We all have straps … and almost all of us have straps that are tangled, mangled, and messed.  Mine lived in a 5 gallon bucket all mixed and unmatched, knotted and split.  Anytime I needed a strap, or when someone asked to borrow one, I cringed at the thought of untangling the blob of straps that it had become.

The Strap Sack is going to make keeping the straps a whole lot simpler.  The concept is simple and smart … and a bit too obvious once you see it in action.  Essentially a baggie for your strap that keeps things neat and organized.  The sack seems to be a nylon material, but the inventor also sent along a sample of a newer material being used that is a bit thicker and should wear better for heavy users.

Check out the official company website at the link below for a couple videos showing it in action.

www.tie-down-storage.com

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An in depth opinion of this tool can’t be come to as of yet, only because this tool is brand new and I’ve only taken it through the basic test runs.  However, let me offer some initial opinions and we’ll re-review this at a later time once it has seen many hours of use.

First Impressions …Without a doubt, it is sweet to open up a tool only to feel the excitement of what’s to come.  Packed well and included with a handy case, the Dremel makes a strong first impression.  Included with it is a basic bit and abrasive kit — just enough to give you a feel for what you can do, but trust me when I say you’ll need to buy more in no time.  Since this is a cordless tool, you’ll find a single battery (already attached to the tool) and a smallish sized charger to keep you running.

As for the tool itself, it feels solid.  My old Dremel tool — at least 10 years old — is all that I have for comparison, but I can tell you that this one feels like it is built a bit more solid and is hefty.  It is a bit heavier than my old one, but that should be expected since it does have a battery attached.

The 8200 offers a variable speed from 5,000 to 30,000 rpm which will be needed for control and precision in the variety of tasks it will be used for.   In my shop the Dremel is typically used for moderate-to-light power carving and cutting/grinding lighter metals.  With this new model, I plan to experiment more on the power carving side to see how it holds up.

The marketing material reports that the lithium-ion battery holds a charge 6 times longer than standard NiCad batteries — only time will tell.  Other tools that I use frequently with this type of battery do last a bit longer, but 6x would be a miracle in actual use.  Hopefully it will prove me wrong.

One thing I really like about this model out the gate over the my older one is that Dremel separated the speed control from the on/off switch.  This means you can turn the tool off without losing that “perfect” speed from your last use.  This is essential when using a rotary tool for carving because it can take a bit of trial and error to find the speed that cuts best.

See Dremel’s website at: http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/ToolDetail.aspx?pid=8200

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Primarily, I’ve used this jig to setup and align my tablesaw — most notably the fence to the miter slots.  It’s also great to check for blade runout, or fence trueness.  Though I’ve not used it for this purpose, it could be used to measure arbor shaft runout as well.

Using the system it easy.  The quality components fit together perfectly with the use of two metric allen bolts — one to attach the cross ways, and one to attach the dial indicator.  Once assembles, it is placed into the miter slot.  There are two allen screws that adjust the width to fit any miter slot perfectly with zero slop.  It also has two thumb screws to level the system to the depth of your miter slot.  In a matter of 5 minutes you are up and ready to measure.

If you can stomach spending $80, or if you need to get your tablesaw tuned up accurately, then I’d consider the Basic A-Line It setup.  It’s served me well and given me no problems.  It’s easy to use and made precisely.  The dial indicator is of decent quality, but by no means one of the $300 units you can find.  It’s made me much more comfortable at the tablesaw knowing that without  a doubt the fence is in line with the blade and that the blade is running true — both of which reduce any chance of a nasty kickback.

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These are the basic components of the SquareMate.  It’s comprised of a block made from ABS/polycarbonate alloy (3″x3″x1 1/8″) with a rectangular opening running through the center (measuring 2 1/8″x3/8″).  The nylon screws are used to secure the rule/wood intersecting the tools, and the metal screws are used to create pivot points or attach SquareMate’s together.

This is a view of the SquareMate with the nylon screws engaged.

The Squaremate is new to the market and even I benefited from the helpful hand-out provided by the manufacturer/inventor.  A unique one for sure was the stop on a miter/chop saw.  With some creativity the SquareMate could be used as a tablesaw blade height ruler, or fence distance ruler.  It can be used to make arcs/circles, or even draw parallel lines serving as a “T” square.

I’ve yet to use the SquareMate enough to offer a solid opinion … however, I wanted to get this post up asap so that others can take advantage of it.  MORE WILL BE ADDED TO THIS REVIEW.  THE SQUAREMATE IS CAPABLE OF MUCH MORE, NOW I JUST NEED TO FIND THE TIME TO TRY EVERYTHING OUT!

