Do you think I went overboard?
The holiday season is officially here, with Home Depot having put up many of their holiday season tool deals on display. Some are clearly absent, such as a deal involving the new Dewalt Tough System wheeled tool box and value-priced small tool box.
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I’ve got lots of posts about these and other deals on the way, and lots to say.
This is a good time to ask – are there any tool deals you’d like me to scout out in particular? Power tools? Cordless? Benchtop tools? Hand tools? Mechanics tools? Ratcheting wrenches? German-made screwdrivers or pliers? USA-made pocket knives? Etc. I come across too many deals to post about, so knowing what you’re interested in helps me prioritize where I look.
Anyway, back to the haul. I spent somewhere around $350 on all that.
Some of the tools I need for regular use, such as the Milwaukee premium tape measure double pack, Milwaukee FastBack knife and utility knife, the Dewalt trigger clamp 4-pack, the Milwaukee multi-bit screwdrivers, and the Empire levels.
One of the Dewalt tape measures, and the Dewalt ratcheting screwdriver, were picked up from the regular tool aisle, just because.
I went against my better judgement and bought several styles of LED flashlights from among several price and quality tiers. And a $2 HDX utility knife. Why? I’m extremely critical of these tools, and figured it’d time to give them another try, to see whether quality has improved or gotten even worse.
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I also bought the 2-pack of Dewalt knives, the one that features the Tanto-style folding knife mentioned yesterday. I’m sure I’ve tried it in the past, only to not be impressed, but figured it’s worth a fresh look.
I found Ryobi LED flashlights on display, single packs, and assume that maybe the double packs will be a Black Friday special or something like that. But hey, this will let me know if it’s good enough to buy more.
Expect to see many of these tools discussed in upcoming posts, possibly video as well. This time of year my time and patience for bad tools runs thin, and so I tend to be a little coarser in my criticisms and stronger in my praise, especially if or when surprised.
As in the past, the Home Depot holiday deals gift center seems to be focused around Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Husky hand tools, and there’s a strong presence from Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi, and Makita in the power tools and accessories area.
Surprising, some of these deals are appearing elsewhere too. For the first time, at least from what I can see, Amazon is carrying the same Dewalt trigger clamp deal (also at $30). In the past, it was only on Amazon from third party sellers who had been reselling what they bought at Home Depot.
And the lack of power tools or accessories in my haul isn’t a reflection on the quality of the cordless tool deals or bit sets. I’m simply good on everything right now, although I might buy some more bits or blades later in the season after I’ve scoped out what other retailers are offering.
Now, if you excuse me, I’m off to Lowes and maybe Sears to see what they’ve got. I spent more at Home Depot than I had in past years, and I hope I can say the same about Lowes and Sears, but I’ll be surprised if I spent $50 between the two stores.
P.S. Anyone need a flashlight? Rhetorical question, as I’m not spending $12 to ship a $5 or $10 light, but what am I doing to do with all these LED lights once I’m done testing them?!
Dan M
Any Bessey clamp desks this sale season. I need to stock up for winter cabinet making projects.
Stuart
Not yet that I’ve seen.
I’m hoping there will be parallel clamp sets on sale during the peak holiday season.
Scott K
I’m hoping for some as well- disappointed I didn’t pick up a set last year…
Eric
I also agree on some Bessey clamps. I’m getting into woodworking and I don’t have nearly enough clamps.
Scotty
Deals with deep discounts on mid/high end tools. The are harder for us out here to find. The HD/Lowes stuff we can usually find on our own.
Stuart
Home Depot has some power tool savings I’ll be posting about soon, but more premium or specialized tools rarely go on sale because they know users need them and will buy them anyways.
Can you be more specific?
Generally, the deals are in cordless tools for the holidays. Brands and retailers are willing to slash prices in order to entice users over to their power tool platforms.
