Festool 575994 Planex LHS 2 225 EQI-PLUS

Festool has redesigned their Planex drywall sander.  The improved features include random orbit sanding for that perfect finish, LED ring for spot on illumination, adjustable suction power at the head to reduce user fatigue and maximum all day use with the ergonomic T – Handle.  Festool listened to the users on this redesigned Planex EQI – PLUS and it was a complete dream to operate.

First Impression:

The first thing that I think of with Festool is dust extraction, and what is a more perfect tool to perfect than a drywall sander?  Sanding drywall is by far one of the dustiest stages in construction.  Being a remodeling contractor and mostly working in finished spaces, this new redesigned planex was already checking off all the boxes for me.

New tools are always welcomed, but this Planex has completely won me over. We start off in a Systainer SYS3 XXL to store the entire system plus room for accessories. I truly love kits and grab and go all in one Systainer.  The Planex easily clips together and then just hook on a sanding paper disk. Then connect it to your CT36 dust extraction with auto clean and prepare for smooth walls without the mess.

Festool Planex Includes:

• Model  Planex LHS 2 225 EQI-PLUS
• Item number 575994
• SC – LHS 2 225 hose clip
• Hook -and- Loop[ fastener
• Granat P180 pack of five
• Sanding pad dia 220mm inc. interface pad
• Systainer SYS3 XXL 337

Planex LHS 2 225 Specifications:

• Abrasive diameter = 8 7/8”
• Sanding stroke = 3/16” 
• Length = 47 1/4” – 65”
• Weight = 10.36 LB
• Dust extraction connection diameter = 1 1/16”/ 1 7/16” (27mm/36mm)

Festool Planex Features:

• 360 degree LED light ring with light on only button
• Adjustable suction power will reduce user fatigue & the Planex holds its own weight against walls and ceilings 
• Variable working lengths, up to 2 extensions can be added
• The ergonomic T- handle for greater range with shorter machine
• Stores in a Systainer SYS3 XXL & has ample room for store other accessories, sand paper and making it  the perfect  grab in go  drywall sanding kit
• Brushless EC motor providing your long lasting and maintenance free
• Eccentric sanding motion for scratch free surface quality 

Festool Planex On Site:

We had to do a repair on a smooth plastered ceiling.  I applied the first coat of joint compound on this taped repair.  The next day I set up the sander/ dust extractor and started to sand the area.  The planex is light weight and moves across the ceiling like a dream.  During this repair I swapped out sand paper from 180 up to 320 grit.  The finish was super smooth with no marks grooves or indentations.

The dust collection was spot on!  I was able to work in a finished space without running an air scrubber and setting up plastic walls to contain myself.  The LED light provides you with an 360 degrees of lighting. It worked awesome!  Not having to set up a spot light or go back with an inspection light was a big time saver.  Having the light right at the head of the sander allows you to dial in on any imperfections and sand those out.

For wall repairs and ceiling repairs I did, I adjusted the suction power on the head unit while leaving the dust extractor at max suction.  We had great results, walls and ceiling were super smooth with minimal dust on the floor to vacuum up. 

Festool accessory 205274 Planex drywall sander CT dust extractor tool holder has been useful.  We have been using the tool caddy to hold the Planex in between coats and to store different grit sand paper.  Nice little addition IMO.

Suggested Improvement

I would have like to see the XXL SYS3 Systainer lock onto the CT36 dust extractor.  Rolling into a project as one unit would be helpful.  

Festool CT36 E AC Dust Extractor:

Festool CT 36 E AC Dust Extractor Drywall Vacuum model 584014 is a specially designed dust extractor that has an integrated auto clean feature.  This feature confirms full suction and will prevent the filter from getting clogged with drywall dust.  The extractor is sold separately but it pairs very well with the Planex.  Festool CT 36 E AC Dust Extractor kit sells for $ 2,269.00 with the new Planex. The extractor by itself sells for $ 925.00.

