Wixey WR300 Review

Digital Angle Gauge review

For most of us, there is the Johnson Level & Tool 700, but, for those of us who want to step it up a notch, there is the Wixey WD300 digital angle finder/gauge. What is there in this digital unit that is not in manual angle finders? For one, degree resolution of up to 0.1 degrees. It has a magnet on one side, as expected with angle finders, which you can attach to saw blades, iron table tops, what-have-yous.

Although digital, this unit is as simple as it gets. There are only 2 buttons—a power switch and a “zero” switch. The zero switch allows you to have a reference straight line. Say you want to make your table saw’s blade at a perfect right angle to your table. You simple press zero while the guage is on top of the table then attach the gauge on the blade and set it to 90 degrees.

So, what else? The unit is very handy at 2″ x 2″ and 1.3″ thick. It uses one CR2032 battery which Wixey claims lasts 6 months, and also came with a spare battery. Shipping weight is only at 1.5 pounds.

At only $39.99 retail, this thing is definitely a must-have.

Karcher G3050

The Karcher G 3050 is a commercial grade pressure washer that uses a brass head for rust resistance. It has a quick connector wand assembly, inflatable tires for maneuverability, and comes with a 25-foot hose (1/4″ diameter). The G3050 OH comes with a Karcher standard 30-day warranty.

Specifications

Type: Gas Powered
Pressure Rating: 3,000 PSI
Engine: Honda GC190
Engine Capacity: 187cc

Dimensions

The unit is not light—for shipping, expect your package to weigh as much as 80 pounds. It measures 22″ x 23″ x 35″ overall.

Excerpt from a review
“…is an excellent gas pressure washer in value and use. It worked just as it was advertised. I have used it to clean my sidewalk, wooden deck, brick patio, paved driveway, etc. It runs and operates really well. I recommend it highly without reservations.”

Makita 5007MG Review

The 5007MG Magnesium is a 7 1/4in circular saw made by Makita. It has easy-to-read number markings on base and depth, which allows the user to cut accurately. It can quickly change from 0 to 45 degrees by easy grip levers. It is a workhorse of a circular saw at only $260, which is why it is one of the more popular Makita circular saws currently out there. So, in this review, we’ve compiled the most critical points every user and would-be buyer should know.

What people say

“This new saw from Makita is an outstanding improvement over previous models. It has a much more substantial feel and the rubber grips are nice too. The base plate is now made from cast magnesium which should make it stronger and add to its durability. The rubber grips on the depth and bevel adjustment levers are also welcomed, no more skinned knuckles trying to pry the old style loose. The fit and finish of this saw is also outstanding. The saw has as much or more power than any other sidewinder on the market. I’m not a salesman, just one who appreciates fine tools and this saw from Makita would make a nice addition to anyone tool bin.”

“This is the finest circular saw I have ever owned. This is coming from someone who owns 5 circular saw presently and over 30 year experience. I think I’ve owned every circular saw made. The led lights are really nice, the balance perfect, adjustments sweet and the motor seems to just glide through wood with simplicity. Makita saws became the most popular among contractors long ago because of there light weight and the thinnest blade guide in the industry. The only gripe is when you set the depth gauge which is really nice if you go past 0 it gets stuck. Now when you set the gauge it’s easier to go to 0 then up to the depth you want. The angle gauge has positive stops never saw this before I like it.”

“The saw works wonderfully, and cuts exactly what it is supposed to cut. The problem though, for those of us who are lefties is that the blower blows the sawdust directly into your face, and there’s no getting around it. We’ve basically handed this saw off to our right handed saw guy to use. I am sure that somewhere out there Makita makes a left handed version, but in the meantime we’re out shopping for a different saw. If you are right handed, this is an excellent saw for the money and has held up well for both a school remodel and building a 4 story hotel so far. Just beware if you are left handed that you should try to either find a left handed model, or get a different saw.”

Read more reviews here.

makita 5007mg

Makita Battery KR23

Makita KR23

The Makita KR23/43 battery is an old model NiCd battery used in cordless drills, screwdrivers, etc. If you are looking for a replacement battery for the KR 23, your best bet would be to use the Makita 7000. It is a direct replacement for a number of Makita batteries, including the KR23. The Makita 7000 sells for around the $22.00 price range.

Makita 7000

Karcher 9162315

The Karcher 9162315 is a direct replacement 5-foot pressure washer hose used on the Karcher K2400HH and 2401H. It has a maximum psi rating of 2,600, and has a diameter of .25 inches, and has a twist coupler connection with a 14 millimeter seal on both ends. It can be used as a replacement for Karcher hose # 9162319.

Karcher 9112014

The Karcher gun, model #9112014, is a direct replacement for the #9112011 & #9112009 guns. It has a 22-millimeter male twist couple inlet and outlet port—standard to all Karcher pressure washers. This gun lance is used on gas-engined pressure washers, including the popular K2400 model. The 9112014 has a maximum pressure rating of 3,700 psi.

Note: You can use Karcher #9162315 hose (50 feet) with this wand.

karcher 9112014

Bench Dog 40-031 Review

The 40-031 by Bench Dog is a cast iron router table extension. It is paired with a table saw and already includes a fence and an insert plate. It easily mounts to standard right-tilt 10″ table saws and is fully adjustable via a miter track and a T-slot. The package includes a router top, a fence, insert plates and some hardware. It measures 1.5″ x 27″ x 16″ and weighs 62 pounds.

