Reviews & Features

The Milwaukee M18 Router

I’ve always used the classic Bosch Colt as my palm router of choice. I like it because of its power to weight ratio as well its user interface. It’s a simple motor with a collet and a platform that is easy to build jigs for. However, I left my Colt at the APO and needed a new palm router for the Atomic Lab. Why not try something different? Enter the M18 Milwaukee router… I bought this after my less than glowing experience with the M18 palm sander thinking that I owe Milwaukee a chance to redeem itself in my shop. …

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Projects

APO: Part 1

Man… I had a lot going against me. First, my camera broke and I was forced to film this entire episode on my phone. Then, I underestimated the power of distraction and spent hours… days even… floating around the Pacific. In the end though, I was able to get some flooring in and build a couple of tool boxes. And because I’m sure people are going to ask, the Milwaukee PACKOUT docks from STV Racking can be found here. I highly recommend them. This is not a paid sponsorship. In any case, enjoy the video:
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Reviews & FeaturesDeals

Quickjack Sale

Got an email from Tyler over at Bendpak/Quickjack. They are holding a pretty significant sale on Quickjacks right now. Basically, it’s $250 off both models and free shipping. For the record, I actually have one of these – the BL-5000SLX to be exact. I use it at the racetrack as a sort of mobile lift. It fits in the back of my truck just fine, is light enough not to be too much of a burden and is incredibly handy to have when you are hunting brake issues or need to get under the car… for any reason really. And …

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Reviews & Features

The M18 Random Orbital Sander

My sanders of choice in Texas are a Festool Rotex 150 (the best all around sander I’ve ever used) and the Festool ETS 125 (fantastic finish sander). I love them both, but also realize that their pricing doesn’t often justify their functionality. For my Hawaii shop, the cost/value relationship was very important to me… and so, I went with the Milwaukee M18 Random orbital sander – a $99 (tool only) sander. I know this sander has been out a few years, but this is my first attempt at going cordless on just about anything other than my drill/driver set up. …

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Projects

Another APO Update

I’m running a bit behind schedule for sure… At first, I was having issues finding plywood of any kind – even the box store was sold out. And then, I found some and it was probably the worst material I’ve ever worked with – full of voids, warped, gross, and well… I made it work. Otherwise, I don’t have many complaints out here. I work outside and the weather has been pretty nice and if I get hot at all, I just jump in the ocean for a few minutes and then get back at it. The only real disruptions …

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