TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide

TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that tool-loving dad or father figure in your life. And that can be a tall task if they already seem to have ALL the tools. But have no fear… Whether you just want a small gift or are looking to go big, we’ve got you covered. To help you out, regardless of your budget, we gave you a wide spectrum of gift options. So sit back, relax, and let us help your crush Father’s Day this year!

Plus, the tools in this 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So rest assured we’re recommending products we know and love and not just popular picks we’ve never tested. Ok, now on to the gifts!

TBB Gift Choices

• Microjig Grr-Ripper2 Go Push Block

Table saws can be dangerous, so we’re always interested in table saw accessories that make work easier AND safer. Enter the Grr-ripper2 Go from Microgig. It’s a specially designed push block that allows the blade to pass through open space while giving a solid grip to push materials through the blade. The offset design means that rotating the block 90 degrees is all it takes to “adjust” the open space positioning. It’s now our go-to table saw push block for good reason.

Purchase the Grr-ripper2 Go for $30

• Crescent G2 ShockForce Night Eye Tape Measure

Tape Measures may seem pretty standard and unexciting. But the attention to detail on the Crescent G2 Night Eye will make you reconsider. The Night Eye marking features a high-contrast, high luminescent paint scheme that makes it incredibly easy to read in low light settings. The ShockForce design is built to last with protective steel guards built into the case. And the belt clip even has a thumb tab to make it easier to open and limit wear and tear from repeated use. As far as tape measures go, this is the best of the best.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $28

• Dust Right FlexiPort Power Tool Hose Kit

Dust control is a never-ending task. So why make it even harder fighting to connect a shop vac to a cutting or sanding tool? The Dust Right FlexiPort hose kit helps solve this problem. It provides a universal and flexible solution to help you quickly hook up a range of shop vac outlet sizes to a range of dust port diameters. The Flexi design helps prevent mid task disconnecting as you maneuver around a worksurface or materials. Its an easy option that is sure to get a lot of use on a number of projects.

Purchase at Rocklers for $30

• Rockler Silicone Project Mat (15 x 30 in.)

Glue ups are an essential part of earning a workshop project badge. But this Rockler silicone mat means that scraping the dried glue off a wooden workbench when you’re done doesn’t have to be a part of the process. This mat gives you a slip-free surface to work on. And it also makes it a snap to remove dried glue. Its super easy to clean and rolls up so you can tuck it away when you’re not using it.

Purchase at Rocklers for $30

• Crescent 20 Oz. Steel Hammer

If the tool loving father (or father figure) in your life needs an upgrade to their hammer collection then check out the Crescent 20 oz. steel hammer. Its full forged steel head and handle mean it’s also incredibly rugged. Yet the hammer neck also features effective vibration dampening design features to limit fatigue from prolonged use. The Crescent steel hammer also has a magnetic nail quick starter molded into the hammer head. Overall, it’s well balanced and ergonomically comfortable. And at $26 it won’t break the bank either.

Purchase at Home Depot for $26

• Helly Hansen Manchester Service Shorts

A great Father’s Day gift can be more than a great tool. These Helly Hasen work shorts provide a great fit. They are also durable and functional on any job site or in the workshop. The blended materials have a slight stretch that allows better movement when reaching, lifting, or climbing. They even have a convenient ID card lanyard loop and reflective elements making them more construction friendly. If you want to get some clothes for Father’s Day for home or work then you should check out these Helly Hansen service shorts.

Purchase at Helly Hansen for $45

• Gerber Custom Pocket Knife (Savvy Pictured)

We love knives. They are practical and fun. We also love custom stuff that stands out. So when we got our hands on a custom Gerber knife that combines these options, we were very impressed. Gerber has a range of knives at various price points to work with a spectrum of Father’s Day gift budgets. We opted for the Savvy with a custom logo on both the handle and the blade. We also customized the hardware, blade, and handle colors. The web-based design interface at Gerber.com is super user friendly. It also allows you to upload custom images in additional to offering some really cool stock patterns and text options. So if your guy likes knives this is an easy surefire winner!

Purchase at Gerber for $55-$170

• Craftsman 20V Drill/Driver Set

We thought it was worth highlighting a great cordless option from Craftsman for those looking to start building a DIY-friendly cordless kit – their 20V Drill/Driver kit. This is an affordable 2-piece kit that provides ample power via Craftsman’s 20V Li-Ion battery platform. It’s a great starter kit that can easily be added onto with other Craftsman 20V tools as needed. It comes with a carrying case and 2 batteries providing you everything you need for a wide range of drilling and driving needs. It’s also on sale for 33% off so grab one while there are still some available!

