ANNOYTOOLS 3018 plus CNC

Is there a place for the 3018 Plus CNC in my shop?

My workshop is more high-tech than most other ones. In addition to a large assortment of the usual woodworking stationery tools, I have two large format CNC machines, three 3D printers, and two laser engravers. My CNC machines can carve up to 30”x 60” pieces on one of the machines and a full 4’ x 88’ sheet of goods on the other one.

When I had the opportunity to review the ANNOYTOOLS 3018 Plus CNC desktop CNC, I knew its size would be better suited to make many of the smaller pieces I create. The ANNOYTOOLS 3018 PLUS CNC has a bed size of approximately 12” x 7.” It also comes with a collet sized to accept my 1/8” diameter engraving bits.

Due to its physical configuration, the 3018 Plus CNC can achieve a vertical stroke of 80 mm. At over 3 1/8” of vertical cut capability, the 3018 Plus CNC can cut some jobs that my larger CNC machines cannot perform without splitting the parts. I also like the idea of a machine that will process various materials, including wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, PCB, and soft metals like aluminum and copper.

While the larger machines can cut small pieces with 1/8” bits, the hold-down jigs, and fixtures are better suited for larger-scale work. Using the larger machines also means reducing the ½” native collet size down to 1/8” with a series of bushing reducers. While I cannot prove it, I always feel using these bushings creates less accuracy and represents a less safe process.

The ANNOYTOOLS 3018 Plus CNC should fit nicely into my workflows and save time on the larger machines. As a result, I was looking forward to getting to know and use this desktop cnc machine.

ANNOYTOOLS 3018 Plus CNC Specifications

For the readers who may not be familiar with these types of CNC specifications, I will summarize the list below. The ANNOYTOOLS 3018 Plus CNC has:

• Lead screw-driven movement (a really good and accurate system)
• An industry standard GRBL computer (Means lots of ITO support and Users)
• Good-sized stepper motors to drive the X, Y, and Z axes
• A reasonably sized variable speed spindle at 500 Watts
• Fast Speed Capabilities for machine movements and production runs
• Very good machine accuracy (±About the thickness of 2 human hairs)
• Excellent safety switches for homing and machine/operator safety
• An Emergency Stop Button
• A probe for setting the vertical axis reference point after tool changes.
• Operating Software loaded on a Thumb Drive (Along with some trial files and documentation)

In summary, the specifications are perfect for a capable desktop cnc machine. The following image is the as-built machine.

Unpacking the ANNOY 3018 Plus CNC

One of the telltale signs of quality from a tool manufacturer is how they package and ship their products. Right after opening the shipping container, I was impressed with the care with which ANNOYTOOLS prepared the 3018 Plus CNC for shipping from Asia.

The equipment arrived without damage, and the parts were well-protected and well-organized. The following picture shows the sections that came out of the shipping box. You can see it is all intact.

I appreciated the initial parts of the manual that not only indicated what parts had been shipped and their location within the parcel. See a sample of the pages from the manual that tell the user ‘what’ and ‘where.’

The ANNOYTOOLS folks did a great job with the packing. Everything was named, easy to find, and included within the kit. This attention to detail certainly helps make the assembly of the machine much easier.

Assembly

I started in the CNC world when I designed and built my first CNC machine in 2013. Ten years later, the ANNOYTOOLS 3018 Plus CNC assembly was very straightforward. I assembled it as though I had never done one before.  The Instruction Manual was quite detailed and guided my efforts with no issues. I also appreciated the spacer they include so that the tee nuts can be spaced out accurately before you assemble the X-Z portion of the machine. Great attention to detail.

The only ‘glitch’ in the entire process was a mismatch between the space between the 20×20 aluminum rails on the X-Axis and the size of the plate that supports the controller board. I worked around the issue by only supporting the board with the bottom two screws. I will solve the issue by making a couple of simple 3D-printed brackets to make up the difference.

Other than that single issue, the build process was smooth and went according to the ANNOYTOOLS instructions. I give the manufacturer high marks for the assembly instructions and the fit and quality of the parts. The completed assembly picture follows.

It lives!

As good and complete as the machine assembly documentation is, the following steps are complicated for a layperson. Moreover, the steps are not evident if one has never gone through the process before. I wish that the initialization steps were given more attention. Here is what I did and may be helpful to to get a new user a roadmap to follow. My procedure is certainly not the only way to complete the installation. It is simply a script that I documented and the results worked for me..

Initialization

• Plug the Thumb Drive into your PC and explore the directory
• You will find and install a driver file for getting your 3018 to communicate through a serial port on your computer.
• Install the Universal GCode Sender software in the USG(CNC) directory.
• GO to YouTube and search for UGS Software on 3018 and select an appropriate video
• I found one titled UGS Complete Setup and Starting a Job
• Follow their detailed instructions and create a machine that works correctly.

Air Cutting

Now, you are ready to do some meaningful work with your machine. At this time, it should be set up and running in the correct directions and for the correct distances.

• I learned to Home my machine and reset the machine to an X=0, Y=0, and Z=0 point on the machine bed. I repeated this process with the spindle pulled up and no bit installed. That way, I could be sure I was not going to hurt myself or the machine. I did bottom out the machine a few times and learned to reset and reestablish the starting coordinates consistently.
• I learned that UGS has excellent tools for setting up a machine and that Candle may be a better “run-time” software. Since I had a few issues loading GCode files into UGS, I installed Candle and began to use that as my primary file processing and production software.
• I kept the spindle raised artificially high and “Air-Cut” a few of my standard GCode files. I developed these in Vectric VCarve Pro. In VCarve, I found a machine post-processor that read .nc files and worked well with the 3018 Plus CNC mine. The post-processor I selected is named “USBCNC (mm) (*.nc).”
• After running numerous gcode files. I decided to tighten up the leadscrew backlash nuts following the instructions in the installation manual. I finished my preparations by lubricating the three lead screws with the supplied lubrication and brush. I felt I was ready to tackle an actual production file.

Load the Bits

The cutters that come with the ANNOYTOOLS Plus CNC are single-fluted Vee Bits. These bits have an angle of 23.5 degrees and a cutting height of 5 mm at that angle. I needed to set this new tool type in my VCarve bit library to cut the first project accurately. I found a production job well suited for such a Vee bit.

In addition to these supplied bits, I also have several small bits that I have used on the larger cnc machines. As you can see in the picture, some of these bits are small and susceptible to breaking. I look forward to how well these will work in the 3018 Plus CNC machine. I hope to confidently dial in the new machine to enable these small bits to work effectively.

Production Runs

I was ready to cut my first job with the machine tweaked, the design set, and the right bit geometry in the post-processor. However, I had no idea how fast I should run the bit through the wood material. As a result, I chose a conservative group of settings for the first job. I decided to run the job at 200 mm/min for the bit advancement and a plunge rate into the material of 100 mm/min.

Step-over is another critical setting. This is a distance or a % of the bit diameter the subsequent toolpath moves into the material for the next pass. This setting often determines the apparent quality of the cut (especially for flat-bottomed tool paths). I chose a conservative setting of 9% of the bit’s diameter for this cut. That translates to (3.13mm x 9%) removal of .28 mm of stock for each subsequent pass. That seems small, and I believe the machine and the bit revolving at 12,000 rpm would have no issues handling the load.

Fine Tuning the Feed Speed

I was correct, and the machine produced an excellent cut on the first production piece. Looking at the time it took to process the work, I could increase the chip loading (the single-factor summation of all the speeds and settings I just discussed) by at least a factor of four. I can accomplish this by deepening the cuts, increasing the speed of the bit’s advancement, or increasing the step-over to take off more material. There are many variables in CNC work, and it takes time and repetition to adjust all of these parameters to get to your own “sweet spots.” The picture of the first cut, complete with the untouched cut edges, follows: This was a 4” x 4” approval proof for a set of several dozen coasters.