Reviews

“I purchased this router table in July 2005 and can honestly say that it was one of the best tools I’ve ever bought. Everything about it, even the way it was packed, was first rate. All necessary components, nuts, bolts, etc. were carefully marked. The instructions were clear, precise, and accurate. Installation on a rather old (but reliable) Sears table saw was easy and exactly as advertised. Assembly took no more than half an hour. The quality of the finish is superb. I’m using this table with a Hitachi 3 1/4″ hp plunge router and it works great. Solid with minimal vibration. It is truly a pleasure to find such an excellent made in the USA tool.” — Levi Murray from Pacific Palisades

“Fantastic. Easy install and super accurate fence. I have this mounted to the left side of my Delta 675 contractors saw and really like the added weight to the saw overall. This is a very well thought out attachment that adds a few more functions to your saw. For example, you can use the router tables miter slot to increase the size of your crosscut sled. The removable fence is beautiful and easy to store since it goes right under the table. It is well worth the wait and should be listed in the tool shed catalog instead of just online.” — Ken S. Fabe

“I purchased this router table for mounting on my Delta Unisaw. It has worked extremely well. I used a Benchdog ProLift and Porter Cable 7518 in the table with a digital readout that I added to the Prolift. I find the cast iron table does an excellent job of reducing vibration and adds some extra room to the left side of the table saw for supporting sheet goods for ripping. I also can utilize my out feed table for the saw to catch long pieces being run through the router table. The table and fence have slots for conveniently mounting feather boards and other fixtures. The front fence mounting slots are also convenient for mounting fixtures. Overall, an excellent router table and addition to the table saw.” — Gerry Haslem from Troy, Michigan

Ingersoll Rand XLE

The Ingersoll Rand XLE is a series of reciprocating compressors ranging from 125 to 500 horsepower, with a CFM of 687 to 3,100. It is a really old model, produced between 1958 and 1999, and used a 10-stroke pump. Other features of the XLE series include: two stage, direct driven, lubricated double acting, water cooled, crosshead type, flange mounted and forced feed lubrication among others.

Currently, if you have and old model XLE, there are a number of places you can buy parts from. There are also some selling used XLE compressors.

Below is an example of an Ingersoll Rand XLE.

Steel City 55230

The Steel City 55230 is a 6″ X 89″ Oscillating Edge Sander. It has a reinforced platen that minimizes deflection and improves tracking when the belt is tilted from 90° to 0. It comes with an auxiliary end table which mounts above its motor for rigidity on circular sanding projects. For operator safety, the 55230 comes with safety paddle-type switch that is widely visible for easy access during operation.

The 55230 comes with a 2-horsepower induction motor. It also has an on board storage platform to store tools, belts, wrenches and other accessories needed for each job. The 55230 lists for $1,099.99.

Dremel 395 Review

Dremel rotary tools are tools with a million uses. Yes, you’ll just never run out of things to do with these handy devices, and, although there are a handful of other brands out there producing such rotary tools, Dremel is still the head honcho. Come to think of it, you could actually call such tools “Dremels.”

The Dremel 395 is a classic model. It comes with 10 accessories, speed varies from 5,000-35,000 rpm, Dremel’s signature quick-change collet nut and a comfortable plastic housing. It has been used in virtually every household, so, in this review, we compiled the raves of exactly that—the average-Joe-Dremel-user.

Reviews

“I have owned the Multi-Pro kit for 8 months now, and I don’t know how I lived without it before. The jobs it can do are limited only by your imagination. The variable speed lets you match the speed to the work. It cleans and sharpens all my other power tools, lawn mower blades, too. It makes cuts in all types of materials in tight places for remodeling jobs; you know, under sinks and floors, inside walls and ceilings. I especially like the cutting wheels (careful, they are brittle) to flush cut nails and screws, or shape small metal pieces. I’ve used them to grind out welds when repairing tricycles for the preschool where my wife teaches. With the sanding drums, I’ve smoothed and shaped small wooden projects. I plan on taking the Multi-Pro to 4H Summer Camp this year for the woodworking class I teach. Remember to go slow and make several passes when cutting material for best results.” — bryghtbuild from Charleston, WV

“These little rotary tools are so useful the possibilities are endless.If your an around the house do-it-yourselfer or a well seasoned carpenter this little guy will suit everyone.I couldn’t even begin to explain all it can do in a short review.Just read the book that comes with the tool and let your imagination and creativity do the rest.Other tool makers produce such a tool but I do think that dremal has inspired them all.My advice is stick with Dremel.They are so well made and offer so many options and accessories.You just cant go wrong. Now get out there and polish,cut or grind something.” — Bradley Keller from Brightwood, OR

“I bought one of these several years ago and have found very few things that a dremel can’t do. Sharpening lawnmower blades, polishing metals, cutting and carving wood, sanding, cutting drywall, drilling holes, gunsmithing, etc… The possibilities are endless. If you have room, you can set up a workbench with the limitless supply of accessories. This is, by far, the most versatile tool ever invented.” — Lodge2 from Texas