▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼ Watch more Cool Tools videos here► ruclips.net/p/PL-gT7JMZFYjdW0383kgJVMj0ocXbLXtpQ *Tools recommended in this video:* - Milescraft Omnibase: amzn.to/3TZam50 - Accu-Burr Burnisher: lddy.no/1kml7 - Accu-Burr Scrapers: lddy.no/1kml8 - Duragrit Carbide Sanding Discs: duragrit.com/carbide-sanding-discs-blades/ - iGaging Layout Squares: www.chipsfly.com/igaging-layout-square-set.html - Trend Airshield Pro ($50-off coupon this week only!): amzn.to/3ZZTajD - Painter's pyramids: amzn.to/4eVTlAN - Whiteside Router Bit sets: NOTE: I prefer to use a 1/2-inch MDF center panel with the edges rabbeted down to ¼ inch. But you can use thinner center panels: - Bit set for ¼-inch thick center panels: amzn.to/3KEbaHi - Bit set for 7/32-inch thick panels: amzn.to/3Vwe1Zb - Longer video about making cabinet doors: ruclips.net/video/gqKDaepHxYI/видео.html (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) (Milescraft, iGaging, Taylor Toolworks, Whiteside and Duragrit are partners of Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal) 0:00 Chapters 0:55 Omnibase Router Plate 2:34 Scraper Burnisher 4:08 Carbide Sanding Disc 5:22 Layout Squares 6:55 Cabinet Making Set 9:17 Air Helmet 11:28 Painter Pyramids
I'm generally not a fan of this season's endless product promotion, but you got me with a few of these, and they're on my xmas list now, with your affiliate tag preserved. I've literally never used my card scraper because I didn't want to bother with reshaping it. >.>
I've been a fan of Igaging for a long time. I have numerous igaging tools, but I won't be buying any more. I purchased the exact squares you demonstrated and one of them was not square. It was defective. I called Igaging customer service and the person that answered the phone was not helpful and honestly I could barely understand what she was saying. I finally understood that she wanted me to email the company. 4 emails later and I've yet to receive a response. Their tools are great until you need customer service then you're basically screwed
Your opening comments about "tool reviews" that are little more than opening a package and proclaiming the item amazing - well, those comments are dead-on. Nice to hear a professional woodworker make that criticism. Good video. Thanks for sharing.
Too true. I recently watched a sander review where the guy didn’t sand a single thing before giving his verdict. Seemingly he all cared about was whether it can be taken out of the box, and whether it can be turned on.
I appreciate your Cool Tools videos. As a matter of fact, I have purchased a few of your recommendations from time to time that apply to my retirement hobby shop and have yet to be disappointed. Keep them coming. I always want to learn about new tools on the market.
On the matter of the carbide sanding disks, I have a Porter Cable siding sander, which uses aluminum disks with carbide grit fused to them. I've used the sander for not only removing paint from wood siding (boards, shakes and shingles), but for leveling large wood slabs too. The disks come in a few grits, the most coarse being 24. My disks are about twenty years old and still going strong. As such, I have no trouble believing the disks in this video would hold up nearly as well. I should note, I had to replace a couple disks way back when, but that just goes with using them on wood siding with nails in it. When just used for wood and paint, they last FAR longer. In short, based on my experience with a much earlier version of the carbide impregnated disks, they would be a great, long term investment.
While painter's pyramids are nice to have, you can just use finishing nails through a block of scrap to make your own. Cut the scrap into 1" squares, you're welcome for the shop jig that will save a bit of money.
For 40 years that was my method. Works great. I've gone even simpler than that. Just tapped nailed finishing nails right into the work surface. Then I bought some pyramids and wished I'd bought them 40 years ago. And they're only 25¢ each.
Sometimes, a perfectly level surface is necessary for a good flat coat of resin or paint, and something like a painters pyramid can not be beat. Usually $5 for 20 on line. Plus, never having to look for enough pieces of scrap, then nails makes work more efficient.
I think the most important thing about any tool review is for the person doing the reviews to show a full project that's a real world project where the tool is used and preferably used in multiple ways or configurations. Often most reviews are just showing the tool at most used on one board or so. There's nothing like finding a new channel and the joy it brings to see new projects and ideas only for the channel to gain success and move only to selling you things, with possibly a project every now and then. It's obviously hard to balance what a channel started as with the influx of money and sponsors making it tempting to turn into a modern day home shopping network. Just a personal opinion on one guy based on the title.
Ever since woodwork in school over 65 years ago the scraper has been one of my favourite tools. It gives almost instant satisfaction that matches and beats all other wood satisfactions. Even better than an ultra sharp chisel hand used.
I bought a Trend dusk mask, but I had to return it. I do a lot of sanding of exotic woods, and the included filter media doesn't capture the very small particles that I need to keep out of my lungs. I don't recall the size it states, but it's too wide for my work. It was very well made and I wish I could have kept it but I couldn't find better filters for it that would do the job I needed it for. I ended up going back to my half face respirator which is more versatile and can use filters for solvents, dust, etc. If it had better or more versatile filter media, I'd buy one for everyone in the shop.