The following “job” I decided to cut was a larger format sign (12” x 5 1/8”). I used a 1.6 mm four-fluted bit (1/16”) and designed the sign to reduce the number of sharp corners. I increased the feed speed to 500 mm per minute and the stepover % to 25%. The ANNOYTOOLS 3018 Plus CNC had no issues plowing through this set of parameters. I routed the sign into a painted board, which produced extremely sharp edges.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The ANNOYTOOLS Plus CNC is a great entry-level machine. But it is also a capable production machine for more advanced users, too.  I will use the 3018 in my shop when I need to create finer or smaller scale work. The 3018 will free up the production of my larger format cnc machines by offloading appropriately sized work.

I looked up the price of the 3018 Plus CNC at www.gearberry .com, and it lists for a price of $389.00 plus taxes and shipping. That is an exceptional value for such a capable cnc machine. But do not forget that this package also has the bonus of an integrated laser head. So, for this low price, you can have a multi-function cnc router and laser engraver.  My book, this product offering equates to an exceptional value.

This link will connect you with the specifics of the product.

Annoytools 3018 plus CNC Router Machine

By the way, Gearberry’s Double Eleven (11.11) event is here with an array of exciting offers. Participate in the Wheel of Fortune Drawing for guaranteed free gifts and savings of up to $399. This promotion expires 12NOV23.

I have just begun to explore the capabilities of the ANNOYTOOLS Plus CNC. Here is what I want to cover in a future review.

• Adding in the Z-Probe function
• Fitting up the Laser Head and discovering its capabilities.
• Fitting up a dust control vacuum fixture to reduce dust migration.
• Exploring what other 1/8” bits are on the market to add to the production possibilities.
• True 3D carvings

Stay tuned for more reviews of the ANNOYTOOLS 3018 Plus CNC. It will be fun!

ANNOYTOOLS 3018 plus CNC Product Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

InoKraft MaXpray M3 Plus Airless Paint Sprayer with Stand

InoKraft MaXpray M3 Plus Airless Paint Sprayer

4/5

Manufacturer: InoKraft
Model number: MaXpray M3 Plus
Power source: 110V
Motor size: 3/4 HP
Weight: 31 lbs

Specs & Features

• Motor (Hp): 3/4
• Weight (lbs): 31.3
• Pressure Control Type: Adjustable
• Pump Sleeve Material: Stainless Steel
• Inlet Paint Strainer: 30 Mesh Stainless Steel Screen
• Maximum Flow Rate (GPM): 0.33
• Maximum Tip Size (in): 0.017
• Maximum Working Pressure (MPa/PSI): 20.7 / 3000
• Minimum Generator Power (W): 2500
• Fluid Outlet Size (in): 1/4 NPSM

Features

• Equipped with an ‘AtoMax Spray Tip’ for minimal overspray
• Spray directly from 1 or 5-gallon paint buckets onto any surface without thinning.
• Swivel joint offers precise for even coverage.
• Flush-Ease valve enables direct, hose-connected cleanup
• Includes high-reach tip extension & cleaning kit

Overall Performance

An airless paint sprayer is a relatively straight forward tool to operate and the MaXpray M3 airless paint sprayer proved no different. Plug it in, put the uptake hose into the paint, prime the lines, and spray away. Typically clean up can take a few extra minutes but is more than offset by the time savings of much faster large-area coverage. But the quality of the finish is highly dependent on very minor details of two primary areas: pressure control and spray shape & consistency. If air bubbles get into the line, or the tip clogs, or the pressure fluxuates while spraying… the finish is sure to be uneven across the surface being painted. So, we focused on the fine adjustment of the spray pressure and the tip quality & seating and ability to resist clogging during our testing.

Adjustment Quality

Overall, the InoKraft MaXpray M3 airless paint sprayer performed very well across all of these areas. The pressure setting knob stayed in place and was satisfactorily responsive to fine adjustments. It was also clearly marked to make it easy to adjust from priming to spraying to cleaning. The motor was very responsive to spraying. It didn’t run excessively when we released the trigger and the system had to come back up to pressure. This indicated that the line pressure was constant, and hose and tubes were air bubble/clog free. This will extend the motor life and eliminates line clearing down time which is always appreciated! Most importantly, we noticed that the consistent pressure and paint feed created a very even finish coating on first pass and overlap coverage alike.

Finish & Spray Pattern

The tip stayed securely seated, even with repeated adjustments to the fan shape wings on the tip. And the spray pattern was overall on par with others guns we’ve used. We were able to do rough edging with minimal taping. But we would not do interior or exterior painting with this sprayer around “no-paint areas” without first taping/sealing off the areas not to be painted. The manufactures claims of almost no overspray were slightly exaggerated. The following picture shows overspray with 1 in. painter’s tape but even 2 in. would have left overspray lines.

Also of note, even with a heavier viscosity exterior water-based latex paint, the tip resisted clogging as well as any spray tip we’ve used. This likely helped limit drips as compared to a thinner viscosity paint. This was an important test factor as other airless paint sprayers can often clog more easily with heavier viscosity paint. There was some paint drippage around the tip likely due to an imperfect seal. Once we removed the tip and reseated it, we encountered minimal paint leaks.

Ergonomics & Design Features

The integrated stand worked great. It easily fit a smaller 1-gallon paint can as well as a 5-gallon bucket. It was easy to move around as needed with the wheels. Plus, the hose was long enough at 25 ft. that we didn’t have to move it too often.

The knobs were conveniently located and well-shaped so that even if we had some paint on our hands, we were still able to easily see, grip, and adjust them. They were well marked. There is a twist-knob to adjust the pressure and a separate lever-knob to switch between priming and spraying actions. The initial priming action also requires you to press a prime button on the bottom of the unit which was less conveniently located.

The MaxPray M3 airless spray gun is a standard design. The trigger pull pressure was comfortable throughout our extended use. This can make a difference if you are using the gun for large area surfaces i.e. exterior walls. It was also very light with a comfortable shaped 4-finger tang that was easy to grip. It has the integrated top-located hanging hook as well as side mounted safety switch. The switch is a rotational vs. lever-based switch which makes it a little trickier to work with just your thumb. The spring-designed hose swivel was smooth and allowed for easy automatic positional adjustment of the hose as we moved around the painting area.

Ease of Clean Up

One of the highlight features of the MaXpray was definitely the Flush-Ease adapter valve. It allows you to hook the intake tube directly to a hose for a faster and easier clean up. Typically clean up requires multiple, dedicated clean-water buckets and a dirty flush bucket. It was pretty simple to hook up and worked well. We did note though that connecting and disconnecting the fitting would be much improved if a swivel action (vs. hose clamp) was integrated. This would allow for twist-free hose manipulation. It would also likely extend the connector life. But having it as designed is still a nice added benefit and much appreciated at clean up time.

The MaXpray also includes a reversible tip to help automate the nozzle clearing action. When combined with the clean setting (which decreases the spray velocity) it allows water to pass from the smaller to larger nozzle opening. This means the water can clean the outside edges of the tip too. It is also much faster (and cleaner) than either having to soak the tip or use a brush to scrub it out after each use. The tip made of stainless steel, so we were less concerned about water-based cleaning introducing rust and decreasing spray tip longevity. But at $11 it’s not a big deal and tips are planned consumables on our job sites, so we keep spares handy regardless.

Final Thoughts | InoKraft MaXpray M3 Airless Paint Sprayer

It’s hard to find any major faults with the InoKraft MaXpray paint sprayer that aren’t common to all airless sprayers. At $350 it’s a very reasonably priced unit. The finish is smooth and the pressure regulation worked great throughout all our tests. We also appreciated the Flush-Ease valve which made clean up much easier despite our note that a swiveling connector would be an appreciated design improvement over the hose clamp currently used. The stand worked well and the overall lightweight and well-swiveling hose made repositioning painless. Lastly the gun was easy to adjust with a satisfactorily tight spray pattern for a wide variety of finish applications. If you are in the market for an entry level airless paint sprayer with high upside, then the InoKraft MaXpray is a great option!

InoKraft MaXpray Paint Sprayer Video Review

InoKraft MaXpray Paint Sprayer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Evolution Powertools 14 in. Metal Cutting Miter Saw, 120V/15A (Model S355MCS)

Evolution Powertools 14" Metal Miter Saw

5/5

Manufacturer: Evolution Powertools
Model number: S355MCS
Power source: 120V (Corded)
Motor size: 15 Amp
Weight: 77 lbs.