Purchase at Lowe’s for $99

• Rockler Rock-Steady Knock-Down Table Saw Outfeed Kit

A table saw is an essential staple in any woodworking workshop or garage space. But often times your guy/father’s workshop may also be limited on square footage. If this is the case, consider buying Rockler’s Rock-Steady Knock-Down outfeed table as a great table saw accessory gift. It easily mounts on a wide range of table saws. And its fold down storage design means it won’t take up extra space when it’s not in use. Better yet, it will drastically improve the accuracy and safety of cuts when compared to a table saw without an outfeed option. It prevents longer boards from cantilevering down at the end of the cut. This can force the blade to come off the desired cut line. Rockler has designed a great option with this one and it’s a surefire Father’s Day winner!

Purchase at Rocklers for $120

• Craftsman 3-drawer Socket Set (1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 in.)

A socket set is a must have for any novice tool guy and beyond. But it’s pretty easy to lose a socket, ratchet, or extension piece. The Craftsman 3-drawer Socket Set is awesome because it’s as much of an organization system as a full-scale, 230-piece socket set. It features 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch sockets. Every piece has its own labeled storage spot for easy organization of small round parts otherwise easily lost. Better yet, the drawers lock with a top-mounted knob. This stops the drawers from sliding open when moving the set. The best part is that this set is on sale for $129 (usually over $200) for Father’s Day so don’t wait if you’re considering it.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $129

• Danner Lead Time Work Shoes

Safety is a top priority, especially for those we love the most. And while hands, eyes, ears, and fingers get lots of attention, we focused on Footwear. Specifically, if your guy or father is doing construction in hot weather, then consider a pair of work shoes. This is a great alternative to boots which can cause more fatigue due to increased weight. They also tend to be less flexible and breathable. So while work shoes don’t offer that same ankle support, they have distinct advantages. And the Danner Lead Time work shoes are at the top of our list. The Vibram soles and carbon fiber toes keep their wearer safe and comfortable. And in our opinion they look pretty good too. They are definitely worth the price!

Purchase at Danner for $160

• DEWALT 4-Port, 12/20/60V Battery Charger

If your guy’s workshop, toolbox, or work trailer features lots of DEWALT black and Yellow, then consider choosing the DEWALT 4-port charger as a great accessory gift. It allows the user to load up to four 12V, 20V, or 60V batteries at a time. The charger will then charge them all simultaneously. It also automatically shuts off when the charge is completed to ensure that your batteries aren’t overcharged and damaged. It also makes transporting batteries between worksites or projects a snap. The through mounting holes and integrated cord wrap hooks make set-up and portability even easier. This is a great charger to support some great tools.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $299

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

We know gift shopping can be stressful. So just “trust the Pro’s” in the Tool Box Buzz team. We know our 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide is sure to give you some great suggestions. So good luck and happy hunting. And Happy Father’s Day from all of us at TBB!

TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp

Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp

Manufacturer: Rockler
Model number: #69764 for 6" and #65890 for 10"
Price: $19.00 for 6" and $22.99 for 10"
Power source: Clamp Force: 150 lbs

I’ve partnered with Rocker to give you guys an independent review on these clamps and have been using them for 3-4 weeks.

These Rockler clamps are made of a glass-reinforced nylon clamp body with a steel bar and steel spring cover. They feature black-colored, non-marring thermoplastic rubber clamp pads. The clamps come in two sizes with a clamping capacity between jaws of either 6-1/2” or 10-1/2” and a throat depth: 2-1/4”. The clamp pads measure 7/8” x 1-1/2” and have a clamping force of 150 lbs.

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp | First Impression

The main feature of these clamps is that they claim to close fast – and, after having used them several times, I can tell you that they do. I was impressed with how fast the clamp closes; a simple squeeze of the release trigger and the spring mechanism closes the jaws fast which eliminates repetitive pumping of the clamp grip or the use of your other hand to close the jaw.

Once closed, a squeeze the larger four-finger trigger engages up to 150 lbs. in clamping force. To give you some perspective on how fast these clams close, it takes 26 pumps on the pistol grip to close the clamp or less than a second to close it with the spring mechanism. This is extremely efficient and by far a very cool feature.

When initially closing this clamp the clamp pads slam closed quickly, and with some force. I wondered if this “slamming” of the clamp pads would be detrimental in clamping operations. Rockler says you can precisely feather the clamp closed, something we’ll discuss later in this review.

Opening the clamp is like other pistol grip clamps: you still need to engage the finger release trigger and pull the clamp open, making it a two-handed operation. 