Unboxing videos can (note I said can) be handy to get an idea of how easy something might be to assemble and get ready for use. This depends greatly on the honesty of the presenter though and this is where I agree with your opening comments. There are a very limited number of youtube channels where I'll trust the opinions of somebody opening the box they've been sent in exchange for a review.
I agree that unboxing and setup can provide valuable information. Was it packaged well, such that it is likely to arrive safely? Can I easily find and identify all the pieces? How are the instructions? Does it assemble easily with minimal fuss or should I set aside a weekend and bone up on my astrophysics before attempting? But I certainly do not need a forty minute (or more) video for this information, nor do I want that to be the extent of the video. Five minutes is probably enough to cover all that and any specific details (any issues you ran into that the next person should know) and if it was an extremely poor experience let everyone know you don't recommend the item at that point and end the video. Otherwise, take us through your initial use of the item and how it performed for you. I realize this takes some time and everyone wants to be out there with the first videos about a new project, but you'll likely get more traction with a better video than with just being the first video.
Yes! You've written almost everything that I would. Then I'd just like to add that nowadays there are many tools that are said to be "beginners friendly" (for the amateur DIY crowd, like myself), "ready to use" and so on. I've seen good reviews of good products that were "This is a good product, but it does have a learning curve" or "it isn't really towards beginners". Also, after sometime we learn to avoid those click bait channels where everything is clearly sponsored and those who do a serious job. Some are even on the funny, lighthearted side but not useless nor clickbait. It's a matter to know what you want, what you need and where to look for.
I don't like strictly "unboxing" videos. I don't know who started that trend, but I generally just keep scrolling and ignore them. However, there is some value to first impressions of a tool or other product, especially by an expert who has used many similar products. If I'm thinking about a buying a product, I will watch both first-impression videos and those with long experience like yours.
Thank you Stumpy! I despise “review” videos that are actually unboxings and people parroting the manufacturer’s propaganda. One question on the Trend: how does that work with your glasses? Does it squeeze the ear pieces uncomfortably so? Thanks for sharing.
It doesn't squeeze at all. There is just an elastic shroud around the sides of your face and under your chin. The positive pressure keeps the dusty air out.
Very cool. I just ordered the Duragrit 80 grit sanding disk and 150 grit sanding block. I won't pretend it's a massive savings but I do like the thought of a dedicated 150 grit block considering that's what grit lives on my sanding mouse. I use sanding mouses for everything because they take 5" disks. I ordered a 250 pack of diablo 5" 100, 150, and 220 for ~$60ea. They'll probably last me 10 years. I fold the disks into 3rds to contour to casing and trim profiles on the jobsite so the block won't replace them in that way but for $40 for it will definitely pay for itself eventually. Thank you sir.
Great list James. Thanks for putting this together. I agree that “unboxing” vids. are a wasre of time. I can attest that at least 2 of your recommendations are long-term great values: iGaging layout squares & Whiteside router bits. I own several iGaging products. All are precision tools that cost a fraction of what that “red” tools do, yet are made in America. Whiteside router bits are the best value I’ve found. While I don’t own the Milescraft router base, I do own several Milescraft tools. Like iGaging, Milescraft tools are wonderful quality at a fraction of the cost of competitors. I may just need to get their router base now that I know about it and all of its features.
The most fun thing about videos like this is the number of times I say "Oh, that's neat!" under my breath. The router base + accessories in particular looks like they could make for a really educational video on its own.
Thank you for another helpful tool review. I’ve come to respect and trust your judgement completely, as your opinion comes from your using these items for a long time. You have shown that you know what you’re talking about and you aren’t in it for the money, but you genuinely care about helping others. You have definitely saved me from wasting money on tools that don’t perform as they should. Please keep ‘‘em coming.😊
Fully agree with your assessment of Omni Base, also the Trend Air Helmet. I too am bearded and have found it brilliant. Will have to try the scraper sharpener.
I am a big fan and love your content, I do what I call First-look videos before I do reviews because initial impressions are important and often the reason why we choose a tool over another tool so while I do not call them reviews they do have a place
Thank you for pointing out what so many of us have been thinking for quite a while about the “just got this and it’s great” tubers. You’re spot on and I view your channel as top notch in the woodworking community!
I do enjoy your new tools videos. I agree that there is little value in the unboxing, yet folks want to see it. So I come back after a period of time and do an update. Do I still like the tool, does it do what it is supposed to do and do it well. What are the problems, if any and I include if I have to put the blame thing together. There is a difference between having to package something and wheels or such need to be stuck on by the buyer. I remember one time around 1980 I bought a thermos gas grill. It came totally unassembled. It took me two hours to put together with the proper tools, which I had. I don't know how long it would have taken with the crappy tools provided. Thermos has been on my don't buy list. I will even refuse the gift if given to me. They owe me about $200 for putting this together. It should have been legs, wheels and bottom wire shelf that would have been needed to install if properly packaged. It was totally components that the "manufacturer" would have assembled before wholesaling it out. I don't miss Thermos one bit. Good video.
