Author Profile

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

All Posts by Robert

Rikon 81-608 Buffer Review

By Robert Robillard

Rikon 8-Inch, Low-Speed Buffer, Model #81-608 Review The Rikon 81-608 buffer is a specialized 1/2 HP buffer designed for finesse rather than brute force. Its standout feature is the “Long Shaft” design, which extends 6-1/4″ on each side to create a massive 12-1/2″ workspace. This wide clearance is essential for navigating awkward or oversized items—like…

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LEXIVON Tool Review: High-End Performance Without Designer Price

By Robert Robillard

LEXIVON Tool Review: High-End Performance Without the Truck-Brand Price There’s a big gap between throwaway homeowner tools and high-priced truck brands—and that’s exactly where Lexivon operates. Their lineup focuses on the core tools mechanics and serious DIYers actually use: torque wrenches, impact-rated sockets, hex bit sets, and adapters built from Cr-Mo, Cr-V, and S2 steel.…

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The Best Sawhorse Comparison

By Robert Robillard

The Best “Carpenter” Sawhorse I feel like I’ve been on a quest my entire career as a carpenter to find the unicorn of sawhorses. By that I mean a pair of sawhorses that stores well, are durable, open easily, support a lot of weight, and don’t break after 2 months or immediately after dropping them…

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How Much Protection Do Exterior Doors Actually Provide?

By Robert Robillard

How Much Protection Do Exterior Doors Actually Provide? Most homeowners assume their front door is a barrier. In reality, it’s a time-delay system. A door’s job isn’t to be indestructible. It’s to slow entry long enough to increase noise, effort, visibility, and risk. If it forces an intruder to work hard, make noise, or stay…

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Best Cordless Track Saw Comparison

By Robert Robillard

Best Cordless Track Saw Head-To-Head 2026 Looking for the best cordless track saw? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve tested 12 of the top models, evaluating them across key areas like cut precision, runtime, ergonomics, features, and value. After putting each saw to the test, we’ll crown the Best Cordless Track Saw based on…

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VAULTEK VT20i Gun Vault

By Robert Robillard

If you’re 40 years old or older you grew up in the times of lead paint, asbestos, no seat belts, no bike helmets, and the Three-Stooges for TV entertainment. Back then people stored handguns in nightstands and didn’t think a second more about it. Not anymore, but thanks to biometric safes like the VAULTEK VT20i…

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Union Safe Company 10 Gun Electronic Security Safe Review

By Robert Robillard

10 Gun Electronic Security Safe From Harbor Freight Tools In an unpredictable world, how can you truly protect the things that matter most? Theft, fire, water damage… risk is everywhere. But there’s a solution. A safe doesn’t just protect your valuables. It protects your peace of mind. Whether it’s important documents, family heirlooms, or personal…

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Best Cordless SMALL Capacity Vacuum

By Robert Robillard

Best Small Cordless Vacuum Head-to-Head Comparison (2025) If you thought small cordless vacuums were just “quick cleanup tools,” think again. The 1–3+ gallon category has exploded in power and capability, driven by brushless motors, high-output batteries, and smarter filtration systems that put real jobsite performance in a compact package. In this third installment of our…

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