Features and Specifications | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

Features:

• Pivoting cutter head saves space and decreases overall material handling
• 3-position cutter head can be adjusted for various materials
• 3x Quick release clamps (1x top & 2x front) w/ slide on V-blocks
• Height-adjustable front clamp rail
• Removable ‘V’ block for secure clamping of round & square tube
• Ambidextrous handle design
• Material is secured by knurled fence & base includes bench dog holes

Specifications:

• Motor: 120 Volts/15A
• RPMs (No Load): 1450
• Bevel Range: +/-46 degrees
• Positive Stops (+/-): 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, & 45°
• Blade diameter: 14 in.
• Mild Steel Plate (Max Thickness): 1/2 in.
• Square Tube at 90°: 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 in.
• Square Tube at 45° (ML): 4 x 4 in.
• Square Tube at 45° (MR): 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 in.
• Rectangle Tube at 90°: 6 1/2 x 4 in.
• Rectangle Tube at 45°: 4 1/2 x 1 3/4 in.
• Round Tube at 90° (D):  4 3/4 in.
• Round Tube at 45° (D):  4 in.
• Tool body weight: 77 lbs.

Power & Performance

Torque and Motor Performance

Sustained power and torque and critical factors in metal cutting since blade slowdown or torque loss can have a variety of negative effects. Since the Evolution Powertools Metal Cutting Chop Saw (Model S355MCS) is a corded, 120V 15A tool, we expected consistent power from the motor. That’s what we got. This saw smoothly cut all shapes and sizes of steel we used it on. The motor never bogged down or seemed to strain to cut. The lower RPMs helped optimize the torque in this respect. So when Evolution Powertools explains that they found 1450 RPMs to be just right for mild steel cutting, the performance backed it up. In addition, the motor didn’t get overly hot even during prolonged cutting periods.

As a general fact (and as explained in a previous review on the S380CPS) cold cut saw blades vs. abrasive cut off saw are quite expensive ($80+ vs $6-8). But you get what you pay for… and for a few reasons:

• Longer Life. The 14 in. Evolution blades provided have Tungsten-Carbide tips and are very easy to load
• Cleaner edges. This is because the blade doesn’t flex mid cut like a 14 in. abrasive cutoff wheel. This produces accurate and ready-to-weld cuts
• Heat dissipation. Heat is transferred to the metal shavings vs. the blade. Extends blade life and creates less warpage over prolonged use

Blade Alignment

One of the issues we’ve noted with other metal chop saws is the blade alignment. They are sometimes not centered on the blade slot. This makes eyeball alignment trickier. The Evolution S355MCS blade was about 1/16 in. left of center from the blade recess slot. The S355MCS also doesn’t yet have a laser or shadow line alignment feature integrated into the saw. After a few cuts we were mentally calibrated to the 1/16 in. off set and were cutting within 1/64 in. without individually blade-measured cuts in no time. For the $850 price point, we would love to see Evolution Powertools add in an alignment system for increased (measured) cut accuracy. As currently designed however, operators can quickly be repeatedly accurate with minimal training.

Miter Gauge Performance

This earned its own section for a reason since this is what sets the Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw (model S355MCS) apart in the metal cutting business. The ability to use pre-set detents to accurately and quickly adjust your cutting angle is something previously offered by a high-end, liquid cooled cold saw or metal cutting band saw. Those cost much more that the S355MCS.

And the accuracy of the miter gauge is spot on. We used our handy digital angle finder to double check the S355MCS’s accuracy out of the box and found it to be 90.0° on the dot. Equally impressive is the vertical gap minimization. Simply out, this exceeds any accuracy required for an immediate production-quality tack and weld.

Even more so than a wood miter saw, the mitering function of the S355MCS is a real time saver. Why? Because moving comparatively heavy pieces of steel is not as easily done as their lighter wood counterparts. And until this saw was introduced a saw operator had completely remove the material, adjust the cutting fence, and then reload and secure the piece of metal to be cut. It was time consuming. And it meant handling heavy materials (and usually support stands) more frequently.

Material Size Limitations

There is one drawback to the miter design when cutting full 45° cuts with the saw blade tilted to the Right. And it first caught our attention when looking at the saw specs. The S355MCS can’t cut material wider than 1 3/4 in. on this side because unless the motor is set to the furthest back position the saw head protrudes past the fence. This is an issue when cutting angle since cutting mirror angles in any angle over 1 3/4″ wide will require you to flip and brace the piece to cut the opposite angle. To Evolution Powertool’s credit this is not a hidden but flaw but an openly acknowledged design limitation. We’d also like to point out that the standard chop saw design with an adjustable fence (not cutter head) only adjust in a single direction. So even with the limited range on the right side its still a great upgrade.

Key Design & Ergonomic Features

3-Position Cutter Head

Not only does the cutter head pivot to each side but it also adjusts forward and backwards. Before you make too many comparisons to a wood-cutting miter saw though, it does NOT slide. It can be locked into one of three positions. These positions increase overall safety and maximize the material size to be cut. You just adjust the blade so it’s as centered as possible on the material. Changing the position is extremely easy (and tool-free). First, release the locking lever and pull the spring-loaded pin back while sliding the cutter head assembly. The back balance foot also serves as a rail endcap to prevent the operator from sliding the cutter head off. Its a simple but very secure and effective design. Centering the blade greatly reduced material chatter keeping the operator as safe as possible. We like that!

Quick-Release Clamps

The quick release clamps on the S355MCS are one of the best features of the whole saw. They offer adjustability like no other clamps we’ve used. The clamps are fully adjustable in both height and horizontal positioning. They accomplish this by sliding along a front, height-adjustable rail. The height is adjusted via thumb screws so there is no tool to lose. The posts also have detent markings every 1/4 in which makes evenly aligning both sides very simple.

Our favorite aspect is that both clamps can be secured on the same side of the blade. This means that a piece of metal can be secured at 2 points on the same side of the blade. Dual clamping severely reduces moving and rotating of the piece during cutting. This means a much cleaner and safer cut. All 3 clamps also include a slide on/off v-block which works wonderfully to secure round or angled materials for cutting!

The hold-down clamp is ALSO quick release and can be mounted in one of five positions. We wish the wood miter saws would incorporate this feature, although truth be told we don’t use a hold down clamp when cutting wood nearly as much as when cutting metal.

One note however is that when mounted in the left side holes, the hold down post obstructs the motor housing, preventing the saw from completing a cut. We’re not sure why a hold location was included here… We were able to complete all our tasks using the vertical hold down mounted on the right so it wasn’t a deal breaker.

Knurled Fence

In addition to the clamps, the Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw (S355MCS) features a knurled fence. This is more than a visual feature. A knurled fence increases the overall contact pressure of the material against the fence. This creates a more secure hold and also gives a better gripping texture. This is an excellent safety feature when cutting round metal. As the blade teeth “bite into” the material some of the rotational force is transferred from the blade to the material. If not securely clamped there is a risk of the material spinning in the saw. Not good! The knurled fence greatly reduces this risk and makes for a cleaner cut too.

Chip Deflector

The S355MCS is designed with a chip deflector as opposed to a vacuum port. This is not a knock on this saw. Because flying pieces of metal are heavier than smaller pieces of sawdust, they often have enough force to escape the vacuum suction zone. Even for a high CFM rated dust collector. They also pose a greater risk to a vulnerable human eye. The chip deflector is designed to project the chips away and downward from the operator. Evolution Powertools also sells a magnetic pick up tool which is the preferred option for collecting ferrous metal chips.

With this being said, the deflector worked ok keeping the chips away when cutting. It might work a bit better if the back was angles more aggressively downward with a bigger exit port. Our estimate that about 85% of the chips ended up behind and under the saw. Of the 15% that ended up in front, few were directed upwards towards our faces.

Blade Replacement Design

The blade replacement design is pretty standard for a chop saw. And thankfully Evolution Powertools includes on-tool storage for the required Allen wrench. It is a 2-part process. First, free up the arbor cover plate. Then use the locking pin to secure the blade from rotating and loosen the Allen bolt holding the blade in place. We like the arbor cover plate as it helps keep the Allen bolt hole cleaner from debris.

