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Top 5 Power Tools For Beginner Woodworkers

December 4, 2019 by Chandler Leave a Comment

Power tool reviews

When attempting to get started in the field of woodworking, many beginners worry about being able to purchase a shop full of power tools. However, beginners are not required to spend a whole lot of money when starting out in the field. There is essentially no need to amass a whole arsenal of high-priced tools at this stage of the game.

The top 5 power tools are outlined below and these truly are all that is required to get you started. Best of all, the majority of them are fairly affordable. With these tools, a beginner will be equipped to tackle a number of creative projects.

Cordless Drill

Best 20v drill The Dewalt cordless drill is listed among the top 5 power tools since it is clearly more portable than the corded version. Although it is pricier than the corded drill, it is surely worth the cost due to the level of flexibility it affords the user. When using a cordless drill, it does not matter if there is access to an electrical outlet. However, buying additional batteries will come in handy when working on bigger projects.

Circular Saw

best circular saw The circular saw is viewed by a number of individuals as being more of a carpentry gear than a tool for woodworking. However, many people disagree with this view. In fact, there is a high probability that no other modest handheld power tool is quite as resourceful as this type of saw. Using the circular saw in concert with a clamp-on straight-edge practically makes the accuracy equal to what a table saw delivers.

Additionally, the saw extraordinarily handles a vast variety of the jobs that are typically carried out with a quality table saw. When you are on a budget and want to create woodworking projects, a circular saw of good quality should be among the first purchase you make as it relates to handheld power tools. That is primarily because there is a great possibility that it will turn out to be the most beneficial to the beginner.

Miter Saw

best compound miter saw This saw a wise major acquisition that should be seriously considered by beginners who truly want to perfect their craft. It is more reasonably priced than a decent table saw; however, it is quite instrumental to the precise cutting of compound angles These include the combination, mitered and beveled cuts that are carried out on both ends of stock pieces. Once you have become more adept at creating accurate cuts with a miter saw, you just might notice that you do not find it necessary to use the circular saw as frequently as you previously did.

Table Saw

Best table saw on the market Having begun the progression of building your handheld power tool arsenal, you will almost be ready to make what will perhaps be your most significant and priciest acquisition of a major tool. However, this should come only after you have had time to train and become more skillful at using some of the other tools. The table saw is the nucleus around which all other pieces of woodworking tool in the shop are organized and used. Therefore, your aim should be to obtain the best table saw your budget can comfortably afford.

Investing time into learning about the table saw features is an extremely worthwhile endeavor. This will allow you to wisely choose the ones that will fulfill your needs, while staying within your budget. Carrying out a little research will help you to learn about how to maximize the potential of the table saw. Furthermore, it is important to figure out whether or not the features are designed to last or if they are merely added on to boost sales.

Jig Saw

best jigsaw on todays market Also referred to as a Sabre Saw, the Jigsaw is another incredible power tool that should be on the list of every beginner. This remarkable tool provides users with the opportunity to cut stock in patterns like curves and circles. A band saw will, most likely, deliver more precise cuts and can cut through thicker stock. However, the jigsaw can be vastly effective and just what the beginner needs. To optimize its versatility, choose a corded, orbital-action version of the tool that can be handled easily and have an effortless blade-changing system as a bonus.

Safety

Before using any one of these power tools, or any tools for that matter, it’s essential that you read the manual before jumping right in. For example, using a circular saw might seem pretty straight forward. However, there’s instances when cutting a piece of wood that’s binding against the blade in which will cause the saw to kick-back and potential harm you — the same kick-back happens a lot with table saws. So it’s essential to either watch some sort of training videos either online, or through the manufacturer.

Final thoughts

Before buying any tool listed above, read some tool reviews from Protoolzone, or go to a few local home centers and ask questions. Compare tool vs tool and most importantly, pick one up and see what it feels like. You might read some glowing reviews about one tool and find out you like how your second choice felt as you held it.

How to Choose The Best Water Filtration System For Your Home

November 14, 2020 by Chandler Leave a Comment

As the old adage goes “water is life” but this is not always the case since contaminated water does not infer good life. Instead, contaminated water brings with it illnesses that could wreak havoc in your home, including death in worst situations. Therefore, it is important to ensure that water flowing into your home is clean, safe for your use and for your animals and the farm.

Remember contaminated water is also a serious environmental hazard so you’d rather save the environment from pollution through filtration of water. This boils down to the fact that every home requires a functioning water filter system that can guarantee safer, cleaner and tastier water. When choosing the type of filter, it is important to know the contaminants you want to remove.

