Should the Handyguy consider “reconditioned” tools when making a purchase on the Handyguys Podcast store? The Handyguys talk about their experience with reconditioned tools and invite a listener the chime in on his recent purchase of a sweet Bosch compound miter saw through the Handyguys Amazon store.

There are many advantages to reconditioned, but before the Handyguys can detail their experience with the reconditioned market, they talk to Ryan from Grand Rapids about his Bosch tool purchase.

What exactly are reconditioned tools? There are probably some variations between manufacturers, but Porter-Cable explains their reconditioned tools:

Factory reconditioned occurs when a unit has come back to us. It could be for a myriad of reasons, i.e. could have been a demo tool at a show, a product that was returned within the first 90 days (per our, no questions asked, return policy), or it could have been damaged in shipment, or experienced a failure in some way shape or form. Regardless, the tools that do get returned to the National Disposition Center are refurbished, repaired, and retested. These tools are then backed by the same great warranty as if it were a new tool (however the user most likely purchased it at a 25%+ discount over the normal “new” retail price). If you look at the tool they are in new housings, and are in “new” working order, but instead of a yellow, or white and red box, they come in a cardboard “craft” box.

The Handyguys have purchased many reconditioned tools from Porter-Cable. They detail their experience and the pros and cons in this episode of the Handyguys podcast.

Oh…you may wonder if there are any downsides to purchasing reconditioned. Indeed, there is the problem of not knowing when a particular tool will become available as a reconditioned item in our store. They don’t make them that way. So check out the complete podcast and try out a reconditioned tool on your next purchase.

The Handyguys discuss why modern appliances suck stink and briefly discuss how to fix a whirlpool GS6SHEXNL00 side by side refrigerator.

The Handyguys are NOT appliance repairmen

First off – The Handyuys are NOT appliance repair guys. We are just a couple of handy homeowners who have attempted a couple appliance repairs ourselves. Please don’t call us to come out and repair your appliances. We don’t know everything about all appliances. If its a common issue we have have seen it and can give you some advice but generally we will tell you to continue your research elsewhere. Google is your friend. Try googling a model number. If you got here because of a google search then maybe this info will be useful.

Ranting about modern appliances

The Handyguys rant about whats wrong with modern appliances. So, why do modern appliances stink? More water cleans dishes better, more water gets cloths cleaner, more powerful motors last longer but use a little more energy.  Does it really use less water and energy when you need to run your dishwasher twice because it didn’t get your dishes clean the first time? Same with your clothes washer. If your clothes smell musty and you need to do that extra rinse or a full second wash does that really contribute to being green? It certainly contributes to frustration.

Brian then discusses his front loading clothes washer. It vibrates like crazy. Yes its level and balanced. The repair guys has been out three or four times to replace parts that have been broken due to the vibration but he cant fix the cause of the vibration. The manufacture says my house isn’t build strong enough!!! Hmm, the house is built above code and the floor has been reinforced just to prove its not the house. The manufacture says it should be on concrete and I should move it to the basement or garage and out of the laundry room. Crazyness. This was a very expensive washer from a top manufacturer. Bosch, if you are reading this feel free to respond and prove to us that new appliances DON’T suck stink.

Repairing a Whirlpool Gold GS6SHEXNL00 refrigerator

The Handyguys discuss how to fix a Whirlpool Gold side by side GS6SHEXNL00 side by side refrigerator. We will be posting a video soon. What were the symptoms? No controls, light wouldn’t work. When the bulb was removed everything worked. Some other people have similar issues with this series of refrigerators. Fortunately its an easy fix. Essentially it involves replacing a circuit board. The board is in the bottom of the fridge and accessed from the back. We describe the process in the podcast but the video will show you all the steps.

Defrost or not to defrost

Does it ever make sense to not buy a frost free freezer? YES. Yet another modern “convenience” that causes freezer burn and hard ice cream. Listen to the podcast to find out why.

The Handyguys suspect that a lot of handguys would love to own a table saw.  But, is this a tool that the average handyguy should own?  Brian and Paul discuss whether this tool should be included in your toolkit workshop.

The issue of table saws was brought up by Bill, a regular listener

I am just getting into woodworking and am looking to build a T.V. Cabinet and a wall sized bookcase.  I know, when I do something, I go all out.  I have all of the other tools that I need except a table saw.  So, I am looking for a good Table Saw recommendation at around the $400 price range.
Thanks and keep up the great show!

Bosch Portable Table Saw

Before we answer Bill’s question, the Handyguys would like to take this time to address the whole issue of table saws and the handyguy.  Is this a tool that the average handyguy needs?  Sure… we would all love to have one, but is it a necessary expense?  The truth is that many handyguys do not have room for a table saw and many fix-it jobs around the house do not require a table saw.  Furthermore, if you need to rip a board (cut it lengthwise), you can make a guide or jig for your circular saws to make a safe rip.

