I met Dino at a tool show in Dec. ’04, talked to him awhile there, and when I decided to buy (early Jan. ), went to his shop ( about 2 mi. from me ), got my SmartGuide, talked to him some more. I said I would post my impressions when i had used it a bit.
So, here goes.
Pics 1 and 2 show the Smart Base on my saw.
Pic 3 shows the 2 different anti-chip inserts
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Replies
These 2 show the Smart Guide and the saw on the Guide.
5 thru 9 show a piece of 1/4" luan ply being cut.
#5 shows the clamps holding the material to the Guide.
13 and 14 show a 1x2 being cut on an angle.
Again, the small piece is the one being clamped.
10, 11. 12 show a piece of pine being ripped.
Note that the narrow piece is being clamped to the Guide.
This could just as well be a crosscut, too.
15, 16, and 17 show how the SmartGuide is extended to any length- just continue to add sections.
17 shows just how stiff the Guide is; only one section of it is sitting on the horses. The other section is hanging in air.
A few thoughts- some of this has already been discussed on different threads.
The EZ Smart system is a well designed tool for most carpenters. It will make your work easier, and should last nearly forever. I think its particularly good for sheet materials, since you bring the tool to the material, and not the other way around.
This is getting more important as I get older, since all the ply and MDF seems to be getting heavier and heavier.
The way the guide and saw work together make it virtually impossible to screw up the cut, and since everything is clamped together, keeps fingers well out of the way of the blade.
After 30 years as a carp, I still have all 10, and I want to keep it that way.
The anti-chip inserts work like they should, with little or no splintering even on materials like lauan ply. and they can be easily replace when needed.
I expect to use this regularly, for cutting any tapered rips for extension jambs, for fitting kitchen cabinet panels, and other uses I haven't come up with yet.
A couple of things to be aware of- the Smart Guide as set up with a 7-1/4" saw only has about a 1-1/2" depth of cut, maybre a little less. I'm planning on getting an 8-1/4" saw for the extra depth for those 1-3/4" doors I seem to be cutting a lot lately.
I would also like to see some kind of stop system, so I could make multiple identacle rips. This would be much easier than trying to man handle a piece of ply on my job-site table saw.
When I was talking to Dino, he kept asking if he was being too pushy about the EZ Smart here on BT. He didn't want to alienate anyone.
So, I figured I'd do this for him. If I've annoyed anyone, too bad. I'm not doing this for money, and I've only talked to Dino twice. I just think this is a tool worth a real serious look .
And for the price Dino offers it at, I think its a bargain, too.
I'm done for now . This is the longest post I've ever made.
Thanks for taking the time, Shep. Your post and pictures are very informative, and I for one enjoy reading about new (to me) tools and how they work.
Will I buy one? I don't know, but I'm better informed.
Thanks again.
What the HECK was I thinking?
You're very welcome.
Only you can make the decision if its right for you.
For me, I just wish I hadn't waited so long to get it.
FWIW, I'd like to see more tool reviews here.
Edited 2/3/2005 5:56 pm ET by Shep
Another thing to be aware of-
when I first installed the SmartBase on my old saw, and made the plunge cut thru the anti-chip insert, I got a kerf nearly twice as wide as the blade. Turns out the bearings were going, and the blade was wobbling. The play wasn't side ti side, but in and out.
After buying a new saw ( the repair shop said they couldn't guarantee elimating the slop ) and installing a new Freud Diablo 40 tooth blade, I get glue line rips with the EZ Smart.
Dino owes you a free hat
I'd rather have a shirt.
I very rarely wear hats.
Shep
I would love to get rid of the old plywood shooting board that I have been using.... where do we get a hold of those spify ez-smarts if we are not at a show?
Jeff
http://www.eurekazone.com/index.html
They also list some of their dealers. One seems to have it $10 cheaper. YC Friend Dino should offer a BT discount or rebate. :-)
I think he does.
the $10 cheaper site charges $12 S&H
need to check the euraka site to see if they charge S&H, there is a site that charges the MSRP but no S&Hanybody use the revable base or has everyone use the permanent attachment base and dedicate the saw.thinking of getting one of these but as an HO having two saws, well....