Features for the CT36 E AC Extractor Include:

• Variable speed suction
• Self cleaning, variable filter cleaning timer
• Antistatic 36mm hose
• Automatic tool triggered operation

Festool Warranty

All Festool power tools include a 3-year wear-and-tear warranty, 2-day standard repair time, and 1-month satisfaction guarantee.

Conclusion

This will probably read corny, but bear with me! I truly enjoyed using the new redesigned Planex LHS 2 225 EQI- Plus.  I feel this sander has been well thought out by Festool.  The well balanced, LED lighting and incredible dust control are just the few benefits you will be able to provide your clients with for a professional job.  

It truly is a nice kit stored in one systainer (and yes I know its an XXL systainer but it’s still nice!).  This drywall sander will crush it during the drywall stage and will absolutely crush it on the finish stage.  Remember, Festool is quality, innovation, and a complete system design.

Where To Buy

Festool Planex Drywall Sander Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Festool 57659 Cordless Oscillator OSC 18 HPC 4,0 El SET

Festool Cordless Oscillator OSC 18 HPC 4,0 El SET  

5/5

Manufacturer: Festool
Model number: 576590
Price: 799.00
Power source: 18V
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 3.97 lbs with battery

Remember when the cordless multi-tool was loud and vibrated your hand?  Well, I am happy to let you know that there is no one on the market that is a remodeler’s dream.  It’s the all-new Festool Vecturo OSC 18.  We love the anti-vibration system and how quiet it is compared to the other OMTs on the market.  And did I mention dust extraction? On a multi-tool…very nice feature!

First Impression:

I have to admit that I was wrong about the OSC 18.  I was thinking that it was going to be loud, heavy, bulky, and front-loaded.  But the Vecturo proved me wrong.

First off, everything stows nicely in a newly updated systainer.  That just makes it even more attractive in my eyes. It’s powered by a 4.0 Bluetooth battery pack.  And it is noticeably much quieter with less vibration, and truly more comfortable and very well-balanced when compared to its competition.

Festool OSC 18 Includes :

• Model:   Cordless Oscillator OSC 18 HPC 4,0 El SET  
• Model Number: 576590
• Batteries: 2x BP 18 Li 4,0 HPC-ASI battery packs
• Charger: 1x TCL 6
•  HSB 100/BI/OSC wood saw blade x1
•  USB 50/35/BI/OSC universal saw blade x1
•  USB 78/32/BI/OSC universal saw blade x1
•  A Adapter
•  AH Positioning Aid
•  AV Dust Extraction Device
•  TA Depth Stop
• Systainer: SYS# M 187 ( New Style Systainers)

Festool Vecturo Features:

• Brushless EC- TEC motor with variable speed control to provide you with the best control for each cutting task.
• 18V 4.0 compact battery packs.
• Noise and vibration damping for superior comfort.  The housing and motor are completely isolated and that’s what provides the anti-vibration.
• Vecturo system accessories set this OMT apart from its competitors.  It has a dust extraction attachment, precision plunge-cutting base with dust extraction, and an adjustable depth stop.
• StarLockMax offers a keyless quick change, which means that you don’t need a tool to change blades.  It is really fast to change out blades.

Festool OSC 18 on the Job site:

The OSC 18 has been wicked awesome to have on-site!  The wood saw blade looks very medieval but saws like a dream.  We’ve been using the wood saw blades more than the traditional OMT blades lately.  It’s a new blade for me and I’ve found it to be very fast and versatile.

The StarLockMax blade changing system is very quick.  The learning curve with the system is that you can leave the lever down and just snap on your blade.  If the blade doesn’t lock-in, then you use the lever to reset the locking pin.  This is used for releasing and for changing blades.

The quiet operation is music to my ears.  These days I’m looking for cordless, lightweight, and quieter power tools.  The Vecturo hits the marks on all accounts.

Vecturo Dust Collection & Accessories:

As for dust collection, the OSC 18 is surprisingly good.  And the dust extractor runs for a few seconds after you power down the tool to help keep the hose line cleaner.  We had just a very small amount of dust particles localized to the immediate cut area.  All in all the dust collection attachment on the precision plunge base is great.  And it is happily welcomed to keep our job sites neater, cleaner and safer.