Rockler Spring Clamp | Specifications

• Material: Glass-reinforced nylon clamp body with steel bar; steel spring cover
• Clamp Force: 150 lbs.
• 2 Clamps with Capacity Between Jaws: 6-1/2” or 10-1/2”
• Throat Depth: 2-1/4”
• Pad Dimensions: 7/8” x 1-1/2”
• Pad Material: Non-marring thermoplastic rubber
• Grip Style: Pistol Grip

Using the Clamps | Easy, Fast, Efficient

The spring mechanism allowed me to close the clamp easily, fast, and efficiently while freeing one hand to position parts, a level, or other items. I found that pre-releasing [opening] all the clamps allow you to install multiple clamps one-handed. This was the best way to use the one-handed feature and allows you to jump right into a gluing or assembly process.

These clamps are faster, and easier to close than the pistol grip “pump” style clamps, I have.

Rockler advertises the two clamp sizes to have a 6-1/2” or 10-1/2” clamping capacity. We measured the clamping capacity on our clamps and got 6-3/4” and 10-7/8”.

One observation we had was that they take a short time to wear in and work smoothly. Early on when we started using them, I noticed that some of our clamps were stiff to open and close. The good news is that they loosened up after using them a bit. We found they worked well after this initial breaking-in period.

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp | Feathering and Precision

The clamp closes fast and with some force. The force is enough to misalign small parts that you are holding with one hand. As a result, you need to feather the clamp closed. We tried feathering a few different clamps, 50+ times, and there is a learning curve, as it takes some practice to get it right.

The process is not really what I’d call feathering. I’d describe it as a “choppy” controlled close. After practicing with the clamp, I was able to slow the closure with three “feathering” presses, but it still is not what I would describe as a “smooth-feathering” closure.

When clamping a small part in place for gluing we noticed that fast closing of the clamp will “slam the parts” out of alignment. This is where that controlled closing is necessary.

Room For Improvement

The limiting size of these clamps is a bummer, after using both size clamps in the workshop and in the field at the job site, we determined that the 2-1/4” throat depth and 6-1/2” or 10-1/2” clamping capacity is somewhat limiting.

Rockler told us that they are exploring different options as far as the size of the clamp is concerned. With the current clamp, they placed a lot of attention and testing into ‘dialing’ in the correct spring tension in the sizes that are being offered now. Rockler also told us with increasing size clamps, the jaws will also get deeper.

Additionally, I’d like to see Rockler improve on the soft closing of these clamps, if they can do that then there is no beating these clamps.

Cost

The 6” Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp, Item #69764 costs $19.00, and the 10” Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp, Item #65890 costs $22.99, both are online here: Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamps.

Considering that I can get a 4 pack of pistol grip clamps for a similar price, the Rockler clamps are a bit on the pricier side. You just need to ask yourself if that self-closing feature is worth it.

Overall Impression | Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp

Overall, while not perfect, we liked the spring mechanism closing feature on these clamps. Eliminating the repetitive pumping of the grip trigger and not needing to use your other hand to close the jaws is a faster, and much more efficient way to assemble. I really appreciated the one-handed closing action that left one hand completely free to position parts and holds parts in place.

I can see lots of uses for these versatile clamps, as well as many users including people with hand injuries or arthritis. These clamps will no doubt find a home for woodworking, carpenters, and DIY projects.

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp | Video Review

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top, Pro Lift, 32” ProFence and Stand

Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top I Pro Lift I BenchDog 32'' ProFence I Rockler Stand

5/5

Manufacturer: Rockler
Model number: Rockler Router Table
Weight: 100

A router table is one of those tools that seem too simple to be essential. After all, it’s nothing more than a flat work surface, an adjustable fence, and an opening in the tabletop through which a router bit protrudes. On the job site we can often rig up make-shift router tables with plywood to perform basic routing tasks like cutting dados, grooves, and rabbets or profiles like round-overs and chamfers.

While the setup of a router table can be distilled into a few fundamental components, it is naive to think that all router tables are the same. A good router table provides a high degree of control, accuracy, and safety, especially with big bits. It also enables the use of adjustable fences, hold-downs, stops blocks, and dust-collection ports.

The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top with Pro Lift setup includes:

● Rockler Benchdog ProMax cast iron router table top
● Steel router table leg assembly
● 32” Bench Dog ProFence
● Rockler Pro Lift, 3/8” thick machined aluminum plate
● 1-1/2” aluminum insert ring
● Bit guard
● Dust port
● Jointing shims

Rockler BenchDog ProMax Cast Iron Router Table

The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table is a 1-1/2” thick solid cast iron table machined flat. It weighs around 100 pounds to provide router bit vibration dampening. The table measures 32” x 24” and trust me when I say, this tabletop will never sag. It’s built to last. In fact, one of my first impressions was that this is a “life-time” router table set-up!

