Thursday, June 29, 2017

How to Make Stars and Stripes Bean Bag Toss Boards

Stars and Stripes Bean Bag Toss Boards

Bean bag toss or cornhole. Regardless of what you call it, this lawn game is popular across the country. From tailgating to backyard BBQ’s, cornhole is a game anyone of any age or athletic ability can play.

We built these cornhole boards in honor of the 4th of July by adding some “Stars and Stripes” flair to them.

photo 1

Estimated Project Time: 3 Hours
Challenge Level: Medium
Tools & Supplies:

4 – 48” 2×4 pieces
4 – 21” 2×4 pieces
4 – 12” 2×4 pieces
2 – 48”x24” birch covered ½” plywood sheets
Box of 2” deck screws
4 – 3/8” carriage bolts with washers and wingnuts.
Sandpaper 180, 220 grit
Drill/Driver with Phillips bit or screwdriver
¼” drill bit
Circular Saw or jig saw
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Red, White and Blue Paint
Stencil Kit

1. Assemble all tools and materials in a clean and clear work area.

2. Measure and cut all wood pieces using your jigsaw or circular saw.

3. Sand the edges of each cut piece and sand the birch plywood sheet.

DSC_0555

4. After sanding the edges of all of your cut plywood and 2x4s you are ready to cut the holes into the boards. The hole in the board should be six inches in diameter and be centered nine inches from the top and 12 inches from each side of the corn hole platform edges.

5. Find your center and use a compass to draw your circle. We simply took a string measured at 3” and pinned one end to the center and tied a pencil to the other end to draw our circle.

DSC_0557

6. Drill a starting hole for your jigsaw then cut along the circle line.

7. Sand the inside and outside edges of the hole.

DSC_0563

8. Build your corn hole board frames by aligning the sides and ends and pre-drill holes

9. Attach sides by driving your deck screws into pre-drilled holes.

10. Your corners need to be perfectly square so the platform fits exactly over the frame.

11.Attach the platform placing it onto the frame and align each edge so it sits evenly over the frame.

12. Pre-drill holes in each corner

13. Drive your screws to secure each corner and drive additional screws along the sides, top and bottom to ensure the platform is firmly attached to the frame.

14. Before attaching the legs you need to round one end off so you can loosen and fold the leg for storage.

DSC_0659

15. Measure the center point of the board and take that measurement and mark it from the end down. Place your compass here and mark your half circle.

16. Use your jigsaw and cut the end and sand it. Drill a hole through the center point of your board using a 3/8” bit.

DSC_0540

17. Hold the leg against the outside of the top part of your corn hole board (the end with the hole) and using a pencil mark the center point through the leg onto the frame.

18. Then drill your hole through the frame and attach your leg to the inside of the frame using your carriage bolt. Use a wingnut so you can easily loosen and fold down the legs for storage.

DSC_0567

19. Print a star pattern and use that as your template for your stencil kit and cut out star stencil.

20. Paint one board Red and the other board blue.

DSC_0566

21. Tape the red board and paint the open areas white

22. Use your stencil and paint white stars on the blue board.

23. Wait for the paint to dry and grab your bean bags and have fun!!!

photo 1

photo 3



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Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Cool Down Your Space With a Mobile Evaporative Cooler

Record high temperatures are scorching the southwest right now, and new highs are being recorded across the country each year. Maintaining your HVAC system should remain a top priority, especially during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, which will give you enough time for repairs without dealing with harsh weather. Electric fans are limited when it comes to cooling large rooms or areas such as garages or patios. Another cooling solution you should consider is the Jetstream Portacool 240 evaporative cooler, which is effective at cooling large areas in a dry climate.

These coolers work where A/C doesn’t and where oscillating fans provide only hot air to be blown around vs chilled air. In fact, the portable evaporative cooler works best when used in ambient air conditions – so the patio by the hot grill, in the garage with the overhead door open and in other outdoor spaces is optimal.

We recently tested the Portacool Jetstream 240 which features their smallest footprint in the series, making it very mobile. It sits on heavy duty casters and it’s long durable cord can be plugged in anywhere. It cools up to 1,125 square feet at 4,500 CFM with the help of their trademarked KUUL Comfort evaporative media. It’s the highest-quality evaporative media on the market made in the USA exclusively for Portacool products. Yes, we said Made in the USA!

