This dual-mode machine features a powerful soft-start motor. Finish results were excellent in the “Normal” mode, and stock removal was dramatic in “Turbo.” Mode changing was a snap. The tool body was easy to hold, and the padded top grip was a plus. Access to controls was adequate.
Pros: Excellent dual-mode switching, great grips, powerful motor, 13-ft. cord. Cons: large size hampers fine work, no vacuum hose or adpater included as standard equipment.
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Milwaukee M12 23-Gauge Cordless Pin Nailer
This tool is designed for convenience. The battery and pins are easy to load, and the safety lock operates with the same finger you use to pull the trigger. The depth of set is adjustable, there’s a work light, and there’s a hook for hanging the tool on your toolbelt. A gauge lets you keep track of when you’ll need to recharge.
The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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