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Patrick McCombe

Associate editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools on behalf of national publications for more than 12 years. Before Fine Homebuilding, his tool articles appeared in the Journal of Light Construction, Professional Deck Builder, and Fine Woodworking. The curator of the “Tool Hound” blog at FineHomebuilding.com, he’s frequently on the road visiting product designers and manufacturers.

Podcast Episode 135: Rotunda, Revisited

September 21, 2018

Scary rotunda framing job, preferred shower waterproofing systems, and widening a concrete stoop to support a roof
Podcast Episode 134: Painting Kitchen Cabinets

September 14, 2018

Sealing sanded-grout scratched tile, updating outdated kitchen cabinets, and foundation options for a shed on a sloped lot.
No-Wind Chalkline

September 12, 2018

Impressive, $20 self-retracting chalkine
Tool Tech: Cordless Chainsaws

September 11, 2018

Three different brands are put to the test
Tool Tech: Leviton’s Load Center

August 21, 2018

This new electrical panel brings real innovation to a product that’s seen little change in decades.
Castle 100 Pocket Hole Machine

August 7, 2018

Instead of a drill bit, the Castle 100 uses a compact router to make screw pockets that are shaped a little differently than we’re used to.
Worm-Drive Oil Change

July 24, 2018

Worm-drive circular saws need their oil changed periodically. Here’s how to do it.
Leviton’s First Load Center

July 10, 2018

A new take on the electrical panel.
Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch

July 10, 2018

This 16-5/16-in. beam saw can cut a 6x6 in a single pass.
How to Change the Oil in a Worm-Drive Saw

July 10, 2018

Worm-drive saws have an oil-bath gearbox; the oil eventually gets contaminated through use.