0:13 "...and if you have no experience with the tool yet, how can you tell me something useful about it?" => Makes me like the video immediately without first seeing it all.
2:34 I bought a couple of card scrapers years ago. As you've said they are wonderful tools. But I could never master reforming the hooks, despite watching numerous videos and buying a beautiful burnisher. Mine were never the same as when they were new. They've sat in my storeroom unused, the burnisher, a beautifully crafted but useless steel rod good for nothing else but looking pretty. This scraper burnisher seems like it might work.
That’s why I love your channel you give a no bs assessment on tools. I have been trying to tell people how our ancestors used a great deal of your wood working tools to create beautiful houses and carvings. SEMPER FI
Just want to express how excited i am that my Whiteside 15* rail and stile bits and bits set arrived yesterday. Cut myself 2 times admiring the craftsmanship and removing the oily plastic coating lol
Spot on Jimbo, I've never understood the fascination of watching someone unbox something, it's akin to watching someone putting away the weeks groceries...Mmm there's an idea. Cheers
Yes! I've been saying this for ages! Most every tool will perform well straight out of the box. I want to see videos of how they hold up a minimum of 6-12 months later. Especially with cutting tools! Any bit or blade will work great the first couple times but how long will the blade keep an edge?
Ha! I got those layout squares, I think by your recommendation a few years ago! I forgot all the cool uses since I’ve been out of the shop! Thanks for reminding me!
It’s nice to see short reviews from a professional, I trust your judgment and endorsement so these types of short reviews are very helpful. How exciting!
Thanks for the great tool review James , looked at most of the tools and have to agree with you. I also hate the tool reviews from someone who just purchased it and they haven't even used it yet. Stay safe and keep up the great videos and the fun you have making them. Fred.
Great video as always James always love the cool tool videos for sure I’ve have bought a few of the tools from the cool tool video over the last couple of years. Thanks as always for sharing.
I like the idea of the adjustable hole setting of the Milescraft router base. I have their circle cutting jig and its always a frustrating thing to try to align the holes on the router with the base on the jig. You can never get all 4 holes to match up with the slots in the jig.
I have all kinds of Permagrit hand sanding tools that I use in my rc airplane hobby, plus a dremel drum. These things are fantastic, I buy every one I find in a hobby shop when traveling. Dremel bit is at least 25 years old and still works great. I wood've(haha) worn out hundreds of regular drum belts if not for that tool! And the hand tools will never wear out
A thousand times better than giving fake 5 star reviews to your youtube "buddies" to try and pimp out products. I always trust your reviews, and have bought quite a few that would be a great fit for my shop.
I bought the scraper burnisher tool from Taylor Toolworks and quite honestly it is fantastic. I've never managed to get good burrs on a scraper before. The rod arrived this morning and I had perfect burrs on a scraper five minutes later. Zero skill needed!
Nice tools, unfortunately they won't fit in my motor home with all of the other stuff I have to carry. With that fancy new UV finish I don't see as much use for those painting pyramids but they will come in handy for painted projects. Keep the good stuff coming.
I have had the same dust mask for over 5 years. I agree it’s the best PPE I have bought. I even used it when I was adding blow in insulation in my attic.
I have the whiteside shaker bits you feature. Makes easy work of doors + drawer faces. Did play with them on some 3/4 ply scraps first but really was simple.
The painter pyramids remind me of the nail holes in vintage fenders. They just smacked some nails into the top of the guitar at various points that'd be hidden with everything on it, sprayed the top, then flipped it over and rested it on the nails and sprayed the back and sides. The size of the nails varied over time, they got larger later iirc. But something a bit bigger than a brad is plenty.
Experience? Familiarity with the topic at hand? Sir, what in the sawdust tomfoolery are you trying to peddle over here?!? Don’t you know the only truth comes from ignoramuses, fools, jerks, and otherwise equally worthless wastes of perfectly breathable air? I love the channel, been watching for years. Hope the above made someone laugh.
Hi Michael, this is Roger at DuraGRIT. To answer your question: Carbide grit operates exactly the same as ordinary sandpaper grit, only for much, much longer. If you sand 'sticky' finishes, it will clog the same way that sandpaper grit will clog and you will be spending time cleaning your valuable carbide disc. Only sand 'old' dry finishes that 'dust' when sanded. Test first with a disposable disc. If it doesn't clog, then the carbide disc will not clog but it will sand with a consistent finish and continue to do so, for a very long time. Experiment with ordinary discs to determine the best grit grade for removal and sanding performance, then buy the equivalent carbide disc and forget about constantly changing worn discs.
