GPS Tool Tracking Has Arrived

Bosch has just changed the tool tracking game by introducing GPS tool tracking technology on their newest breaker hammer. This GPS technology is also available as a retrofit on current breaker hammer models. 

Bluetooth tool trackers from Milwaukee and others, have been the only tool tracking game in town until now. While these Bluetooth systems have their merits, they are limited in range. Job site managers have no recourse if the tool goes missing from the job site, but with the GPS tracking technology, you can follow it’s every movement, anywhere and at anytime. 

Bosch has been on the sidelines with tracking devices and they will be jumping into the Bluetooth tool management game later this year with, Bluehound, which looks to be a direct competitor to Milwaukee’s One-Key.

We hope Bosch can really deliver with the GPS tracking tech and that it trickles down to the rest of their tool lineup including their 18V and 12V tools. It’s bound to happen, and it looks like Bosch has the lead on this.

from http://bit.ly/2nQ35Fw

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Mirrored Pocket Door – Jack and Jill Bathroom Update

I’m so excited to tell you that I’ve finished 2 (yes–TWO) projects this week! One is the mirrored pocket door that leads from Madison’s bedroom to the Jack and Jill bathroom. I love pocket doors. They don’t take up floor space and they don’t ever smack an unsuspecting occupant standing on the opposite side of said door. […]

The post Mirrored Pocket Door – Jack and Jill Bathroom Update appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.

from http://bit.ly/2Es9fp8

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Sidewinder or Worm Drive Saw?

As a blogger in the home improvement world I’ve come to know quite a few construction professionals so when I had a question regarding the differences between circular saws, more specifically the worm drive and the sidewinder, I asked my friend Robert Robillard who is a carpenter and also writes about tools and home improvement challenges at A Concord Carpenter.

As a seasoned DIYer who lives on the west coast I’ve only really shopped for sidewinder saws which I always just called circular saws. But circular saws also come in another variation which is a worm drive saw.

It seems there is a regional bias for what type of saw contractors use. Early on the sidewinder saws were marketed to the east coast and the worm drive to the west coast. The SKIL 77 worm drive saw is a legendary workhorse and many right-handers prefer it because you don’t have to look over the motor to see the blade cut. Sidewinders have become the preferred choice among DIYers because of their lighter weight and lower cost.

Sidewinder vs. Wormdrive 

Robert breaks down the differences for me.

Carpenters from coast to coast have used worm drive saws for framing, stair and roof rafter construction. The “Worm drive” is the name of the gears inside the saw. The motor drives a worm gear that transfers power to the blade. Because of this a worm drive has more torque and will cut when a direct drive saw would stall out. Which means more powerful!

It also means more weight and for years this was a negative for a lot of carpenters who are not framers.

In my opinion, worm drive saws are unmatched for their line of sight and blade visibility [blade on left for right handers] as well as their ample power. As a carpenter I can attest that my job site needs change and evolve with newly developed materials, updated building techniques and streamlined methods of working. Todays worm drives are lighter like the DEWALT 13.8 saw.

Many carpenters who do rafter and stair work would have a worm drive and a sidewinder for the opposing bevels.

Sidewinders or direct drive saws are small, light and get the job done. I personally own both and if I’m making a few cuts I use the lighter sidewinder. If I’m on a framing job – it’s the worm drive.

I’d love to hear what type and brand of circular saw you use and why?

photo: Fine Homebuilding

from http://bit.ly/2ENoDtV

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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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