There are some deals on things like planers, larger table saws, metalworking equipment, and things like that, but they come later on in the shopping season.
fred
I still get lots of emails from some of my prior-life (pre-retirement) suppliers. I try to share some – that I think may have broad interest – over on the ToolGuyd Community Forum – usually under “Hot Deals”. Most of them never seem too hot to me. At the high end – folks like Felder, Oster Manufacturing, and Baileigh sometimes send me notices that they are having price cuts – as do some of the machinery suppliers we used. One recent one I recall was 10% off on a $93,000 mandrel bender – I naturally ordered 2 and had my local utility upgrade my home service to 3Phase 440V (just kidding).
fred
BTW just got one of those emails this morning with a link to Felder’s 60th Anniversary sale:
http://machforms.felder-gruppe.at/view.php?id=45527
RKA
They had a Freud (?) carbide tipped hole saw set for a pretty good price (only had the smaller bits). I was on the fence but passed. Then 2 days ago I needed to make a clean half round template and used my old Milwaukee home saw set (which is only meant to bore rough holes in dimensional lumber). It did a shoddy job as expected. Any chance you picked up that Freud set? It’s usually hard to go wrong with Freud so I’ll probably try it even if you don’t evaluate it first.
Stuart
I’ll see what I can do!
Yes, it was a Diablo 9-piece set for $40. It caught my attention, but the special-looking pilot drill, with short 1/4″ hex section, gave me pause.
Completely unrelated question, have you ever won a ToolGuyd giveaway?
Adam
Looks like it could work well, but seems the $40 price is standard. Maybe we will see it on black friday marked down?
If it doesn’t, the Milwaukee set drops 50% just about every year, and for as many holes as I drill, I’d rather have more sizes for the money
RKA
I’ll have to go back and check on the price. I did look at the larger hole saw bits in the regular tool aisle and they were expensive (on the order of $20-30 ea.) which turned me off when I added up all the sizes I would want.
And no, haven’t won anything yet! (But I’m a persistent sob). 🙂
Mike
It’s hard to judge HDX based on one purchase. Their quality ranges from excellent (and not just ‘for the price’ excellent) to unusable junk. It’s always a crapshoot. It changes, too. A specific tool which was good at one purchase may have changed manufacturer and become junk at a second purchase, and vice versa. But that’s why they are cheap.
Can you keep an eye out for any Klein combination set deals like they had last year? By the time I knew about it last time they were already sold out everywhere.
Stuart
True. But in this case I was curious to see what a $2 HDX vs. a $5 Stanley gives you.
There was no deal center Klein display, but I did see a display at another Home Depot when checking for the holiday displays just before Halloween.
3-piece electrician’s tool kit, with Lineman’s pliers, wire stripper (8-16 solid, 10-18 stranded), and multi-bit nutdriver, for $50.
There’s no page up yet, but you can ask your Home Depot if they have this SKU:
1001764195
I haven’t seen last year’s deal return (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/klein-electrician-tool-set-deal-h2015/%3C/a%3E%29 . It might be a late-season display, but a few display boxes hadn’t arrived at my local store yet. I’ll be checking another store this week.
Jon
I keep a couple HDX utility knives in the shop at all times just in case. I have a few Husky folding utility knives that I tend to carry with me on projects. The HDX cutters are cheap enough to essentially be disposable. They’ve held up without issue for me over the years.
I don’t mind loaning those out and don’t mind all that much (but yes it does irk me) if I lose one or leave it at a buddy’s place.
Yadda
What is this year’s multi tool deal from Leatherman? Also there has been speculation the new Gerber multi tool might be a holiday sale item.
Chance
Sidekick for $30.
Jeff
It’s the Sidekick for $29.88. I bought the Wingman last year; a Sidekick with the saw would be nice for camping use, but I’ll see if they do a doorbuster price drop on it this year.
Stuart
As Chance said, it’s a Sidekick for $30. Last year there were 2 deals – a Skeletool deal ($30), and then a Rev deal ($20). I’d say there’s a 50:50 chance of there being a second Leatherman multi-tool deal this year.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/leatherman-skeletool-deal-h2015/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
A Leatherman Sidekick for $30 isn’t bad, seeing as how its retail price jumped to $40, but it’s not great.