Good reviews. That burnisher might be headed my way soon, since I love scrapers. And Whiteside bits are quality. The others I don't need at the moment but I can see uses for them. Thanks.
Unboxing videos are not necessarily good as a review but as to show how well a company packages their product and the process of setting it up I have found that to be helpful in some situations. So it's better to have both do an unboxing in some situations then in a year and so on do a review of how it's doing & holding up
I have a face shield like that but it's a different brand and it's pretty awesome. My shop is in a detached garage that has no air conditioning so on a hot day it is glorious to have that thing on.
Fascinating. The real downside is envy. I don't have a shop/shed anymore and I can't do even the small jobs I used to. Old age gets all of us in the end.
Love your channel. I previously purchased the igaging layout square set. They are accurate but they have one flaw & that is they are harder to read. If they would fix that they'd be hard to beat for the money.
I went and looked at igage layout squares and there were a number of negative comments about the squareness of tools. Though most where sent replacements still just one more hassle to get a decent tool.
@StumpyNubs the best upgrade the the Airshield pro is to get a cable that can plug into it, and modify the other end to a USB connection, you can then not have the battery in the helmet and connect the usb to a USB power bank. makes it lighter, and better battery life.
Reviews of new tools have their place. Opening the box helps us know how well it's packaged (or not), and what you get with it. Checking out the contents shows us the features of the tool, and any obvious shortcomings. The reviewer can easily check some obvious things, such as if a square is very square or not. I find them very interesting and useful. However, the one important downside that such reviews can never tell us, is, as you say, how well will it last. Although, even then, if it's from a manufacturer with a good reputation (e.g. IGaging), they/we can probably safely assume that in many cases anyway.
Thank you for being a channel of integrity. I really appreciate that your comments on tools and processes are well-thought out and battle-tested. I love knowing that your advice carries the weight of someone who will always lean towards reason, practicality, and safety. Selling out is easy, but you only get to do it once before your name is destroyed. You have chosen the path of someone who wants their name and word to mean something, and I genuinely appreciate that about you, Jim.
I have one carbide sanding disc (80 grit) and it works way better than regular sanding discs, but I found that the grip on my Dewalt orbital sander was so strong that I ended up bending the disc when trying to get it off. Do you have any tips on how to remove the disc from the sander properly without bending the disc?
Would that sanding disk let me do the first pass of refinishing a maple cutting board in a reasonable time? Ordinary 80 grit paper disks don't seem to make much progress through all the knife grooves left after long use (plus the wood surface is gummy from mineral oil and beeswax).
I found the weight of the Airshield a little too much up high, so I did a simple mod to put the battery back on a belt clip. It's a pity something similar isn't available as a standard accessory, as for me it was a game changer.
▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼
Watch more Cool Tools videos here► ruclips.net/p/PL-gT7JMZFYjdW0383kgJVMj0ocXbLXtpQ
*Tools recommended in this video:*
- Milescraft Omnibase: amzn.to/3TZam50
- Accu-Burr Burnisher: lddy.no/1kml7
- Accu-Burr Scrapers: lddy.no/1kml8
- Duragrit Carbide Sanding Discs: duragrit.com/carbide-sanding-discs-blades/
- iGaging Layout Squares: www.chipsfly.com/igaging-layout-square-set.html
- Trend Airshield Pro ($50-off coupon this week only!): amzn.to/3ZZTajD
- Painter's pyramids: amzn.to/4eVTlAN
- Whiteside Router Bit sets:
NOTE: I prefer to use a 1/2-inch MDF center panel with the edges rabbeted down to ¼ inch. But you can use thinner center panels:
- Bit set for ¼-inch thick center panels: amzn.to/3KEbaHi
- Bit set for 7/32-inch thick panels: amzn.to/3Vwe1Zb
- Longer video about making cabinet doors: ruclips.net/video/gqKDaepHxYI/видео.html
(If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission)
(Milescraft, iGaging, Taylor Toolworks, Whiteside and Duragrit are partners of Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal)
0:00 Chapters
0:55 Omnibase Router Plate
2:34 Scraper Burnisher
4:08 Carbide Sanding Disc
5:22 Layout Squares
6:55 Cabinet Making Set
9:17 Air Helmet
11:28 Painter Pyramids
a mere....$450!!!... smFh
I'm generally not a fan of this season's endless product promotion, but you got me with a few of these, and they're on my xmas list now, with your affiliate tag preserved.
I've literally never used my card scraper because I didn't want to bother with reshaping it. >.>
I've been a fan of Igaging for a long time. I have numerous igaging tools, but I won't be buying any more. I purchased the exact squares you demonstrated and one of them was not square. It was defective. I called Igaging customer service and the person that answered the phone was not helpful and honestly I could barely understand what she was saying. I finally understood that she wanted me to email the company. 4 emails later and I've yet to receive a response. Their tools are great until you need customer service then you're basically screwed
Mies van der Rohe "God is in the detail"... so quoted the atheist
Your opening comments about "tool reviews" that are little more than opening a package and proclaiming the item amazing - well, those comments are dead-on. Nice to hear a professional woodworker make that criticism. Good video. Thanks for sharing.
