The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 16-Gauge Nibbler Helps You Ditch Jobsite Shears for Something More Versatile

Whether you’re in the HVAC or roofing business or just general metalworking, cutting metal is an inevitable part of the job. In most cases, common jobsite shears can only perform straight cuts, making it difficult to maneuver in uniquely-shaped or compact spaces. Milwaukee designed the 2476-20 M12 FUEL 16-gauge nibbler to avoid this problem altogether. The tool gives you a lot of versatility when cutting corrugated or sheet metal.

Milwaukee M12 Fuel 16-Gauge Nibbler – The Big Deal

Milwaukee claims that the M12 16-gauge nibbler has the same cutting capacity as its 18V competitors. It does this while dropping up to 25% of the weight. It has the ability to cut up to seven feet per minute when equipped with an M12 RedLithium XC 4.0 battery.

With more versatility than shears, the M12 nibbler can make unique cuts in spiral duct, sheet metal, and corrugated metal. You’re not regulated to just straight cuts with this tool. It also completes curved and 90-degree cuts. Nibblers, including the Milwaukee 2476-20, use a punch and die system to take small cuts out of the metal. This type of material removal gives you much more control over the shape and path of your cut.

As their first cordless nibbler in the M12 lineup, this tool uses M12 batteries and a brushless motor to ensure power in heavy applications. It’s rated for 18-gauge stainless steel and 12-gauge aluminum. It can also cut 16-gauge mild steel, even with its compact, lightweight design.

Editor’s Note: If you haven’t yet seen them, check out the Milwaukee cut resistant gloves.

Additional Features

• Variable speed dial
• LED work light
• Tool-free, 360-degree die holder rotation to adjust cutting angle to application
• Chip collection bag included
• Die holder extension (sold separately)

Price

Tool Nut lists the Milwaukee 2476-20 M12 Fuel 16-gauge nibbler at $229 for the tool only. There is also a kit option that includes an M12 XC 4.0 battery. Your purchase includes a 5-year limited warranty. Look for it at other online and brick-and-mortar retailers in the coming months.

Specifications

• Model: 2476-20
• Power source: Cordless
• Battery system: M12
• Material composition: Steel / aluminum
• Length: 10.75 in
• Width: 2.69 in
• Height: 6.22 in
• Weight: 2.7 lbs

The post Milwaukee M12 FUEL 16-gauge Nibbler appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Millermatic 355 is Miller’s Next Generation MIG Welder

Miller designed the Millermatic 355 MIG welder with some additional power capabilities over the highly regarded Millermatic 255. Is the premium price worth the additional material, voltage, and current options?

Millermatic 355 MIG Welder – The Big Deal

Miller designed the Millermatic 355 MIG Welder for fabricators and manufacturers who want to focus on MIG and pulsed MIG welding for a variety of materials. In fact, similar to other Millermatic machines, this model doesn’t support stick or TIG welding (look to the Multimatic models for that). Instead, it focuses on MIG and pulsed MIG welding for mild and stainless steel as thin as 22-gauge. It also tackles aluminum as thin as 18-gauge—and can do up to 1/2-inch in both aluminum and steel.

The advantages of using pulsed MIG over standard MIG welding include the possibility of getting better results on metals like stainless steel due to reduced heat input. It also causes less distortion and burn-through on thinner metals and reduced spatter on all materials.

Miller lets you operate the Millermatic 355 MIG Welder using either single-phase or three-phase AC power. This obviously gives you some flexibility when you need to use it in different locations. Additionally, it has an amperage output ranging from 25A to 400A. The 60% duty cycle is listed as 29.5V at 310A.

Additional Features

• 7-inch LCD display interface that displays settings
• Save and recall up to four frequently used weld processes
• Select saved programs at the weld joint using trigger control
• Industrial four-drive-roll wire-feed system
• Enclosed wire feeder
• Compatible with push-pull guns

Millermatic 355 vs 255 Quick Comparison

Just in case you were on the fence, we thought a brief, abridged comparison between the capable Millermatic 255 and 355 might help you understand the differences.

Millermatic 355 Price

You have the option to buy the machine only, which includes various attachments and accessories, for $6,855 (model 907808). There’s also the 951926 model, which comes with the EZ-Latch running gear, which costs $7,305. Both are protected by a 3-year limited warranty.