Portability & Versatility

The S355MCS is not a light saw at 77 lbs. But it is definitely light enough to bring on a job site as required. It is also designed to fit onto a universal miter saw jobsite stand. Evolution Powertools has yet to release one specifically designed for this saw… but it’s coming. If we get the chance to mount this on one we’ll add additional comments then. For now, be confident that this is an easily portable (via a rugged top carry handle) and stand-mountable saw that can be used on a jobsite with minimal effort. Also be aware that it does NOT fit onto the Evolution Powertools Universal Chop Saw Stand. So if you already have one or have looked at one you will need to go another route.

The last versatility feature we would be remiss in not mentioning is the integrated bench dog design. The base, on both the left and right sides have a total of 7 benchdog holes built into them. This gives the user even more options for securing material during cutting. We were pretty impressed with the clamp system though and didn’t use them in the course of our jobs. But they are there and may pay dividends in different circumstances.

Final Thoughts | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

The Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw (model S355MCS) is a no brainer for any metal fabricator or PRO builder who finds themselves cutting metal on the jobsite. It allows for repeatable and accurate cut on par with any wood cutting miter saw. The cut edges are burr-free and installation or weld ready with no grinding required. This means considerable time saved and work completed. The pivoting head also means less material handling in constricted spaces. And the highly-adjustable QR clamps combined with the knurled fence keep your materials firmly in place so you can cut with peace of mind. At $850 this is a great value and one that we think many of our followers will thank us for making!

Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

SawStop 10-inch Compact Job Site Table Saw CTS-120A60

SawStop Compact Table Saw

5/5

Manufacturer: SAWSTOP
Model number: CTS-120A60
Price: $899
Power source: 120V AC
Motor size: 15A
Weight: 68 lbs

Like all SawStop saws, the CTS has outfitted with SawStop’s active injury mitigation [AIM] technology.

Specifications | SawStop Compact Table Saw CTS-120A60

• 120 VAC 60 Hz,
• 15A
• 4,000 RPM | No Load
• 10″ Blade
• Max. Depth of Cut at 0° 3 1/8″ (79.5 mm)
• Max. Depth of Cut at 45° 2 1/8″ (54 mm)
• Max. Rip Capacity 24 1/2″ (648 mm)
• Max. Rip Left of Blade 9 ½” [241 mm]
• Weight 68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 14 ¼” H x 23 ½” W x 27” D
• Table Surface: 23” W X 22 5/8” D
• Dust port: Inside Diameter 2.3” [58 mm] outside diameter 2.5” [65 mm]

First Impression

We reviewed the SawStop CTS Table Saw and stand together. The first impression with all SawStop tools is one of high quality. The tool looks and feels like a well-designed machine and comes in at $899 with active injury mitigation technology – well that’s just a win for us small guys!

At 68 lbs this 10-inch table saw is heavy and corded but that is a small consolation when you consider the cost of a table saw laceration or amputation.

How SawStop Compact Table Saw Works

The SawStop CTS table saw carries a small electrical signal through the blade which monitors and detects skin contact.

Once the signal changes with flesh contact, the saw activates a spring-loaded, aluminum block braking system that embeds itself into the saw blade stopping it in 3-5 milliseconds.

The degree of injury is dependent on the speed at which the hand or body part propels into the blade. Faster speeds can result in more serious injury. The brake and blade collision momentum drives the blade beneath the tabletop, removing the blade from view, and simultaneously turning off the saw motor.

After activation, the saw needs to be reset and the saw blade and AIM cartridge replaced, which took us 5 minutes to do. Any activation will require a new cartridge [$100] and a new saw blade [$50-100].

Pro Tip:

Make sure that you use only 3/32nd to 3/16th kerf saw blades that are NOT coated. Coated or lacquered saw blades are non-conductive and can reduce the speed that the system reacts to flesh contact.

Our Table Saw Accident Story

Annually, there are over 30,000 table saw injuries in the US.

Last May, one of the guys on the crew slipped and fell into the blade. He was the 4th person in the ER that day to suffer an injury from a table saw, and it was a weekday, not a weekend, telling me that these were most likely Pro user injuries.

Luckily, he only suffered a broken bone and lacerations. In the end, he was out of work for a few weeks and on light duty for several other weeks. The entire accident was a drag for our team member to go through and cost the company $15,000 in worker compensation costs.

When I compare $15,000 to $900 for a SawStop there’s really no excuse NOT to outfit your crews with the saw.

Power and Capacity

The SawStop CTS table saw is plenty powerful for job site cutting, we used it to rip down some 2x stock and it had zero issues. Its 15 Amp motor spins a 10” blade at 4,000 RPM. The CTS saw has a 23” W X 22 5/8” Deep tabletop with a maximum rip of 24-1/2” on the right side of the blade, and 9-1/2” on the left blade side. The CTS has a maximum depth of cut of 3-1/8” at 90° and 2-1/8” when set at 45°.

Dust Collection

The SawStop CTS table saw has a 2-1/2” rear dust port. SawStop recommends using a dust collector that has at least 170 CFM [4800 LPM] of airflow.

The dust port’s inside diameter measures 2.3” [58 mm] and the outside diameter is 2.5” [65 mm] The dust collection works well and collects approximately 90-95% of the dust. The only way to improve dust collection would be to use a blade guard dust port and connect it to a Y-connector and the lower port.

Important User Note:

It’s important to note that the CTS saw is not designed to run without dust collection attached at all times. The saw, brake, and trunion are enclosed and if dust collection is not used this area will fill up with sawdust and overheat the saw.

Precision and Accuracy

The quality of the cuts and more importantly the potential safety of the operator is going to be a function of the accuracy of a table saw. For many folks that means relying on the as-built accuracy from the manufacturer.

Let’s face facts many contractors, maybe most, take their table saw out of the box and start using it right away, for them, factory settings are good enough. Other folks like me, and probably you, take the time to true up their saw.

I want to point out that the SawStop CTS table saw is not a cabinet shop grade saw, it’s a compact job site saw. Some of you may build high-quality built-ins or make high-tolerance finished cuts on the job site, but this isn’t really the saw for that – no job site table saw is. I feel that if you don’t have access to a precision cabinet saw, you’d be better off using a track saw for that stuff. Either way, I wanted to see how the SawStop CTS measured up in it’s out-of-the-box accuracy.

Because accuracy equates to safety and quality, we assessed the manufactured accuracy of this saw, looking at five areas:

1. Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop
2. Accuracy of 90 Deg. Stop
3. Blade Parallel to Miter Slot
4. Fence Parallel to Miter Slot
5. Blade Run-out

Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop

We measured the accuracy of the factory-set 45-degree stop by using a  digital inclinometer with an accuracy of [zero point two] 0.2° degrees.

We placed the Wixey gauge on the table and calibrated the inclinometer to the table by zeroing out the gauge. After that calibration, the measurements shown on the gauge give a result that is relative to the saw table.

We attached the gauge to the blade and used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 45-degree stop and recorded the measurement. We ran the test several times to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to be 45.5 degrees.

Accuracy of Vertical 90 Deg. Stop

We measured the accuracy of the factory-set 90-degree stop by using a Wixey WR365 digital inclinometer. After calibration, we used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 90-degree vertical stop and recorded the measurement.

We ran the test several times to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to be 89.20, and when we used the micro adjustment and cranked it hard we could get the saw to 89.70. We felt that most contractors won’t do that while using it, so we adjusted it. 

Adjustment Results of 45 and 90 Degree Bevel

Adjusting the saw was easily accomplished with the onboard Allen wrench.

We were able to adjust the saw to a perfect 90 degrees with the red indicator needle at zero, but unfortunately, the needle when placed at 45 degrees measures 45.4 degrees, close but not perfect. I will note that the saw will move further and I will purposely move my needle to 45-1/2 degrees to achieve 45 degrees.

Blade Parallel to Miter Slot

We used the iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator and a Freud calibration plate to measure the accuracy of the blade position to the table miter slot. Freud manufactures this ground stainless steel plate to a tolerance of ± .0127 mm flatness across the plate.