Too true. I recently watched a sander review where the guy didn’t sand a single thing before giving his verdict. Seemingly he all cared about was whether it can be taken out of the box, and whether it can be turned on.
John, you're spot on! 👍👍👍👍
It's 2024 and people are just waking up to the fact that 99% of RUclips is infomercials?
I have watched dozens of videos doing tool reviews. I have never seen one this engaging, this authentic or this informative. Well done, James.
Now that’s the way a tool review should be !!!!
Omg....those centering pins on the Milescraft is genius!
Great tool video. Clear, concise and informative. Well done. 👍🏼😊
I appreciate your Cool Tools videos. As a matter of fact, I have purchased a few of your recommendations from time to time that apply to my retirement hobby shop and have yet to be disappointed. Keep them coming. I always want to learn about new tools on the market.
Yes! Screw those “un-boxing” videos. I don’t want product advice from someone who needs an online tutorial to open a box.
On the matter of the carbide sanding disks, I have a Porter Cable siding sander, which uses aluminum disks with carbide grit fused to them. I've used the sander for not only removing paint from wood siding (boards, shakes and shingles), but for leveling large wood slabs too.
The disks come in a few grits, the most coarse being 24. My disks are about twenty years old and still going strong. As such, I have no trouble believing the disks in this video would hold up nearly as well.
I should note, I had to replace a couple disks way back when, but that just goes with using them on wood siding with nails in it. When just used for wood and paint, they last FAR longer.
In short, based on my experience with a much earlier version of the carbide impregnated disks, they would be a great, long term investment.
While painter's pyramids are nice to have, you can just use finishing nails through a block of scrap to make your own. Cut the scrap into 1" squares, you're welcome for the shop jig that will save a bit of money.
For 40 years that was my method. Works great. I've gone even simpler than that. Just tapped nailed finishing nails right into the work surface. Then I bought some pyramids and wished I'd bought them 40 years ago. And they're only 25¢ each.
Yeah. Also if you adopt 3d printing into your shop painters pyramid are a very easy+cheap thing to print.
Problem with the nails and scrap is they don't store. Sure, you can just toss them but that adds time and labor to making new ones..
Sometimes, a perfectly level surface is necessary for a good flat coat of resin or paint, and something like a painters pyramid can not be beat. Usually $5 for 20 on line. Plus, never having to look for enough pieces of scrap, then nails makes work more efficient.
I think the most important thing about any tool review is for the person doing the reviews to show a full project that's a real world project where the tool is used and preferably used in multiple ways or configurations. Often most reviews are just showing the tool at most used on one board or so. There's nothing like finding a new channel and the joy it brings to see new projects and ideas only for the channel to gain success and move only to selling you things, with possibly a project every now and then. It's obviously hard to balance what a channel started as with the influx of money and sponsors making it tempting to turn into a modern day home shopping network. Just a personal opinion on one guy based on the title.
"Links to all the tools used in the description below!"
Ever since woodwork in school over 65 years ago the scraper has been one of my favourite tools. It gives almost instant satisfaction that matches and beats all other wood satisfactions. Even better than an ultra sharp chisel hand used.
Great start for my Christmas shopping list 😂🎉
I bought a Trend dusk mask, but I had to return it. I do a lot of sanding of exotic woods, and the included filter media doesn't capture the very small particles that I need to keep out of my lungs. I don't recall the size it states, but it's too wide for my work. It was very well made and I wish I could have kept it but I couldn't find better filters for it that would do the job I needed it for. I ended up going back to my half face respirator which is more versatile and can use filters for solvents, dust, etc. If it had better or more versatile filter media, I'd buy one for everyone in the shop.
Amen!
Owning a tool for 5 hours does not constitute a review.
Especially when it takes 2 hours to unbox it!
Unboxing videos can (note I said can) be handy to get an idea of how easy something might be to assemble and get ready for use. This depends greatly on the honesty of the presenter though and this is where I agree with your opening comments. There are a very limited number of youtube channels where I'll trust the opinions of somebody opening the box they've been sent in exchange for a review.
I agree that unboxing and setup can provide valuable information. Was it packaged well, such that it is likely to arrive safely? Can I easily find and identify all the pieces? How are the instructions? Does it assemble easily with minimal fuss or should I set aside a weekend and bone up on my astrophysics before attempting? But I certainly do not need a forty minute (or more) video for this information, nor do I want that to be the extent of the video. Five minutes is probably enough to cover all that and any specific details (any issues you ran into that the next person should know) and if it was an extremely poor experience let everyone know you don't recommend the item at that point and end the video. Otherwise, take us through your initial use of the item and how it performed for you. I realize this takes some time and everyone wants to be out there with the first videos about a new project, but you'll likely get more traction with a better video than with just being the first video.
