Several months ago we did a review of the Bosch L-Boxx 1A. We found it to be a very solid, versatile, transportable way to organize things around the shop. Unfortunately, once we put stuff in the L-Boxx, we had absolutely no clue which L-Boxx had what in it. In addition to the L-Boxx mystery, some of our tools were playing hard-to-get too. While a few of our more beloved tools are out in the open, free-range style, many are safely stored away in the fairly nondescript boxes they came in. Some manufacturers are kind enough to label the boxes, but most don’t. The result is a shop that makes finding the right tool more like an Easter egg hunt than a quick grab. We needed help, and the folks at Epson sent it to us in the form an LW-400 Label Maker to review. [Read more...]
Label Your Shop & Organize Your Life – Epson LW-400 Review
Tunes to Go – Bosch 12v PB120 Job Site Radio Review
Bosch has been in the job site radio game for years now. Their PB360 radio is legendary for it’s durability. A built-in roll cage had Bosch comfortable enough to have our friend Beth from ToolSkool hurl it off a raised platform. Bosch also staged several more robust stunts including launching it from a trebuchet. As cool and durable as the PB360 is, it’s also a bit like carrying a loaded milk crate around. If you’re just looking for some nearby tunes or talk radio and you’re not looking to rock out the whole block, the PB360 might be seen as overkill. Enter the new and far more portable 12v PB120 job site radio. [Read more...]
And You Thought Halloween Was Over – New Laws on Vampire Electricity
Photo – Verizon Wireless
Asimo Beware – RoboReel Automated Cord Reel Review
If you’re like me, you live in a constant state of disappointment that more of our world has not been automated. I mean, c’mon! It’s 2012, where the hell are my robots? Oh sure, I carry around more computing power in my smart phone than all the building-sized super-computers of the 70′s, but I still haven’t seen Asimo fetch my lunch or clean my house. All he does is creepily walk around and occasionally fall down stairs. A few months ago, my bleak outlook on automation was brightened by our discovery of the RoboReel, marketed as “the world’s first durable, portable, automatic extension-cord-manager for professional and home workshops.” RoboReel sent us a ceiling and portable model to test out here at HomeFixated, and they have also generously offered to provide a RoboReel of the winner’s choosing to one lucky HomeFixated reader in our August Free Stuff Givewaway! [Read more...]
The 3M You Are Going to go Deaf Noise Indicator
I originally saw the 3M Noise Indicator NI-100 model in a Tool Monger review by Benjamen Johnson. Now, I know 3M is a solid company and they have some fantastic products. I myself won’t use anything but their adhesive transfer tape, for instance. But, the Noise Indicator seems a bit of an odd product to me; though I can just picture a certain, well known “on the job safety” organization licking their collective lips over it. I guess it’s meant for those who are either A) too dim irresponsible to wear ear plugs when the noise becomes unpleasant or B) maybe already borderline deaf?!? [Read more...]
Genie 101 – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Garage Door Openers
When I first was invited to attend Genie’s Blogger Summit in the heart of Amish country in Ohio, I was a little confused. It’s a garage door opener. How much to it can there be? It lifts the door up and then lowers it back down. Well, it turns out there’s a whole lot more to garage openers than meets the eye. Once I started to get past the severe culture shock of the San Diego to Amish country transition (we passed a lot of horse-drawn carriages and women with bonnets riding bicycles), I started to absorb a lot of useful information about garage door openers in general, and Genie garage door openers in specific. [Read more...]
Computer Mods for the Woodworking Nerd
Before I started with the woodworking content, I wanted to share a story that involved a shrimp named Frank, a moose and Betty White, but I’m not sure how it relates to anything and I really don’t remember any of the plot or how it ends anyway. Since the story at the moment escapes me, I just thought I’d jump right in. I, myself, am not a very high techy guy, and I’m not really sure how to work most of the software on my computer. This computer mod I saw really got me considering changing my ways. I happened to be leaving a Comp USA store and noticed this CPU magazine, and, because it had this sweet wood frame on the front (and because it was free), I decided to pick it up. [Read more...]
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Review – DIY Essential or Overkill?
The use of lasers domestically was once so simple. Most were laser pointers, and used primarily for a) Making cats chase the dot around – hilarious by the way b) Getting arrested when pointing them at aircraft – don’t do this please c) Pointing the dot at someone’s chest to make them think a swat team sniper had them in their crosshairs. Oh, and occasionally they actually got used for things like pointing at stuff for presentations. Well, it’s 2010 folks, and lasers have evolved. In fact, what used to be accessible only to commercial construction crews, is now starting to fall within reach of remodelers and DIYers. Which is why Bosch sent us their GLL2-80 Dual Plane Leveling and Alignment Laser to review. [Read more...]
Milwaukee M-Spector AV Inspection Camera Review – Bad for Poker
Hi. My name is Marc. And I like gadgets. A lot. I need help. Unfortunately, the only technique I use to deal with my gadget fetish is simply to play with more gadgets. Typically increased consumption isn’t really the best strategy for dealing with an addiction. However, in the case of HomeFixated, feeding my addiction results in more material for readers. It’s a win-win. Milwaukee Tools recently took part in a little co-dependence by sending HomeFixated one of their M-Spector AV M12 Video Inspection Cameras. I quickly schemed several conventional and not-so-conventional tests to put the M-Spector Av through its paces. [Read more...]
Bosch Power Box 360, It’s Drop-Tastic!
You may not expect a big corporation like Bosch to drop-it-like-it’s-hot, but trust me, they’re down! At the semi-recent Bosch Global Leadership Tour, we were shown the Power Box 360, being billed as the ultimate jobsite sound system (plus it’s great for around the house too). Then we were shown the Power Box 360 being hurled off a platform onto a concrete parking lot. When Bosch says their gear is durable, they’re willing to put their sound system where their mouth is. More details on drop-it-like-its-hot survivability shortly. [Read more...]