We positioned the dial indicator to the rear and front of the calibration plate, marking the plate to ensure a consistent measuring spot. If the plate and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the plate and the miter slot were farther apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading.

The Saw stop measured 0 to 0.19 mm out of parallel to the miter slot. Compare that measurement to a sheet of paper which is approximately 0.10 mm thick. That’s an acceptable tolerance in anyone’s book.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot

The accuracy and safety of any given saw are dependent upon the blade being parallel to the rip fence. If the fence is at all out of alignment, it can result in burning on your workpiece, binding, pinching, or even dangerous kickback.

Since we tested the amount of difference in parallelism between the saw blade and the miter slot in the previous test, we need only to see if the miter slot is parallel to the rip fence to see if the saw has a parallel relationship between the blade and the rip fence.

Reusing the same iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the as-delivered factory fence to the table miter slot.

We calibrated the iGauging dial indicator to a zero reading at the operator’s end of the rip fence so that we started out with a reading of zero. Next, we positioned the dial indicator to the rear of the saw placed onto the rip fence and took the reading.

If the fence and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the blade and the miter slot were farther apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading. A negative reading meant that the materials being cut might be subject to being pinched and a kickback is more likely to occur.

Remembering that a sheet of paper is approximately 0.1 mm thick, the SawStop measured 0 mm at the front to -0.17 mm at the rear of the fence. Not bad but I adjusted the fence to parallel.

Blade Run-out

One term you may hear when reading about table saw accuracy is blade run-out. Run-out is a term that describes whether or how much the outside edge of a saw blade wobbles.

Sometimes, operators measure run-out by using a saw blade. In that case, the very use of a saw blade presumes that the specific blade is perfect or nearly perfect in its flatness. Using a saw blade that has any warping will not give a clear indication of blade run-out.

We used the Freud calibration plate to measure run-out. With the trunnion raised to its maximum vertical adjustment. Before measuring the run-out, we placed a black mark on the calibration plate to give a consistent starting position for the run-out test.

We placed the dial indicator on the starting position of the calibration disk and calibrated that position on the dial indicator to a reading of zero. We were very careful to rotate the calibration plate by using the outside rim so as not to impart any side-to-side force on the plate that might introduce errors in the measurements.

While we rotated the plate, we recorded the maximum reading on the dial indicator. We validated the maximum reading by running the test for a second time and noting that the readings were consistent. We also noted that as we performed this test, the maximum readings occurred at different parts of the plate along its rotation. The maximum reading was  -0.008 mm.

Using the SawStop Compact Table Saw

There are several features that I immediately liked, the first was the rack & pinion fence. This fence operates with a unique pull-to-unlock and push-to-lock mechanism. This is completely different from anything I’ve experienced in my 33 years as a carpenter and took some getting used to.

Rip Fence Adjustments

This fence is easy to adjust and reliably square, I liked the push stick attachment design on the fence. The push stick indexes on a fixed peg, which is different, but more secure than most of the table saws I’ve used.

The fence can mount to 3 sets of adjustable mounting lugs and adjusted with a 4 mm hex-key wrench.

The fence has an auxiliary fence or what SawStop calls a low fence. This low fence stores on the rear of the main rip fence and rotates over to provide two different functions:

1. The lowest position provides a shelf for material support for ripping wide materials when the fence is extended beyond the table saw top.
2. The higher position rests on the tabletop and allows for narrow rips and the use of the push stick when the saw has the blade guard attached. A nice safety feature!

Rip Fence Extension |Accuracy

Lots of folks have been commenting online on how the fence can be lifted up and down. This is something that is common on many saws, and in my opinion, is a non-issue.

If the lower fence holds its position at the bottom position, that’s all that matters. The bottom position is important and needs to hold the weight of a board on it. This bottom position should be in the same plane as the tabletop.

We used a level to compare the tabletop to the fence shelf height, while fully extended to 24-1/2 inches.

We noted that the SawStop CTS table saw rip fence shelf [out of the box] was indexing ¼-inch below the tabletop and needed to be leveled.

NOTE:

SawStop has a service document that addresses this issue and it’s called the CTS Puck Adjustment Procedure.

We performed the puck procedure and were able to obtain a perfect straight-line alignment between the tabletop and rip fence shelf. I will note that this adjustment does stiffen the rack and pinion action of the fence, a little silicone applied to the inside slots of the fence rails alleviate this issue.

Rip Fence Storage

The rip fence storage is under the table. To release the fence, you simply push the “red dot” area on the end latches. The latches pull out and the fence can be quickly and easily relocated on another set of adjustable fence lugs or stowed under the table. We noted that the CTS latch system is nicer to use than the DEWALT and Milwaukee fence systems.

Integrated Blade Control | Raising and Beveling the Blade

Another feature that was different, but one that I really like was the blade elevation and quick-tilt bevel feature. The blade elevates fast and easily – not much more to say about that other than this wheel rotates clockwise to raise the blade and counterclockwise to lower it.

Behind the elevation, the wheel is the bevel adjustment knob. Now, this is a slick detail on the SawStop CTS saw. The bevel control knob is spring-loaded control, activated with a quick squeeze and hold. Once activated the bevel control will unlock and you can slide the bevel manually or release it and rotate the wheel for micro-adjustment to dial in a precise bevel angle. Once satisfied with your bevel, push the bevel control to lock the bevel in place.

Zero Clearance Insert

This saw comes with a bright red zero clearance insert that is pre-cut at the factory. When compared to other job site saws with wide open plates, these zero clearances maximize the support you’ll have with narrow cuts, reducing the risk of a kickback. A simple, easy-to-miss, if you’re not looking, safety feature.

Removal of the insert is easily accomplished by listing a spring-loaded lever and sliding it toward you.

On-Board Storage Compartment

A storage compartment in the rear of the saw holds the blade wrenches, a spare cartridge, accessories like the miter gauge, and anti-kickback pawls. I like that this compartment has everything in one location.

Power Controls

The SawStop CTS table saw power control switch can be confusing at first glance. There is a power switch that controls the electronics for the saw, and then a larger start/stop paddle. In between the two switches are green and red LED indicator lights.

The LED indicator lights provide up to 12 different conditions, and a quick reference, all weather label is attached to the side of the saw, near the switch for quick reference.

Status Lights and Codes

The green and red LED lights under the power switch provide feedback on the saw’s status.

The lights function independently or in a combination with each other depending on the saw’s status. Either light can flash slowly, fast, or be lit continuously. The red light can flash once indicating the saw is in bypass mode. Basically, there are 12 different status situations.

This is where I think SawStop could improve the design for users. While they provide a label with all the possible light status conditions, it’s confusing and not intuitive.

I’d like to see subsequent SawStop saws simply have a display screen that shows the saw’s status using words. For example, “Replace Cartridge.” With today’s technology, how hard could that be?

Flesh Sensing Feature | Testing

We did not test the flesh-sensing feature in this review. SawStop’s flesh sensing technology is well documented, and they have proven to reduce injuries. If you’d like to see this feature in action check out SawStop JSS saw review.

Avoiding Non-Flesh Activations | Bypass mode

The bypass mode on this saw is used when cutting conductive materials that can activate the AIM system. It disables the safety system so you can cut conductive materials. We did not test these non-flesh conditions because it’s been proven by SawStop, us and others.  We tested many of them on our previous review of this saw’s JSS bigger brother. [link below]

SawStop Jobsite Table Saw JSS Review

Some examples of these non-flesh activation materials are:

• Green or wet wood
• Wet pressure-treated wood
• Very wet plywood or sheet stock
• Aluminum or other metals
• Carbon-filled materials
• Foil materials
• Saw fence contacting the saw blade

Testing Conductivity of Material

If you suspect that the material you want to cut may activate the brake cartridge, then you can utilize the bypass mode to test the conductivity of the material. The saw is put into bypass mode after cutting the questionable material if the RED light is flashing fast, then the material is too wet or green to cut. If this happens, you will want to keep the saw in bypass mode to finish cutting this material

Leveling Foot

One cool feature, that can easily be missed, is the leveling foot, which is located on the base of the saw, not the folding stand. This leveling foot is designed if using the saw on a tabletop or flat surface and is not used when the saw is on the stand.