Specifications

• Model: Miller 907808
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 26.25 x 13.75 x 19.25 in.
• Weight: 99 lbs
• Input voltage: 208/220/230/240/460/575V
• Input phase: 1- and 3-phase
• Max open circuit voltage: 90 VDC
• Wire spool size: Up to 12 in

The post Millermatic 355 MIG and Pulsed MIG Welder appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Tired of Grinding Down Welds? Try the Metabo Weld Shaver!

For many fabrication jobs, weld cleanup is a job for your grinder. It’s effective, but there’s room for improvement in the process. The Metabo Weld Shaver takes a different approach to this tough application.

Metabo Weld Shaver | The Big Deal

Instead of grinding away your weld beads, what if you could just shave them off? That’s the basic concept behind the Metabo PFM 17. Three cutter heads spin up to 12,600 RPM to remove beads in a single step with a consistent depth. As you should expect, the cutters are easily replaceable.

The depth is adjustable using a precision selector dial on the top of the tool. With 0.004-inch (0.1mm) increments, you can set your depth from -0.059 to 0.39 inches (-1.50 to 9.9mm). The cutters cover nearly an inch of width, so if your bead isn’t perfectly straight, you don’t have to constantly adjust the shaver.

Aside from consistent depth, another major benefit is that the shaver doesn’t create metal dust the way grinding wheels do. Plus, the shavings are easier to contain and clean up.

When it comes to lining up your cut, Metabo includes a 19.7-inch (50cm) magnetic fence that holds onto your ferrous material.

Additional Features

• Angled ergonomic handle
• Variable speed from 8,000 to 12,600 RPM
• Electronic soft start

Metabo Weld Shaver Price

This is a specialty tool and not all of our favorite Metabo retailers currently have it in stock. For those that do, expect to pay $2450 to add it to your shop. The shaver comes with magnetic guide rails, 3 carbide indexable inserts, a T15 screwdriver, an SW4 T-Handle screwdriver, a spanner, and a case. Metabo’s warranty is 3 years for this tool.

Specifications

• Model: Metabo PFM 17
• Power Souce: 120V AC
• No-Load Speed: 8,000 – 12,600 RPM
• Rated Input: 1700 W
• Output Power: 970 W
• Removal Width: 0.984 in.
• Removal Height: -0.059 – 0.39 in.
• Grade Cutting Depth Setting: 0.004 in.
• Weight (without power cable): 10.1 lbs
• Cable Length: 11.8 feet
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: ~$2449.99

The post Metabo Weld Shaver and Bead Remover PFM 17 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Dremel Releases the First Smart Rotary Tool

Dremel claims to have revolutionized the rotary tool with the 8260, the first in the industry to feature smart controls. By linking the tool up to the Dremel app via Bluetooth pairing, you’ll have precise control over the tool’s performance, guidance with accessory and material usage, and more.

What’s the Big Deal?

As the first cordless 12V rotary tool on the market to feature smart controls, the Dremel 8260 connects via Bluetooth to the Dremel app. From your smartphone or tablet, you’re able to monitor and manage the 2860. You can set the tool speed, monitor battery percentage, tool and battery temperature, and receive performance alerts.

Dremel has also touted the power and performance behind the 8260. The brushless motor extends the tool life and increases performance with 20% more power and 20% faster cutting speeds when compared to the 8220 cordless rotary tool. Dremel claims that the 8260 runs for twice as long while providing between 5,000 to 30,000 RPM.

Dremel designed this rotary tool for compatibility with the brand’s line of accessories and attachments, giving you access to a wide variety of applications like cutting, routing, drilling, engraving and more.

Other Features

• Easy accessory changes with EZ Twist Nose Cap
• Variable Speed Dial
• Textured rubber soft grip
• Reinforced digital display features speed, battery life, and warning LED indicators for tool and temperature overload
• Low noise and vibration

Pricing

The Dremel 8260 Smart Rotary Tool comes as a kit, retailing for $169. The kit includes a 3.0Ah 12V battery, charger, grinding wheels, and a case. Dremel backs the 8260 with a limited lifetime warranty, and you can find it at Home Depot or through the Dremel website.