How to Know the Contaminants in Your Water

One way of knowing which contaminants are in your water is through municipal water tests. According to the results obtained from over 20 million tests from 47,000 municipalities in the U.S, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that water that flows into homes contain over 300 contaminants. And these figures could be phenomenal at the moment since the results relate to the period between 2004 and 2009.

In their findings, 50% of the contaminants and chemicals are unregulated. Despite that there is widespread contamination of water throughout the nation, investment by the federal government remains limited. It was found that 0ver 30 percent of the water supplies contain lead and 75 percent chromium-6. This means that millions of Americans unknowingly consume these deadly compounds every year and water sources receive the biggest chunk of pollution from farm runoff and seepage from the landfills as well as septic tanks.

How to Choose the Best Whole House Water Filter for Your Home

Discover what type of water filtration is right for you and your family

Immediately you’ve known the type of contaminants in your water, you can comfortably decide the right type of water filtration system that you can use to clean your water. While water filters out there vary in the manner of their technology, there are certain minimum requirements or factors to look for to help you install the best system.

Pitcher Filter

They are known to rid water of a few contaminants, including chlorine. But experts argue that since water is held for a longer period in the plastics, it is likely to collect chemicals and contaminate the water again. It is preferred because it is known to improve the taste of water by removing odor from the water.

Faucet-mount filter

A majority of faucet-mount filters are good since they remove a significant number of contaminants. However, you need to be sure whether it is effective in removing the kind of contaminants you want to eliminate. They are inexpensive and easy to replace without the need for expertise. When properly installed, you are likely to realize that faucet-mount filters are efficient in eliminating far too many chemical compounds.

Countertop Water Filtration Systems

First, it doesn’t require additional space since it is installed under the sinks and can also be hooked up to your faucet. Ordinarily, they can also be freestanding or be used as gravity-fed filtration systems. What’s more, it is inexpensive to install since you do not need a plumber or skills. The good news about gravity-fed filters is that they can help to purify water when needed urgently regardless of whether you are out of power or there is a problem with the water supply. During a power outage, it is not easy to guarantee pressure and most of the pumps will stop working if you do not have a power backup.
Countertop Filters

They are easy to install and you do not need to have special tools or skills. A good number of these filters are portable, making it easy to use them when on a camping trip.

Undersink filter

An undersink filter makes is the best option, especially if you are running short of counter space. The downside of the filter is that it may work efficiently when you are faced with power outages or during emergencies.

Reverse osmosis

While the initial cost is high, reverse osmosis is arguably one of the most effective ways of removing many contaminants from the water. But because the system is powered by electricity, you may not filter water when you have a power outage. Additionally, they remove important minerals from water such as iron and chlorine which can cause health problems and cause the growth of mold in your plumbing lines respectively.

Whole House Water Filter

In most cases, homeowners are now choosing to filter all the water that gets into the house to rid it of chlorine, LEAD and other contaminants. This is known to help protect appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and pipes. Although whole-house filters undoubtedly remove a wide range of contaminants, it may not rid many contaminants from your drinking water. Even though whole house water filtration systems may be expensive to install, they are a good option if you are looking to significantly lower the long-run cost of replacing and maintaining your appliances and piping system.

How Lead Gets into Drinking Water

Lead is a common containment found in drinking water and can cause serious health problems in growing children and older adults.

The most common source of lead found in drinking water are caused from aging pipes that are corroding and water fixtures found in homes built before 1986. Homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.

If you have had your water tested and your results contains high levels of lead, we suggest you purchase an industry leading whole house water filter for LEAD.

Do Not Be Fooled that Bottled Water is Always the Safest

A good number of people mistakenly think that they are making the right decision when buying bottled water rather than using tap water. Aside from the significant ecological cost of bottled water, most bottling companies use municipal tap water. This means you end up consuming the same contaminants you are trying to avoid. Again, since water sits for longer in plastic, it could absorb unknown compounds that could harm you. Clearly, the best water filter is not only less harmful and healthier but goes a long way in preserving the eco-system.

Laminate Flooring Cost – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide To Laminate

December 4, 2019 by Chandler Leave a Comment

laminate flooring costs and buyer's guide

Laminate flooring has become popular among homeowners today due to its ability to give the illusion of beautiful hardwood flooring at a relatively low cost. While laminate looks like real wood, it actually isn’t. It comprises of two synthetic sheets of paper that are lined with melamine. The material is incredibly durable, and it is impervious to damage from furniture and sharp objects.