Under the table is a 10-point plate leveling system with pre-tapped holes that allow you to install the router plate flush and lock it down.

The table has a Dual Track with Universal T-track and a miter slot machined directly into the table’s surface.

Rockler BenchDog ProFence Router Table Fence

The ProFence is a one-piece aluminum fence that is fully machined and rigid. The machining is beautiful and dead flat. Two MDF sub-fences slide in a T-track and provide for zero-clearance setup. The front of the fence has an adjustable bit guard and the rear has a 2-1/2” dust port.

The ProFence also features EZ-Load Universal T-tracks that accepts 1/4” and 5/16” T-bolts as well as 1/4” hex bolts for feather boards and other accessories. We mounted feather boards to both the cast table and ProFence T-tracks with ease. The placement of both allowed us to achieve safer milling.

Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift

The Rockler Pro Lift was made for this tabletop. It accepts router motors with a 4.2” diameter.
It has a Quick-Gear rapid height adjustment and tool-free Snap-Lock insert ring that releases with the push of a button. The insert ring has a 1-1/2” opening; additional inserts and zero clearance inserts are sold separately.

The Pro Lift has two motor raising options; ”Quick-Gear” and “Fine-Adjustment’ Dial. The Quick-gear has a 4-to-1 gearbox ratio. It moves the router lift’s brass bushings up or down fast for bit changes or large adjustments and the fine-adjustment dial is used to get precise final heights to within 0.001”.

There is an Anti-backlash mechanism to keep the router from creeping downward which I had to adjust after about 6 months of regular use. A simple quarter turn was all that was needed to make this adjustment. A column locking knob provides further insurance when running large milling jobs.

The precision-milled aluminum plate measures 8-¼’’ x 11-¾” x ⅜”. It fits openings on Rockler and Bench Dog router tables.

Of all the components on this router table, the Pro Lift is the best and our favorite feature!

Rockler Steel Router Table Assembly

The steel router table leg assembly consists of 16 pieces and results in a sturdy leg assembly with adjustable leveler feet. Once assembled we were able to quickly and easily level the stand using a ¾” wrench. The ProMax cast-iron tabletop was then installed onto the leg assembly with 4 screws.

Note – the lower cross-sections of the leg stand are a perfect height to mount a shelf or build in a small router bit storage box.

There are pre-drilled holes in the vertical legs on the front of the stand for mounting Rockler’s 15 Amp On/Off switch with a “Stop Paddle” to quickly shut off the power.

Using the Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table

I needed to mill up a bunch of window sill stock and felt that this would be a great way to break in the new router table.

The fence quickly and accurately adjusts but the secret sauce is the Pro Lift, man is this thing sweet. It’s fast, smooth, and precise. I think back to my earlier days of crouching down to reach under the table to adjust my router while simultaneously looking on top for the router bit adjustment, damn I hated doing that – no more!

Dust Collection

I connected the 2-1/2” ProFence dust port to my Jet dust collector and had virtually zero airborne dust or sawdust on top of the table while routing. There was significant sawdust on the floor below and I’m sure dust collection efficiency could be improved with a dust box or an under-mount dust collector.

Cost – A lifetime investment

The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top with Pro Lift sells as a complete kit for $999.00. This is Rockler’s “Mercedes grade” offering. Amortized over 10 years, this table will cost you $8.00 a month, but I’m pretty sure this setup will last you a lifetime. Your kids and grandkids will be using it.

This setup is a beautifully designed and impressively engineered router table for both the hobbyist woodworker and professional carpenter.

As simple as a router table may be, it has an endless amount of woodworking applications. However, like many other woodworking tools, it is only as good as the way it is built.

Overall Impression

A router is one of the most versatile power tools ever created, but mounted in a table it provides a high degree of control, accuracy, and safety, and let’s not forget the ability to collect sawdust. The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top with Pro Lift set up is an investment that will increase your accuracy and improve your functionality in the shop.

We highly recommend it.

Rockler’s Ultimate Router Table Video Review

Rockler’s Ultimate Router Table is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler Dust Right 750 CFM Dust Collector 57841  

Rockler Dust Right Dust Collector

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Rockler
Model number: 57841
Price: $549.99
Power source: 110 V
Motor size: 12 Amps
Weight: 8

Dust Right 750 CFM Dust Collector

I have a very well equipped woodworking shop that is full of high-powered tools that rapidly create cubic feet of dust. As every woodworker with similar equipment knows, dust collection becomes critical to how your shop operates. Said another way, reducing workshop dust can lower your health risks, increase safety, and improve the overall cleanliness of your workshop environment.