Yes! You've written almost everything that I would.
Then I'd just like to add that nowadays there are many tools that are said to be "beginners friendly" (for the amateur DIY crowd, like myself), "ready to use" and so on.
I've seen good reviews of good products that were "This is a good product, but it does have a learning curve" or "it isn't really towards beginners".
Also, after sometime we learn to avoid those click bait channels where everything is clearly sponsored and those who do a serious job. Some are even on the funny, lighthearted side but not useless nor clickbait.
It's a matter to know what you want, what you need and where to look for.
I don't like strictly "unboxing" videos. I don't know who started that trend, but I generally just keep scrolling and ignore them. However, there is some value to first impressions of a tool or other product, especially by an expert who has used many similar products. If I'm thinking about a buying a product, I will watch both first-impression videos and those with long experience like yours.
i love the fact that you don't BS your viewers. You are a practical craftsman and, I appreciate that quality. Thanks for another great video!
He is GOAT'd
I've actually bought several tools now from links you've shared and use and they've all definitely been well worth the money.
Holy smoke! How have I missed seeing all these tools 'til now? Great review!
Thank you Stumpy! I despise “review” videos that are actually unboxings and people parroting the manufacturer’s propaganda.
One question on the Trend: how does that work with your glasses? Does it squeeze the ear pieces uncomfortably so?
Thanks for sharing.
It doesn't squeeze at all. There is just an elastic shroud around the sides of your face and under your chin. The positive pressure keeps the dusty air out.
Very cool. I just ordered the Duragrit 80 grit sanding disk and 150 grit sanding block. I won't pretend it's a massive savings but I do like the thought of a dedicated 150 grit block considering that's what grit lives on my sanding mouse. I use sanding mouses for everything because they take 5" disks. I ordered a 250 pack of diablo 5" 100, 150, and 220 for ~$60ea. They'll probably last me 10 years. I fold the disks into 3rds to contour to casing and trim profiles on the jobsite so the block won't replace them in that way but for $40 for it will definitely pay for itself eventually. Thank you sir.
Yes to the reviews after use as opposed to box-opening videos!
Thank you for your authentic commentaries, I have learned something from every single one of your videos
Great list James. Thanks for putting this together. I agree that “unboxing” vids. are a wasre of time. I can attest that at least 2 of your recommendations are long-term great values: iGaging layout squares & Whiteside router bits. I own several iGaging products. All are precision tools that cost a fraction of what that “red” tools do, yet are made in America. Whiteside router bits are the best value I’ve found. While I don’t own the Milescraft router base, I do own several Milescraft tools. Like iGaging, Milescraft tools are wonderful quality at a fraction of the cost of competitors. I may just need to get their router base now that I know about it and all of its features.
Gotta get the dust hood… thanks for another great video!
The most fun thing about videos like this is the number of times I say "Oh, that's neat!" under my breath. The router base + accessories in particular looks like they could make for a really educational video on its own.
Thank you for another helpful tool review. I’ve come to respect and trust your judgement completely, as your opinion comes from your using these items for a long time. You have shown that you know what you’re talking about and you aren’t in it for the money, but you genuinely care about helping others. You have definitely saved me from wasting money on tools that don’t perform as they should. Please keep ‘‘em coming.😊
Fully agree with your assessment of Omni Base, also the Trend Air Helmet. I too am bearded and have found it brilliant. Will have to try the scraper sharpener.
I am a big fan and love your content, I do what I call First-look videos before I do reviews because initial impressions are important and often the reason why we choose a tool over another tool so while I do not call them reviews they do have a place
I couldn't agree more about the tool reviews as they receive them.
Thank you for pointing out what so many of us have been thinking for quite a while about the “just got this and it’s great” tubers. You’re spot on and I view your channel as top notch in the woodworking community!
I do enjoy your new tools videos. I agree that there is little value in the unboxing, yet folks want to see it. So I come back after a period of time and do an update. Do I still like the tool, does it do what it is supposed to do and do it well. What are the problems, if any and I include if I have to put the blame thing together. There is a difference between having to package something and wheels or such need to be stuck on by the buyer. I remember one time around 1980 I bought a thermos gas grill. It came totally unassembled. It took me two hours to put together with the proper tools, which I had. I don't know how long it would have taken with the crappy tools provided. Thermos has been on my don't buy list. I will even refuse the gift if given to me. They owe me about $200 for putting this together. It should have been legs, wheels and bottom wire shelf that would have been needed to install if properly packaged. It was totally components that the "manufacturer" would have assembled before wholesaling it out. I don't miss Thermos one bit. Good video.
0:13 "...and if you have no experience with the tool yet, how can you tell me something useful about it?"
=> Makes me like the video immediately without first seeing it all.
Thanks Jim. I always enjoy your reviews and advice.
