Archive for April 9th, 2010

Bathroom Remodel Update

Well it has been a few weeks since I updated the progress on mom’s bathroom renovation.  The tile layers had begun their part of the job and they did a nice job and are not quite finished. So we began to think that maybe things were getting better. Alas, the cabinets were going in and then the countertop showed up. Guess what? The contract specified granite. Guess what the contractor delivered?  You guessed right, a one piece cultured marble. Do you think there might be a price difference between granite and molded countertops? As soon as I turn my back, it seems the contractor is up to his old tricks.  I will have pictures next week.

April 9, 2010 Post Under Extreme How-To - Read More

Impact Ready Accessories by Bosch Tools

Bosch Introduces Impact Tough Accessories

Mount Prospect, Ill., March 26, 2010 – Bosch Power Tools and Accessories this week introduces a full range of accessory products specifically engineered to deliver outstanding performance when used with impact driving tools. Bosch’s new Impact Tough™ family of accessories is ideal for electricians, HVAC contractors, remodelers and deck builders.

Bosch 12v Impact drill/driver handling knock outs on a breaker panel

Bosch Accessories have power to spare for HVAC and Electricians

Bosch will first introduce a variety of impact fastening accessories in the Impact Tough line, including:

  • Insert Bits (Phillips, Square, and Torx)
  • Power Bits (Phillips, Square, and Torx)
  • Nut Setters ( 1/4” to 7/16”)
  • Sockets & Socket Adapters (5/16” to 15/16” socket outputs, 3/8” and 1/2” square drives)

Bosch’s Impact Tough Screwdriving Bits are built to last in demanding impact driving applications. The bits’ “torsion zone” feature absorbs torque peaks and reduces stress at the tip. The forged tip reduces breakage, which creates a clean and precise impact on the surface. And a hardened core increases the strength of the bit, reducing the chance of fracture in high-torque applications.

Impact Tough Nut Setters feature larger brass N43 magnetic holders, which last longer and deliver better holding power. Bosch’s Impact Tough Sockets, meanwhile, are the only impact-rated sockets on the market that live up to the rigorous ANSI B107.2 impact standard. The sockets also support pin socket adapters and socket retainer rings.

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bosch impact tough screwdriving bits \ Add One

Bosch will also introduce a family of Impact Tough Hole Saws. The innovative thin-walled hole saws are designed to deliver fast, clean holes in metal cutting applications. Key features include a depth-stopping rim, which prevents breakthrough, pilot bit springs for automatic disk ejection and thin walled construction for fast, clean cutting in sheet metal.

Bosch’s Impact Tough lineup will first hit stores as part of two bulk sets. A 30-piece General Purpose Impact Screw Driving Set (18 insert bits, 7 power bits, 1 bit holder, 3 nut setters and 1 socket adapter) and a 21-piece Insert Bit Set (20 insert bits and a bit holder). The Impact Tough Hole Saws will be available in various sizes early this summer.

To find out more or to locate a dealer, users may visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99.



April 9, 2010 Post Under Extreme How-To, Tools - Read More

Dock Renovation Update Number One

Dock Renovation Update Number One

Just like you, I cringe when I have to pick up material for a big project.  The current stage of dock renovation is painting everything, structural steel, wood on the fish house and gear closets.   So for months prep work has been going on. All metal must have the loose rust removed.  I have gone through many wire wheel brushes using my Makita grinder to get the rust off.  One of the wires embedded itself in a joint of my finger and took months to work its way out.  I hate prepping for paint. To that end, I will be trying out a Wagner PaintEater and see how it performs.

Just returned from Lowe’s, picked up around $800 worth of ValSpar Primer and Duramax Paint, RustOleum(for metal) and a few supplies I needed for this project.  Shopping list for a project of this size is short, but buying 10 gallons of oil primer, 5 gallons of Duramax and five gallons of RustOleum adds up.  I am using oil based primer since the wood is a mixture of redwood and pine and the oil primer is suitable for priming metal if a rust inhibitor is used.

So the pick list for this stage of the project looks like this:

Primer
Paint
scrapers and wire brushes to remove loose rust and paint( See PaintEater above)
sand paper in various grits
Drop cloth
Bag of wiping ragsSilicone caulk paintablepaint rollers to back roll sprayed paintExtension cord for Sprayers
Spare tip for my Milwaukee Spray System

Tools Used in this project:

Makita grinder for removing rust
heavy duty extension cords
50 ft paint supply line extension
Kobalt Scrapers various sizes

Milwaukee Airless Paint System
Wagner PaintEater
Wagner Paint Crew Plus
Hyde Paint Shields
3m Respirators
Wolverine Clothing
Bosch 18Volt Cordless Drills and bits
Earlex HVLP Paint systems
Fuji HVLP Four turbine unit for spraying latex on trim
Various items of protective gear, i.e. safety glasses, gloves
Finish products:

Masco Rust Prep
ValSpar Oil Based Primer
ValSpar Duramax Semi-Gloss Exterior for Metal and Satin for Wood
RustOleum for structural metal topcoat