Tools That Rule

Been putting some of my new tools to the test over the last couple of days. To say I'm merely "pleased" with some of my purchases would be a grotesque understatement. So, without further ado, here's this week's installment of "Tools That Rule".

First up, the 3rd Hand Support System from FastCap.



What do they do, you ask?

Shit, what don't they do?

Here's how I've used them, so far.

- Securing sections of beadboard paneling in place after glue-up (with a length of 1x4 stock between the paneling and the foot of the support).

- Load strut across the bed of the pickup. I can carry stuff in Rubbermaid bins across the back of the bed and keep them easily accessible at the tailgate.

- Holding up a load of _______ that's longer than the bed of the truck, until I can close the tailgate and then set the _______ down so it rides on top of it.

- Holding up the end of the monkey bars on the girls' wooden swingset so I can line up the bolt holes.

I've probably left out a few.

And, yeah, they'd probably rule at holding up crown molding too. These are going to see a lot of use, and I'll probably be getting another pair. Though, they should rename it The BallSaver.

"Don't break your balls. Grab a BallSaver, instead!"

Next up, is this 15 Amp Benchtop Table Saw from JET.



It's too bad you can't do a Spinal Tap with the Amazon reviews and have this sucker go up to six stars.

A quiet, powerful, belt-driven benchtop saw by a reputable manufacturer for about $200? Doesn't get much any better than that (with the possible exception of the crappy little miter gauge that comes with it, but hey, that's what miter saws are for).

And this portable stand by Bosch is the frosting on the cake.

Last one for today is the 6.4 Amp Barrel Grip Jig Saw from Bosch.



Damn.

Just, damn.

OK, so maybe they could have made the on/off switch a little easier to reach with your thumb, but still...

Damn.

Next week: Tools That Rule - the Milwaukee edition.