A Problem Looking for a Solution

I have owned a stationary dust collector for almost twenty years. During that time, I have modified the bag attachment system to prevent dust leakage. To mitigate dust leakage, I retightened and added foam tape to help with leaks from under the filter and, in general, looked the other way when a fine coating of dust fell in every corner of my shop. For safety reasons, I use dust masks to ensure my lung safety, but I reached the point where I needed to replace the old dust collector.

I hope the Dust Right Mobile Dust Collector is the right replacement unit.

Dust Right® 750 CFM Product Features:

• Powerful dust collection, plus a canister filter that captures particles down to 1 micron
• Mobile cart with built-in storage for hoses and accessories
• Powerful 1 HP, 60 Hz, 12 amp, 110v motor delivers 750 CFM of suction
• Holes on the frame allow easy mounting of Dust Right® accessories
• 2″ rolling casters allow easy mobility
• The crank-style agitator in canister filter dislodges dust
• Snap band ring makes removing and installing the collection bag easier
• 4″ diameter inlet port fits standard dust hose
• Pull Handle allows for neatly wrapping the 10′ power cord, and also includes clips to hold extension cords if necessary

Dust Right® 750 CFM Product Specifications:

• Inlet Port Diameter: 4″.
• Caster Diameter: 2″.
• Power Cord Length: 10′.
• Decibel Rating: 75 dB.
• Amps: 12.
• Volts: 110.
• Approximate Dimensions: 16-1/2”W x 30”D x 54-1/2”H.
• Bag Capacity: 11 gallons (about 1-1/2 cubic feet).
• Flow Rate: 750 CFM.
• Filter Type: Canister.
• HP: 1.0.
• Weight (lbs): 88.

 Product Assembly:

The dust collector came in a large box, and I recently set aside some time to set it up and put it to work. The product ships in a knocked down configuration, and it needs assembly. I found the instructions very clear and easy to follow. It took about 45 minutes from unboxing the pieces until I had an operational dust collector working in my shop.

I had no difficulties with the assembly, but I will confess to feeling like a monkey playing with a football when it came to putting the spring band ring and collection bag into the unit for the first time. I think a few hints on how the bag fits and where the band ring should ultimately sit would be a welcome addition to the instructions. Since then, I have removed the bag and re-installed it a few times, and it is much easier to install after the initial fitting’s learning curve.

For me, the most challenging part of the entire assembly came after I had the unit complete. I tried to put the dust hose underneath the fan housing on its flange while the collector was standing upright. A brand new hose and a newly painted clean fitting are not easy to fit together when they are upside down to the user. I finally used some talcum powder and tilted the dust collector on its back to get the new pieces to go together.

I should note I had to ream out the hole in the filter agitator handle. Out of the box, I could not get it to fit onto the shaft on the top of the filter. I did not want to force the handle on to the shaft by whacking it with a hammer or otherwise forcing it to fit. The aluminum handle made for an easy reaming process. I think it should not be necessary to have to make such a modification to the handle of a new piece of equipment.

Modifications Made To Improve Efficiency

When I put it together for the first time and started to use the dust collector, I did not like the way that the expandable dust collector hose was oriented. It went straight down into the storage basket. So when I changed directions with the hose, the hose was catching on the metal bars of the storage basket. I thought that would be a great way to wear a hole in the vinyl hose or even cut into the hose. I purchased a Rockler Dust Right® Quick Connector 4″ Elbow fitting and installed this fitting onto the flange of the fan housing. Then I mated up the hose to the elbow. This fitting now allows the hose to swivel from side to side and miss putting the dust collector hose into the basket altogether.

Additional Hose Fittings

I also purchased a few more fittings that allow the hose handle to interface with my belt sander and table saw. These fittings make it easy to take the handle and plug it into the port fittings and give me quick connections; I no longer have to attach the hose directly to any of my machines with 4″ band clamps. Rockler accessories, like the Dust Right ® Quick Change Handle, make changing the dust collector from one stationary tool to another both easy and quick.

Run Down on the Dust Collector

Like all of this type of dust collector, the Dust Right ® 750 CFM mobile dust collector does not have any controls except for the On-Off switch. This switch is next to the motor on the top of the fan housing. It is easy to find and to use.

The unit comes with a 10-foot long cord, and that is sufficiently long enough to give the collector the range, with the hose, to reach any part of my shop. I am glad that Rockler put on a long cord. Rockler made its front handle so the user can wrap the power cord around it and secure the end of the cord in a clip.

The spring clamp does a great job of holding the sawdust bag in place, and I noticed no telltale signs of sawdust leaking from under the machine. Removing and replacing the bag is simple and easy to do. I did have a learning curve the first time I tried to install the bag during assembly. Now there is no mystery to that process.