So, unless you are going to be doing some serious woodworking and/or cabinetmaking, you may not require the functionality of a table saw.  Try using a friend’s saw in the few circumstances that require this beast of a tool.

Is renting an option when you need a table saw?   The Handyguys address this issue during their “Buy, Borrow or Steal” segment.   The problem with renting is that you are normally limited to table top, portable or light weight contractor saws.   You will not be able to rent a heavier cabinet saw.   In addition, the handyguy may only require making a few quick cuts with a table saw which makes renting an expensive option.   As always, listen to the show for more details.

If you require your own table saw, you should understand the basic types of saws and determine how are you going to use the saw.   Is portability important or is precision the highest priority.   The portable table top saws can be had for less then $500 and for as low as $100.   Beware of the cheaper saws because they often have fences that do not work well (to say the least).   The Handyguys discuss this in more detail on the show.

Jet contractor saw

A step up to the portable table top or lightweight saw is the contractor saw.   This saw has a more solid fixed base and a heavier aluminum or cast iron top.   It is heavier and more powerful.   You can move it but it may require the strength of two handyguys.   This saw is intended for the pro contractor and makes a handy addition to the job site.   Many handyguys will use this variety of table saw for their stationary workshop.   The contractor saw has some downsides because it lacks the power and dust collection ability of a higher end cabinet saw.

Grizzly cabinet saw

The next level of saw used to be a cabinet saw, but now there is a class of saw called a “hybrid.”   This saw has an enclosed base like a cabinet saw but uses the motor and mechanisms of a contractor saw to keep the price down. The cabinet provides some of the weight and stability of a cabinet saw but the hybrid does not have the power and features of a full cabinet saw.

The cabinet saw is the king of the table saws.   It starts at about $1000 and can scale up to several thousands of your hard earned cash.   Typically the cabinet saws have 3HP and above motors and require 220 voltage.

Once you get a table saw, you must learn how to tune the saw and use it safely.   You can get some great tips on table saw usage at www.thewoodwhisperer.com.   Check out all of his videos, including this one on table saw safety:   http://thewoodwhisperer.com/episode-51-tablesaw-experience/

The Wood Whisperer is a great site to learn about woodworking

Oh, getting back to Bill’s question.   The Handyguys don’t forget to answer it.   They also discuss looking for a used table saws and the new Sawstop technology.

Please listen to the podcast for all the details on Table Saws.

The Handyguys love their tools. Check out our other shows where we talk about tools!

The Handyguys, Brian and Paul, first take a question from our call in line regarding repair of rotted porch posts. We then move into a Head to Head tool challenge to test out jigsaws and then wrap up with a new segment Buy, Borrow or Rent. We also discuss tool borrowing Etiquette.

Listener Questions

First off, the Handyguys answer a good question from one of our listeners regarding the repair of some porch posts. Our caller listened to our episode regarding using Bondo to repair rotted wood.  His posts were too far gone for repair so The Handyguys recommend replacing the posts. Listen to the Podcast to hear the question and Brian and Paul’s response. Brian and Paul provide some good information to help you evaluate how to go about such a repair.

Head to Head Tool Challenge

The Handyguys then move to the garage to test out two jigsaws.  Their tests pit a cheap jigsaw against a finely tuned cutting machine. The Handyguys devised three different tests: cutting a curved line in 1/2″ plywood, cutting 4″ circle in 5/4 cedar and cutting a piece of 2x pressure treated southern yellow pine. The cut in the pressure treated lumber might be similar to creating an interesting detail on the end of a rafter for a pergola.

The tests were done with similar toothed blades in the same condition. The Bosch jigsaw handled all cuts without breaking a sweat. The Skill jigsaw could not even finish the cut in the pressure treated 2x material. The finished cut of the pressure treated material, using the Bosch, was square to the face of the board; a key indicator of a quality jigsaw. The Skill was almost uncontrollable in the thinner softer material and did not create a clean cut.

Buy, borrow, rent or steal

The Handyguys discuss the merits of renting versus borrowing versus buying tools. Being tool junkies, the Handyguys usually prefer to own their own tools but renting or borrowing makes sense if it is a one-time-use tool. What about borrowing? The Handyguys will lend certain tools to people and are not afraid to borrow tools either.

Listen to their take on Borrowing etiquette. Oh, and you cant borrow Brian’s chainsaw but he will be glad to help you with some cutting tasks.

Remember, its not too late to enter the drawing for our EcoGlue and tool bag giveaway. The winner will be drawn and announced August 7th. To enter the drawing just subscribe to our email announcement of new shows. More details can be found in our Episode 25 show on glues.