Dremel Smart Rotary Tool Specs

• Model: Dremel 8260
• Motor: Brushless
• Speed: 5,000 rpm – 30,000 rpm
• Material: High Density Plastic & Textured Soft Grip
• Battery Voltage: 12V
• Length: 9.6 in.
• Height: 2.375 in.
• Width: 2.05 in.
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Kit Price: $169

The post Dremel 8260 Brushless Smart Rotary Tool appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee M18 Battery Powers the MBW ScreeDemon Vibrating Screed

The MBW ScreeDemon line of vibrating wet screeds is getting a major technological update. Instead of the Honda gas-powered engine that usually powers this screed line, MBW has partnered with Milwaukee Tool to bring battery power to the ScreeDemon lineup. The result is a more comfortable vibrating wet screed that MBW claims is the easiest to run on the market.

MBW ScreeDemon: The Big Deal

By running off of a Milwaukee 12.0Ah M18 RedLithium battery, the MBW ScreeDemon operates much more comfortably for working with wet concrete. For one thing, it’s much quieter than the gas-powered alternative. But, for indoor work, it seems especially helpful. The zero emissions of battery power make it easier and safer to work in confined spaces.

MBW also estimates you’ll experience anywhere between 50% to 90% less hand and arm vibration without any loss of control. This results from the screed’s mount retention method that uses low durometer isolators.

Wet screeds can be prone to requiring frequent maintenance. The drive mechanisms between the engine and exciter present some challenges to durability. The MBW ScreeDemon features a sealed exciter that requires zero maintenance.

Additionally, where most screed and screed bars bolt together, the MBW ScreeDemon Vibrating Wet Screed employs a clamp system. This makes disassembly for transportation and cleaning much easier. You can also assemble or remove the bar in seconds. Plus, with no holes to weaken the screed bar, you get a more durable bar with a more consistent application of vibration across the width of the tool.

Additional Features

• Lights improve visibility in darker work areas

ScreeDemon Price

You can pick up the MBW M18 ScreeDemon Vibrating Wet Screed from your local MBW dealerships, or from online retailers. It comes with a Milwaukee M18 12.0Ah HD battery pack and a charger. You can pick it up for around $2,316.99, and MBW includes a one-year warranty on their product.

For more information, including how to go about finding your local MBW dealer, click here.

MBW ScreeDemon Specifications

• Model: MBW EWS500
• Operating Weight: 33.5 lbs. (with 12Ah battery attached)
• Powered By: Milwaukee M18 RedLithium High Output battery
• Max Rated Power: 630 W
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $2,316.99

The post MBW Battery-Powered ScreeDemon Vibrating Wet Screed appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Cordless Convenience Comes to Your Favorite Arts and Crafts

Not everything we do around the house requires hammers and nails. Occasionally, a bead of hot glue does the trick. When your jobs/projects/artistic endeavors require sticking things together without actual hardware, it’d be nice to leave the cord behind. First came the Ryobi cordless glue gun, and now Arrow follows suit. The Arrow GT30Li Cordless Glue Gun lets you work while keeping you unencumbered by an AC power outlet and cord.

It also does all of that in a remarkably compact size.

Hot Glue Wherever, Whenever

The Arrow GT30LI is the company’s first fully cordless glue gun. Normally, “cordless” and “glue gun” might not be the best pairing in the world. After all, things that need to power up a heating element and keep it powered up can take a toll on the battery. However, the Arrow GT30LI will hit its operating temperature of 170° in about a minute. And, it can operate for up to 30 minutes per charge.

To save battery life, the Arrow cordless glue gun will automatically shut off after 10 minutes of non-use. It also includes protection circuits to prevent overcharging. A battery charge indicator, as well as a heat indicator, is located on the top of the gun so that you can always see where you stand with your temperature and battery. When the battery dies, it charges up quickly via a USB cable.

You can pick up the Arrow GT30Li glue gun for around $29. It comes with 6 glue sticks and a retractable base with drip pad.