I am fortunate to have a lovely flat wooden floor in my shop. As a result, the small casters work well in my environment. However, if I used the dust collector in my barn where the flooring is very worn and irregular, I can assure you I would be making a new base with industrial quality swivel casters.

The Rockler Dust Right Dust Collector accessories is very extensive. I can see adding pieces to my initial dust collection system in the future. I am already plotting to get the Dust Right ® pieces for my router table into my near-term plans.

Woodworking CFM Lesson

• Table saws, miter saws, shapers, and band saws need 350 cfm.
• Joiners and disc sanders come in at 450 cfm
• Belt sanders 550 cfm,
• Thickness planers are 785 cfm.
• Other factors to consider when choosing a dust collection system include:
• Will you operate more than one machine at the same time?
• Use of blast gates
• Lengths of dust collection pipe, including elbows and vertical rise

Given the air movement requirements, above, I knew that the Rockler Dust Right® 750 CFM dust collector would be large enough to handle the CFM needs in my shop. However, the capacity is not large enough to handle simultaneous dust loads for multiple machines.

Testing the Rockler Dust Right Dust Collector with Tools

The first machine I tested with the Rockler Dust Right Dust Collector with my19-39 SureMax belt sander. This belt sander is capable of generating vast amounts of dust. The increase of cfm with the Dust Right® was immediately noticeable. The new Dust Right ® collector picked up virtually all of the dust generated by the sander. None of the sawdust I was used to seeing travel down the feed belt was present. Very impressive.

The next tool I tried was my table saw. The table saw exhaust port is 2 ½” in diameter. As a result, I needed an adapter to go from 2 ½” to a  4″ diameter hose. The Rockler Dust Right ® 2 ½” to 4″ Mountable Dust Coupler was what I needed. With this connection, the Dust Right ® 750 CFM Dust Collector performed quite well. While I noticed a minor amount of dust under the saw, the residual amount was far less than what I experienced when using a shop vacuum. Again, I was impressed.

Finally, the last test in my shop was using the Dust Right ® to clean up the rest of the shop floor and tools. I purchased a Dust Right ® Bench Nozzle and used this attachment to pick up the dust in the balance of the shop. The accessory is well made and has a stiff brush at the pickup end of the nozzle. I had an easy time cleaning up the floor dust and debris. It made quick work of the shop cleaning. I was surprised to see the sawdust that was inches away from the nozzle leaping into the air stream. This Rockler 750 CFM mobile dust collector has an impressive amount of air volume.

Would I Recommend The Rockler Dust Right Dust Collector?

I liked the Rockler Dust Right Dust Collector and decided to give it a permanent home in my shop. Appropriately, it is now in charge of the table saw, SureMax belt sander, jointer, and router table (soon). Besides minimizing the detrimental effects of airborne contaminants, it was easy to set up, use, and change the replacement bag.

At a price of $549.00, the Rockler unit is priced appropriately for the 750 CFM capacity of the unit.

I think Rockler has a real winner in this tool. As a result, anyone who purchases this dust collector will significantly benefit from the large variety of Rockler accessories. That is a winning combination.

Rockler Dust Collector Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler Woodworking Clamping Review

Rockler Clamp-It Corner Clamping Jig

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Rockler
Model number: 51783 and 21190
Price: $29.99

I recently got my hands on the Rockler Clamp-It Corner Clamping Jig and Clamp-It Assembly Squares and started using them in the shop right away.

Rockler Clamp-It® Corner Clamping Jig

The Corner Clamping Jig is that third-hand we all wish for. It eliminates the struggling to line up casework parts while installing fasteners. at The Corner Clamping Jig basically holds your parts together at a right angle for fastening, and can accommodate material from ¼ to 1 inch thick.

It’s designed to be used in sets of four, the jigs are supportive enough to hold an entire case assembly as it is being assembled. The clamps have soft pads to prevent workpiece marring.

Mounting holes in the jig allow for attachment to your work surface.

Clamps

The Corner Clamping Jig has a wide base which sits flat on the workbench but either needs to be fastened or clamped down. The base has mounting holes allow for attachment to work tables which can be useful for repetitive assembly jigs.

There are two 1/4″-20 threaded inserts to insert the Rockler Clamp-It Assembly Squares and secure them in place – I lost those in the first few days, there on the floor somewhere.

Clamp-It Assembly Square

The Clamp-It Assembly Square is a 90-degree square that helps keep assemblies square. We build a lot of custom bookcases and these two jigs are going to make assembling plywood cabinets so much easier. The Assembly square is a high impact, rigid polycarbonate and measures 8″ X 8″ X 1 – 1/2″.