SawStop CTS | Folding Stand

The stand is durable and easy to set up. It has two red clips that rotate open to allow the saw to be placed on the stand and then rotate over the saw frame and lock the saw down.

One thing I did notice was that when taking the saw out of the van on a project the stand slid on the van floor and one of the leg caps fell out. This is a common issue with all stands – and I addressed it like the others. I placed electrical tape on all the caps to prevent them from being lost.

Blade, Riving Knife, and Brake Cartridge

The blade change process is accomplished with the two onboard wrenches in the rear of the saw.

The saw guard, and separate riving knife remove with a flip of a lever. The aluminum brake cartridge easily removes with a removable lever pin.

SawStop CTS Table Saw | Room For Improvement

This saw is great but if I could offer two points of improvement it would be for SawStop to make the status lights and codes show on a lettered display screen. The other improvement would be to make the power cord length longer.

SawStop CTS Table Saw | Cost

The SawStop CTS-120A60 sells for approximately $899.00, a new brake cartridge, model# TSBC-10R3 $95.00 and the folding stand model# CTS-FS $129.00.

All three items are available at Acme Tools, I’ll put a link in the description below.

Overall Impression

The trade-off for many contractors who recently went to cordless table saws is cordless, size, and weight vs flesh sensing protection. There is no argument that the SawStop CTS table saw is corded, bigger, and heavier. You’re buying this machine first for the protection it offers, and second for the quality of the tools build. The SawStop CTS compact table saw is well built with precision fit and finish, resulting in a very smooth and easy-to-operate saw.

The biggest takeaway is that SawStop is now making a more compact job site saw for under 1,000 bucks. Yup that’s a lot of money compared to other corded table saws out there, but you just need to talk to one contractor who has had a table saw injury claim and see what they think of that cost.

SAWSTOP Compact Table Saw CTS | Video Review

SawStop CTS Table Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Evolution Powertools 14/15 in. Metal Cutting Chop Saw (Model S380CPS)

Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw (Model S380CPS)

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Evolution Powertools
Model number: S380CPS
Price: $480
Power source: 110V
Motor size: 15A
Weight: 62 lbs.

Features and Specifications | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

Features:

• Cast base w/ integrated wear plate
• Quick-release vice with 0° – 45° miter detents & locking pin
• Top-mounted carry handle
• Chip collection tray
• Ergonomic, ambidextrous trigger
• Revmovable ‘V’ block for secure clamping of round & square tube

Specifications:

• Motor: 120 Volts/15A
• RPMs (No Load): 1450
• Bevel Range: 0-45 degrees (left)
• Blade diameter: 14 in. (supplied)/15 in. (max)
• Base material: Cast Aluminum
• Mild Steel Plate (Max Thickness): 1/2 In.
• Stainless Steel Plate (Max): 13/64 In.
• Square Tube at 90° (Mild Steel): 5 x 5 In.
• Square Tube at 45° (Mild Steel): 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 In.
• Rectangle Tube at 90° (Mild Steel): 3-3/4 x 7-1/8 In.
• Rectangle Tube at 45° (Mild Steel): 3-1/8 x 4-3/8 In.
• Round Tube at 90° (Mild Steel):  5-1/8 In.
• Round Tube at 45° (Mild Steel):  4-1/8 In.
• Minimum Cut Off Piece Length: 5/16 In.
• Tool body weight: 62 lbs.

Power & Performance

Torque and Motor Performance

Sustained power and torque and critical factors in metal cutting since blade slowdown or torque loss can have a variety of negative effects. Since the Evolution Powertools Metal Cutting Chop Saw (Model S380CPS) is a corded, 120V 15A tool, w expected consistent power from the motor. And thankfully that is what we got. We cut 1/2″ mild steel plate and 11GA stainless steel sheet pieces with no issues. The S380CPS has no cut speed or resistance indicator light. These are often designed into cordless abrasive cutoff saws as a battery and consumables protection feature. But the S380CPS doesn’t need one. And since this saw draws from a 120V power supply, the torque remains constant regardless of material (within the provided specifications). Note – We didn’t test any materials outside the company specifications on our applications.

Blade Performance

As a general fact, cold cut saw blades, as opposed to an abrasive cut off saw are quite expensive ($80+ vs $6-8). But you get what you pay for… and for a few reasons:

• Longer Life. The 14 and 15 in. (more on this in the optional accessory section) Evolution blades provided have Tungsten-Carbide tips and are very easy to load. (15 in. Blade mounted on Evolution S380CPS pictured below.)

• Cleaner edges. This is because the blade doesn’t flex mid cut like a 14 in. abrasive cutoff wheel. This is especially important with massive time savings from accurate and ready-to-weld cuts. What does a ready to weld cut look like? Well, we took a pic of a S380CPS edge vs. a standard 14 in. abrasive cutoff saw edge pic. The results are pretty clear we think…

• Minimal Sparks. Hard to fathom a spinning metal blade on metal won’t make sparks but it doesn’t. And it’s pretty nice not getting spark burns. I thought it would be helpful to include a comparison picture of a standard 14 in. abrasive cut off saw cutting the same piece of angle for comparison…

Evolution S380CPS Sparks

Standard 14 in. Abrasive Cutoff Saw Sparks

• Heat dissipation. Because the heat from cutting is transferred to the metal shavings the blade remains heat free (hence a “cold cut” saw). Which means longer life and less warpage over prolonged use. Which leads to consistently accurate cuts.

Blade Alignment

One of the issues we’ve noted with other metal chop saws is the blade alignment. They are sometimes not centered on the blade slot. This makes eyeball alignment trickier. The Evolution S380CPS blade is though and it was a small detail that was greatly appreciated.

Miter Gauge Performance

This earned its own section for a reason since this is the major upgrade over the less expensive Evolution Powertools S355CPSL. The adjustability was great, and the accuracy was spot on. I cut a couple a number of 45-degree angles and used my corner clamp to hold them in place while welding. The angles were consistently gap free and smooth.

Moving the miter gauge forward and backwards (it has 3 settings) was also a breeze. Like other competitor models, there it features a 2-point locking design. There is a right mounted bolt that passes through a tighter fitting pivot hole and a curved slot with a internal spring tensioned adjustable lever. These combined to make for easy adjustments and secure positioning when tightened into place. The detent and angle markings were also easy to read and spot on!

Key Design & Ergonomic Features

The Quick-Release Vise

We love it. Again, it’s the details that matter. And 2 stuck out after extended use. First, the vise pivoting (front) fence is comfortably close to the tool base. This matters a lot because when clamping metal with uneven top and bottom clamping (Most commonly — angle iron) it does a better job of keeping the material vertical and flush against the back fixed rail. This is critical for accurate miter angles and the S380CPS did well in this area.

The Miter detent adjustment knob also features an offset locking pin. To engage you simply pull the pin up, turn 90 degrees, and let the pin catch in the molded grooves. It’s a small thing but when you have to frequently change miter angles its great no tot have to hold the pin up while setting the angle. It also prevents a tensioned pin from gouging the base if you got lazy and didn’t keep it pulled up after releasing the detent.

Chip Guard – Safety Feature 1

We appreciate chip guards, although we might not love them as much as OSHA does… So we were glad to see a very basic and transparent chip guard included on the Evolution S380CPS Saw. A chip guard on any metal cutting circular saw is good at blocking some of the chips but don’t expect any guard to block them all. This guard met that basic goal. But having an all-plastic guard on a metal cutting saw is asking for it to get broken. We recommend that Evolution looks into a metal framed polycarbonate guard. This would make it more durable while retaining the ability to see where your cutting – a critical safety practice this saw still allows.

Handle 2-Stage Switch – Safety Feature 2

Good news… The Evolution S380CPS features a 2-stage handle. This means that you must press the toggle lever on the inside of the trigger before you can actually pull the trigger to engage the saw. Bad news… its optimized for Right-handed users. We aren’t throwing too many spears at Evolution though because with the blade side-mounted to the motor they really didn’t have any other option. This is a different consideration on a true blade-pivoting style miter saw though. But not on your standard chop saw. We did test out the saw left-handed anyways and it was okay since the vise worked so well.

