4 Things I couldn't do without

My Dewalt DW708 Miter Saw. It really is a bad mama-jama. There isn't much that it won't cut, and cut it precisely. It has a huge motor, 12" of wood gnawing teeth and spins like a DJ Hurricane. Where have I used this saw? Cutting forms for the countertops, baseboards, studs for the walls, and finally, molding for the master bath. It is heavy, it is bulky, but I love it.



My Fein Multimaster. I really don't know how I did half of my house without this thing. If you have seen the TV infomercial, similar to the obamamercial, it really is impressive. I have used to to remove grout and concrete in the shower pan and tile. I used it the other day to trim out a notch in some shoemolding so that the radiator could slide into place. I used it today to remove the "tongue" of some tongue and groove beadboard off so that I could get it to fit into a tight spot. I could have used a jig saw for both of these applications, but this tool allows me to move slower and have more control over my cut. I bought this one used a year ago from the rep at a tool show. I hear that the new ones have quick release on them. That would be nice.

Would I get the Dremel version? No. I don't like Bosch tools. I think that they should stick to making dishwashers and wiperblades. I think that Bosch is going to cheapen it to reach a price point. I just don't think it would be worth the gamble. I really think my Fein is the best made tool that I own.



Aero Safety respirator. 3m recently bought Aero and that should tell you something. I bought this well before I started selling them. I bought it at Lowe's, paid way too much, but my god has this thing has been freakin awesome. If you have seen my facebook photo you know what I am talking about. I wear it all the time. It has a nice soft rubber face shield and the cartridges can be purchased just about anywhere (Church of Lowe's stocks Aero pretty heavy)




My mini air compressor. I have a 4 gallon, oil lubed unit that is great, but this little puppy is so damn portable that my 4 gallon just stays down in the basement. It's loud when it cycles, but it has never let me down. My understanding is that it is the same pump and motor as can be found in the trusty Porter Cable "pancake" style compressors. Not a work horse, but so damn easy to use a caveman could do it.