Our family ranch, located just outside of Las Vegas, was the perfect proving ground to put the Portacool through to the test. We set it up on our screened in porch, which is shaded but not air-conditioned. On hot summer days the porch offers little relief from the sun and our standing fans are not very effective.

The first guinea pigs to test out the fan are often our most vocal leaders when it comes to sharing their opinions on the heat. These kids love to play outside year round, but we have to remind them to stay hydrated and cool down often. Using the Portacool helped extend the usefulness of our ranch house, and made using the porch comfortable even though the temps were sweltering.

The Portacool includes clear and easy to follow instructions, so make sure you setup the Portacool properly before starting it.

The Portacool Protect warranty provides great piece of mind. It’s a limited lifetime warranty on evaporative cooler housing against manufacturing defects; three year warranty on all electrical components.



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How to Install a Wood Floor with Tile Inlay

How to install tile flush with hardwood floors.

Today I’m sharing how I installed a wood floor with tile inlay in the vanity area of my Jack and Jill bathroom. I’m using the same product and technique to install tile flush with hardwood that I shared in my last post.   If you’ve been following me for long, you know I don’t love my red […]

The post How to Install a Wood Floor with Tile Inlay appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.



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Monday, June 26, 2017

How to Install Tile Flush with Hardwood Floors

How to install tile flush with hardwood floors.

Today I’m sharing how to install tile flush with hardwood floors, like I did in my bathroom.  Can you believe the Jack and Jill bathroom finally has floors?  I’m making slow but steady progress.  The vanity area of the bathroom has a combination of hardwood and tile.  The room that contains the shower and toilet is all tile […]

The post How to Install Tile Flush with Hardwood Floors appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.



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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

My Next BIG Project with PURPLE XP® Drywall

Hi-Impact PURPLE XP®

If you missed my last post…long story short: I’m giving myself 6 months to FINISH all of my unfinished projects! It’s a tight deadline– but occasionally I leave my house for a few days to go learn about new tools or products. Part of what I do as a “Pro Remodeler” blogger/YouTuber is learn about new innovations in […]

The post My Next BIG Project with PURPLE XP® Drywall appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.



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Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Me, My Sister and the “6 Month Plan”!

House hunting expedition

Howdy, y’all! It’s been a while.  I feel like I’m barely keeping my nose above water where my projects are concerned. The Jack and Jill bathroom remodel is taking forever to complete and the tools and materials for that project are ALL over the place! Normally, my projects just get overwhelming for Wes, but I’ve finally reached my threshold. […]

The post Me, My Sister and the “6 Month Plan”! appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.



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Wednesday, June 14, 2017

How to Make Cement Planters

cement planters

Succulents grow year round in Southern California and the Southwest. They can also thrive indoors throughout the country and only require a bit of water and proper drainage to grow. We’re not the greatest gardeners, so low maintenance succulents are perfect for our home. We’ve got plenty of terra cotta planters and have made some out of brick, but we are now seeking a more modern looking solution in the form of cement planters.

We’ve admired the large scale cement planters we’ve seen at restaurants and chic office spaces, but they are too heavy and big for our needs. Succulents don’t need much soil, so we decided to make our planters using 1/2 gallon milk carton and a take out container from our local Thai restaurant.

quikrete cement planters

This is a DIY project that anyone can do (our 4 year old helped us), and the only tools and materials you need are four containers (one for the outside mold and one for the inside), a small bag of Quikrete Ready-To-Use Concrete Mix, bucket, mixing stick, trowel, and cooking spray.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your molds and letting them completely dry. We cut the top off the milk carton and only used the bottom half.

quikrete cement planters

quikrete cement planters

Next, open the 40 lb. bag of Quikrete Ready-To-Use Concrete Mix and only pour 1/2 of it (20 lbs.) into your bucket. Add 1 1/2 pints of water mix thoroughly. It doesn’t take much stirring to get it to the proper consistency for use. You want it to look and feel like thick oatmeal. If needed add another 1/2 pint of water to the mix.

quikrete cement planters

quikrete cement planters

Then spray the inside of your container and pour in the Quikrete. Don’t overfill as you will need room for the mix to expand when you take the next step of inserting the inner mold. Place rocks in the inner mold or a heavy object on top of the mold to keep it from floating up.

quikrete cement planters

quikrete cement planters

Allow these molds to dry for at least 24 hours, then remove the the cementer planters from the molds. They should slide out easily from the plastic, but if they don’t give them a hard tap and the planter should release from the mold. If you use a cardboard carton, you can simply tear the carton away from the planter.

quikrete cement planters

quikrete cement planters

quikrete cement planters

 

After removing the planters from the form and molds, it’s important to properly cure the concrete. You can seal it with an acrylic sealer or wrap it in wet burlap to prevent moisture loss for a few days. The planters will fully cure in 5 to 7 days, and once they are ready, just add soil and your succulents.

