into electrical circuit.

5. Cut an access panel in basin, closest to the electrical source, to allow pump to be serviced and pot to be disconnected.

Continue Reading

Build a disappearing water fountain

The post How To Build A Disappearing Water Fountain appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

By Josh Bordenca

The Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver, model number 25618-01, is Bosch’s fastening driver. This 2,800 RPM/3,200 BPM, 125 foot-pound of torque driving machine will have you cruising fasteners home all day long.

This impact driver has even claimed the title of “Most Compact Impactor” Design. It’s been given a gear box cover for added protection, a built in LED light, a ¼ inch hex drive with quick release, and my favorite part, the impact mechanism is spring loaded reducing user fatigue substantially.

Want more, well here you go:  Externally and easily accessible brushes, a variable speed trigger for those of you who want more control, and heavy duty belt clip. The Impactor also comes with two Bosch Lithium FatPack Batteries, a 30 minute charger, and a pretty decent carrying case. I t’s also up to 25% shorter than its competition as well as up to 25% lighter.

First Impression:  The Bosch “Impactor”

Having the Bosch L-Boxx storage system for most of my tools, the case is not one of those. Now that does not mean I do not like the case, quite the contrary. This tool has a case that is actually well thought out. Everything has a designated place. The only real addition I would make to the case would be a place to put multiple bits so they are not free-floating in the case.

I’ve been testing this Bosch Impactor on multiple projects and honestly the biggest stand-out feature is the spring loaded impact mechanism. Other impact drivers I’ve used have had more vibration through the handle, and actually made a lot more noise. These two topics seem to have been addressed. The high performance motor and all metal gears of the Impactor, tied with the spring loaded impact mechanism have made the Impactor less stressful and straining on my wrist as well as my ears.

At the end of the day it comes down to productivity, Bosch claims that the Impactor is 25% faster than comparable cordless impact drivers, and with a 30 minute charger, run time has increased that much more.  The hammer and anvil system produces 1,500 in.-lbs. (125 ft.-lbs.) of dynamic torque allowing you to apply the correct speed for whatever project you may be on.

This driver is not only user friendly, compact and lightweight, but when you add in the Electronic Cell Protection with Bosch’s new batteries, you’re getting 35% more run time out of each new battery.

Features:

• 2,800 RPM/3,200 BPM
• Hammer and Anvil System Produces 1,500 in.-lbs. (125 ft.-lbs.) of Dynamic Torque
• LED Light
• Spring-Loaded Impact Mechanism
• 1/4″ hex drive with Quick Release
• Externally accessible brushes — For easy brush replacement
• Variable-speed trigger
• Battery Voltage
• Length 5.7″

Overall Impression:

After multiple applications between 3 to 4 inch screws, multiple sized lags, and even longer Timber lock structural screws into LVLs,  I found the Impactor to be lightweight, easy on my wrist, and the variable speed control makes my job that much easier. I may have added one or two more places to secure bits to the actual driver, but that is no deal breaker.

The reduction in user fatigue alone sets the Impactor apart for applying long screws and lags. Less noise and more productivity is a quick recipe to a happier homeowner, and a pleased contractor.

How Much And Where To Buy?

The Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver sells online for $270.00 here:
Bosch-25618-01-18-Volt-Lithium_Ion-Battery

The post Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

Kreg Tool Company recently released their Kreg Automaxx™ Bench Clamp that easily mounts to your workbench and automatically adjusts to the thickness of the material being clamped.

As a carpenter and cabinet maker having clamps like this save you time and money.   The Kreg Automaxx Bench Clamp allows you to set the clamping pressure once using an easy-to-regulate thumbscrew.

After the pressure is set the  Automaxx locks easily and consistently every time and with every thickness.  A large padded jaw easily grab and hold onto material with out leaving impressions on your work.