If you are looking for a way to achieve hardwood-looking floors without actually incurring the heavy cost of installing hardwood, laminate flooring is an excellent option. However, you may be wondering how cheap this material is. What’s the cost of installation? What factors inform the cost of laminate flooring?

This post will look into the cost of laminate flooring and some few tips on how you can make even more savings while installing laminate floors:

How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost?

Laminate is one of the most affordable flooring materials on the market today. According to (RemodelingExpense) the cost of flooring is approximately around $4.00 – $8.50 per square feet. Therefore, if you are installing new floors in a 200 square feet kitchen, you will probably pay between $1,020 and $1,800 for the installation. However, as you know, this is just a national average. Other factors come into play during the installation, and they can greatly influence the total cost of the project and according to (Fixr) expect the cost of laminate flooring to run between $2.00 – $8.00 per square foot.

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

Several factors affect the final amount that you will pay for your new laminate flooring. The key issues that will determine the cost include the following:

1. Materials and Supplies

Materials and supplies remain to be among the greatest costs in a laminate floor installation project. Materials and supplies include everything needed for the work such as the laminate boards, floor installation kit which has the spacers and tapping block, sealant, molding, nails, leveling compound, and much more.

2. Labor

Labor is another significant cost in the installation process. In some instances, it accounts for up to one-third of the total project costs.
Labor includes any preparation work required before laying the flooring and the actual installation. The longer the project takes, the more you will incur for labor as the workers will be paid depending on the hours worked.

3. Post-Installation Cleanup

Another cost you have to factor in is post-installation cleanup. After installing the floors, there may be some cleaning required to leave the floors in excellent condition and prepare them for use. Depending on the amount of work done, you may also need to clean up the yard and other parts of your home that were trashed during the project. The cleanup will cost you a significant amount as well, especially if you have to get a helping hand.

4. Other Factors Affecting Cost

In addition to the above factors, there are other things that will affect the cost of installing laminate flooring. These include the type of laminate, the condition of the floor, the floor size and shape, and your preferred finish among others:

Type of Laminate: Laminate is available in various thicknesses. There is material that is thinner and cheaper than the others. Therefore, when buying, you will pay more for laminate that’s thicker as it tends to last longer. Always aim for quality above cost as you will avoid the cost of regularly repairing the floors.
The Condition of the Floor: What’s the condition of the floor before installation? Do you need to remove the old floors and do some cleaning? If so, you will incur more as compared to new construction where there are no old floors to remove.
Floor Size and Shape: The larger the surface area of the floor, the more the materials you need, and this will translate into increased costs. Additionally, floors with complex shapes will also require more time to shape the boards and install, and this will increase the overall costs as well.
Preferred Finish: Your preferred finish will also slightly inflate the cost. Some people opt not to seal the floor as it already has a protective coating. However, if you do choose to finish, get a quality sealant.

Tips to Reduce Laminate Flooring Costs:

There are a few measures that you can take to reduce the cost of installing laminate flooring without compromising on the quality of the floors.

First, hire a professional flooring contractor and discuss your budget with them. Most contractors have connections with suppliers of materials, and they can get you the supplies at incredibly lower costs as compared to those in retail stores.

You can also reduce costs by taking care of some of the labor tasks. For example, your contractor will charge you for removing furniture and other items before installing the floors. Take the initiative to do this yourself, and you can make significant savings. If possible, you can also remove the old floors yourself.

Our Final Thoughts:

Laminate flooring is affordable, and it is an excellent option if you want to have that natural wood feel without necessarily investing in expensive hardwood flooring. Have the above tips in mind so that you can lower the cost and make decent savings.

Don’t forget to ask for a comprehensive quote from your contractor. This way, you can be sure of how much the entire project will cost, and this will avoid surprises after the commencement of the work.

Tips on Finding The Best Cordless Drill/Driver 2020

December 4, 2019 by Chandler Leave a Comment

Best cordless drill for the money

A cordless drill/driver is an essential tool, whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor. Such tools are required for tasks of all sizes, from building an addition onto your home or mounting a simple shelf on a wall. Some are designed for large projects, while others are merely all-purpose models. Fortunately, by reading cordless drill reviews, you can discover the opinions of other consumers and find the best cordless drill for the money. The essential tips below will also help you make a wise decision:

Tip One: Selecting a Model

Drills/drivers can be found in a variety of sizes and styles, and therefore it is essential to choose the model that best matches the type of work you complete on a regular basis. If you typically do a broad range of tasks, you may wish to consider purchasing several models.

