Space-saving saw
Bosch 12" Dual Bevel Glide Mitersaw
Ever since sliding compound mitersaws replaced radial-arm saws, users have learned to deal with the saw’s major shortcoming: The rails that support the motor and guide the blade require almost as much clearance at the back of the tool as the cutting table does at the front. That foot or so might not seem like much, but providing rail space often means sacrificing floor space, a resource that most basement and garage shops have in very short supply. Thankfully, Bosch has devised a saw that shrinks the footprint by 12".
The space-saving credit goes to a new “axial-glide” mechanism: a pair of hinged arms that fold on three stout knuckles, enabling the saw to be positioned against a wall. The hinge action is every bit as smooth as railed saws, but, according to the manufacturer, it is more robust and less likely to go out of adjustment.
Using upfront adjustments, the blade bevels to 47° in both directions, and miters to 60° right and 52° left. The 12" blade has a crosscut capacity of 13 1⁄2" at 90°.
#152580 $799.99
Tester: Andrew Bondi
Quick-connecting clamps
Jorgenson ISD3 Expandable Clamps
When buying clamps for my shop, I’m forced to decide between the capabilities of longer clamps versus the convenience of shorter ones. Too often, I pick wrong and wind up stumbling over a bar that’s way too long or driving back to the store, because the one in hand is too short. Thanks to the interlocking heads on the new Jorgensen ISD3s, I’m better able to avoid both problems.
The sliding dovetail on the end enables the clamps to lock together, transforming two shorter clamps into one longer model. A neat bonus: The length of the joined pair is longer than the sum of the parts (by adding the length of the end jaws, a 6" and a 12" combine to create a 24" clamp). In addition, the stouter clutch mechanism applies more clamping pressure than standard one-handed bar clamps.
#152178 - 152182
(5 lengths from 6" to 36")
$18.99-$31.99
Tester: Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk
Cleaner corners and then some
WoodRiver Chisel Planes
For the times when an ordinary hand plane won’t make the cut, here’s your solution. A chisel plane’s blade extends past the front of the body, much like a fixed-angle chisel, giving it the ability to reach where other plane blades can’t.
While a chisel plane will earn its keep removing glue, trimming plugs and proud dovetails, and cleaning rabbeted corners, it’s important to note that it won’t make fluffy shavings like other planes. This is because the body does not provide any support in front of the blade. You also handle the chisel plane a bit differently. To smooth small sections, set the blade for a super-light cut and use short, paring strokes.
#151301 small $59.99
#151302 large $129.99
Tester: Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk
“Plug and play” pneumatic piping
RapidAir Compressed-Air Piping System
Taking a cue from home construction, RapidAir has developed a compressed-air distribution system that uses nylon tubing instead of copper or black pipe. Compared to other plumbing options, the flexible “pipes” are not only less expensive, but faster and easier to install. The quick-connect fittings are as simple as the name suggests: For an airtight joint, push the flexible tubing into the fitting. Using this system, I plumbed my shop in a single afternoon.
The Master Kit includes two air outlet kits, a compressor manifold kit, 100' of tubing, a cutter, and instructions—enough tubing and fittings to set up a basic two-outlet system. Parts are sold separately, so you can purchase additional air outlet kits and fittings to meet future needs.
#152558 $139.99
Tester: Peter Collins