Get your own at www.squaremate.net

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Short and sweet … this razor knife holds not one, but two razors on each end.  Both can be standard razors so that when one gets dull you don’t miss a beat and just “flip” to the other side.  Or, each end can hold a different type of blade — one end a standard blades, and the other end a curved blade.

Anything that helps me work safer, and quicker, seems like a good thing to me.  This tool accomplishes both of those and is built well to handle the rugged environment a razor knife will usually be exposed to.  Thumbs up to the “Flip Knife”.

What’s Included:

Besides the plastic marketing package … you’ll get the Flip Knife along with one straight blade and one curved blade.

CH Hanson, the company (link):

Directly from their website:

Headquartered near Chicago, Illinois, the C. H. Hanson Company has been a family-owned and managed operation since 1866. The company has demonstrated throughout its history, the ability to innovate both products and merchandising methods.

C. H. Hanson is quick to respond to changing market needs with new products, new merchandising and new packaging. The company is strategically focused on significant product expansion through partnerships with the end-user to create tools that make job site tasks easier, faster, and safer.

Design & Use:

What don’t you use a razor knife for?  Honestly, I pick mine up most every day and go through blades faster than cereal — or so it seems.  At this point I own about five razor knives.  Not because I have to, but because I always seem to temporarily lose the one when I need it, and thus decided to keep a couple more than necessary around the house.

A razor knife can be used to cut carpet, paper, plastic, thin metals, … you name it.  At its most basic form a razor knife is a handle for a razor blade that keeps the your hands and fingers away from the blade, and makes it more manageable to use for any period of time.

The Flip Knife has a couple of good things going for it.  (1) It can hold two blades of the same type, or different types, (2) the blade changes are as easy as it gets, and (3) it incorporates simple safety features to help protect the user (for example, you cannot expose the blades on both ends at the same time).

The not-so-good things really have nothing do with the knife itself, but rather a bit of personal preference.  (1) The packaging is that horrible, indestructible plastic that is sealed on every side and nearly impossible to get into and (2) it only comes with two blades.  As I see it the packaging should be easier to open — in fact, I had to get another razor knife just to open this razor knife.  As for the blades, I think it would be a common courtesy if a small package of blades were included so that a first-time buyer wouldn’t get stuck at home with only the two included blades and have to make a return trip to the hardware store.

WARNING: Cutting seems to be the most common type of injury in the shop.  The damage is often done with razors, utility knives, or scissors due to improper use.  So be careful when using these tools.  They don’t have a motor, don’t cost a ton of money and are in every household … but trust me, then will still hurt you just as badly.

Purchasing Advice:

If you use a razor knife frequently, then the Flip Knife should be on your radar.  You’ll benefit from the two blades ready to go at a moments notice — so much so that the tool will probably pay for itself in time savings on the first job.

If you are an occasional user, or in the market for a razor knife … why not.  There are many options out there from cheapo imports to higher end gimmick designs.  You could go for either, but why when you can land in the middle with a solid, safe, two-blade system.

Images:

The Package

Having to use one razor knife to get to the other …

Curved Blade Installed

Straight Knife Installed

Quick and easy blade changes without opening the unit

The red button is the quick release for the blade

Size comparison to a regular razor knife

One lacking feature the Flip Knife is missing that was found on another knife I own is the on-board quick access blade storage … which is really nice.

Luckily the Flip Knife didn’t get into all of the gimmicks though … like this near useless measuring tape on another razor knife I own.

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This magnetic base shop light is designed to provide a convenient hands-off light source in your workshop or garage.

The base is constructed of a 2 3/4″ round magnet in a nylon base with a 14″ steel flex arm with a plastic sleeve. The lamp (not included in package — which was very disappointing considering it’s not a standard bulb) is a 40-watt reflector track-type light bulb. The light comes with an 8ft cord with a polarized plug (for safety).

Nothing fancy here, but very useful around the shop. Mine was initially purchased for the lathe where lightening was typically inadequate in my shop. It easily “stuck” to the lathe (as a good magnet should do) and went to work doing what it does best (giving off light, of course!). No frills, just function.

This light would also work great on a drill press, or any other machinery with a safe, solid metal location to stick it. he price is a couple bucks higher than I would have liked, but not unreasonable in my opinion ($15 would have been much better — but that’s always the case!). Putting some direct light on your workpiece is typically safer, and this light can help in that area. If you need something simple, yet highly effective, this might be a great piece of equipment to pick up.

Distributed by Delta, the light reviewed retails around $20-$25. Buy one online at Amazon (link).

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