Integrated Chip Tray

This feature, much like the chip guard, falls into the “it works, but manage your expectations category.” Again, not really a big spear at Evolution as it’s tough to control flying metal pieces from a high-speed spinning saw blade. But we can say that after using the saw, many of the chips DID end up in the tray. And some others made their way onto the floor around the saw. Not a huge deal. That’s part of life when you’re fabricating… But it was nice to catch and empty some of them from the tray. We would recommend Evolution gets rid of the Allen lock. It makes for a very unnecessary step of having to pop the Allen wrench out. We think they should just put a grippable knob and make it easier for the user.

Also, the tray is 16 in. long so you have to pull the saw 17 or so inches away from the wall to get it out. We wondered if there was a way to make it slide out from the side vs. the back to make tight space installation easier.

Optional Accessories

The S380CPS came with a couple great accessories – the 15″ Blade and the Collapsible table. I loaded the 15″ blade up right off the bat. What does it give you? Easy. A greater cutting capacity and a slightly longer lasting blade. Both are a function of basic math. A bigger blade has a larger radius and circumference. Bigger radius = bigger cutting depth. Bigger circumference = longer cutting area per revolution.

The universal table (easily works with other saws) has excellently designed clamping feet. They clamp along both the X & Y axis, or downwards and inwards. Another nice detail was the threaded through bolt combined with a secondary lock nut. The threading action kept the bolt in place while adjusting and then the locking nut secures everything with zero chance of coming loose. It’s a great design.

it also has easy to operate lever releases for leg closure. We appreciated no need to pinch your fingers trying to push the locking pips in directly. The levers made taking down and setting up the table very simple!

However, it’s worth noting that the indents designed into the S380CPS don’t necessarily match up perfectly with the table locking feet/pads. We know this because after initially locking down the saw and loading up the first piece of steel angle to cut we had issues. The locking foot prevented the angle from resting continuously along the fence. It was an easy fix to readjust the locking foot locations though. So this really isn’t a knock on the S380CPS. Just something to be aware of during initial set-up.

Recommendations

So we’ve discussed a few recommendations already, but we’ll add one more. The design of expanding the support arms on the universal table was one of our least favorite parts of this test. it requires the operator to reach under the table at an awkward angle to turn the locking knobs. We’ve seen other stand/table designs that have top-mounted levers or knobs that work much better.

Final Thoughts | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

The Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw (model S380CPS) is a sweet saw that is worth every penny. Does it cost more? yes. but it is worth the investment just for the time saved from the simple and fantastically accurate cuts that are immediately ready to weld. It is also more than worth it for the increased safety – minimal sparks or chance of broken cut off wheel pieces means more peace of mind. But there are great secondary considerations too. Like the ability to easily move the saw around the shop or to a jobsite when needed – something not easily done with a larger horizontal bandsaw. While there are minor areas for improvement such as more detents and better shavings collection designs, these are very minimal critiques. We can’t say enough great things about the overall value and performance of the Evolution Powertools S380CPS!

Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi 12.5″ 15Amp/120V Benchtop Thickness Planer (Model AP1305)

Ryobi 12.5" Thickness Planer (Model AP1305)

3.5/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: AP1305
Power source: 120V (Corded)
Motor size: 15 Amp
Weight: 72.9 lbs

Specifications and Features 

Ryobi should consider 3 low-cost upgrades to future versions of the AP1305. First, they should add a material removal gauge for reasons previously discussed. Second, they should consider adding height adjustment measurements onto the crank handle. This would help users have a rough idea of the equivalency of a half turn in material removed for example. Lastly, Ryobi needs to update their website to reflect the correct handbook for the AP1305. They currently have the AP1300 manual from 2002 loaded on the AP1305’s page.

Ryobi 12.5″ Thickness Planer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Festool 575994 Planex LHS 2 225 EQI-PLUS

Festool has redesigned their Planex drywall sander.  The improved features include random orbit sanding for that perfect finish, LED ring for spot on illumination, adjustable suction power at the head to reduce user fatigue and maximum all day use with the ergonomic T – Handle.  Festool listened to the users on this redesigned Planex EQI – PLUS and it was a complete dream to operate.

First Impression:

The first thing that I think of with Festool is dust extraction, and what is a more perfect tool to perfect than a drywall sander?  Sanding drywall is by far one of the dustiest stages in construction.  Being a remodeling contractor and mostly working in finished spaces, this new redesigned planex was already checking off all the boxes for me.

New tools are always welcomed, but this Planex has completely won me over. We start off in a Systainer SYS3 XXL to store the entire system plus room for accessories. I truly love kits and grab and go all in one Systainer.  The Planex easily clips together and then just hook on a sanding paper disk. Then connect it to your CT36 dust extraction with auto clean and prepare for smooth walls without the mess.

Festool Planex Includes:

• Model  Planex LHS 2 225 EQI-PLUS
• Item number 575994
• SC – LHS 2 225 hose clip
• Hook -and- Loop[ fastener
• Granat P180 pack of five
• Sanding pad dia 220mm inc. interface pad
• Systainer SYS3 XXL 337

Planex LHS 2 225 Specifications:

• Abrasive diameter = 8 7/8”
• Sanding stroke = 3/16” 
• Length = 47 1/4” – 65”
• Weight = 10.36 LB
• Dust extraction connection diameter = 1 1/16”/ 1 7/16” (27mm/36mm)

Festool Planex Features:

• 360 degree LED light ring with light on only button
• Adjustable suction power will reduce user fatigue & the Planex holds its own weight against walls and ceilings 
• Variable working lengths, up to 2 extensions can be added
• The ergonomic T- handle for greater range with shorter machine
• Stores in a Systainer SYS3 XXL & has ample room for store other accessories, sand paper and making it  the perfect  grab in go  drywall sanding kit
• Brushless EC motor providing your long lasting and maintenance free
• Eccentric sanding motion for scratch free surface quality 

Festool Planex On Site:

We had to do a repair on a smooth plastered ceiling.  I applied the first coat of joint compound on this taped repair.  The next day I set up the sander/ dust extractor and started to sand the area.  The planex is light weight and moves across the ceiling like a dream.  During this repair I swapped out sand paper from 180 up to 320 grit.  The finish was super smooth with no marks grooves or indentations.

The dust collection was spot on!  I was able to work in a finished space without running an air scrubber and setting up plastic walls to contain myself.  The LED light provides you with an 360 degrees of lighting. It worked awesome!  Not having to set up a spot light or go back with an inspection light was a big time saver.  Having the light right at the head of the sander allows you to dial in on any imperfections and sand those out.

For wall repairs and ceiling repairs I did, I adjusted the suction power on the head unit while leaving the dust extractor at max suction.  We had great results, walls and ceiling were super smooth with minimal dust on the floor to vacuum up. 

Festool accessory 205274 Planex drywall sander CT dust extractor tool holder has been useful.  We have been using the tool caddy to hold the Planex in between coats and to store different grit sand paper.  Nice little addition IMO.

Suggested Improvement

I would have like to see the XXL SYS3 Systainer lock onto the CT36 dust extractor.  Rolling into a project as one unit would be helpful.  

Festool CT36 E AC Dust Extractor:

Festool CT 36 E AC Dust Extractor Drywall Vacuum model 584014 is a specially designed dust extractor that has an integrated auto clean feature.  This feature confirms full suction and will prevent the filter from getting clogged with drywall dust.  The extractor is sold separately but it pairs very well with the Planex.  Festool CT 36 E AC Dust Extractor kit sells for $ 2,269.00 with the new Planex. The extractor by itself sells for $ 925.00.

Features for the CT36 E AC Extractor Include:

• Variable speed suction
• Self cleaning, variable filter cleaning timer
• Antistatic 36mm hose
• Automatic tool triggered operation

Festool Warranty

All Festool power tools include a 3-year wear-and-tear warranty, 2-day standard repair time, and 1-month satisfaction guarantee.