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
For my friends at breaktime is always... Breaktime.
YCF Dino
WILL YOU GUYS QUITE TALKING ABOUT THE EZ SMART!!!!!!!! Im on a self imposed tool buying ban ( at least until the finances are under a little better control) and your not making easy on me.
Dino, Im cursing you right now!!!!!! ( yuck yuck). Have actually had the credit card out twice ready to order, then talked myself down. Maybe after tax time Ill treat myself. Ooooh yeah, thats it.
-m2akita
eszmartezsmartezsamartezsmartezsmartezsmartezsmartezsmartezsmartezsmartezsma
Listen... you knowwwwwww you're gonna buy one. Just do it. The SmartGuide is one of those rare tools that is going to make you smile every time you use it, and make life a heckuva lot easier. You deserve it... make like a Nike and do it...
i've asked this before and so trying againdoes any use the removable base via drilling the saw and base or is everyone using the permanent base connection, therby necessitating owning two saws?
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
bobl..... to my knowledge ( limited as it is )
NO ONE is putting the base on and taking it off ....
AND.... most are using the saw as a dedicated saw..
HOWEVER... having the base attached to the saw doesn't stop you from using the saw as a normal saw.. you still can... you only lose about 3/8" depth with the base
it is only when you use the base & the GUIDE together that you lose enough depth to matter ( not quite cutting thru a 2x )
also.. the base glides more easily than the actual base of your saw.. and you can use the anti-splinter device or take it off with a snap...
all-in-all, it's a very versatile tool additionMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
thanks
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
well, just ordered one. was going to order direct fron eureka, but they wanted 17.50 S&H. so ordered where S&H ground was 0.thought i'd rather pay msrp direct to company, but the S&H was way too much.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
you won't regret it.
Thanks to everyone who contributed their 2 cents. Finally got to set mine up tonight. First cut through 3/4 ply was absolutely straight and safe. There wasn't blade mark, splinter or wood chip to be found. Can't wait to play more tomorrow.
Also thanks to Dino! (AKA YC Friend)Mark
Thank you Mark for been open minded and help new ideas to succeed.
What type of blade and saw do you use?
And do you have a case for the EZ?
Finally, we found a case that is good ...even for Dieselpig.
Now,I have to go and get "insulted" on the D-Mix stuff.
View Image
Dino-
I ended up buying a Dosco gun case that works well; everything seems to fit and the case is pretty sturdy.
National Drive- is that off Talmadge Rd., near Fabricators Supply?
Hi Shep.
Yes. And the sign of the building is Akron Prototypes.
The Dosco is good case. The one above is from Plano molding.
How much do you pay for the Dosco?
I paid $30 for the case
I found one Plano that was just a little too small; everything fit, but not well.
So I returned that and got the dosco
stop over with the case. I become a case collector. You may leave with out it.
Are you coming over for the D-Mix and few other stuff?
The next couple of weeks are going to be really busy, plus I'm starting jury duty Mon.
but I do want to see your new place.
Are you going to be doing any walk in sales there?
Walking sales? why not?
You can stop whatever you have the time. We will have a place where other guys can find a home to demo and promote their ideas and learn the Ez-Smart tricks of any trade. And it will be free to anyone.
The eZ way.
I'll get there.
And I think I'm just gonna bring a picture of my case.
Hey hey hey.
I have the picture of your case. I just want to test it. OK. you can take it back.
Dino,when I went to buy a guide off your site, the S&H charge was $17.50. that's a lot when you can get the unit shipped free from one of your dealers.figures i'd send the money direct where you got more profit, but that was too much for S&H.thought you might like the feedback
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
Just sent you an e-mail, robertsmith... with some useful info.
Bob
ras.. useful info?..
i love useful info..
mfsmith1 (at) cox.netMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Someone in one of the threads said they thought Dino had a Breaktime break, I suggest interested parties ask him. :,). He is a neat guy, even when people are trying to slather him with d-mix. :-)
Me and Tim we will become the best friends.