All of the accessories attach easily by lining up the arrows on the multi-tool and the accessory pieces.  One of the features Festool has created is an adjustment/attach/locking lever in its distinctive Festool green color.  You can use Festool’s complete line of OMT blades or you can use your preferred manufactures multi-tool blades that use the StarLockMax System.

We are happy to see that the new Festool battery line has a power level indicator and Bluetooth capability.  Before, their Gen 1 batteries relied on power levels located on the tool.  Variable speed is from 1 (10,000) to 6 (19,500) OPM (Oscillations per Minute).  We ran the OSC 18 for an eight-hour workday cutting sidewall shingling at variable speeds from 1-6 without depleting the battery.

Festool Warranty:

All Festool power tools include a 3-year wear-and-tear warranty, 2-day standard repair time, and 1-month satisfaction guarantee.

Conclusion:

Right out of the systainer we noticed the differences in why this OMT was going to be a favorite.  There’s a ton of accessories and the batteries are nice and compact.  Add that with its quieter features and operation with an anti-vibration damping system and it’s a no-brainer.  Festool provides you with quality, innovation, and system design that is supreme and is why I choose to use Festool on my job sites.  Give it try!

Festool Vecturo Multitool is a post from Tool Box Buzz

STIHL RMA 510 V Cordless Lawn Mower

If you have a fast-paced walk as I do then this mower is for you.  STIHL’s RMA 510 V self-propelled, a cordless lawn mower is easy to use and offers variable speed control that can be adjusted to any suburban homeowner.  And what’s better is that it works on STIHL’s AP battery platform.

STIHL Cordless Lawn Mower Features

• Model: RMA 510 V
• Cutting Width: 20″
• Cutting Height: 1″- 3.9″ (7 spring assisted)
• Grass Catcher Capacity: 19.8 Gallons
• Deck Material: Steel
• Battery: AP Series 36V 6AH
• On Board 2nd battery storage
• Weight of Mower: 66.1 lbs
• Weight of Mower with Battery: 69.9 lbs
• Mower Blade Speed: 3200 rpm & ECO mode 2800 rpm
• Self Propel Speed: 0.6 mph to 2.8 mph
• Handlebars offer 3 different height positions
• Storage Options: 3 stowed position
• Safety feature: Removable locking key
• Noise level: 87.6 db

First Impression

The new STIHL cordless lawn mower offers a sleek and attractive appearance.  During my first use with this mower, I was completely impressed by the speed and how fast you can cut on just a single 36v battery.  Another feature I like is that there is onboard storage for the second backup battery.

It’s very user friendly.  To start it up you set your deck and handlebar height, then push the start button, squeeze the bottom power bar and begin cutting your lawn.  Adjust the speed if you need to. So simple and quiet!

STIHL RMA 510 V  Run-time Test

The RMA 510V ran for a constant 28 minutes before having to swap out the battery.  The total square footage that was mowed with the 2 AP 300 STIHL battery was 12,090 sf.  We can also translate that into miles traveled and that would be 1.3 miles.

The grass conditions for our Head to Head Best Cordless Lawn Mower were dry and recently cut the week before to maintain consistent height. It was an open field area. The speed and strong power coming from this cordless 36 V lawnmower was very impressive.

This mower set in normal running is quiet enough to make grass cutting enjoyable.  You can also have the mower drive-in self propel mode without engaging the blade.  This is a feature that I truly like and use. This lawnmower handles similarly to my old gas job and offers a steel deck!  Not all of the new cordless mowers do.

RMA 510 V Adjustment Levers

Remember when you would struggle with adjusting the height of each wheel with your old mower?  Well if you didn’t, lucky you!  I absolutely dreaded having to adjust the heights on my old gas mower.

Now, it’s one lever to adjust all four wheels at once and it’s like a dream to adjust the deck height on the RMA 510 V.  Collapsing the handle will take you a couple of minutes if you have to store it or transport it in a collapsed fashion. Just adjust/pull all 4 knobs and it’s in a compact form.

