Replies

1. 
   Andy_Engel_ | Dec 07, 2001 09:00pm | #1

   *
   Hi Ed. First, I don't edit T&M anymore (Yell at me about Breaktime), so I don't know what Larry meant. Your criticism seems intuitively valid. I'll ask Chris Green, who now edits T&M, to respond.

   As to the Crilly, well that choice would depend on my circumstance. If I was still working as a carpenter, and if I was doing a lot of siding, yes, I think I'd buy one. Just imagine not loading a 32-ft. Type 1A onto the truck and then setting it up again in the morning every day for say, a week. Here's my $40. OK, maybe $60 with the lock and the 1x10.

   However, my ladders now hang on a rack under the porch almost all the time. I don't own a Crilly. (I do have an old truck box and some pump jacks I'd practically give away, though )

   One last thing Ed -- You're articulate and a tool user. We always need new reviewers. Give Chris or me a shout and we'll see if you can't be put to work.

   Andy

1. 
   Ed_Hilton | Dec 07, 2001 09:33pm | #2

   *Andy, guess I came across a little harshly...I meant no criticism, especially on Larry's review. I just didn't understand what he said (or was trying to say). Now as to that other piece... :) I saw your piece as a filler, and you had to fit the space available (see, now that you don't edit anymore, you get what's left over). What, me write a review? And leave myself open to some fool with a keyboard who wants to throw barbs? No thanks. All seriousness aside, I'm a non-professional tool user / woodworker / putter-er around the house guy, and a profesional facility manager. I would be happy to contribute , but I'm not sure I'm qualified. If I made my living off these things like the current reviewers do, then I think my opinions would carry some credence.

1. 
   Martin_Kircher | Dec 07, 2001 11:32pm | #3

   *Andy,If you are looking for another tool reviewer, I've got a crew of Habitat volunteers that will beat the hell out of anything.Right now we are using Hardi Plank and have both the shears and the new special Makita saw. Like the shears better.Now if you have self cleaning paint brushes...we need to talk. After the volunteers use our paint brushes they can be used for hammers.In Peace and Partnership,Martin

1. 
   Ed_Hilton | Dec 08, 2001 04:02am | #4

   *Ya know, Martin's got a pretty good idea there. Get the HFH volunteers to try out some tolls, and they can rate them as to easy of use and durability.

1. 
   Lisa_Long | Dec 08, 2001 10:34pm | #5

   *"Now if you have self cleaning paint brushes...we need to talk."Amen, Martin.

2. 
   Andy_Engel_ | Dec 09, 2001 03:53am | #6

   *Unfortunately Ed, you're right, we strongly prefer reviewers who are professional tool users. No offense was taken. Believe me, we see worse than what you dished out. And your criticism was valid. I read the unedited text of Larry's review yesterday, and that sentence was off the mark. The more powerful spring brings the guard back down more quickly. The Crilly piece was edited for space, but really, there wasn't much more to say. Self-cleaning paint brushes? Don't you have them?Andy

3. 
   Ed_Hilton | Dec 11, 2001 01:02am | #7

   *No, but I do have a board stretcher.On a serious note, years ago I watched an old carpenter intentionally bend a nail before pounding it into the wood, because he wanted it to go out the side of the board but he couldn't swing from that direction. Damn if it didn't work!

2. 
   Ed_Hilton | Dec 11, 2001 01:02am | #8

   *
   It sure is easy being an armchair quarterback! Got two comments on the Tools & Materials articles in the current issue:

   Bosch saws - I honestly don't understand what Larry Haun was trying to say "the blade guard...retracts easily because it has a stronger spring." Seems to me a stronger spring would make it harder to retract.

   Scaffold bar - Andy, what's the bottom line? Was this a product worth buying? Your report was awfully brief.