Friday, June 5, 2015
What I review
I've hit a slow time for reviews so it seemed like a good time to get a post out for anyone who has a product they're looking to get some visibility for. As my blogger profile says, I'm a Computer Engineer and that is a result of being a big hardware geek. From PC components to Arduinos to basically anything that blinks a light or beeps. Along with that I like to make things. Not in terms of art but functional stuff. This of course includes designing circuits but goes on to diy cnc machines, leatherworking and woodworking. On that note, I'm always looking at general tools as well as more specialized ones for the specific hobbies. My leatherworking is mostly related to firearms so any accessories for them are acceptable too. If you have something that youre not sure fits in here anywhere, feel free to contact me at apetephoto@gmail.com and I'll let you know.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Blogging identity crisis
Tips? Anyone? *crickets* We'll put a pin in that one for now.
Title logo
What's that? A new header doodle? Drew it myself and quite proud. The simpler the better.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw review
Hitachi C10FCE2 10" Compound Miter saw on Amazon
I use the Hitachi 10 inch saw daily. It has performed fine for 3 years
now and I've seen no reason to look at any other models yet. The thing
to remember is that it has limits. Be aware of them and you'll get a lot
of use out of it. I cut everything from oak for cabinets to your
average 2x4 and haven't been let down.
Performance-
To start out, it's not a top of the line model, but I've found it to be plenty capable for making most cuts. If you're planning to buy this just be aware of what 10" gets you. I've made cuts on stock 6" wide before but you won't get a bit further. Most of my cuts have been under this so it hasn't been a problem. The stock blade cuts as well as you would expect a factory one to but it eats up my oak a little if I'm not careful. If you're just using it on a job site you'll be able to cut studs all day long. The motor is plenty capable and I haven't yet felt it hesitate.
Build- Structurally this saw is solid. The handle, motor cover, and shield are the only plastic but I think that's pretty reasonable. The rest is very solid and has taken the moderate abuse I've given it. I have concerns about the arm that controls the blade guard as it seems flimsy and a possible failure point if it gets banged around too much. Nothing so far though. The On switch is sturdy and responsive, as well as solid adjustment knobs that do the job but aren't any more beefy than they need to be. The cord is nice and thick so it should hold up for the life of the saw too.
Features- Both bevel and miter are very usable. The miter locks to positions well and I never feel like it will move during a cut. Remember that when you swivel the head for angles you lose depth(front to back) of cut. Not much more than a 2x4 at that point. Then there is dust collection... Non-existent. There is a bag in the back but it will never fill up so you'd be best to just remove it so it's out of the way. That's where I knock a start off. I didn't get the laser model, but I've found myself wishing I had it; consider the upgrade.
I use the Hitachi 10 inch saw daily. It has performed fine for 3 years
now and I've seen no reason to look at any other models yet. The thing
to remember is that it has limits. Be aware of them and you'll get a lot
of use out of it. I cut everything from oak for cabinets to your
average 2x4 and haven't been let down.Performance-
To start out, it's not a top of the line model, but I've found it to be plenty capable for making most cuts. If you're planning to buy this just be aware of what 10" gets you. I've made cuts on stock 6" wide before but you won't get a bit further. Most of my cuts have been under this so it hasn't been a problem. The stock blade cuts as well as you would expect a factory one to but it eats up my oak a little if I'm not careful. If you're just using it on a job site you'll be able to cut studs all day long. The motor is plenty capable and I haven't yet felt it hesitate.
Build- Structurally this saw is solid. The handle, motor cover, and shield are the only plastic but I think that's pretty reasonable. The rest is very solid and has taken the moderate abuse I've given it. I have concerns about the arm that controls the blade guard as it seems flimsy and a possible failure point if it gets banged around too much. Nothing so far though. The On switch is sturdy and responsive, as well as solid adjustment knobs that do the job but aren't any more beefy than they need to be. The cord is nice and thick so it should hold up for the life of the saw too.
Features- Both bevel and miter are very usable. The miter locks to positions well and I never feel like it will move during a cut. Remember that when you swivel the head for angles you lose depth(front to back) of cut. Not much more than a 2x4 at that point. Then there is dust collection... Non-existent. There is a bag in the back but it will never fill up so you'd be best to just remove it so it's out of the way. That's where I knock a start off. I didn't get the laser model, but I've found myself wishing I had it; consider the upgrade.
PORTER-CABLE PC600JS 6 Amp Orbital Jig Saw review
Porter Cable Jigsaw on Amazon
Don't get worried about the lack of 5 stars, I'd still definitely recommend this to anyone. It's the first jigsaw I've owned but it's worked great. I get it out all the time for projects that need a special cut or something that has limited space. It's actually the first thing I think of even if there's a better tool for the specific case. It's just so versatile. Any craftsman needs a jig-saw, but I think a porter cable is the best buy.
Build-
This thing is beefy. Not is a size way, but in a quality construction sense. I'm not kidding, sometimes I'm holding it and consider using it as a mallet because it's so sturdy. There's no flex to any part of it and all controls are solid enough that I never worry about breaking them. It has a nice long cord that it pretty thick and has great strain relief at the handle so you won't be replacing a bad cable any time soon.