Suggested Improvements

The only thing that I am not a fan of is the placement of the lower metal power lever. The placement of this power lever is uncomfortable when you grip it to the foam bar.  It feels like it almost doesn’t line up right.  The upper bar/engage self propel lever with foam handle work well together, but the lower one not so much.

Another small issue I found was after using the self propel it takes a few seconds to disengage from that mode.  If you disengage the self propel mode and want to pull the lawnmower backward, the wheels need to be pushed forward then pulled back to go into freewheel mode.  Not a deal-breaker but another step during use.

STIHL Manufacturing

When you buy STIHL you’re buying American built tools. They have a state-of-the-art facility in Virginia Beach that manufactures millions of finished products every year and exports them to more than 90 countries around the world.   Made by STIHL is a brand promise – no matter the location of production.  So STIHL and China have been a very successful combination for many years.  Since 2006, their plant in Qingdao has been proving that tried-and-tested STIHL quality can also come from China.

Final Thoughts

STIHL has made a good cordless lawn mower with the option to expand from this AP battery platform into their other cordless OPE.  If you’re in the market for a cordless lawnmower with the thought of expanding into other outdoor power equipment then I would recommend giving STIHL a look.  See what they have to offer your property at STIHLusa.com.  It just makes sense.

STIHL 36V Cordless Lawn Mower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DEWALT announces new line of bit accessory containers

Dewalt Tough is helping us stay organized with their new line of Toughcase+ Accessory  Storage Sets .  We always love seeing new tools, but when it comes to organization with ease we are all ears.  These new containers are the latest addition  to DEWALT accessory storage .  This new system has four container sizes; the Small Bulk Storage Container, Small ToughCase+ Container , Medium  ToughCase+ Container and Large ToughCase+ Container for you to design the best configuration for your needs.

Here are the features of why the Tough Case+ Containers will assist in keeping you productive .  Newly designed bit storage with a unique bit bar position that allows for easy removal of bits.  Clear lids for easy grab and go.  Another benefit about this system is the proprietary latch system to connect to each other for improved storage space.  Also the small Bulk Storage Container fits into each of the units to assist in maximizing organization.

The sets will be available for most popular  lines of  bits from Dewalt.  These new cases will be available Summer/Fall of 2019.  The price of this new accessory system ; SmallCases range from $ 5.99 to $16.99 and the Medium/Large Cases range from $19.99 to $39.99.

For further information please visit DEWALT.com .

DEWALT Introduces ToughCases+Accessory Storage Sets is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Chris Tenasco – Tool Box Buzz Tradesman of the Month

Our Tradesman of the Month for November 2018 is Chris Tenasco.  Chris is a 4th generation carpenter with 25 years swinging a hammer and 15 years as a head carpenter.  Chris has followed in his father’s foot steps, he was also a head carpenter.  His grandfather and great grandfather  were also carpenters.  Chris is a framing contractor and runs a 2 man crew.  Chris’s Company is CT Construction currently working under contract for the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg housing department.

We would like to thank everyone that signed up in November and continue to encourage all Tradesmen and Tradeswomen to keep entering.  This award is for all of you, and we want to celebrate the good work you do and help keep the trades alive.  Thank you to Milwaukee Tools for sponsoring the tool gift package.

As Tradesman of the Month, Chris wins a Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Miter Saw  .   He’s going to have a safer job site with one less cord running to his new M18 Miter saw.  Also, by clicking on the tool link you will be able to see a in depth tool review from TBB Crew Rob Robillard.   Chris will receive a TBBPRO t-shirt, TBB Hat and stickers. Congratulations Chris!

How To Enter This Giveaway?

Entering is easy; send us an email with a picture of yourself, your work, and use the hash tag #TBBPRO in the photo. Enter each month for an awesome Milwaukee tool gift pack and TBBPRO swag!

Tradesman of the Month November 2018 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Theresa Haymon – Tool Box Buzz Tradeswoman of the month

Our Tradeswoman of the Month for October 2018 is Theresa Haymon.  Theresa is a union carpenter in Boston, MA, working out of Local 327.  The company Theresa works for is John Moriarty& Associates, Inc.  Theresa winning photo shows her using a Impact driver to screw plywood to 2″x 4″ to make temporary doors, then fasten the hinges and hasps.  Most of the time, Theresa works with concrete forms.