Check Out These Glue Gun Options

Arrow GT30Li Cordless Glue Gun Specs

• Model Number: GT30Li
• Ideal For: Upholstery, Woodworking, Crafts, General Home Repair
• Fastener Type: Glue
• Uses: Mini Glue Sticks
• Power Type: Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
• Runtime: 30 Minutes Per Charge
• Price: $29.98

The post Arrow Cordless Glue Gun GT30LI appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Forney 40 P Plasma Cutter Features 120V/230V Input Power and a 1/2-Inch Cutting Capacity to Cut Mild Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless

The Forney 40 P plasma cutter delivers a compact hybrid 120V/230V tool for those needing more power and flexibility than the current 120V 20 P model provides. Dual voltage capabilities and a user-friendly platform position make this an attractive option for professionals and even serious DIYers.

Pros

• Quick setup
• Easy use
• Dual voltage capabilities
• Cut up to 5/8″ steel
• Built-in air regulator
• Great as a mobile unit

Cons

• Somewhat confusing warranty

Forney Plasma Cutter Performance and Features

The Forney 40 P plasma cutter is your answer to a wide range of metal cutting! This dual-voltage plasma cutter allows you to work wherever 120V and/or 230V power is available. The 20-foot torch allows for greater reach and the internal air pressure control ensures that you always have the right pressure. Forney rates the machine to cut up to 1/2 an inch on mild or stainless steel and up to 3/16 inches on aluminum. If you’re willing to slow down and deal with a lower cut quality, you can cut up to 3/4 of an inch on an occasional basis.

During our initial shop testing, we found the Forney 40 P plasma cutter easy to set up and operate with minimal effort, even if you’re new to plasma cutters. Forney’s design makes the tool very approachable for beginners and professionals alike.

We started off by making several precise cuts on a sheet of 3/16-inch mild steel on the 230V setting. The Forney 40 P plasma cutter made quick work of this steel and impressed our resident Pro with its power and easy handling.

Optimal Cutting Capacities

• Mild Steel: 1/2-inch
• Galvanized Steel: 1/2-inch
• Stainless Steel: 1/2-inch
• Aluminum: 3/16-inch
• Brass: 1/2-inch
• Copper: 1/2-inch

Duty Cycle

One thing to keep in mind is the duty cycle. For this machine, it’s 50% at 40A and 100% at 28A so it’s important to remember that a thicker material requires more power, limiting how long you can run continuously. Stick to 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off max when you’re running at the high end. Forney includes thermal protection that automatically shuts the machine down if you run too long. It resets when it cools down so you can continue working.

This machine comes standard with dual-voltage capabilities and connects to either 110-120V or 208-240V single phase. While it can operate at lower power input, we most definitely saw the best results working at 230V. Higher input results in higher output. If you only have 120V available, it’s best for applications 1/4-inch and thinner. Peak performance is only possible when you work with 230V and proper circuit wiring.

What About Using a Generator?

If you’re traveling to your work and don’t have power, there are some generator requirements you need to consider. Working with 120V, you need at least 5,000 continuous watts. To get the 230V performance, plan on jumping up to 10,000 continuous watts.

Either way, make sure your generator has less than 5% THD and that it doesn’t kick into a low idle fuel saver mode (it’s okay to use if you can bypass that mode). If it doesn’t run at full speed, you risk damage to the machine.

Additional Features

• Easy-to-Read Digital Display
• Internal Air Regulator
• Auto-Drain Water Separator

In the Box

• 40 P Plasma Cutter
• 20-Foot IPT-40 Plasma Torch
• 15-Foot Ground Clamp
• 15-Foot Input Cable
• Extra Contact Tips

Forney 40 P Plasma Cutter Price

Forney’s product fits in well with many of the other major brands as far as construction quality, performance, and of course, price. This product runs $1,149.49 from Forney and is available at major brick-and-mortar retailers as well as online retailers. As always, there are always going to be cheaper options, or conversely, more expensive products with more bells and whistles. However, we believe the Forney 40 P plasma cutter is a quality machine with a competitive price.

