A Few Tool Upgrades
Power tools wear out over time, especially if you either a.) use them a lot, or b.) neglect them in a damp corner. Mine get used. A few have needed upgrading or replacement for some time, so over the past few weeks I've been trolling our local Craigslist for bargains on quality equipment. Craigslist in Alaska is quite a vibrant marketplace for tools, materials of all sorts, the odd billy goat, truckloads of drill pipe, grow lamps, and 5 million dollar cabins on the Kenai. I have been successful in my search. Check it out...
Since 2005, this venerable DeWalt 12" slide compound miter saw (DW708) has served me very well. I use it daily and it still runs strong and cuts square, but...
...I was able to score a like-new Bosch 12" GCM12SD for a really good price from a good Mormon in Wasilla. On second thought, I might keep both saws.
This crappy little jigsaw has annoyed me from day one and I'm am happy to be rid of it...
...so I found the best one I could to replace it (Bosch JS470E). Its no Festool, but its a smooth operator and was on sale.
I'll likely never will replace this all-around workhorse (Veritas #4 Bench Plane), but...
...there are times when trim carpentry problems call for real muscle. Makita KPO800K.
There's an awful lot you can do with a good hammer, but...
...roofing ain't one of them. Bostitch RM46-1.
This DeWalt biscuit joiner, one of the first power tools I ever purchased (c. 2003), has performed reasonably well over the years. I actually don't use it all that often, but when I need it, its nice to have. The tool is starting to lose some of its parts and I've gotten tired of finding/replacing them, so...
...my Mormon Tool Mafia buddy hooked me up again with a nearly new plate joiner. Porter Cable 557.
Harbor Freight actually does have some quality tools. This, however, isn't one of them. But you can buy 3 of these for about $70.00 and abuse them like a wayward herd of rented mules. You can expect each to last you about one hard season. The problem with all sawzalls is their cords, so...
...since I've already invested in DeWalt's 20v battery set up, this little beauty will make demo sessions a lot less cord-restricted. DeWalt DCS380B.
Old reliable Skil Mag77 still finds plenty to do at the jobsite, but...
This little DeWalt DCS319B gets more time in my hand these days. Its not a toy, though it looks like one.
So that's it for now. A few tool upgrades before we head south to start our new life in Montana. My new shop will be smaller, but nicer. I have managed to sell nearly all the tools I've replaced on Craigslist along with about half of my other belongings. Nice to downsize.