To water, just use a spray bottle and liberally spray the succulents once a week. This keeps the soil moist and the plant moist, but you won’t worry about standing water.

quikrete cement planters

These planters look great outdoors as a center piece for patio tables and can also be used indoors in window sills and around the home. If you want to get really fancy, you can paint your planters for an even more customized look.

cement planters



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Sunday, June 11, 2017

Quikrete Walk Maker Will Have You Laying Pavers Like a Pro

quikrete-walk-maker

I’ve installed pavers before and it’s an arduous task. From flagstone to pre-formed, it takes a lot of time to select, arrange and lay pavers, even on the smallest walkway. Quikrete’s Walk Maker is a simple solution that takes a lot of the guesswork and grunt work out of laying pavers. The Walk Maker is available from Amazon for $25.

quikrete-walk-maker-mold-form

The Walk Maker is a mold (2’x 2’x 2″) made of recycled plastic that is shaped to resemble four distinct stone paver patterns: Country Stone, Running Bond Brick, European Block and Basket Weave Brick patterns. It’s recommended you use the mold with Quikrete Crack Resistant Concrete which can be customized with 5 unique colors: Charcoal, Buff, Red, Brown and Terra Cotta.

Here’s a quick video showing how simple the process of making pavers is with the Walk Maker

Step-by-Step

Follow these instructions for a detailed tutorial on installing pavers for a walkway using the Quikrete Walk Maker.

SAFETY
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

SURFACE PREPARATION
The Walk Maker® can be placed on any relatively flat surface. It will automatically configure the concrete to the existing base. For professional results, remove one inch of topsoil, and level Walk Maker® before filling with concrete. Removed topsoil can be utilized to fill in open spaces on sides and between concrete after walk has set up.
Step 1 Level the ground removing sod or soil.

MIXING
Add 2.5 quarts (2.4 L) of water to each 80-lb. (36.3 kg) bag or 2 quarts (1.9 L)of water to each 60-lb. (27.2 kg) bag of QUIKRETE® Concrete or Crack Resistant Concrete Mix. Mix thoroughly until a plastic-like (moldable) consistency is reached. If additional water is required, add small amounts until the correct consistency is obtained. The final water content should be 2.5-4.5 qts. (2.4 – 4.3 L)for each 80 lb. (36.3 kg) bag, or 2-3.5 qts. (1.9 – 3.3 L) for each 60 lb. (27.2 kg) bag.
Step 2
Mix QUIKRETE Crack Resistant Concrete. If using liquid cement color, add to the mixing water. TIP: each 2’x2’ Walkmaker form is designed for use with one 80-pound bag of QUIKRETE concrete Mix.

APPLICATION
Use a bucket or trowel to fill each mold cavity level with surface of mold. While concrete is still in mold, pat and smooth cavity surface with trowel. Remove mold promptly. After removing the mold, smooth all edges with a trowel until appearance is satisfactory. Dipping trowel in water may be helpful. Place the mold adjacent to the completed section and continue this process until your project is completed.

Quikrete-Walk-Maker-Country-Stone-fill
Step 3
Place the Walkmaker form on the ground and begin to fill the cavities with concrete.

Step 4
Using a margin trowel, press the concrete mix into the form working from the corners to consolidate the concrete and eliminate any voids.

Quikrete-Walk-Maker-Country-Stone-remove
Step 5
Smooth the surface and immediately remove the form (there is no need to wait for the concrete to set).

Quikrete-Walk-Maker-Country-Stone-rotate
Step 6
Rotate the form a quarter of a turn to vary the pattern for a random look.

Quikrete-Walk-Maker-Country-Stone-finish
Step 7
Use a trowel to smooth any rough edges before the concrete becomes “thumbprint” hard.

Step 8
Begin curing the concrete immediately after the sheen has left the surface of the concrete.

Step 9
Freshly placed concrete should be water cured for a minimum of 3 to 5 days with a fine water mist.