Forney’s warranty section can be a little difficult to navigate. They break down their warranty by component rather than offering “blanket” coverage. Forney covers the product itself for 30 days to be free of defects in material and workmanship while the plasma torch carries a 90-day warranty. All internal electrical components that cannot be accessed without removing the cover carry a 3-year warranty while the transformer and rectifiers are covered by a 5-year warranty.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Full product warranty (material and workmanship): 30 days
• Plasma torch: 90 days
• Internal electrical components: 3 years
• Transformer and rectifiers: 5 years

The Bottom Line

There is no doubt in our mind that Forney has put out a quality and capable product with their 40 P Plasma Cutter. With its 5/8-inch steel capacity, it’s perfectly suited for moderate fabrication projects where cutting precision is key. Its ease of use and quick setup can potentially save you time and help you complete projects ahead of schedule. Whether you’re looking for a plasma cutter for your shop or one you can travel to jobsites with, give Forney some serious consideration.

Forney 40 P Plasma Cutter Specs

• Model: Forney 440
• Output Power @ 120V: 15 Amp – 16 Amp
• Output Power @ 230V: 15 Amp – 40 Amp
• Input Power @ 120V: 35% @ 20 Amp
• Input Power @ 230V: 60% @ 40 Amp
• Cut Capacity: 5/8″ clean cut, 7/8″ sever cut
• Dimensions (HxLxW): 12.375 x 18 x 7.375 in.
• For use on: Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper
• Price: $1,149.49

For more information about this Forney Plasma Cutter, click here.

The post Forney 40 P Dual-Voltage Plasma Cutter Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The concept of an electrostatic sprayer is simple: charge cleaning particles so that they completely cover objects you’re trying to disinfect. The Ryobi cordless electrostatic sprayer accomplished this on an 18V battery platform. That gives you more freedom of movement so you’re not tethered to an outlet. We got in both the Ryobi PSP02K 1-liter handheld model as well as the Ryobi P2870 1-gallon backpack electrostatic sprayer to see how well they’d perform in the nursery of a local church.

Electrostatic vs Traditional Spraying

Each member of the Ryobi 18V Cordless Electrostatic Sprayer line uses battery power to positively charge your cleaner and disinfectant particles. Why do you need positively charged particles, you might ask?

Because your charged-up cleaner particles cling to all surfaces, they provide better coverage than traditional sprayers. Those only reach the areas the initial spray falls on.

The electrostatic spraying charges the particles. This creates a good kind of “static cling”. It causes the particles to adhere better and more completely to the surfaces you spray.

As seen in the above image, your traditional sprayer fires off cleaning solutions in a wide cone. You’ll hit what you mean to, but you’ll also spray down things around it, and you could be more efficient in your application.

With electrostatically charged spraying, you get a more directed spray with coverage that surrounds your target. This also sprays material with greater efficiency, saving you time and money.

Ryobi PSP02K Handheld Electrostatic Sprayer Kit

Since we had a roomful of toys and surfaces to deal with each week in the nursery, a handheld electrostatic sprayer unit made the most sense. For this, we turned primarily to the Ryobi PSP02K.

This tool weighs a little over 6-1/2 pounds when filled up. It seems well-suited for quick and convenient spraying of disinfectants, cleaners, and deodorizers. The idea would be to use this when you don’t require large amounts of spray material. The PSP02K features an onboard 1-liter translucent tank that helps keep this electrostatic sprayer light and maneuverable.

The tank fastens right underneath the tool—where you might typically expect to find the battery. The tool also supports larger tanks if you find yourself on a job where greater capacity helps you out. It attaches and detaches easily with the metal clasps.

What to Use in an Electrostatic Sprayer

We filled our sprayer with Vital Oxide Disinfectant, which works well for sanitization, mold remediation, and commercial use in kitchen facilities and hospitals. It kills 99.9% of bacteria and sanitizes 99.999% of bacteria on food-contact surfaces with no rinse required.

We wanted something that was food-safe as we were disinfecting toys that would be touched and handled by children. Since this is a nursery, we also know kids like to stick everything in their mouths. Using a safe food-rated product topped our list of requirements!

As a neat sidebar, Vital Oxide also eliminates odor at a molecular level as opposed to masking it with a fragrance. For disinfecting, we used it at 100% strength with no dilution. A gallon runs around $38, but you can also get it in bulk at a discount.

Ryobi PSP02K Runtime and Use

To get up and running we just filled the tank with our disinfectant, set the front dial to the “Prime” setting and pulled the trigger. The system spit out some liquid and automatically stopped. At that point, we switched the dial to Spray Mode 1 and began spraying.