If there’s no other Leatherman deal this year, I’d like to see the Sidekick drop to $25.
In past years there were Sidekicks for $25, and a bundle pack with a cheap one-piece tool for $30.
mattd
they will probably have the skeletool for $29 again on black friday as well
Yadda
I have a Sidekick and a Wingman from several years ago. I also bought the Rev and several Skeletools last year. All of them at markdown prices after Christmas. I’ve heard there is aa new SOG Micro Tool at Walmart. Supposedly V.3. $20. I will pick up another Sidekick or two if they all make it through Christmas to the inevitable markdowns.
Toolfreak
Lowe’s has the Wingman for $29.99 (Reg $39.99).
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Leatherman-Wingman-14-in-1-Multi-Tool/50194063
Rock Hound
If you end up with lots of excess low-end items (like the flashlights and things) let me know what would be a reasonable cost to you to box them up and ship them to me (shipping + reasonable cost to you).
I hope I don’t come off as a shill, but I work in one of the lowest income schools in Ohio and am always struggling with getting materials. I run the STEM club at the high school and would love to have some extra tools and not always have the Students using my personal (nicer) items and likely damaging them along the way.
Stuart
Okay, I’ll keep that in mind!
Also, completely unrelated, have you ever won a ToolGuyd giveaway before?
Rock Hound
Thank you for the consideration!
No, I have not won one of the giveaways.
Stuart
Great, you’ve won the “is your name Rock Hound? giveaway!”
I’ll email you some details.
Rock Hound
Thanks Stuart! I just got finished with the school day and replied to your message.
Yadda
Another great example of why I truly enjoy this site! Kudos Stuart!
Rock Hound 2
Oh good, I won too! 😉
Michael
You just put a big smile on my face. You are a good person Stewart
Ryan
How about boxing up all the miscellaneous tools you’ve reviewed and no longer need and doing a big giveaway?
Stuart
I am HORRIBLE at finding the time to package tools together to ship out, so I tend to give no-longer-needed samples away locally or to Habitat for Humanity.
With this recent tool deal haul, if there’s a tool I can’t or won’t use, it’ll likely be too cheap or lousy to give away. I’ve thrown some holiday tool purchases out before, rather than passing crappy tools to anyone else. (Kobalt Triple Cut and Magnum Grip Pliers come to mind.)
But I’ll keep that in mind – to make huge boxes of misc. sample assortments.
I’m still reorganizing my workspaces, and will be clearing out on- and off-site storage in coming months.
I do like that idea, of misc. “whatever I can fit in a box” giveaways.
Jeff
I wandered around one of my local HDs the other night, and these are things that were interesting to me: the Coast Tactical knife set for $10, the Sidekick (if they come down a few bucks), the insulated screwdriver set for $10, the ratcheting precision screwdriver for $7, and the magnetic Bluetooth speaker for $20. There’s also a set of hex keys for $10, since the ones I have are loose and these include a folding case. And every year I look at the Wiss snips for $10/ea, but I just don’t do enough with sheet metal to justify it.
They also have a set of jumper cables in a plastic carry case for $20. The handles feel nicer than anything I’ve got. Has anyone here ever used them?
Stuart
I bought the Coast knife set, and the Husky insulated screwdrivers, will see how good they are. I have had several bad Coast knife experiences though, but we’ll see.
The straight Wiss snips should work well as general purpose shears when scissors won’t due, such as opening plastic clamshell packaging and the such.
I checked last year, and these are regular Wiss snips that don’t look to be cheapened in any way, and they’re still made in the USA.
Mike
I had never seen those insulated screwdrivers and didn’t even notice them in the picture until you mentioned them. Do they seem decent? And also, is the Robertson a #1 or #2? The description says both in different places.
Don’t worry too much about justifying the Wiss snips. I’ve bought three straight pairs the last couple of $10 sales and use them a lot, but can’t think of one time I’ve used them on sheet metal.
Stuart
I’ll have to get back to you on that, I hadn’t even taken them out of the packaging yet.
