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This little unit is epic. 32kW, dual Hondas and 480v/3ph output over 30a at 480V. If I ever get a chance to build a proper shop, it will of course require 3 phase power and rather than the massive expense of permanent 3ph to the shop , this sure seems like a great option even at the...

I'm not sure where else to put this, so forgive me if this goes somewhere else. Some of you know I'm active on a prominent oil discussion site and quite passionate about engine lubrication. This is why I always was frustrated that I couldn't see what the oil pressure or temperature was on my...

As someone mentioned speed handles in my T-handle thread, I got nostalgic for my aircraft maintenance days and ordered up a 3/8 Wright and a 1/4 Koken. They are both superb, very, very well made handles. Not popular tools, apparently, as they both took quite awhile to arrive. The Wright took...

Non-machinist here. With my recent foray into metal work and welding, I'm finding myself needing to drill steel much more than ever before. I've stepped up my game by using tap-magic and also remembering to center punch, but I need to step it up farther and get some proper pilot holes going...

Until recently, I'd never owned a t-handle drive in standard square drive sizes. After watching them in use recently, I decided to grab a Koken in each of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" drive. I love them. As I've posted before about fixed breaker bars, there's just something to the "feel" of having no...

LIke many of you, I'm pretty handy. But unlike many of you, I've heretofore always hired out HVAC work. Alas, the $2800 estimate from the one local shop I trust to fix my van got me pricing out the DiY option for the previous uncharted territory of A/C work. Since a new compressor kit, manifold...

I'm in the closing stages of doing my first Honda timing belt job (my 2005 Odyssey got the first one at a dealer at 100k, this is the 200k belt). Herewith, some random observations about what did and didn't work, what I was super glad to have or could have done without. Super helpful/must have...

Have any of you shattered the cup on a chrome extension or ever heard of such happening? It seems to me that the deflection of the extension that robs power from the impact is the same reason that you’d almost never shatter than cup on an a chrome extension. Maybe on a super short extension...

I’m finally getting impacts sorted out. I have Astro Nanos, wright standards, and maybe some deeps later if I ever find a need. So I’m good on sockets for now. But I’m struggling a bit to settle on an impact gun strategy. I have plenty of air available and I’m on Makita LXT for cordless. I’m...

I couldn’t resist the chance to get a project and a major compressor upgrade at the same time. Local seller had a Champion VR5-8 for $200 with “an electrical issue.” I figure it’s probably a motor issue of starting cap or something. If the tank and pump are good, it’s worth the $200 to me...

What an awesome little tool. It’s SO compact and gets so many places, and 700rpm! It showed up yesterday as I was wrenching on my project and dang is it handy. At the price, it’s a bargain to boot. Thank you @Astro_Pneumatic_Tools for bringing this to market.

Hi everyone-- I'm having an issue with my Sanmig 250 birdsnesting badly at the location where the wire enters the guide ferrule that feeds the euro-style connector. It only does it, however, when the wire doesn't arc immediately. If I just let the gun feed into the air, it will feed perfectly...

This will solve me air compressor shortfall quite nicely. It's definitely not as svelte or compact, but it's got tons of power, and with a 1" carbide ball burr, this thing should make some swarf in a hurry. Guessing this will hog off metal quite a bit faster than some abrasive means. It's crazy...

If you are in the market for dykem-style layout dye, I'll share a deal with you. Starrett has a 16oz bottle of Kleen-scribe for only $11.49 with $5 flat rate shipping. This plastic bottle has no brush or applicator. It's a great way to refill that nasty old Dykem bottle or or start over with...

Dang, this thing is a monster. Found a deal on one and 15a is a LOT of grinder. The barrel is so large I can barely grip it and activate the paddle. I have small hands for a guy over 6ft tall, I suppose. But between the insane power, the amazing smoothness, the soft start, the e-brake that...

Not only my first cordless grinder, but X lock to boot. (I'm on the teal tribe ecosystem, so...) Looks like the X lock units are selling a bit cheaper because people aren't sure what to make of it, but at the same time, X lock seems to be growing in popularity with the people who buy and use a...

New to metalworking, from what I gather you basically have the 14" abrasive saws, similar saws but with tct blades, and then bandsaws. When I look at the basic abrasive saws, the prices vary wildly. What makes a Fein slugger $500 when the Milwaukee is $200? From what I can tell, these a very...

Well gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that my welding journey has officially begun. After years of interest and desire to learn, and an overwhelming amount of analysis and thought put into what I want to do and how, I've settled on a process to start with and a welder to work with. The...

2023 had me spending more time in the garage than any recent year in memory, and that gave me some additional insights as well as drove home some previously gained insights. Here, in no particular order or relationship, are my main takeaways from all that time in the garage this last year...

A friend has a 2018 Buick Enclave his wife drives. She hit a curb at a dark intersection and bent the LCA to where the vehicle couldn't be driven. Along with another friend from church, we decided to tackle the replacement in the parking lot where the disabled vehicle was. Well, 90 minutes...