Cordless Drill/Driver

cordless drill in action — Image Credit: Justcordlessdrillreviews.com

If you are like many people, you probably regard a cordless drill as a must-have item. Such drills enjoy a high level of popularity because they have a variable clutch and can be operated at many different speeds. Both these characteristics are especially helpful for driving fasteners. If you work with masonry materials, choose a model that boasts a hammer-drill mode.

Right-Angle Model

A right-angle cordless drill/driver lets you drive fasteners and drill a variety of holes in close or cramped quarters. Such drills are considered specialty models, and although they operate in a similar way to traditional drills, they have right-angle gearing, which ultimately gives you the ability to work in very tight areas, such as the space between floor joists. For this reason, many electricians and plumbers mention this model in their cordless drill reviews.

Cordless Impact Driver

best impact driver If you must secure large fasteners or you do projects involving lag screws, a cordless impact driver is a great choice. Such models work on rotational patterns to give you exceptional control, even when working with big, stubborn fasteners. Such drills/drivers are lighter and more compact than conventional models, and are less likely to strip the screw.

Cordless Screwdriver

A cordless screwdriver is an inexpensive model that is ideal for driving small fasteners. Lightweight and nimble, this model is an outstanding choice if you frequently complete work involving small screws. It is easy to access tight spaces with this model, as such drills are at the smaller end of the size range. Additionally, their light weight makes them perfect if you want to work for long periods of time without experiencing fatigued.

Cordless drill combo kits

You should also consider purchasing a kit that features different cordless tools that share the same battery and charger. Kits of this type are especially helpful if your work includes many diversified tasks for which various tools are required.

Tip Two: Choose a Comfortable Tool

It is important to choose a drill/driver that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand, particularly if you plan to drill for lengthy amounts of time. According to cordless drill reviews, if you have small hands or weak wrists, you should refrain from purchasing the largest, most powerful drill you can find. Instead, buy one that is just big enough to meet the demands of your most taxing jobs.

Tip Three: Ensure an Adequate Source of Power

Because power is measured in volts, the higher the battery’s voltage, the more torque it will offer when your drill is in use. Standard voltage for drivers and drills usually falls between six and 36 volts, with the heaviest drills typically having the highest voltage. Once you are aware of this fact, it makes it easy to choose the most appropriate voltage for your specific jobs.

Tip Four: Select the Proper Chuck Size

The chuck size determines how big of a bit shank the driver can hold. The most widely used size among today’s consumers is the 1/2 inch chuck, as it offers the most flexibility. However, always make this decision based on your own personal needs and preferences.

Tip Five: Choose the Most Appropriate Speed

The majority of cordless drivers/drills on today’s market feature speeds from 300 RPM to 1500 RPM. Once again, the amount of speed required depends on the type of jobs you plan to do and the materials with which you will be working.

Tip Six: Find Tuning the Driving Force of the Clutch

A driver/drill’s clutch can be preset to a broad range of forces, but it is important to understand that clutch slippage will occur if the preset level is exceeded. Fortunately, if this happens, you will hear a fast clicking sound to alert you, and can subsequently adjust it before you strip the screw or overheat the tool.

Tip Seven: Batteries and Chargers

The battery is the driving force behind many tools, including drivers/drills. This is why most consumers mention batteries when writing cordless drill reviews. The battery determines the power and the run time of the driver/drill, and it is important to remember this when you are searching for the best cordless drill for the money.

More and more consumers are turning to lithium-ion batteries, as they weigh less and maintain a charge longer than their traditional counterparts. Nevertheless, Ni-Cad batteries are still a good option, as they offer efficient performance while costing less than lithium-ion batteries. When comparing batteries, remember that power is measured in volts, while amp hours are used to measure run time.

Chargers are also essential, and recharge times vary considerably among different chargers. Average recharge time is anywhere from half an hour to three hours. However, fast charging models are available, but they are naturally more expensive.

Our Final Thoughts before you invest in a cordless tool

Tools are a major investment, and therefore finding the best cordless drill for the money is essential. The tips mentioned above will help you locate the most appropriate model, but it is always wise to comparison shop prior to making a final decision. Always remember your specific needs when choosing a drill/driver, regardless of what other individuals have to say and read online cordless drill reviews. With a bit of time and effort, you will likely be very pleased with your purchase.