CURING
Concrete should be damp-cured for 5-7 days for the greatest strength or QUIKRETE® Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal – Satin Finish #8730 can be applied once the concrete hardens, but is still damp. (Apply according to directions on the package). To outline/trim blocks, fill-in separations with QUIKRETE® Sand/Topping Mix after concrete has cured. Place dry Sand Mix in cracks and sweep in to desired level. Dampen the Sand Mix with a fine mist of water (do not over-wet). Let Sand/Topping Mix harden to finish the project.

Note: The addition of QUIKRETE® Liquid Cement Color will dramatically enhance any Walk Maker® project. Mix the liquid color with water before adding it to the dry concrete mix. A variety of
surface textures may be obtained by experimenting with different finishing techniques; i.e. a metal trowel will make a smooth surface, a wooden trowel will make a rougher surface and a brushed surface will add texture and expose more aggregate.

 

Shopping List
• QUIKRETE Walkmaker Form
• 80 lb QUIKRETE Crack Resistant Concrete mix Or 80 lb. QUIKRETE Concrete Mix
• Gallon QUIKRETE Acrylic Cure & Seal
• 10 oz. QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color
• Plastic Mixing tub or wheel barrow
• Mixing hoe
• Measuring pail
• Shovel
• Margin trowel
• Gloves
• Safety glasses Here are some photos of walkways that have been built using the Quikrete Walk Maker.

Quikrete-Walk-Maker-Country-Stone1

Quikrete-Walk-Maker-Country-Stone2

Quikrete-Walk-Maker-European



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Cheap Kitchen Countertop Design

The item we use most in the kitchen? Our countertops! They can be the most visually attractive component of a kitchen or conversely the most hideous. They take a tremendous amount of abuse and we expect them to perform under a variety of conditions whether it be heat, moisture, weight or general wear.

rustoleum-countertop-faux-granite.jpg

An issue with selecting new countertops is the cost and time involved with installation and in many instances you just want to change the color or texture and maybe hide various stains or slight damage and abnormalities in your countertop.

Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations

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Rust-Oleum has introduced a cheap kitchen countertop design product that can give old laminate countertops a premium designer finish without the expense, mess or downtime associated with replacement.

sand-countertop.jpg

The Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations Do-It-Yourself Countertop Coating System comes in a complete kit and has been created with the DIYer in mind.

“Homeowners today are looking for countertop surfaces that are durable and functional, yet appeal to their sense of style,” says Rust-Oleum senior brand manager Ashley Lehrmann. “Countertop Transformations is a highly durable alternative to expensive new countertops that’s guaranteed to last for years.”

countertop-granite.jpg

Rust-Oleum is hoping their new countertop treatment will replicate the look of natural stone but to the discerning eye it is still a bit off and once you touch it you know it’s not the real thing. But with the variety of countertop materials out there we don’t get the feeling that it’s trying to replicate stone but rather introduce us to a whole new surface which it is.

Countertop Transformations gives you the ability to transform your countertops, providing a durable new finish at a fraction of the cost of replacement. The coating system eliminates the need to hire a contractor and the mess associated with countertop replacement. It’s also possible to use on bathroom vanities, bar tops and tabletops.

How to Install Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations

countertop-finished-product.jpg
We went through all of the steps to install this countertop transformation with Rust-Oleum that included:

Step 1: Prepare the surface with the Diamond Embedded Sanding Tool (included).
Step 2: Apply the Countertop Transformations Adhesive Base Coat.
Step 3: Spread the Decorative Color Chips.
Step 4: Sand and smooth.
Step 5: Apply the Countertop Transformations Protective Top Coat.

All it took was five steps to a new countertop. There is definitely some labor involved with sanding the countertop to a smooth surface and currently they only provide a sponge size hand sander which they claim contains tiny diamonds which are used as an abrasive.

We suspect some people might take the sanding process into their own hands and use a 120-180 grit paper with their palm sander or oscillating attachment but double check the instructions before trying that, in fact Rust-Oleum doesn’t recommend it.

Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations Finishes

countertop-colors.jpg

There are a variety of finishes including Pebbled Ivory, Desert Sand, Java Stone, Onyx and Charcoal – the most sought after “neutrals” in kitchen design. It stands up to daily wear and tear and features HomeShield Antimicrobial Protection to protect the painted surface by inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew, and other odor or stain-causing microbes.

rustoleum-countertop-kit.jpg
The Countertop Transformations kit comes with almost everything needed for a countertop refinishing project including an Adhesive Base Coat, Wetting Agent, Decorative Color Chips, a Diamond-Embedded Sanding Tool, Sanding Block, Decorative Chip Dispenser, Decorative Chip Scraper, Texture Sample and Stir Sticks. It also includes step-by-step instructions (in both English and Spanish) and an instructional DVD to make the project even easier.

Countertop Transformations is backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. A dedicated Product Support line is also available for assistance with projects, if needed.

If you’re seeking a cheap alternative to your countertop design then you may want to give this kit from Rust-Oleum a try. It should be available at your local home center and costs $250 which covers 50 sqft so a fraction of the investment of new countertops.



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Saturday, June 10, 2017

Milwaukee Tool 2017 New Product Symposium Recap

Since 2008 Milwaukee Tools has been throwing their annual New Product Symposium as an opportunity to show off new tools they’re bringing to market and advancements they’re making with their existing product lines. It’s also an excellent opportunity for us tool enthusiasts to get a feeling for what’s to come beyond those items being showcased. This year marks Milwaukee’s 10th annual event. We attended and we were not disappointed.

Though a wide variety of new tools, devices, and accessories were unveiled, Milwaukee’s 2017 Symposium focused on the company’s drive for “Disruptive Innovation” in the tool space. This term is meant to highlight Milwaukee’s ability to identify product lines, either of their own or from their competition, where an existing tool or accessory can be dramatically improved. The improvements can be achieved using Milwaukee’s ability to offer creative and innovative solutions through field interviews, extensive R&D, rapid advanced prototyping, and hands-on field testing. The end results of their effort are aimed at industry changing advancements to help both pros and DIYers alike accomplish their projects in a higher quality, safer, and faster manner.

Throughout the event, the theme of the sessions focused on two primary categories of advancement. First, Milwaukee highlighted where their new solutions were truly first to market, besting their competitors either in specs, efficiency, or form factor. Second, they focused on their ability to leverage and improve on their existing tool technology, both solidifying their users’ existing investments in the Milwaukee brand, and expanding their capabilities of what they offer their users.

Hand Tools, Storage, and Gear

Though hand tools, storage, and gear were lumped into a single demo session, some of true highlights came from this grouping. Offering innovations in everything from screwdrivers with tactile identification of head type, to an ergonomic punch down tool with integrated LED, I walked away wishing one of each had been in my toolbox 10 years ago! In every case, these are tried and true hand tools with innovative solutions to well known shortcomings in the traditional tools.

What better way to organize hand tools than through gear and storage solutions? Milwaukee’s entrance into sturdy modular storage with their PACKOUT system was one of the real buzzworthy items in the show. After withstanding the abuse of a dropped cinder block that left competitor cases in pieces, the real capabilities of this system are apparent when you see the various sizes neatly stacked and snapped together. There’s really no better way to gain efficiency on the jobsite or in your own project or shop than through organization, and the PACKOUT is a great step to make that a reality. The whole system will be available in September 2017

M12 & M18 Systems

The M12 and M18 FUEL Systems really ended up as some of the stars of the show, and I think that was one of Milwaukee’s goals. From an M18 Hackzall to a High Torque ½” Impact wrench, most of us spent the most “hands on time” in this demo. But the three tools that really stand out are some of the bigger differences in size. The M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw and accompanying lightweight Miter Saw stand were a great combo. At just 28 pounds it’s one of the lights and most versatile cordless miter saws on the market, and the only dual bevel available. The saw should be available in September 2017.

The M12 Soldering Iron and the M18 Compact Heat Gun are going to be game changers in the electrical field. A battery operated soldering iron without hot exhaust is an excellent new take on a traditional tool. This new incarnation, with LED indicator for heat readiness, is extremely user friendly. And the M18 Compact Heat Gun is truly a first of its kind in the market. I was able to solder a connection and shrink wrap in about 90 seconds start to finish, and all without any cord. This is going to be a great set for the electrical or HVAC pro, as well as the electronics hobbyist. Expect these tools in October and September 2017 respectively.

Finally, the M12 Stapler was really sort of badass. Bet you didn’t expect to see those words together as part of this event review. Milwaukee’s concept team really outdid themselves on their attempt to innovate a typically stagnated tool. Battery driven, compact, ergonomically friendly, and with features like an auto drive option, using this stapler was just fun. Sure, you might not have the forearm gains of Popeye when you’re done installing a vapor barrier, but your wrists will thank you. The M12 Stapler is slated for an October 2017 release.