Suggested Uses

• Drawer Assembly: Clamp-It is designed for use on either the inside or outside of a corner, making it ideal for assembling drawers with lipped fronts.
• Deck Rails: Use Clamp-It to hold deck balusters at a perfect 90° angle while fastening.
• Bench Jigs: Clamp-It can be secured to any work surface to create a simple 90° assembly.

Using the Rockler Clamp-It Corner Clamping Jig and Clamp-It Assembly Square

I used the Rockler Clamp-It Corner Clamping Jig and Clamp-It Assembly Square in a few different configurations, thats the beauty of this jig set. It worked great at keeping parts square when installing Kreg screws, and equally helpful when nailing mitered Birch plywood joint.

The knobs are easy to spin and the rubber at the end of the knob-clamp grips well and is non-marring. After using this jig I came to the conclusion that you probably will want a pair of them, if not two pair.

When it comes to working in my shop I’m always thinking and always improving. Continuous improvement is the best hedge against future risk. Rockler helps me do that!

Price

The Clamp-It Assembly Square  sells as a single tool for $29.99 and a pair for $42.98. The Assembly Square sells for $9.99 each.

Rockler Clamp-It Corner Clamping Jig and Clamp-It Assembly Square is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ceiling Track System for Garage and Work Shops from Rockler

We just had to share this exciting new product from Rockler that looks extremely useful for helping clear some clutter over your work bench. This is definitely something I may try in my shop.

“When you’re working with project parts on your bench or table, cords and hoses can be like a bull in a china shop,” said Steve Krohmer, Rockler’s vice president for product development. “Just a slight move, and things start crashing. With the Rockler Ceiling Track System, you get the cords and hoses up out of the way but still can move them while you work.”

New Rockler Ceiling Track System is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler Material Mate Panel Cart

The Rockler Material Mate Shop Stand was designed to help the contractor and woodworker’s reduce the effort necessary to wrestling sheet goods around the shop. It will carry, and  transport 4×8 panels easier and safer, than manually carrying them.

If you’re a one-man show this cart can save your back and make unloading lumber from your truck, to the shop much easier. The Material Mate has durable 4-inch heavy duty casters which allow the cart to be easily pushed in any direction. The cart has a 150 lb capacity and easily maneuvers over pavement and concrete floors. Two of the casters are swiveling and locking, and two are fixed.

Tilt Feature

The Material Mate has a tilting top that allows convenient loading if you store your sheet stock on edge — a common space-saving practice in small shops. With the Material Mate tilted, the sheet can be transferred to, or from, the rack with minimal re-positioning.

In the vertical position, the rack passes through a narrow as 30 in. service door and also provides a more compact footprint when stored. With the top in the horizontal position, you can unload sheets directly off the bed of your truck, or use it as an out feed table.

Multi-Use Table and Out-feed Table

When not in use as a panel cart, you can even add a top and use the Material Mate as a mobile shop stand, work table [photo below] or tables saw out-feed table.

The tilt-feature, combined with the heavy duty casters, got me thinking of a mobile assembly table and table saw feed table for my shop. It worked great and the adjustable heights helped me dial in to my table saw height.

Although we all dream of large barn type workshops loaded with tools and equipment, in reality we often find our work spaces relegated to a corner of the basement or a in a garage. It is in these spaces where space becomes an issue. Having a small shop means conserving space, having tool stands with casters to roll them out of the way, and tools with multiple uses. The Material Mate fits this bill.

Heavy Duty Construction

The Material Mate is made of tubular steel that’s powder-coated for durability. You have to assemble the stand which takes about 30-minutes to do. Its top frame measures 36 in. long, and its width is expandable from 22 in. to 30-1/4 in. (without knobs).

The bottom frame dimensions are 25-1/4 in. wide x 36 in. long.

I liked that the working surface of the cart can be raised or lowered by choosing from among several bolt hole options. With the top positioned flat, the base is adjustable from 31 to 36 in. high. When tilted, the top also is adjustable for height: 40 to 45 in. tall.

Weighing 66 lbs. the Material Mate has a load capacity of 150-pounds which will only allow for two sheets of 3/4″ material at one time. We wish they would have designed this to hold several sheets at one time,  maybe five or six sheets so it could be used in a commercial space to move multiple sheets of plywood or sheet rock.

