Dewalt 10″ Job Site Table Saw

Dewalt made a splash last year with the first cordless table saw, but their 10″ job site table saw can be found on almost every construction site in the country. It’s legendary toughness and accuracy make it a must-have tool for builders everywhere.

Job site table saws require rugged durability as they must always perform despite being transported the back of a truck or knocked over at the job site. Maintaining accurate cuts is also vital to their reputation, and Dewalt makes the cut (literally).

Available for $499 at Home Depot, this saw is a steal and it also includes a stand. DIYers with small workshops will also benefit from this job site saw, as it can be easily stored and perform most of the cuts that a contractor saw can do.

With a 90 day money back guarantee and 3 year warranty, Dewalt stands behind their table saw like they do with all of their tools.

from http://bit.ly/2FPPpB9

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Getting out of a slump and a Calderwood Cottage update

Hey guys! I wanted to be unveiling the finished linen closet in the Jack and Jill bathroom but it’s still not done.  Argh.  It feels like I’ve been trudging through knee deep molasses to make any forward progression. Part of my problem has been my chaotic workshop. It’s been a mess since October when Julie […]

The post Getting out of a slump and a Calderwood Cottage update appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.

from http://bit.ly/2Emaxzs

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How to Make a Dado Jig for Palm Router

Want to learn how to make a simple dado jig? Hey Sawdust Girl Readers! Happy New Year! It’s SG Squad member, Timisha here from ToolBox Divas.  It has been a while since we last chatted. The holidays are a great time to spend with family and unwind.  I can honestly say I did absolutely NOTHING. […]

The post How to Make a Dado Jig for Palm Router appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.

from http://bit.ly/2rzJX33

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Roof Top Tent Reviews

The best roof top tent is out there, waiting for you to grab it and take it on an adventure of a lifetime. Now more than ever, buyers have an opportunity to choose between a plethora of high-quality roof top tents that fit most budgets and uses. The most expensive roof top tent, isn’t always the right tent, and the cheapest roof top tent doesn’t mean it’s of poor quality.

I’ve got a 1989 FJ62 Land Cruiser and a 2008 F-150. Both are setup with racks to accommodate a roof top tent, so I’ve had an opportunity to personally test all of these here. There are a few listed that I’ve only seen at trade shows such as Overland Expo and Outdoor Retailer, but most of these I’ve spent multiple nights in, so I can attest to their quality and comfort.

Before choosing a roof top tent, you need to first answer these questions, which will help narrow down your choices.

What is your budget?
How do you plan on using your roof top tent?
How often will you use your roof top tent?
How many people will be sleeping in the tent?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what type of roof top tent you need as well as the size. Here’s a list of the best roof top tents we’ve personally used or checked out.

The Best Roof Top Tent System

Most roof top tents are completely separate units from the racks they attach to. They can include mounting brackets to fit round, aero, and square bars, but there are hardly any native solutions. Front Runner Outfitters is one of the most comprehensive roof top tent systems you can find. The strength of their roof racks is validated by years of use in the jungles of South Africa, and their roof top tent lives up to their reputation.

The Front Runner roof top tent can be used with any type of rack system, but their innovative quick-release roof top tent system is a real winner. Just slide your tent into the four locking mounts and off you go.

The Best Roof Top Tent for Car Camping

The Yakima hits the sweet spot in terms of price and accessibility for most people who are considering buying a roof top tent. Many people already have Yakima roof racks or bike racks and most of these people are weekend warriors or action sports enthusiasts. They year for a quick and easy way to setup a campsite and are enamored by the advantages of roof top tents. 

Casual users may also be more likely to remove the tent between trips as it’s likely they will only use the tent 2-5 times per year. The hardcore overland crowd might scoff at the Yakima, but we can attest to it’s durability and ease of use. We did have a bolt loosen on us after a few hundred miles, so make certain everything is tight as you assemble it. 

The Best Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

Hard shell roof top tents are the most durable of the bunch and can remain on your vehicle for months at a time. With some models you can also attach gear to the top of the tent which is a huge advantage over other tents, as roof top storage is often lost when using a roof top tent.

Most hard shell roof top tents are opened with hydraulic arms that lift the top instantly. No more fiddling with extra zippers or covers. Closing a hard shell tent is just as easy.

The main disadvantage to hard shell roof top tents is that they are heavier, which makes them more difficult to attach and remove as well as store. A heavier tent can also impact your mileage as it adds more to the overall weight of the vehicle. It also moves the center of gravity higher, so if you are already carrying a tire or other heavy gear up top, a hard shell tent adds even more weight. 