With the kitted 2.0Ah battery, the Ryobi PSP02K electrostatic sprayer runs nearly forever. What we mean by that is that you get up to 60 tanks per charge. Doing some quick conversion, that’s almost 16-gallons! We basically recharge the batteries monthly and only because that seems like a good idea.

You also have options when it comes to coverage and spray distance. The 3-in-1 adjustable nozzle selector lets you choose between 50-, 75-, and 100-micron size droplets. Ryobi labels this as Spray 1, Spray 2, and Spray 3. We’re used to the Low, Medium, High labels found on their other sprayers, but Ryobi lets users put whatever nozzle size they would like in each space. They sell replacement nozzles as well, so customers can use all the same degree or two 50 and one 100 microns if they prefer.

We mostly stuck with 50-microns. The PSP02K can spray up to 5 feet away so you also don’t need to be on top of the products you plan on disinfecting.

Author’s Note: Just to warn you, this isn’t a “misting” product. It really does spray material. That means that you don’t want to use it on surfaces that you don’t want to get nice and wet. We recommend sticking with non-porous surfaces like plastics and metals where the idea is to apply a nice coat of disinfectant that you can let air dry. Incidentally, Ryobi does make a fogger/mister for insecticide use.

In terms of price, the kit version of this sprayer gives you the best bang for your buck. You get a 2.0Ah battery and a charger for just $30 more than the price of the bare tool.

Ryobi Handheld Electrostatic Sprayer

• Model: Ryobi PSP02K
• Capacity: 1 liter
• Spray Distance: Up to 5 ft.
• Droplet Size: 50-100 microns
• Battery: 2.0Ah (included in kit)
• Runtime: 60 tanks per charge (2.0Ah battery)
• Weight: 4.3 lbs. (empty), 6.6 lbs (full)
• Price: $349 (kit), $319 (tool only)

Ryobi P2870 1-Gallon Backpack Electrostatic Sprayer

For larger, more time-consuming disinfecting, you have the option of the Ryobi P2870 1-gallon backpack electrostatic sprayer. It features a translucent 1-gallon tank that you can throw on your back.

Again, you’ll see the adjustable nozzle selector on the P2870 as well, though this time, you can select between 65-, 85-, and 160-micron droplets. It labels this as Low, Medium, and High. It uses a similar trigger mechanism and can spray material from up to 10 feet away.

We like the dual-ended quick-connects on both the tool and the 1-gallon bottle. You don’t have to waste time unscrewing hoses it when it’s time to refill or put the tool up for the day.

This model runs for up to 30 gallons per charge when using just one of the two kitted 2.0Ah batteries. We didn’t use it long enough to prove that claim. We can, however, say that most people should have near-continuous use by cycling the two included 2.0Ah batteries.

Ryobi 1-Gallon Electrostatic Sprayer

• Model: Ryobi P2870
• Capacity: 1-gallon backpack tank
• Spray Distance: 2-10 ft.
• Droplet Size: 65, 85, or 160 microns
• Battery: 2 x 2.0Ah (included in kit)
• Runtime: Up to 30 gallons per charge (2.0Ah battery)
• Weight: 7.2 lbs
• Price: $429 (kit)

Ryobi P2890 1/2-gallon 18V Electrostatic Sprayer

The last Ryobi electrostatic sprayer we want to mention is the Ryobi P2890 1/2-gallon sprayer. This tool also runs on the brand’s 18V ONE+ battery platform and it gives you some additional capacity in a handheld format.

You activate the electrostatic charging function with a simple on/off switch. A trigger then activates the sprayer. With the kitted 2.0Ah battery, Ryobi tells us the P2890 can spray up to 30 gallons on a charge. That about doubles the capacity of the 1-liter Ryobi PSP02K. It puts this tool in line with the backpack sprayer, but without the tethered hose.

It also features a 3-in-1 adjustable nozzle selector that lets you choose from three different spray patterns. A turn of the nozzle switches between spraying 65-microns droplets up to 2 ft away, 85 microns up to 5 ft away, and 160 microns up to 10 ft away. Ryobi labels these modes as Low, Medium, and High.