It was surprising, but they looked decent enough and I thought “hey why not.”
The biggest issue might be that they don’t look like insulated screwdrivers.
Jeff
IIRC, the Robertson is a #2.
BigDan
Just keep up with the great recon and especially when power tool brands are offering their ‘base’ models as deal packs vs. the premium models!
firefly
I am looking for a tool chest combo. I am on the fence between the Husky and the Milwauke 30″ that you reviewed and the Husky 52″.
I am also looking for a workbench. This is my dream workbench http://www.norlift.com/blog/heavy-duty-work-bench-with-retractable-wheels/
I don’t see anything similar on the market so most likely I will end up building my own…
rjm
Firefly – i started a thread in the forum about the new Husky 52″ tool chest combo. I think it is officially on my Christmas list. I was going to go with the Milwaukee but this new model edged it out.
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/new-husky-tool-chest-line/600
That norlift bench is pretty dope.
firefly
rjm, Yes that’s the same one that I have in mind too. I went to the home depot to check out the Milwaukee in person but I changed my mind after seeing the Husky.
Cory
I am really hoping they have the 2 pack of Milwaukee fastback Knifes again, I think they went for about $15 for the two pack instead of $9 for a single knife but I regretfully never pulled the trigger on them last year.
Stuart
The promo pack is for a FastBack 3 knife and a camo-handled flip pocket knife, for $15. I don’t know if there’s going to be a double utility knife offer.
Stuart
Sorry, my mistake.
The promo pack has a FastBack knife w/ no blade storage.
On the pack, where I saw the FastBack 3 model number, it says “Also Available.” Bummer, I might not have bought the combo if I realized this at the time, but it’s still a good deal.
rjm
Good luck with the Dewalt ratcheting screwdriver. Mine fell about 3 feet onto the garage floor and the whole ratcheting mechanism was in pieces. I put everything back in place (or so I thought) but it did not function properly. Luckily HD gave me in-store credit for it.
Grady
Currently I’m shopping for a bench top jointer.
Any suggestions?
fred
I have a 30+ yearold Delta 37-070 6 inch one that goes in the truck – Better than my 10 inch machine could ever do. Not sure how well the new Delta crop of anything performs.
This one from a brand I never heard of gets good reviews:
https://www.amazon.com/Cutech-40160H-CT-Spiral-Cutterhead-Jointer/dp/B011QMJBG4/
The Porter Cable one that is the spitting image of my old Delta gets some mixed reviews:
https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PC160JT-Variable-Jointer-6-Inch/dp/B004Q0I8YU/
Lauren
I’m searching for a new reciprocating saw, circular saw, various squares, and various bits. All stuff I don’t want to bother asking to borrow from dad at an ‘I’m only going to use this around my house’ price. Whole pneumatic setups would be great if it’s a steal.
Stuart
There are usually some pancake air compressor deals, and Sears usually runs a few compressor deals.
If I had to guess, I’d say there will be a Porter Cable nailer + compressor bundle.
Home Depot has an Empire 2-square pack for the price of 1.
I don’t think you’ll find many corded saw deals, but the Dewalt/Bosch/Makita $25 off coupons might be a good way to get one from Amazon or another participating retailer. The Makita promo is live, the Dewalt will be up mid-month, and maybe the current Bosch cordless promo will be updated.
Home Depot and Lowes have a lot of misc. staples right now, such as jab saws and saw blades.
Jonathan
I purchased a soloTanto-style Dewalt folder in the last month or two. I’ve got to say that it’s a great knife for the price, and after losing enough high-end pocket knives out in the field. (Spyderco, CRKT, Kershaw, etc) from snaging the pocket clips or being pickpocketted by brushing against a branch etc. Its handy and just enough heft. I almost bought the combo last night. Only complaint is the serrations and Tanto point prevent me from keeping it razor sharp with my Work Sharp, best sharpener I’ve used. https://www.amazon.com/Work-Sharp-WSKTS-Knife-Sharpener/dp/B003IT5F14
Matt
Do you think there will be better power tool deals later in month? Better than the “up to a certain amount off” $299
brushless kits
Stuart
There are bound to be “deals of the day” and some BF specials, but as far as money-off deals go, this will likely be it.
