Review
Makita XDT19 Impact Driver Review
What the Makita XDT19 Quick-Shift Mode, four power settings, and Assist Mode actually do, with Makita's rated speed and torque.
All reviews and guides
11 articles, newest first in each category. Every tool was bought with my own money and used on the job.
Cordless Tools
Battery-powered impact drivers, circular saws, jigsaws and nailers.
Roundup
The Top 5 Best 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailers
My top 5 18-gauge cordless brad nailers from Milwaukee, Ryobi, Dewalt, Porter-Cable, and Metabo HPT, and the Makita nailer I would stay away from.
Comparison
Dewalt 20V DCF850B vs DCF809B – Best Cordless Impact Driver
Dewalt DCF850B vs DCF809B: how the two 20V impact drivers compare on size, weight, speed, and torque, and when the cheaper one makes more sense.
Review
Milwaukee Rear Handle Saw Review 2830-20 Best
My Milwaukee 2830-20 review: a true cordless worm drive with good battery life and an electric brake, but it is heavy and runs on one big battery.
Comparison
Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z
Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z cordless impact driver comparison with specs, speed modes, and test data to help you pick the right Makita impact driver.
Review
Makita XSR01 Review-36v Right Hand Circular Saw
My Makita XSR01 review: a 36V rear handle circular saw that runs on two 18V batteries and is just as powerful as a corded worm drive, but heavy.
Review
Makita XVJ01Z 18 Volt Cordless Barrel Grip Jigsaw-Full Review
My Makita XVJ01Z review after close to a month of use, and why I would pick a barrel grip jigsaw over a D-grip for coping trim.
Corded Tools
Plug-in miter saws and oscillating multi-tools.
Review
Dewalt DWS779 Review-12 in. Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
My Dewalt DWS779 review after about 6 months of use: smooth adjustments, a board clamp I have grown to love, and a little play in the bevel.
Roundup
Top 5 Best Corded Oscillating Tools
My top 5 corded oscillating tools from Fein, Rockwell, Makita, Bosch, and Dremel, and why a corded oscillating tool still cannot be replaced by a cordless one.
Hand Tools
Framing hammers and other hand tools.
Roundup
Top 5 Best Framing Hammers
My top 5 framing hammers, from the Estwing GG417 to the Stiletto Ti-Bone 3, with what I like and do not like about each one.
Guides
Trim carpentry techniques and how-tos.
How-to
How to Cope With a Jigsaw- Makita XVJ01 Barrel Grip Jigsaw
How I cope trim with a jigsaw, step by step, using the Makita XVJ01 barrel grip. Coping is faster and more precise than a miter and leaves more room for error.