With its 1/2-gallon tank, the P2890 should provide the additional capacity you need without the complications of a backpack design. The tradeoff is carrying that weight in your hand. We like the option as it knocks $80 off the price of the P2870 backpack model. You get the option to choose to sacrifice some capacity and one of those 2Ah batteries for a larger, stronger handheld solution.

Ryobi 1/2-gallon Electrostatic Sprayer

• Model: Ryobi P2890
• Capacity: 1/2 gallon
• Spray Distance: Up to 10 ft.
• Droplet Size: 65, 85, or 160 microns
• Runtime: Up to 30 gallons per charge (2.0Ah battery)
• Weight: 7.2 lbs.
• Price: $349

What We Think

Obviously, our use of this included disinfecting large quantities of toys in a church nursery. You could use it for any number of things, like disinfecting a restaurant at the end of the evening, or spraying down an entire school bus between pickup and drop-off.

The fact that Ryobi gives you options for capacity, output, and form factor means they’ve done a great job breaking into this area. Ryobi continues to surprise us with its breadth of products. It’s readily becoming an almost ubiquitous provider of cordless technology for home and business owners alike.

We can highly recommend these sprayers as a great alternative to wiping down surfaces by hand. The electrostatic function just makes it all the more effective. Coupled with the company’s 3-year warranty and the reasonable costs of entry, we highly recommend these electrostatic sprayers for anyone looking to save time when disinfecting and cleaning.

The post Ryobi Cordless Electrostatic Sprayer Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Disston BLU-MOL QuickCore Hole Saw Will Change the Way You Look at Hole Saws

When I first saw the Disston BLU-MOL QuickCore hole saw, I was cautiously optimistic. Its wide core access looked promising, but I wasn’t sold after watching a video. I wanted to get them in my hands and see for myself if the system would be strong enough to hold up to daily professional use.

Pros

• Best overall hole saw design we’ve seen
• Incredibly fast arbor mounting/dismounting
• Simple, fast core ejection
• Good cutting speed compared to other bi-metal hole saws

Cons

• No carbide hole saw options

Disston BLU-MOL QuickCore Hole Saw Design and Performance

Having used this system almost exclusively for a while, I’m impressed with the overall design. However, I have a suggestion to improve Disston’s market share.

Disston QuickCore Hole Saw

Let’s start with the general design. Like many bi-metal general purpose hole saws, these have a lot of teeth around the outside. That’s opposed to the fast-cutting carbide wood hole saws that often have just two or three oversize teeth.

Using M42 bi-metal construction and a 10º positive angle, they’re rated to cut wood, metal, plastic, and stainless steel

Large diamonds are cut into the side and allow for chip/dust ejection and cooling along with side access to the core if you need it.

The base of the Disston BLU-MOL QuickCore hole is where the biggest differences are. Compared to other brands, the base is wide open. For sizes starting around an inch, it’s easy to use your thumb to push the core out directly from the center. For the smaller sizes, we used the pilot bit.

Make no mistake, ejecting the core this way is much easier and faster than any other hole saw we’ve used.

After making several holes, the hole saw is going to heat up. Since the ejection is a hands-on process, you might want a pair of gloves.

Disston QuickCore Arbor

The arbor connection was my area of biggest concern from the outset. Most hole saws use a threaded and pinned system to secure the saw to the arbor.

The BLU-MOL QuickCore has three spring-loaded pins that enter the saw from the side rather than up through the base. To release the pins, you pull down on the red collet. Just like the core ejection, it’s much faster to remove or install a hole saw than any other design we’ve used.

The entire system is made of metal and seems very durable. With how solidly the pins snap into position on each hole saw, we have had zero issues with slipping. Considering what we’ve experienced, my initial concern has been replaced with confidence.

Room for Improvement?

So far, I’ve offered a lot of praise for the design. However, I promised that I had some suggestions earlier. What I’d love to see is an expansion of their current lineup.

For bi-metal hole saws, these cut well. An expansion into carbide for wood and metal would take the line to the next level. You’d end up with the ultimate hole saw system that cuts efficiently, lasts longer, changes faster, and deal with cores better than anything else on the market.