When Theresa was in middle school, instead of enrolling in cooking and sewing.  Theresa took carpentry and electrical shop.  After Theresa completed the 12 week program,  Theresa was accepted into the Carpenter’s Union.  Now Theresa is a 20 year member of the Carpenters Union and a resident of Boston, Hyde Park.

As Tradesman of the Month, Theresa wins a Milwaukee M18 Cordless Table Saw with Stand.   A carpenter with a cordless table saw goes together like spaghetti and meatballs!  Theresa is going to love the portability from her new M18 table saw. Also, by clicking on the tool link you will be able to see a in depth tool review from one of  the TBB crew member.   Theresa will receive a TBBPRO t-shirt, TBB Hat and stickers. Congratulations Theresa!

How To Enter This Giveaway?

Entering is easy; send us an email with a picture of yourself, your work, and use the hash tag #TBBPRO. Enter each month for an awesome Milwaukee tool gift pack and TBBPRO swag!

TRADESWOMAN OF THE MONTH OCTOBER 2018 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Matt Walsh -Tool Box Buzz Tradesman of the Month

Our Tradesman of the Month for September 2018 is Matt Walsh.  Matt is a finish carpenter and woodworker in PA.  He has been a carpenter and around carpentry all his life. He used to work with his dad, as a kid, carrying lumber then after he went onto framing houses.  Matt did a stint a commercial carpenter for a number of years. Now Matt works for a company doing mostly kitchen installs and makes custom furniture on the side.

In this photo he’s making a custom table for a customer in Florida that he designed.  It’s a heavy table,  4′ x 9′ with 3”thick Spruce in a trestle design.  If you like to see more of Matt’s furniture , he can be found on Face Book @ MWalshCustomCarpentry or on Instagram as MWalshCarpentry

As Tradesman of the Month, Matt wins a Milwaukee M18 cordless table saw with stand. As a wood worker/ finish carpenter , he is going to love the power and portability from the M18 cordless table saw. Also, by clicking on the tool link you will be able to see a in depth tool review from one of  the TBB crew member.   Matt will receive a TBBPRO t-shirt, TBB Hat and stickers. Congratulations Matt!

Enter each month for an awesome Milwaukee tool gift pack and TBBPRO swag!

TRADESMAN OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2018 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

David Lewallen – Tool Box Buzz Tradesman of the Month

Our Tradesman of the Month for August 2018 is David Lewallen.  David is a union Iron worker with Local 55 from Toledo, Ohio.  The company he works for is Kokosing inc. Industrial division they are based out of Columbus, Ohio.

In his picture , they are demoing the domes off a Digester, a 45-foot tall tank, at a waste water treatment plant. The domes are stel and weigh around 100,000 lbs.  They will be installing a new base and lid next week. This is one of four that will completed.  David is harnessed to the side wall/base of the tank at 45 -feet up.

David is using an oxy/acetylene field torch to cut away a . 12,000 LB piece. Once free, a 90 ton crane will lower to the ground crew and prepare it for transport from the job site.

Tradesman of the Month August 2018 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Nate McHugh – Tool Box Buzz Tradesman of the Month

As Tradesman of the Month, Nate wins a Milwaukee M18 FUEL Large Grinder Kit.  As a welder, he will get plenty of use out of the Milwaukee large format grinder.   Also, by clicking on the tool link you will be able to see product details on Milwaukee’s website.   Nate will receive a TBBPRO t-shirt, TBB Hat and stickers. Congratulations Nate!

Enter each month for an awesome Milwaukee tool gift pack and TBBPRO swag!

Tradesman of the Month June 2018 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Eddie Hillmann – Tool Box Buzz Tradesman of the Month

Eddie has won a Milwaukee Tool North America FUEL M18 Hole Hawg , a TBBPRO shirt & hat, plus Tradesman of the Month stickers. 

Tradesman of the Month – July 2018 is a post from Tool Box Buzz