Automaxx™ Clamps are available in two styles and sizes:

• Automaxx™ Face Clamps take care of handheld clamping needs, while Automaxx™ Bench Klamps work with the Kreg Klamp Plate or Klamp Track to provide an adjustable bench-mounted clamping station.
• The Automaxx™ Bench Klamp come in two different sizes: one has a  3″ reach and a clamp thickness of 2-1⁄2″ thick and the other has a 6″ reach and clamps materials up to 4 – 1⁄4″ thick.

I was intrigued by the fact that you can combine a Bench Klamp with a Kreg Klamp Plate and mount them onto a bench top to create an 360° clamping station.

At $29.99 for the Automaxx Clamp I feel that this may solve many of my hold down needs when planing, cutting or sanding on my bench.  Stay tuned I plan on reviewing these clamps soon.

When I’m working in my shop time is money.  The more effiicient I can be the more product and profit I can produce.   The Kreg Automaxx clamping system is one of those tools that will save you time and money by allowing you to clamp materials faster  and easier than conventional methods. 

This product is a hoome ruin for carpenters, mill work professionals, fiurniture makers and woodworkers.  It is a simple to install, use and engage clamping system.

Kudos to Kreg!

The post Kreg Automaxx Bench Clamp appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

As a remodeling contractor bathroom remodeling projects are high on my request list. Before you get started in any project you need a bathroom remodeling plan and then you need to consider three remodeling elements;

• Type
  

  Photo Source: chestofbooks.com

• Style
• Finish

Types Of Bathrooms:

The three basic types of bathrooms are:

• Master bathroom [luxury]
• Family bathroom [or guest]
• Half Bathroom

These three bathroom types can be large or small, basic or luxury.   It’s best to determine who will be using these rooms, how often, where they should be located, what features this bathroom needs and if any handicap accessibility features are needed.

Bathroom Style:

This is the category that most homeowners like the most.  Design blogs and magazines  can be helpful to  guide clients by providing them with a picture to help explain a style or design.

I usually tell my clients to visit local plumbing fixture show rooms like F.W. Webb, Peabody Supply and Splash.  These showrooms have many items laid out for you to see, touch and measure.  Its a great opportunity for the “visual” client to see what they are buying and having installed.

I also steer them towards quality plumbing fixtures such as American Standard fixtures and Basco Shower Doors for frame-less shower enclosures.

Bathroom Finish:

Bathroom fit and finish is important from the wall color to the fixtures, flooring and lighting.

I try to steer my clients away from fads or children themes and get them to focus on how this bathroom will functions in years to come.   In this sense a bathroom with neutral colored fixtures and tiles  work well and then add your “flair” with wall colors, lighting and other room accents.

Determining Needs, Budget and Space:

Most bathroom projects involve alot of planning; more than you’d think!  There are many things to consider when planning a bathrooms such as needs, budget and space.

Bathroom Needs:

When considering what you need in a bathroom first look what type of space is needed to accommodate the type of bathroom you’re building.

Master Bathroom:

A master bathroom typically is built off of the master bedroom suite and is often large and luxurious.  It may contain features such as whirlpool tub, partition toilet, dual sinks or a separate area for cosmetics.  Saunas, steam rooms, sound systems and wall mounted tv’s can often be found in these rooms.

Custom cabinetry and upscale finishing is the norm as is heated mirrors, towel warmers and floor heat.

Family bathroom:

This bathroom is usually located near family sleeping areas and is often used by more than one family member.  This bathroom typically should be able to handle towels, toiletries for these people.   Fixtures in these bathrooms should be durable and low maintenance.

For many, many years a typical family bathroom measured 5 x 7 feet. Nowadays were seeing bigger family bathrooms.

Half Bathroom:

Half bathrooms are usually located on the first floor, dining, or entertaining area of a house and are considered guest or visitors bathrooms.  They do not have a tub or shower.   when a shower is included we refer to these bathrooms as 3/4 baths.

Half baths are usually are designed with higher end fixtures and finishes since they are open to your entertaining public.

These rooms can be as small as 20 sq. feet and are best placed off a hallway and not off the entertainment room to give the most privacy to the occupant.

 See:  Three Levels Of Bathroom Remodeling

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