Last year, the cordless power tool combo deals lasted throughout the season.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/home-depot-cordless-combo-kit-deal-h2015/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Matt
I did notice online that if you click on, say, the m18 fuel 2nd gen kit or any larger kit for that matter, an option to add a tool to the kit and save up to $150 appears.
Shawn
One new online option for RIDGID is the R9214 brushless 18V 3-piece combo kit (http://www.homedepot.com/p/207035630) that presumably comes with an additional bare tool. It does differ from the R9210 brushless 18V 3-piece combo kit. Both sets are listed at $399. The main differences between the R9210 combo kit and the R9214 combo kit are:
A: R9210 includes a Hammer Drill and TWO 4.0Ah batteries, while R9214 includes a non-Hammer Drill, ONE 4.0Ah Battery & ONE 2.0Ah Battery.
B: The R9214 combo kit most likely includes a free qualifying additional RIDGID 18V bare tool. (At this time 11/2/2016, it is not entirely clear what is being offered, so I am basing this on the “with bare tool option” in the heading.)
Here are the specific differences. Both kits are entirely 18V brushless tools and both include these two tools:
R8653 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
R86037 3-Speed IMPACT Driver
The R9214 combo kit includes the:
R86009 1/2in Compact Drill/Driver Kit (NON-HAMMER Drill)
R86092 Battery Charger (18V Lithium Ion Charger)
ONE 4.0Ah Battery & ONE 2.0Ah Battery
Based on the heading “with Bare Tool Option” you probably get to choose a free additional 18V bare tool (no batteries) from an approved list when you purchase this set. I do NOT know which tools they will offer, but they MIGHT be the R86036B brushless Stealth Force OIL Pulse Driver ($129), the R86044B brushless Compact Router ($119), or the R86041B brushless Angle Grinder ($119).
The R9210 combo kit includes the:
R86116 Compact HAMMER Drill
R840095 Dual Chemistry Charger (Charges ALL RIDGID 9.6-18V slide pack batteries)
TWO 4.0Ah Batteries
NEITHER set includes the R86036 18V Stealth Force OIL Pulse Driver (generally considered better than the R86037 3-Speed IMPACT Driver), unless that is one of the free options that you choose for the R9214 kit.
avi
If you see any deals on ladders, specifically multi-position ladders like the little giant. I remember when Home Depot had the Werner mt-22 for $125, I am still kicking myself for missing out on that
JMG
Costco is currently running the Little Giant M17 plus paint tray at $140 in Indy.
avi
Lucky Indy, I mainly order online and ship so I am stuck at 180 plus 20 for shipping, but thanks for the tip
Stuart
There’s a Werner multi-position ladder, model DP357 , SKU 1001775309, for $84, but it’s not quite the same.
Ladder deals typically show up later in the season, at around Black Friday. They’re usually for the lower rated ladders, like the Werner DP357.
There are usually Little Giant promos at Amazon throughout the holiday season.
avi
While it doesn’t meet my current needs that Werner DP357 that you mentioned is definitely an interesting type of ladder that I had never seen before.
Anyway thanks
CH
I would like to see a good deal on a Gladiator style adjustable workbench.
Stuart
Gladiator direct has great pricing on the white-frame bamboo workbench. $349 for the 6-footer. I ordered 2 back in the spring, and it’s really nice.
I over-torqued and broke one of the fasteners securing the back panel (whoops), and leveling them on uneven flooring has been a pain since the casters don’t adjust perfectly straight in the legs.
But they’re great workbenches.
Just keep something in mind: some are made in the USA (Bamboo, Maple), others overseas (“Hardwood”). There are differences in aesthetics, but the quality seems comparable. The imported one comes partially assembled and the rest is more easily assembled.
The maple bench has been on sale at some retailers in the past (Sears), and the hardwood at others.