Among hard shell roof top tents, the best we’ve seen are from James Baroud. These tents are around the most expensive you’ll find, but the features are quality are tough to match. 

The Best All-Season Roof Top Tent

Tepui has been one of the top names in roof top tents for years, and they recently introduced an all-season solution that allows you to replace the canopy on your tent based on the conditions you will encountering. The Baja Series features a mesh shade canopy for hot humid weather or a lightweight nylon rip-stop canopy for spring time, or an aluminized canopy for inclement weather. A detachable rainfly is also included. 

This solves an issue for campers who use their tents year round and travel to areas with a variety of weather conditions.

Best Roof Top Tents

There are plenty more roof top tent companies that we want to mention, that have been building quality tents for years and have legions of fans behind them.

Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT) is seen on more rigs than almost any other tent, and the reason is simple. They have one of the deepest selections of roof top tents available, so it’s likely you’ll find the size you need at the price you want. From two-person roof top tents to four-person and larger tents, CVT can setup your car or truck with a durable and long-lasting tent to fit your needs.

Smittybilt has been making off-road gear for ages, and their roof top tent is one of the top rated tents on Amazon. For $870 you’ll get a roof top tent that includes many of the same features you’d find on higher priced tents. 

The number one goal of a roof top tent is to make your car camping experience more enjoyable. Nothing beats waking up to a gorgeous sunrise when you’re seven feet off the ground.

from http://bit.ly/2n6w1bh

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Shopmade Router Circle Jig

Hey friends!!  It’s Shara here from Woodshop Diaries.  Happy New Year!!  With it being the start of a new year, I know that organization is top priority and money is probably a little tight (Or is that just me??).  So the last thing you want to do is go out and buy ANOTHER fancy, expensive […]

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from http://bit.ly/2EPPHax

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The Husky Jumpstarter and Power Source

Having a 12 volt jumpstarter with you at all times, means you no longer have to ask strangers for help to jumpstart your car or wait for AAA or roadside assistance. A jumpstarter holds onto enough juice to start a dead car or truck. This jumpstarter from Husky also doubles as a power source to charge a variety of electronic equipment. If your car battery is dead and so is your smartphone, you could be in deep trouble, but with the Husky you’ve got a better chance of overcoming this challenge and in record time.

I’ve carried a jumpstarter in my truck for a few years and I love it, but it’s extremely heavy and takes up a ton of space in the cab of my truck or the trunk of my car. I’ve also got a newer small jumpstarter, but unfortunately it has to be recharged often and I don’t really trust it. It also lacks the charging capabilities that the Husky has. 

You can pickup the Husky jumpstarter at a Home Depot near you or order online.

from http://bit.ly/2EQPkMS

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The New Ford Ranger is Ready for Battle

Today Ford announced the return of the once popular Ford Ranger midsize truck to the American market. It’s been 7 years since Ford discontinued the Ranger, but it’s back and better than ever. 

I had a 1991 Ford Ranger in college and it was the first truck in my long running love affair with Ford trucks. If was a 5-speed manual with a four cylinder that wouldn’t quit. I got it in Tucson and drove it for a few years in Seattle. It was only a two-wheel drive, but was nimble enough to handle my frequent ski runs to Alpental and beyond. I loved that truck and was sad to give it up. I stuck with Ford and have since owned a 1970 Ford Bronco and a 2001 and 2008 F-150. I’ve been tempted to jump back into a midsize truck after enjoying trips in the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado, but the F-150 always draws me back in. After a quick glance at the specs on the Ranger, I have no doubt it will sell well and push Chevy and Toyota to up their game.

The Ranger comes standard with a 2.3 liter six cylinder ecoboost and 10-speed automatic transmission. There’s no diesel available as of yet, but that could change in the near future. The trim levels are similar to the F-150, and the Ranger is available with a crew cab which makes it family ready. The new Ranger is squarely aimed at the younger urban dweller who needs a truck to handle their outdoor activities, but is nimble enough to park and good on gas.

The FX4 version offers plenty of off-road upgrades, but it’s no Raptor. We’d love to see one of these in Raptor form!

Luxury amenities can be found throughout the Ranger and the technology they’ve packed in this truck rival anything that Ford has available. 

Production of the Ranger begins later this year so you’ll have to wait almost a year to get your hands on one. We’re curious how many aftermarket accessories will be available, but if the Colorado is any indication, manufacturers have already started developing overland and off-road gear. 

The Toyota Tacoma has been a long time leader in this space, but Chevy and Ford are really putting the pedal to the floor with their offerings. 

from http://bit.ly/2EQABln

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