Disston BLU-MOL QuickCore Hole Saw Price

The 13-piece set we reviewed includes nine hole saws (3/4-inch to 2 1/2-inch), an arbor, two pilot bits, a hex key, and a blow-molded case. You can pick it up for $99.97 on Amazon.

The entire line ranges from 3/4-inch to 6-inch sizes and replacement arbors/pilot bits are available as well. Individual saws run roughly $5 to $35. Check them out at Disston’s Amazon store. There are a handful of other retailers around the country that carry them as well.

The pricing is pretty competitive when you compare it to other premium bi-metal hole saws.

The Bottom Line

We’re highly impressed with the Disston BLU-MOL QuickCore hole saw concept. Its innovative design has proven to be both fast and secure. With how much time and frustration it saves us, we highly recommend you try them out for yourself!

The post Disston BLU-MOL QuickCore Hole Saw Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

A Welder for All Skill Levels

Whether you’ve been at it for years or just starting out with a career in welding, the Miller Multimatic 235 has all the tools you need to get the job done easily. It allows welders of all skill levels to work with MIG, flux-cored, stick, and DC TIG applications. Miller has designed this welder to set up quickly, getting operators up and running with max efficiency and confidence.

Key Features

Versatility is the name of the game for the Miller Multimatic 235. Its multiprocess capabilities tackle MIG, flux-cored, DC lift arc TIG, and DC-pulsed TIG welding applications.

It features Miller’s Gun-On-Demand, which allows you to pull the trigger and go with your MIG gun or Spoolgun. The system automatically detects and recalls the voltage, as well as the wire feed speed of the active gun.

It features an easy-to-understand interface. A 4.3″ color LCD screen makes proper setup and parameter selection simple so you can spend more time actually welding, rather than setting up.

The Miller Multimatic 235 also includes the Auto-Set feature. Basically, this is a selection of predefined weld settings that let you set up the job at hand with a minimal amount of tinkering. The benefits of this for both seasoned Pros and apprentices seem obvious enough.

The Miller Multimatic 235 also features an MDX-250 MIG gun with Acculock MDX consumables. The Acculock liner loads from the front and locks in place to make sure your wire feeds properly. Bernard Acculock MDX contact tips provide excellent ARC performance. The gun also features a rubber overmold and ball-in-socket design to reduce hand fatigue.

Portability

With all this versatility, the Miller Multimatic 235 covers the same ground as multiple machines. In and of itself, this makes taking the welder to where the work is a whole lot less strenuous. It also doesn’t hurt that Multimatic 235 only weighs in at 63 lbs.

But, Miller has also designed the Multimatic welder to trasport easily by itself or with running gear or a cart. As an option, you can purchase the EZ-Latch running gear. These latches secure the welder to running gear. You just need to loosen the retaining knob and rotate the latches to disengage the welder from the running gear.

Miller MultiMatic 235 vs 255 Welders

Pricing

The Miller Multimatic 235 Multiprocess Welder starts at $2,199, available now directly from Miller. It comes with a 3-year warranty, but also includes these additions:

• Power source with 7 ft. (2.1 m) power cord
• 15 ft. (4.5 m) 250-amp MDX-250 MIG gun w/ Miller® AccuLock MDX consumables for .030/.035 in. (0.8/0.9 mm) wire
• 10 ft. (3 m) cable w/electrode holder & 50 mm Dinse-style connector
• 10 ft. (3 m) work cable w/clamp & 50 mm Dinse-style connector
• Flow gauge regulator and gas hose for argon or AR/CO2 mix
• Extra contact tips
• .030/.035 in. (0.8/0.9 mm) reversible drive rolls
• Material thickness gauge

For more information about the Miller Multimatic 235 Welder, visit Miller by clicking here.

Miller Multiprocess Welder Specs

• Model: Multimatic 235 Multiprocess Welder – 240V
• Weldable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
• Input Voltage: 220/230/240 V, 208 V
• Phase: 1-Phase
• Input HZ: 50/60Hz
• Current Type: DC
• Max Open Circuit: 54 VDC
• Portability: Handles, optional running gear/cart
• Weld Output: CC/CV
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $2,199

The post Miller Multimatic 235 Multiprocess Welder appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.