BUT… I ordered a bamboo bench from Amazon and it arrived in shambles. That’s why I ordered from Gladiator direct. They had a discount at the time, and $75 shipping, and it arrived via freight in great condition.
fred
I’m also one of those guys who got banged-up Gladiator cabinets from Amazon. The packing from Whirpool/Gladiator was rather flimsy and UPS apparently tossed it around. Amazon finally shipped the cabinets via a private freight company. This was 5 years ago – and, from what you say, it looks like the issue is still going on.
Ric M
Like Scotty, I’d like to see Black Friday caliber deals on some higher-end gear. Specifically:
– DeWalt powerstation, flexvolt kits
– Wiha driver and plier sets
– Incra rulers
– premium tool, hardware @ parts organizers (would include sortimo and to a lesser degree systainer & toughsystem)
– Leatherman Leap multi-tools for the kids
Stuart
I don’t think we’ll see much discount on FlexVolt stuff. Maybe the $25 promo can count on it. Acme might have a 10% discount like they do every now and then. But I think that’s about all one could hope for. The line is simply too new.
Wiha: Do you have a particular request? I’d look to KC Tool, as they have decent deal of the day promos on Wiha and other German tool brands.
Incra rulers. I don’t think I’ve seen any notable deals, but will keep my eyes open.
A holiday discount on Sortimo? I wish! Tough System? Amazon $25 off $100 has applied in the past.
Leatherman Leap? I’ll keep my eyes open, but if it’ll be on sale it’ll be thru sports and outdoors equipment retailers. I won’t follow them as closely during the holiday season. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll see it discounted.
fred
You can always put the FlexVolt and Wiha stuff on a wish list and look for a price drop. If you can wait around for a deal – Zoro often does 20%, 25% or even 30% off deals – most often targeted to your spending level. It might be worth looking at their (normally higher than most) prices and doing a calculation to see if the cost times 0.75 – makes them look attractive. Then get on their email list to get alerts for their promos.
Re Wiha pliers – nothing wrong with them – but not too special either IMO. You might be better served with Knipex or NWS pliers.
Flyer
It looks like you found the two and three C cell led MagLite deal for $25. That is a great deal. They aren’t the brightest but offer great performance at that price point and are nearly indestructible. The twist on switch and reduced diameter head also make them a lot more portable than other models.
One issue I found was that the lights would flicker with movement. The fix was simply stretching the spring in the end cap to snug the batteries. Now they work like a champ.
Stuart
Yep, I couldn’t help it. I started picking from among the LED flashlights to take home and test, and the Maglites looked interesting. I’ll give C flashlights a try.
Dem
Thanks for all the great information. I’ve been debating a miter saw purchase for home use and this is the year I pull the trigger. If you can highlight any of these deals I would appreciate it.
Best wishes
Stuart
Hitachi makes an inexpensive miter saw that seems to get decent user reviews. I believe it drops to $99 at the height of the season.
These are last year’s deals, I’ll try to do the same for this year:
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/black-friday-2015-miter-saw-deals/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Dem
Thanks Stuart. I’ve been watching (stalking) the miter saw prices and fighting the urge to buy more than I need. I’m not sure if I am winning. The hitachi is currently 119 at lowes. Will keep an eye out until it reaches 99. Any suggestion for a stand or if a stand is needed?
fred
Just a reminder that miter saws mostly come with so-so blades (and I’m being kind here) – OK for cutting construction lumber. If you want really smooth cuts on trim – you’ll probably end up spending almost as much as the saw on a replacement blade. The Forrest Mitermaster that I use on a 12 inch saw – cost at least 2x what that Hitachi saw is selling for – but even a 10 inch Chopmaster will cost a bit more than the saw. Good Freud 80 tooth blades are also readily available at more modest prices – but overall it’s something you want to consider.
Dem
Thank you Fred. I didn’t even stop to consider blade price. Do you think it is worth buying a stand for occasional use? I won’t have a permanent table for it.
Stuart
$45 to $75 gets a great miter saw blade, maybe even less.