Performance-
To start out, this isn't the sort of tool that bogs down so don't worry about breaking it with a hard material. Most of the time it cuts through things fine. I was making a secret compartment book that broke my scroll saw blade but this thing chewed through the book "Eragon" like butter. My only complaint here is that every so often, I be cutting something that I have to work to get through. I try more pressure and less but it doesn't want to bite. Mind you, I'm still on the stock blade so I'm going to try a different one soon. It may just be my blade selection.
If you're jig-saw shopping, there's really no reason to go for the high priced models. Get this and see why I like Porter-Cable products so much.
Don't get worried about the lack of 5 stars, I'd still definitely recommend this to anyone. It's the first jigsaw I've owned but it's worked great. I get it out all the time for projects that need a special cut or something that has limited space. It's actually the first thing I think of even if there's a better tool for the specific case. It's just so versatile. Any craftsman needs a jig-saw, but I think a porter cable is the best buy.
Build-
This thing is beefy. Not is a size way, but in a quality construction sense. I'm not kidding, sometimes I'm holding it and consider using it as a mallet because it's so sturdy. There's no flex to any part of it and all controls are solid enough that I never worry about breaking them. It has a nice long cord that it pretty thick and has great strain relief at the handle so you won't be replacing a bad cable any time soon.
Performance-
To start out, this isn't the sort of tool that bogs down so don't worry about breaking it with a hard material. Most of the time it cuts through things fine. I was making a secret compartment book that broke my scroll saw blade but this thing chewed through the book "Eragon" like butter. My only complaint here is that every so often, I be cutting something that I have to work to get through. I try more pressure and less but it doesn't want to bite. Mind you, I'm still on the stock blade so I'm going to try a different one soon. It may just be my blade selection.
If you're jig-saw shopping, there's really no reason to go for the high priced models. Get this and see why I like Porter-Cable products so much.
Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz
Intel Core i5-3570K Processor on Amazon
This processor is a couple years old now but I've had it running with no issues for 3 years now and I see no need to upgrade. I use it in a moderate gaming rig with an OC to 4.3 no problem. It does have an larger heatsink and fan than stock but I bought it just to be safe. I've yet to have any overheating issues and this box is running in a bonus room that is impossible to keep cool.
Video cards are of course
important but back when I was playing games more I regularly had Skyrim
at full settings and chugged along fine. Crysis 2 was a breeze too. If
you're looking for something that can take anything up to semi-heavy
games but don't want to splurge on the newest hardware, this is the
processor for you.
This processor is a couple years old now but I've had it running with no issues for 3 years now and I see no need to upgrade. I use it in a moderate gaming rig with an OC to 4.3 no problem. It does have an larger heatsink and fan than stock but I bought it just to be safe. I've yet to have any overheating issues and this box is running in a bonus room that is impossible to keep cool.
Cooler Master HAF 912 - Mid Tower Computer Case
Cooler Master HAF 912 on Amazon
I bought this case for a moderate gaming setup and I've found it to be well worth the usual 60ish price. It has tons of space and even is ready to accept liquid cooling so you can start out basic and not have to get a new case just to upgrade.
Build-
As with most cases the pales are made out of a somewhat thin steel. I think this one has the perfect gauge that makes it light enough to not be a pain but has very little flex. The main panel locks in solidly and is very easy to get in. Some other manufactures have a rail system that you have to fiddle with to get it in but this one is pretty easy. I found enough space to run cables under the motherboard mount frame just inside the right panel which kept the runs a little cleaner.
Performance-
A case needs has two jobs: have space for everything and allow cooling. It has them both in aces. This is said to be a mid tower but I think of it as full size. It really does have plenty of space. As for cooling, I've never had an issue. The front is essential a giant metal mesh and the back has adequate vents as well. That's not even mentioning the ample venting on the side too. I'm running the stock fans with an aftermarket cooled quad core OC'd from 3.8 to 4.1 and OC'd GTX 650TI as well as 2 HDs and an ssd. Internal temp has stayed fine and I've found no need to add more fans.
This is a perfect case for budget builds to all out gaming rigs. I just don't see a reason to go with anything more expensive. when this has what you need.
I bought this case for a moderate gaming setup and I've found it to be well worth the usual 60ish price. It has tons of space and even is ready to accept liquid cooling so you can start out basic and not have to get a new case just to upgrade.
Build-
As with most cases the pales are made out of a somewhat thin steel. I think this one has the perfect gauge that makes it light enough to not be a pain but has very little flex. The main panel locks in solidly and is very easy to get in. Some other manufactures have a rail system that you have to fiddle with to get it in but this one is pretty easy. I found enough space to run cables under the motherboard mount frame just inside the right panel which kept the runs a little cleaner.
Performance-
A case needs has two jobs: have space for everything and allow cooling. It has them both in aces. This is said to be a mid tower but I think of it as full size. It really does have plenty of space. As for cooling, I've never had an issue. The front is essential a giant metal mesh and the back has adequate vents as well. That's not even mentioning the ample venting on the side too. I'm running the stock fans with an aftermarket cooled quad core OC'd from 3.8 to 4.1 and OC'd GTX 650TI as well as 2 HDs and an ssd. Internal temp has stayed fine and I've found no need to add more fans.
This is a perfect case for budget builds to all out gaming rigs. I just don't see a reason to go with anything more expensive. when this has what you need.
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