Conclusion

This will probably read corny, but bear with me! I truly enjoyed using the new redesigned Planex LHS 2 225 EQI- Plus.  I feel this sander has been well thought out by Festool.  The well balanced, LED lighting and incredible dust control are just the few benefits you will be able to provide your clients with for a professional job.  

It truly is a nice kit stored in one systainer (and yes I know its an XXL systainer but it’s still nice!).  This drywall sander will crush it during the drywall stage and will absolutely crush it on the finish stage.  Remember, Festool is quality, innovation, and a complete system design.

Where To Buy

Festool Planex Drywall Sander Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Oneida Air Systems Bench Top Dust Collector Review

Oneida Air Systems Bench Top Dust Collector

Manufacturer: Oneida
Price: 599.00
Power source: 110 volt
Motor size: 535 CFMs

Dust collection is essential to keeping your shop and lungs clean, but not every shop has space or the budget for a full-size, hard piped dust collecting system.

When space or budget is an issue, often times the simplest approach is a shop vac connected to your tool, which will certainly capture large particles at the source. The reality is that there will still be some airborne dust which is usually the smaller more lung dangerous dust.

Adding a benchtop dust collector to this further increases the health and safety of your lungs, but also protects you when using a tool without an adequate dust port. [scroll saw, band, saw, grinder and sanders]

Oneida Air Systems Benchtop Dust Collection

We tried out the Oneida Air Systems benchtop dust collector. It was designed specifically to fit conveniently on a workbench behind the tool, where it moves airborne dust away from the source (and the user’s breathing zone) and into the unit’s dual-filter system. This portable unit delivers dust collection for tools lacking built-in or adequately sized dust ports, and for any activity that puts users in close proximity to airborne dust generation.

First Impression

The Oneida Air System is a slim powder-coated rectangular box that easily fits on top of a workbench – hence its name. The first thing that I did was take apart the filter and check this thing out. Behind the dual filters [pre filter and inner MERV-15 filter]  is an array of six fan motors. These fans combined to provide 535 CFM and can be controlled by a variable speed dial. The best part – they’re not loud like other dust systems or a vacuum.

One nice thing about this dust collector is that is powered by 110 volts so it’s plug and play. It also includes a supplemental 110V outlet for powering sanders. The dual-filter system accepts 3rd party replacements making it easier to obtain. Integrated, top-facing threaded inserts allow for fixed position mounting which could be useful in some applications.

Using The Oneida Air Systems Benchtop Dust Collector

I used the Oneida dust collector at my table saw and also with my random orbital sander, setting it up a foot or two away from me. I purposely created dust by not using my sander vacuum and table saw dust collector. The results were impressive as I could see the cloud of airborne sawdust get pulled into the Oneida filter. The air was cleaner and certainly safer.

Cost

The Oneida Air System is not cheap, it costs $599.00, and the dual replacement filter costs $100. These costs certainly get your attention, but the win here is to think of this tool as a health benefit and also a problem solver.  It protects your lungs and is a great investment for small shops that do not have the capabilities of a plumbed-in dust collection system.

Dust collection is essential to keeping your shop and lungs clean, this dust collector allows you to bring dust collection into your shop immediately.

We recommend it!

Oneida Air Systems Bench Top Dust Collector – Video Review

Oneida Air Systems Bench Top Dust Collector is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Powermate 7500/6000W Cosense Generator (model PM7500)

Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator

Manufacturer: Powermate
Model number: PM7500
Power source: Gasoline
Motor size: 420CC
Weight: 170 lbs

Quick Start Operation | PM7500

The Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator features a “PowerDial” design.  What is the PowerDial?  It integrates what are usually 2 different switches on most generators; the on/off switch and the choke/run switch. The PM7500 has a single switch to toggle from off to choke to run.  It’s also conveniently located on the front panel (not half-hidden on the engine like some other generators).  It makes it very easy to put the generator in the right setting before pulling the recoil start cord. This may seem basic but it is appreciated as an extra step to limit the chance of a new guy or inexperienced homeowner accidentally flooding the engine and delaying use of the generator.

We’ve used generators in the past that were a workout to pull start. That is not the case with the Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator. To get a good feel for the ease of pull starting the PM7500, I had my wife try to start it. What would happen if I wasn’t around during a power outage?  She was able to start the PM7500 within 3 pulls. That satisfied my criteria quite well!

Safety Features & Design

We at Tool Box Buzz live by the goal of never adding temporary safety risks to a job site or home unless absolutely required and controlled. The PM7500 COSENSE Technology exemplifies this commitment! The Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator has an internal carbon monoxide sensor that measures the CO levels in the ambient air around the machine.  If the CO level registers at an unsafe level then the machine automatically shuts off. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a serious safety risk and something OSHA regulates for good reason. Another OSHA-compliant feature of the Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator is the standard GFCI outlets. The PM7500 with COSENSE is designed to keep you safe and safety compliant which we love here at Tool Box Buzz.

The Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator also has internal safety features. While these are pretty standard features, we thought it was worth highlighting as the machine would be at higher risk of damage without them.  They include:

• Top located Fuel gauge
• Hour Meter: to ensure you stay up to date on essential maintenance
• Low-Oil Level Shutdown: Prevents engine damage
• Covered outlets: Provide protection from the elements/dust/debris
• 25A Circuit Breaker: prevent circuit overload & electrical damage

Power & Performance | PM7500

The Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator is powered by a Generac 420CC OHV Engine. We love Generac engines.  They are durable and low maintenance.  These are essential features on a job site or in a home power/weather emergency situation. The 420CC’s equate to 10 HP. This, combined with an 8-gallon tank, give you 11 total hours of runtime at 50% load (14 hrs at 25% load). We ran a 160 Amp MIG welder, multiple grinders, a job-site 10″ table saw, and multiple 18-20V battery chargers in a variety of combinations throughout the workday with zero power-supply issues.

We also appreciated the mix of outlets. Specifically, we liked the addition of the 220V, 30A (NEMA L14-30R) outlet.  This worked great for some of our MIG welders but also allows for easier circuit panel (or RV) hook-ups. we tested it out using a 20′, 10GA heavy-duty extension cord and it worked like a champ. The picture below also shows the rubber, weather-resistant outlet covers. These did a great job keeping out dust and dirt on the job site throughout the week and seem designed to last.

Mobility Features & Design

The Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator sports well thought out integrated handle and wheels. We almost included this in the safety section since lifting a non-wheeled generator is an injury waiting to happen; the PM7500 weighs 170 lbs. The handle folds down for easy storage.  The wheels are large enough to easily roll over gravel or dirt surfaces.  The wheels are also solid plastic so there is no risk of getting a flat tire on a job site.

Final Thoughts |PM7500

The Powermate PM7500 COSENSE Generator is a great generator.  It offers ample power to support a wide variety of tools on the job site. It also has enough power to provide for basic needs at home in a power loss emergency. The run time is excellent and won’t require you to top off the tank on your lunch break or in the middle of the night.  It is easily portable with an integrated handle and wheels.  And best of all, the PM7500 has some great safety features built in to include a carbon monoxide sensor + auto-shutoff and standard GFCI outlets. The only recommendation I have for Powermate is that, for the price point, they should consider including a generator cover. This is a very low-cost add-on that can make a difference.

Powermate PM7500 Cosense Generator Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Oliver Machinery 10″ Table Saw w/ Roller Stand Review (model 10010)

Oliver Machinery Table Saw Model 10010

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Oliver Machinery
Model number: 10010
Power source: 115V
Motor size: 15 Amp / 2HP
Weight: 90 lbs

Oliver Machinery’s recently released 10″ job site table saw, model 10010, is a fully-featured portable table saw worth highlighting. This 10″ job site table saw with a roller stand is Oliver Machinery’s top option for portable table saws. It also represents Oliver Machinery’s commitment to expanding their market with high-end PRO-level tools from their previous industrial-focused offerings. We only wish we’d had the Oliver Machinery 10010 job site table saw for our most recent Head-to-Head table saw test! This is a great saw full of features we were happy to put to the test.

Oliver Machinery Table Saw Model 10010 Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz