Since I sell tools, I thought it might be fun to start a thread about cool stuff you guys discover in your travels…
Like, I recently had a customer come in and order a FastCap tape which is flat, so it can bend like a seamstresses tape. Also, you can write or mark directly on the tape, and it also has a built-in pencil sharpener…heck…a’course I had to get one for myself…pictures in a few days…
What new, clever stuff have you found?
(Heck, I almost posted this in the Editor’s Corner but figured it might get lost…)
darcy
Replies
How about posting a link to the thing youre talking about? I'm a sucker for gadgets.
.
A while back I bought a "square level" from Lee Valley:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32606&cat=1,42936,42945
It has magnets so you can attach it to a framing square. I thought that was kinda cool. So I sprung for it, even though it's a bit on the expensive side.
Then I realized my framing square is actually aluminum. So I stuck the level thingy in a drawer somewhere until I could get a steel one.
So I bought a steel framing square, and now I can't find the danged level thingy. Spent $25 on the thing and never got to use it.
http://www.fastcap.com/prod.asp?page=procarp_flat&WSCam=Ticker&WSEvt=ProCarpenter+FlatBackFastCap has a number of inexpensive unusual tools and accesories.Here are other taps.http://www.fastcap.com/prod2.asp?page=procarp
It's probably not useful to most, but it reminds me of my sewing days.
http://www.fastcap.com/prod2.asp?page=procarp_flat
I needed one of those just a couple of weeks ago. I had to measure the circumfrence of an arched window. My tape couldn't do it so I bought a seamstress tape. Didn't know about flat tape measures.
Here's a link:
http://www.fastcap.com/prod2.asp?page=procarp_flat
Darcy,
New nifty tool now available call the EasyCoper. It allows a person to use an electric jigsaw to cope crown molding.
http://www.easycoper.com
Have you personally had a chance to use the EasyCoper? If so, any advice?
I'm starting a crown project in the next few weeks with stained wood instead of the painted wood which I've done in the past. I'm a little worried about the joints (especially when I can't fill them with caulk after I'm done).
Maddog
I have used the EasyCoper. It comes with detail instructions and after a couple of practice trys you should have it mastered. It is set at such an angle that the undercut is always enough and you will get a good snug fit.
I used to work for Disney and do a lot of fiberglass work. I eventually bought my own die grinder (or Dotco) and now that i'm back doing home construction, I use it all the time when coping. Cut the straight bits off with a jigsaw, but nothing beats a die grinder with a 1 1/2" sanding attachment for the delicate work. hope this helps,
Neil
Re: using a die grinder for copingI have a die grinder laying around, but it never occurred to me to use it for coping -- which I think might be even better than an angle grinder. I know zilch about various attachments (bits, etc. ) for the die grinder. Do you have a link for the "1 1/2" sanding attachment" you use? Or could you give me a little bit more of a description?Thanks.********************************************************
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)
If you want something great for coping fairly complicated things go with a 4 1/2" grinder with a flap wheel on it. I use one every day at work it eats up the material but you've got great control for little detail type things. Everyone that's tried mine or my friends have gone out and set themselves up one to use. We have to scribe things in on a daily basis and it makes it much easier. The countertop guys really seemed to like them.
Also, as far a mechanical pencils go, either Sam's or Costco has big boxes of plastic mechanical pencils that are cheap. The lead is .7, 32 in a box so when you break one or lose it it's no big deal. They don't cost much, I've had it almost a year so I don't remember how much, but most of the other guys at my shop have all started using them too.
Sanding cylinder for a Dremel or Rotozip works real well also. I cut the straights with my CMS, rough out the curves with a coping saw then do the final fitting with the Dremel or Rotozip. You can easily find 1/2" cylinders, 1 1/2" might be better though.
Man does that thing look Kmart. Ever seen a coping foot? Plus most jigsaw blades splinter coming back at the saw - and a coping foot puts you under the crown so if you splinter, its the back not the face."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
There was a tip in a FHB magazine (maybe FWW) for a wooden jig just like this. I built it and it is fantastic. The jig and a piece of molding with 220 glued to it make a perfect joint in no time.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
Wow, that pretty slick!
I'll have to see if my company can stock those.
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/ezine/toolpreview.cfm
This site does a little preview of the easycoper.
Thanks for the link.
I've got one of those tape measures. Pretty handy. Makes a nice litlte story pole.
I can't think of anything really nifty I have found latley.
Riverfest 2005. Be there, or be square.
http://www.hay98.com/
I saw that tape you are talking about the other day at McCoy's in Midland, Tx.
Real neat.
Whadda mean it's last call? I just got here.
Why don't they make tape measures so you can read them left handed or right handed ?
Are we there yet ?
Luka, check out the PSS-R:
http://www.fastcap.com/prod2.asp?page=procarp
Mike
Thanks.The price isn't bad, either.I didn't llok around too much on that site because they use shockwave flash for everything.Not that it's bad. Just that it's irritating for a dialup user. You can't open stuff up in new windows, and you have to sit there and wait and wait and wait for each new thing to finally load up...I wonder how many potential customers they have lost like that ?
Are we there yet ?
well ya sold one of those for McFelley's! I just had to have one.
Thanks, but I just re-posted Bill Hartman's link.
Mike
look at Lee Valley, also. I always use a lefthanded tape at my mitre-saw, where the to-be-cut-off pieces are on my right.cheers
***I'm a contractor - but I'm trying to go straight!***
Thanks.=0)
Are we there yet ?
The editors live in a round room so there is no way they could get lost.
The blade on my Fast-cap story pole tape is sweet, but other than that it's about the most Mickey Mouse tape I've ever seen. My four year old has one made by Tonka that I'm thinking about swapping the case with.
So far, under fairly mild use, the clip busted, the slide lock broke, the return spring is getting weaker every day, and the pencil sharpener can't peel a shaving off of a crayon, much less a pencil!
And still I press on using it instead of one of the other five or six tapes I own...
Did I already say that story pole blade is sweet!?
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again
I just got mine from McFeelys and the tip on the end of the tape won't stay hooked on ANYTHING, not even the sharpest corner, what a rip off!
I like a mechanical pencil for finish work but one of my pet peaves is that the little metal tip, where the lead comes out, always gets bent within a week and then it's junk.
I was in Office Depot a few months ago and found a package of .5mm mechanical pencils with retractable tips. Now I just push the button and pop the tip against my leg to retract it before I jamb it back in my pouch and I haven't bent one yet. Pull it out and I'm two clicks away from a crisp clean line without ever having to curse that weanie little pencil sharpener on my Fast-cap tape. :-)>
Sometimes it's the little things that really count!
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again
I love those fast cap lefty tapes. I'm guessing using 'em every day keeps 'em working...the only one I've killed took a dive from a second floor balcony onto a slate floor...but, the pencil sharpener still worked! The best gizmo I have bought lately came from Home Depot, of all places. I had gotten a cheapo electric pressure washer there for 60 beans. 1400 psi, light enough to carry up on the roof...but, it took a way long time to clean a porch floor. I happened to see a large surface scrubber attachment for 50 bucks. It cuts the time 10 fold, at least, and it cleans evenly, no wand marks...now, if I could just figure out how to hold it up on the porch ceiling<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!
for really innovative stuff, check out http://www.leevalley.com
a fantastic edge guide system for cutting panels, doors etc etc
stops for your framing square for doing stair stringers, rafters and so on
a fence for a framing square
their sharpening system for planes and chisels
and lots of other little stuff that just makes my day easier and more productive
my favourite iis the edge guide with 2 inch clamps, works perfectly for cutting down doors, mdf panels, plywood panels etc etccaulking is not a piece of trim
One of the posters spoke about a mechanical pencil from Lee Valley a few months ago - 7mm, not .5 mm, but it's a hefty price. I got one, and I've never looked back, never got another pencil. Sharpener in the lid, 6 new leads cost $16.00 (all Canadian prices) and I can make a point so sharp that I can inject stuff if I need to.
It's always in my pocket.Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
If you're talking about one of these, I have to agree with you. I got one a few months back and love it. I think I'm only on the second lead and use it all the time. Sweet pencil.
View Image
I've been using one of those - well similar - for years. They can be found for less money at a drafating/art supply store, around $12
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I never thought of that supply chain. I need to buy one as a present for someone who admiried mine and then achieved the results to deserve one.Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
I was drafting with a similar pen in 1962. I think I still have it and the sharpener that keeps the same point.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
It just occured to me that the new generation of saw guide systems are getting better all the time. Hilti has even entered the fray with a new guide system and saw.
The best one I've seen is still at Eurekazone. The fully accessorised EZ Smart guide is one of the coolest new toys I've seen on the market in years.
http://www.eurekazone.com/
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again
Lots of slick stuff out there!
Sorry you won't make it to Riverfest..I was looking forward to meeting you and your family.
My thoughts are with them.
Thank you Darcy. Jenny's sister died very early Saturday morning just after we got to Indianapolis, but unfortunately before we got to her house.
I blew right by several Breaktimers on this trip, regretting the limited time all the way. I even called Boss Hog on the way through Illinois but didn't get an answer. We will do this trip more often - I'll hope for the opportunity to plan ahead a little better next time and meet a few of you good folks.
We are exhausted - we nearly put 2,400 miles on the car over the last 4 days. I'd turn around and do it all again next month for Riverfest though, if my vacation time wasn't as exhausted as I am. There is sure some pretty country out there this time of year!
If we ever head out toward your coast line again you can bet on a knock on the door too. We sure appreciate your condolences.
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again
I'm awfully sorry to hear about your Sister-in-law. That's a tough thing to have to deal with. I hope Jenny is coping with it O.K.Don't know what number you tried to call or when - The only number I had given you before was my work number. (starts with 324) You probably wouldn't have gotten an answer there. We have a machine at home, if you tried to call there. (starts with 854)If you do end up making the trip again I'll do whatever I can to have the chance to meet you and your family.
Responsibility rises up by the side of liberty, correlative, commensurate, and inevitable. [William Graham Summer]
Just checked the Palm Pilot - Looks like I called your office. I thought of several Illinois and Indiana Breaktimers on our way back through but you were the only one I had a number of any kind for.
Here's hoping for a little better planning next time. Thanks for your condolences.
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again
Dear Kevin and Jenny,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Timing is everything, good or bad.
Do give a shout if you guys make it out this way, we have plenty of room for you, and thie lil' ones.
Hugs and thoughts to you,
darcy
Thank you Darcy! Excuse me just a sec - I got a little something in my eye right after I read that. I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to take you up on that offer one of these days. You're too kind.
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again