5 Of The Worst Places To Store Your Power Tools (And Why)

www.slashgear.com: Power tools vary widely in size and function, but they all have one thing in common: When storing them, just as with using them, safety and responsibility are key. It's typical to leave tools in a vehicle, basement, or garage. You may think these locations protect tools from thieves and the elements, but these common areas carry risks.

The Dismal Repairability Of Milwaukee Tools

Hackaday: Despite the best efforts of the manufacturers, there are folks out there that try to repair power tools, with [Dean Doherty] being one of them. Recently he got a Milwaukee M18 cordless planer in for repairs, which started off with just replacing some dodgy bearings, but ended up with diagnosing a faulty controller.

Is Your Milwaukee Grinder Not Starting? This Might Be Why

www.slashgear.com: If you're moving into the more advanced sphere of woodworking or welding, a grinder is one of the essential tools you'll want to add to your workshop. After all, it's a highly versatile tool that will come in handy if you want to do more than just make straight cuts. It's also good for sanding, grinding, and polishing a wide range of materials, including metal, wood, fiberglass, and concrete.

Can You Rebuild Or Refurbish DeWalt Batteries?

www.slashgear.com: DeWalt is one of the biggest names that'll pop up when you check out the best major power tool brands. After all, Dewalt's wide range of power tools has won over both pros and serious DIYers with their stellar operation, affordability, and durability. Plus, many of its users are particularly impressed with its range of battery-powered tools, as they promise more freedom and less hassle.

How to Clean a Paint Sprayer: An Expert's Step-By-Step Guide

www.popularmechanics.com: Paint sprayers are certainly an investment purchase. There's more of a learning curve to use a paint sprayer versus a brush, but once you get the hang of it you'll love the fast coverage the tool delivers. However, you may not love the cleanup.

The Danger Of Refurbishing Your Power Tool Batteries

www.slashgear.com: It's no secret that power tools have really come a long way. Not too long ago, almost every woodworking power tool (from grinders and routers to saws and planers) had to be plugged into the wall, limiting how and where you worked. Nowadays, almost every major power tool brand is shifting to run its tools through rechargeable batteries instead of plug-in cords. However, while this rechargeable system brings a lot of convenience, such as the freedom to work anywhere, it also comes with one big catch: lithium-ion batteries gradually diminish over time.

Is Craftsman's Tool Warranty As Good As It Used To Be?

www.slashgear.com: For decades, Craftsman's lifetime warranty had a reputation for being one of the strongest guarantees in American retail. The policy was simple: if a hand tool failed for any reason, return it to Sears for a free replacement. No receipt needed, no questions asked.

How to Choose and Change the Belt on Your Belt Sander

www.popularmechanics.com: Your woodworking endeavors have gotten serious. You finally purchased your first belt sander, along with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)—safety glasses, ear protection, and an N95 mask—and a nice assortment of belts with varying degrees of grit. You’re all set to dive into your project.

Inspection and Maintenance of Electrical Apparatus

Entertainment Electricity: I was once working on a film set when a feeder transformer began behaving badly. A supplier had dropped off a generator and the transformer, and after they were both connected and energized, but before any load was even connected, much less turned on, the transformer was humming loudly. In my experience, that could mean one of two things: either the transformer has a high harmonic load, or it is dying a long, slow death. Since there was no load connected in this case, it seemed apparent that this particular transformer was not long for this world.