2:34 I bought a couple of card scrapers years ago. As you've said they are wonderful tools. But I could never master reforming the hooks, despite watching numerous videos and buying a beautiful burnisher. Mine were never the same as when they were new. They've sat in my storeroom unused, the burnisher, a beautifully crafted but useless steel rod good for nothing else but looking pretty. This scraper burnisher seems like it might work.
That’s why I love your channel you give a no bs assessment on tools. I have been trying to tell people how our ancestors used a great deal of your wood working tools to create beautiful houses and carvings.
SEMPER FI
Thanks James. The honest review is much appreciated.
Love your no BS approach. More real reviews and suggestions from you please.
Just want to express how excited i am that my Whiteside 15* rail and stile bits and bits set arrived yesterday.
Cut myself 2 times admiring the craftsmanship and removing the oily plastic coating lol
I need those duragrit discs.
Nevermind. I just need everything in this video.
An alternative to the Omnibase router plate is 3x3 Custom's 6-in-1 trim router jig. I love it.
Spot on Jimbo, I've never understood the fascination of watching someone unbox something, it's akin to watching someone putting away the weeks groceries...Mmm there's an idea. Cheers
Yes! I've been saying this for ages! Most every tool will perform well straight out of the box. I want to see videos of how they hold up a minimum of 6-12 months later. Especially with cutting tools! Any bit or blade will work great the first couple times but how long will the blade keep an edge?
Ha! I got those layout squares, I think by your recommendation a few years ago! I forgot all the cool uses since I’ve been out of the shop! Thanks for reminding me!
It’s nice to see short reviews from a professional, I trust your judgment and endorsement so these types of short reviews are very helpful. How exciting!
Thanks for all the tips, James! 😊
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thank you for the video. I am going to look into the Milescraft router plate. I like the versatility it give a router.
The tool addict in me thanks you for posting this. I am definitely going to try out some of these recommendations.
Thanks for the great tool review James , looked at most of the tools and have to agree with you. I also hate the tool reviews from someone who just purchased it and they haven't even used it yet. Stay safe and keep up the great videos and the fun you have making them. Fred.
Great video as always James always love the cool tool videos for sure I’ve have bought a few of the tools from the cool tool video over the last couple of years. Thanks as always for sharing.
I like the idea of the adjustable hole setting of the Milescraft router base. I have their circle cutting jig and its always a frustrating thing to try to align the holes on the router with the base on the jig. You can never get all 4 holes to match up with the slots in the jig.
Thanks for the motivation to do the cabinets. Genuinely, thanks.
I have all kinds of Permagrit hand sanding tools that I use in my rc airplane hobby, plus a dremel drum. These things are fantastic, I buy every one I find in a hobby shop when traveling. Dremel bit is at least 25 years old and still works great. I wood've(haha) worn out hundreds of regular drum belts if not for that tool! And the hand tools will never wear out
A thousand times better than giving fake 5 star reviews to your youtube "buddies" to try and pimp out products.
I always trust your reviews, and have bought quite a few that would be a great fit for my shop.
I bought the scraper burnisher tool from Taylor Toolworks and quite honestly it is fantastic. I've never managed to get good burrs on a scraper before. The rod arrived this morning and I had perfect burrs on a scraper five minutes later. Zero skill needed!
I've got some painters triangles just like those. Short cut to lining them up: run a dowel thru the holes.
Great review based on actual experience not just how something looks coming out of a box. Thank you!
Awesome video - appreciate benefiting from your experience. Especially the respirator - been looking and wondering about the beard thing - so thanks!
I've come to trust you, Rex, and James on tools. I've gotten several now and that's why your my boy blue!
That air helmet is exactly what I would expect Stumpy Nubs to wear.
Couldn't agree more about the Trend Airshield. I love mine, total game changer
Those are cool, James 😎 ! I honestly like every one of them. Great finds! 😃😃😃❤❤❤
Nice tools, unfortunately they won't fit in my motor home with all of the other stuff I have to carry. With that fancy new UV finish I don't see as much use for those painting pyramids but they will come in handy for painted projects. Keep the good stuff coming.
I have had the same dust mask for over 5 years. I agree it’s the best PPE I have bought. I even used it when I was adding blow in insulation in my attic.
Thank you for all your time and effort. 1in7
I just ordered the Milescraft 6202 router base. $23 bucks on Amazon! Thanks !!
I have the whiteside shaker bits you feature. Makes easy work of doors + drawer faces. Did play with them on some 3/4 ply scraps first but really was simple.
The painter pyramids remind me of the nail holes in vintage fenders. They just smacked some nails into the top of the guitar at various points that'd be hidden with everything on it, sprayed the top, then flipped it over and rested it on the nails and sprayed the back and sides. The size of the nails varied over time, they got larger later iirc. But something a bit bigger than a brad is plenty.
Experience? Familiarity with the topic at hand? Sir, what in the sawdust tomfoolery are you trying to peddle over here?!?
Don’t you know the only truth comes from ignoramuses, fools, jerks, and otherwise equally worthless wastes of perfectly breathable air?
I love the channel, been watching for years. Hope the above made someone laugh.
If it was on the internet, it was true.
Would you use the duragrit to remove a finish from redwood siding. Asking for a friend.😉 BTW I love honest use videos about products, thanks!
Hi Michael, this is Roger at DuraGRIT.
To answer your question:
Carbide grit operates exactly the same as ordinary sandpaper grit, only for much, much longer. If you sand 'sticky' finishes, it will clog the same way that sandpaper grit will clog and you will be spending time cleaning your valuable carbide disc. Only sand 'old' dry finishes that 'dust' when sanded. Test first with a disposable disc. If it doesn't clog, then the carbide disc will not clog but it will sand with a consistent finish and continue to do so, for a very long time.
Experiment with ordinary discs to determine the best grit grade for removal and sanding performance, then buy the equivalent carbide disc and forget about constantly changing worn discs.
@@CarbideBurrGuy Thanks!
Thank you! Always informative and always helpful.
That burnisher is the real deal. Thanks to it, I actually use my card scrapers now.
Good reviews. That burnisher might be headed my way soon, since I love scrapers. And Whiteside bits are quality. The others I don't need at the moment but I can see uses for them.
Thanks.
Unboxing videos are not necessarily good as a review but as to show how well a company packages their product and the process of setting it up I have found that to be helpful in some situations. So it's better to have both do an unboxing in some situations then in a year and so on do a review of how it's doing & holding up
I have a face shield like that but it's a different brand and it's pretty awesome. My shop is in a detached garage that has no air conditioning so on a hot day it is glorious to have that thing on.
I can't tell you how many videos I have commented "This isn't a review, it's an unboxing video"
I appreciate a review vs an unboxing. Am a fan of Igaging. Am over whelmed by all the red aluminum layout tools that seem to be proliferating.
That Omni base is really clever. Definitely going to pick one up at some point
Yes. Review something you have used for more than 30 minutes.
I love the idea of that router plate, I just bought 2
Thanks!
I've had those layout squares for while, they're fantastic. Can't recommend them enough.
Fascinating. The real downside is envy. I don't have a shop/shed anymore and I can't do even the small jobs I used to. Old age gets all of us in the end.
Your show is one of the best. Keep up the good work.
I like that router base!
I love me some layout tools James! (Mine are all Incra in imperial too! Got them from Rockler when I was a frequent visitor to the US) ❤from England!
Love your channel. I previously purchased the igaging layout square set. They are accurate but they have one flaw & that is they are harder to read. If they would fix that they'd be hard to beat for the money.
Thanks for this informative and helpful tool review video. Great job, please do more like this.
I went and looked at igage layout squares and there were a number of negative comments about the squareness of tools. Though most where sent replacements still just one more hassle to get a decent tool.
@StumpyNubs
the best upgrade the the Airshield pro is to get a cable that can plug into it, and modify the other end to a USB connection, you can then not have the battery in the helmet and connect the usb to a USB power bank. makes it lighter, and better battery life.
The Milescraft Universal Metal Bushing Router OmniBase Plate is sold out already on amazon.
Reviews of new tools have their place. Opening the box helps us know how well it's packaged (or not), and what you get with it.
Checking out the contents shows us the features of the tool, and any obvious shortcomings.
The reviewer can easily check some obvious things, such as if a square is very square or not.
I find them very interesting and useful.
However, the one important downside that such reviews can never tell us, is, as you say, how well will it last.
Although, even then, if it's from a manufacturer with a good reputation (e.g. IGaging), they/we can probably safely assume that in many cases anyway.
Whatever happened to mustache Mike? Nice video. Thanks
He's around. Enjoying retirement 😀
Thank you for being a channel of integrity. I really appreciate that your comments on tools and processes are well-thought out and battle-tested. I love knowing that your advice carries the weight of someone who will always lean towards reason, practicality, and safety. Selling out is easy, but you only get to do it once before your name is destroyed. You have chosen the path of someone who wants their name and word to mean something, and I genuinely appreciate that about you, Jim.
I have one carbide sanding disc (80 grit) and it works way better than regular sanding discs, but I found that the grip on my Dewalt orbital sander was so strong that I ended up bending the disc when trying to get it off.
Do you have any tips on how to remove the disc from the sander properly without bending the disc?
I always enjoy your videos. Thanks
Good video. Thanks for sharing.
+1 card scraper. Also good for removing drips from finish one thin layer at a time
I was wondering what those wings are on the router base plate attachment.
Would that sanding disk let me do the first pass of refinishing a maple cutting board in a reasonable time? Ordinary 80 grit paper disks don't seem to make much progress through all the knife grooves left after long use (plus the wood surface is gummy from mineral oil and beeswax).
I found the weight of the Airshield a little too much up high, so I did a simple mod to put the battery back on a belt clip. It's a pity something similar isn't available as a standard accessory, as for me it was a game changer.
Just in time to start updating the christmas wishlist.