Replies

1. 
   andy_engel | Mar 15, 2020 08:10pm | #1

   I wrote that article. Needed? Absolutely not. Will they increase some people's efficiency? Absolutely. I built a lot of decks with a circ saw, screw gun, and a miter saw. Well, yeah, there was a shovel and a wheelbarrow involved too. The point was to make people aware of what's available, not to tell them they needed everything the article touched on.

1. 
   oldhand | Mar 16, 2020 07:35pm | #2

   I'm about retired so consider the dino source for this short answer. Seems to me that the reliance on more expensive and bigger tools is mostly going to benefit the industry suppliers rather than the consumer or builders. It takes less labor, skilled and unskilled but costs more in over head which goes upstairs on the food chain. That's the wrong direction I think but certainly the way things are headed.

   For instance I can't see how the track saw would be faster at joist trimming than a skilled worker with a 12" speed square and a circ saw. Mark the line with the square, stick arm though the hole in the square to hold and cut. Step forward and repeat. Both those tools are in about anyone's kit already. If someone told me I needed a track saw to trim the ends of the decking I'd be slightly insulted, plus if the rail posts were already up it might be impossible. Not to mention more bulky tools to lug to the site, transport and put away at days end.

   As for a baby bobcat to dig holes, I'd think you'd have to be digging a hundred holes to make that more cost efficient than a gas powered post digger rental wise, possibly even more efficient to use manual diggers for many projects.

   A beam saw might be relevant if you had hundreds of 6x6's to cut but I find them a horror to use unless it's last resort. Particularly if you are trimming a standing post. Awkward and slow.

   As for nailing connectors I've used a N88RH bostitch for nearly 20 years to nail hangers, you can shoot true joist hanger nails or 2.5" framing nails. Granted this was mentioned with the F21PL newer model nailer.

   I was almost surprised that no mention was made of a cable crimper for cable railing, that would probably be a must for cable railing.

   Having tossed all that water on the flames I did enjoy the article, it was interesting and could see the merit in that big wheel cart even if it is 100% plastic. The only must have tool any carpenter doesn't already have is the bow wrench. That's a have to have...