ONE-KEY

ONE-KEY is Milwaukee’s inventory management technology solution that is built into their newer tools, but can be added to other tools as an after market capability by way of the TICK. If you’re familiar with Bluetooth tracking technologies like the Tile or other devices that help you track your keys, wallet, pets, or anything else you want to stick it on, this all works in a similar manner. Geared towards the pro that’s trying to maintain and track tool inventory on the jobsite, the capabilities for ONE-KEY are far reaching as more components are released and more software ideas are implemented. Right now you can think of it primarily as a security device, but in the future it’s my guess you’ll be able to track many details, such as when your tools will need calibration or service based on run time. This is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to smart tools, and Milwaukee is making a major attempt at future proofing their tools with ONE-KEY.

Empire Levels

Milwaukee set aside a significant amount of time to highlight the many advances in their Empire Level line of products. Starting with a factory tour to show manufacturing capabilities of Empire on our first day, and a dedicated demo of the products on day two, the apparent quality of this line really speaks for itself.

From an impact resistant UltraView LED torpedo level, to the auto calibrated digital levels with tone that range from 16” to 72”, these levels really breathe new life and features into a proven existing technology. Going into the symposium I didn’t expect to walk away saying “I think really need a digital auto calibrated 72” level,” but here we are.    

Dust Extraction

New OSHA regulations limiting airborne silica dust generated from concrete work go into effect later this year. Milwaukee has been hard at work creating solutions for advanced dust extraction and collection to conform to these regulations. This includes the creation of dust extraction mechanisms for drilling, cutting, chiseling, and grinding. Several demos showed the impressive efficiency the tool accessories offer for dust extraction, which are impressive on their own. But beyond the OSHA regulations, the 8 Gallon Dust Extractor with self cleaning HEPA filter and tool accessories will benefits well beyond the concrete trades. I can’t help but think about how far this could go to limit plumes of joint compound dust, another other airborne particulate debris! The Dust Extractor will be available in July 2017, and the various extraction attachments in the September to October time frame.

Carbide for Days

Milwaukee seems to have a grand time adding carbide tips to all of their blades, and why wouldn’t they? Their manufacturing process is repeatable and reliable, and adding as much as 25% more carbide to their tips than their competitors makes for some seriously impressive bits and blades. Between the BIG HAWG, Hole Dozer, and TORCH, the blades we tested have an excellent lifespan even when encountering obstacles while drilling and cutting. We saw first hand as single carbide TORCH blade but through cast iron, then boron enforced steel, then more cast iron, all while beating competing methods in head to head competitions. I would expect to see more and more carbide tipped applications in the coming years, perhaps in a circular saw blade sooner than later.

Lighting

Milwaukee is putting a lot of time into providing improved jobsite lighting for trades, and that was obvious again this year. Whether we’re talking full room lighting with their RADIUS lights, area lighting with the ROVER offerings, or my favorite, task lighting with rechargeable head lamps, pocket floods, and flashlights. The versatility of the lighting is their real strength.

The M18 RADIUS light even incorporates an integrated two battery charger for when in use as a corded light, and remote operation capabilities via the ONE-KEY app. The task lighting will be available September 2017, and the M18 RADIUS in August 2017.

Plumbing

The focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of trade tool users is apparent in all of the demos, but it really stands out for me with the new plumbing offerings. Plumbing tools take some serious abuse due to their often constant contact with water. Add to the fact that plumbers need to keep their work areas clean in customer homes, often when dealing with pretty messy stuff, and you have a recipe for innovation when compared to existing tools. Milwaukee has attempted to rethink design and operation on some classic plumbing tools for modern efficient implementations. An M12 Drain Snake and M18 Drain Snake make a cordless powered solution for a typically very manual and cumbersome tool. And the M18 Sectional Drum Machine offers greater portability in lightweight sectional construction, contained mess within an enclosed drum, and safer operation through an auto break on switch release. But the real star was the M12 AirSnake. A handheld cordless air compressor delivers a variably powered shot of air directly to the drain clog, clearing the obstruction without the need for cumbersome and messy snakes that can damage fixtures. The M12 Drain Snake is already available, and the rest of the line is planned for November 2017.



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