Based on the 150 pound capacity you would need to know these weights:

• 1/2″ Sheet Plywood 45.44 pounds
• 5/8″ Sheet Plywood 56.64 pounds
• 3/4″ Sheet Plywood 68.16 pounds
• 1/2″ Sheet Rock 4×8 Panel 77 pounds

Material Mate Specifications

• • Top Frame Length: 36”
  • Top Frame Width (without knobs): Adjustable from 22” to 30-1/4”
  • Bottom Frame Dimensions: 25-1/4”W x 36”L
  • Height (with top flat): Adjustable from 31” to 36” high
  • Height (with top tilted): Adjustable from 40” to 45” high
  • Caster Diameter: 4”
  • Material: Steel
  • Weight (lbs): 66lbs

Overall Impression

The Material Mate is like having an assistant help you with sheet goods, who doesn’t like assistants? Move full 4′ x 8′ sheets fast and effortlssly? Sure sign me up!

The Rockler’s Material Mate Panel Cart sells for $249.99 and we consider it a good multi-purpose solution for transporting stock, assisting as an assembly table, and as a table saw feed table. It allowed us to maneuver and position sheet stock ergonomically and comfortable.

Like I mentioned above, multi-purpose tools are more valuable to a small shop. This alone makes it worth considering as an option.

 

Rockler Material Mate Shop Stand is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Easily unwinds and rewinds 40′ of hose to reach across garage or shop

Anyone who has ever tried to vacuum a garage or shop floor knows how difficult it can be to coax a shop vacuum around cars, stationary tools and other obstacles.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has developed a product designed to solve that problem: the new Dust Right Shop Vacuum Hose Reel. It mounts to the wall and holds up to 40′ of standard 1-1⁄2″ diameter shop vacuum hose (sold separately) — enough to reach all corners of a two-car garage.

“Maneuvering a shop vacuum around obstacles in your shop or garage can be a huge pain,” said Steve Krohmer, Rockler’s vice president of product development. “The vacuum gets caught or the cord gets caught, and if you give it a yank, the vac tips over or the cord comes unplugged. With the Shop Vacuum Hose Reel, you can reach your entire area without having to wrestle with your shop vacuum.”

Made from steel and durable plastic, the Hose Reel features a tensioning knob that allows the user to control the rate of unwinding and a handle that makes rewinding the hose easy. Because the steel frame has mounting holes on top and bottom, the reel can be mounted to the wall with the handle on whichever side the user prefers. The holes are drilled 16″ on center for easy mounting to wall studs.

A port on the outside of the Hose Reel allows easy connection to a shop vacuum or dust separator with a 2-1/2″ hose (not included). A port on the interior of the reel connects to 11⁄2″ hose, which is available separately in 20′ and 40′ lengths with included end ports that fit many commonly available accessories. A retainer strap in the reel prevents the hose from disconnecting once it’s fully unwound.

The Dust Right Shop Vacuum Hose Reel (52542) is priced at $149.99. A 40′ section of 1-1/2″ Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Hose with end ports (50669) is priced at $99.99; a 20′ section with end ports (58350) is priced at $49.99. All can be purchased at Rockler.com or at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, as well as through the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.

About Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Celebrating its 63rd year as a family-run business, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is the nation’s premier supplier of specialty hardware, tools, lumber and other high-quality woodworking and do-it-yourself products. Rockler has 36 retail locations in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, WA, and WI, as well as extensive catalog and internet operations.

Rockler Shop Vacuum Hose Reel is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Greater Control & Accuracy When Cutting Small Pieces

“Anyone who has tried to cut small pieces like dowels or thin moldings knows what happens when the piece catches on the blade – it goes flying,” said Steve Krohmer, Rockler’s vice president of new products. “You’re lucky if you can find it, and often it’s too damaged to use. The Rockler Small Parts Sled offers greater control throughout the cut.”

The sled features a low-friction melamine-coated MDF platform with front and rear fences. Universal T-tracks run the length of the fences for attaching stops and the clear blade guard, which helps keep the user’s hands away from the cutting area. Another T-track runs perpendicular to the fences for securing hold-downs. A safety stop with expandable miter bar is included; when positioned at the front of the saw, it prevents the sled from being pushed so far that the blade extends out the back beyond the blade guard.

The Rockler Table Saw Small Parts Sled (55916) is priced at $69.99 and can be purchased at Rockler.com or at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, as well as through the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.

Rockler Table Saw Small Parts Sled is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler Teams Up with European Clamp Maker

“The Rockler Piston Clamp by Piher is a terrific addition to our clamping lineup,” said Steve Krohmer, Rockler’s vice president for merchandising and product development. “It’s built for power, and with a 43⁄4″ throat depth, it’s well-suited to applications requiring greater reach than is possible with a typical pipe clamp.”

Rockler Introduces New Heavy-Duty F-Style Bar Clamp is a post from Tool Box Buzz