What is not to like about people who SPEAK their mind.
And if you see what type of people work the trades...my kind.
I love you Tim. I was working on something for years and finnaly..I got it done.
See you guys.
i forworded to u
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
thanks , bobMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
got it
tanks
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
Hi bobl.
Here how it works. If I sell less than the dealer...We have no dealers.
Is even better for us if you buy from the dealer. Is not important how much money we can make from each sale. Without dealers I' don't think the Ez can make it.
Anyway, For my friends in Breaktime ...is always Breaktime. Before and After the sale. After all Breaktime is the only place for me that I can have a ...Brake.
YCF Dino
I didn't expect you to sell below your dealers. I figured you would sell at MSRP on your site. It was the S&H that I was commenting on, which I didn't think would be part of the agreement. I bought at MSRP with free shipping.Not trying to to make a big deal, just a comment. Not complaining, just sharing a view.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
Not trying to to make a big deal, just a comment. Not complaining, just sharing a view.
Bob. Do you think that I know what I'm doing ?
I need all the help that I can get and your feedback with your view is very valuable to me. And complaining? If you don't complain how can we fix or improve this thing?
So far GWA and Dieselpig help us fix and improve few things on the technical.
Mike Smith on modifiying the case to fit the saw. And PaulB on dust collection and cases.
Check this out from Ebay.
View Image
WOW - amazing product, excellent service - JOIN THE CULT!
Buyer hobkirk ( 128)
Feb-27-05 16:07
Reply by eurekazone: Please..NO CULT. Smart and free thinking people (Eurekazonians) need no CULT.
Edited 3/1/2005 5:59 pm ET by YCFriend
>> ... thereby necessitating owning two saws?You say that like it's a bad thing.
it's not a bad thing, just an expensive one
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
I would also like to see some kind of stop system, so I could make multiple identacle rips. This would be much easier than trying to man handle a piece of ply on my job-site table saw.
Just have your credit card ready. That was the first problem that we attack before anything else. We just try to include few more features so we don't use your credit card every other month. You will see ONE sliding square that the same time becomes a fence with integrated positioning and measuring system. We have the patent already and it will be ready for your credit card in 2-3 month's.
Thanks Shep. And thanks BT for allowing New Ideas to come alive and take off.
YCF Dino
YC
Any news on the guide for a left blade saw? I'm ready if that's available.
MES
My credit card is ready and waiting.
Just let me know when.
You know where to find me.
Now if you would make it a slideshow we would really be impressed. :-)
Thanks.
One of these days I'll figger out how to do some of this stuff on this magic box.
Thanks for the post. I've been interested in the this product for awhile. As another poster put it, the ply and mdf ain't gettin' lighter!
MES
Talk to Kevin about the left bladed saws.
You see.
YCF Dino
Kevin?
MES
That "Kevin" would be me, the left blade saw advocate who is the primary focus of Dino's campaign to convert all right handed, left blade users to right blade users.
I love my left blade saw but Dino is right, it won't work all that well with the guide system - unless of course you are left handed. The new square attachment is particularly troublesome for right handed, left blade users.
You need to be able to hold the leg of the square against the material with your left hand while you cut. If the blade on your saw is on the left it will hit that leg when you start the cut.
Thanks for the info. I like my left handed saw also.
MES
Well, you better watch out for that Dino character then. I'm as attached to my left blade PC as I am to my left arm, but since I met Dino I've picked up two right blade saws, and he may just be on his way to talking me into an 8 1/4" Bosh to go with them.
Crafty fellow there...
If you get the system, you won't regret putting a right blade saw to work with it. It really does work better in most situations for a right hander using the guide. Especially if you want to get the ultra cool accessory package.
Let me know before you go out and buy a new one. I seem to have this uncontrollable compulsion to buy another right blade saw every time I talk to Dino. I may be able to make you a deal on one of the spares in my new collection. ;-)>
OK, OK, OK already! I just spoke to Dino and mine is on the way!
MES