Dem, there are portable stands, and you could also build your own fixed location cabinet.
You could always put that question on hold and decide later.
You need a stable base to put any miter saw on, but a saw stand is an investment in itself.
Shreeni
Hi,
I want to learn small metal turning and tooling (I think I am saying it right) as a hobby. (I have no knowledge of engineering either).
Would there be tips/buying advice/deals coming up for the holidays ? I was eyeing the $600 starter from HF but the one I got to check out was too stiff and controls were not smooth.
Stuart
How small?
Something like a Sherline or Taig might be better than an HF model or other Seig-based import that requires tuning.
Check out MSC’s sales flyers and sign up for their emails. Zoro’s too. I haven’t seen many metal-turning or machining deals in past years, but will continue to be on the lookout.
fred
As I posted above – Zoro runs those 20% to 30% off deals – so watching you email (once you sign up) for them might be worthwhile.
Greg
I would love to see some deals on miter saws. I am in the market for one, mostly for small woodworking and craft builds. I would be willing to bet I have the smallest workspace of anyone on here since I have to work out on an apartment balcony.
One question- could you clarify the difference between “dual-bevel” and “double-bevel”?
Does anyone have experience with the Husky 42 in. DIY Workbench with Steel Shelves? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-42-in-DIY-Workbench-with-Full-Length-Steel-Shelves-SO-382B/204065014
It looks to be made by ‘Stack On’ , and HD doesn’t even hide that in their pictures.
Also- I saw where you do not like MDF on your workbenches – why is that?
Stuart
MDF is okay, but doesn’t stand up to certain abuses or loads as well as wood, and it’s hard on tools if you ever have to mount anything. And that’s talking about through-holes – MDF doesn’t hold most types of screws all that well.
fred
I’m not sure what grade MDF is being used – but the lower grade stuff swells and fails if not protected – when subject to lots of moisture. I suspect that an apartment balcony – qualifies as a spot that may at times have lots of moisture.
As Stuart notes, there are specialized fasteners that work pretty well with it – but regular screws into the face may not hold – and screwing into the edge will cause it to fail. When we used it – fastening was with glue and dowels (more recently dominos) – not screws.
We used MDF from time to time as a substrate for veneers. It is more stable than even plywood in this application. Once sealed in it is quite dimensionally stable – but is by no means as good as solid wood for all applications. We also used it for built-ins because it machined (routed) well – did not suffer from seasonal expansion like wood and looked good once painted (not latex). Our supplier offered quite a few grades – mostly to do with the uniformity, low/no formaldehyde, water resistance, fire retardancy etc.
Benjamen
Ugh, I stopped by my local Home Depot again today and they still didn’t have anything out. I was hopeful because yesterday they had all the boxes stacked in the aisles, but today they had arranged them but not opened them yet.
What’s worse is that there were 6 people in the section standing around looking at each other. Okay well two of them were up on ladders hanging stuff.
If I couldn’t set all that stuff up in 2 hours by myself I’d be disappointed, why is it taking so long!?!
Stuart
Maybe they lost the official placement map?
Travis
Stuart
Any info about the new Kreg Mobile Project Center? It looks really interesting.
Stuart
Not much that you probably already saw.
A test sample is supposed to be on its way, and so I was hoping for 1 quick review post rather than a preview and follow-up hands-on.
Looks interesting to me, and close competition for the new Worx Pegasus:
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/worx-pegasus-folding-work-table/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Travis
Wow! You work fast.
I don’t have much room for dedicated shop space. This looks like it could really be useful in that department. Hopefully some user reviews will start to show up.
And thanks for all your dedication to this website.
fred
Unless you tests show it to be so much better than the Worx , it might be hard to justify the price of the Kreg (US Tool and others seem to be asking $159 plus shipping for pre-orders) compared to the $99 Amazon is asking for the Pegasus. The Pegasus seems to have a more versatile clamping system for sawing or planning – but the Kreg T-Track might be more useful for joinery.
Johnny Bright Light
Send me every thing you don’t want and I’ll pay shipping and handling. Real nice score.