Blog
OPTP Super Pinky Ball Review: Right Shop Tool for Us?
We didn’t expect a small sphere to earn a permanent spot in our recovery kit, but the OPTP Super Pinky Ball makes a convincing case. Its moderately firm density hits that sweet spot: assertive enough to dig into stubborn knots, yet not so brutal that we dread using it. We rolled it along tight shoulders, parked it under our upper back against a wall, and even tried it underfoot for plantar fasciitis flare-ups. The targeted pressure feels precise—more “guided deep tissue” than “randomly poked by a rock.” What surprised us most was how easy it is to control: one inch of repositioning can change the whole sensation. Is it the right shop tool for us? It’s getting close.
10″ Self-Healing Cutting Mat Review: Right for Our Shop?
In our shop, a cutting mat has to earn its space—especially a compact one. This 10" self-healing cutting mat surprised us with how “finished” it feels for a small round tool: the non-slip base stays planted when we’re trimming quilt pieces, and the scalloped edge makes it easy to grip and reposition without smudging our work. After a few sessions with rotary cutters and craft knives, the surface largely bounced back, keeping our lines cleaner and our cuts more predictable. We also liked how it slips beside the sewing machine without stealing table real estate. That said, the 10" size is best for patchwork, paper piecing, and small leather or art projects—not big yardage.
Woodpeckers Baltic Birch Laser Cutter Wood: Worth It?
When we unboxed the Woodpeckers Baltic Birch Plywood set—12 sheets of 3 mm (1/8) B/BB grade, each 12 x 24 inches—it immediately felt like it was made for makers. The panels are light yet surprisingly rigid, with a clean, pale face that invites engraving and a back side that keeps expectations realistic. On our laser, the consistent thickness helped dialing in settings without chasing focus, and the cuts landed crisp with minimal fuss. For CNC work, the edges stayed tidy, and for wood burning, the grain took shading nicely without turning blotchy too fast. It’s not flawless—minor cosmetic variation shows up—but for craft-grade precision, it’s a compelling box.
KAKURI Coping Saw Review: Worth It for Our Home Shop?
In our home shop, the KAKURI Coping Saw Coping Frame and 5 Replacement Blades Set arrived like a small invitation to slow down and cut with intention. The frame feels straightforward in the hand—light enough for long sessions, but steady when we’re tracing tight curves in wood board. We appreciated having multiple blades on deck; swapping from a fine-tooth option for cleaner scrollwork to a tougher blade for plastic (and even the occasional thin metal piece) kept the pace moving without improvising. Tensioning the blade took a minute to dial in, yet once set, the saw tracked predictably and made inside cuts less fussy than our jigsaw. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical—exactly what we want on a crowded bench.
Junk Journal Kit Review: Right Tool for Our Shop?
In our search for small, versatile add-ons that can elevate a handmade page without stealing the spotlight, this Junk Journal Supplies Kit quickly caught our eye. The set includes 40 sheets of quote and affirmation stickers, leaning into that vintage ephemera vibe—think softly aged typography, gentle motifs, and snippets that feel “found” rather than factory-made. We tested them across scrapbooking spreads, vision board layouts, and quick card fronts, and they layered nicely with washi, ink, and torn paper edges. The quotes range from reflective to energizing, giving us easy focal points when a page feels unfinished. For our shop, the real question is repeat usability—and these sheets seem built for steady, everyday embellishing rather than one-off novelty.
Elite Montessori Stamp Game Review: Right Shop Tool?
In our search for math materials that feel more like play than practice, we landed on the Elite Montessori Stamp Game—and it immediately caught our eye with its tidy, tactile design. Instead of worksheets, we’re working with small, color-coded tiles that invite hands-on exploration of place value, addition, subtraction, and even early multiplication. We like how the process slows things down in a good way: our learners can “build” numbers, trade units for tens, and actually see regrouping happen. That said, the experience depends on organization; without a routine, pieces can wander and lessons can lose momentum. In this review, we’ll share how it held up in real sessions, who it best serves, and whether it’s the right tool for our shelf.
Shark WANDVAC Hand Vacuum Review: Right for Our Shop?
In our shop, messes don’t wait—sawdust drifts into corners, packing peanuts scatter, and pet hair somehow finds every mat. The Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac (WV201RGBRN) caught our eye because it promises serious suction in a 1.4‑lb, grab-and-go body. We liked the simplicity of the charging dock: park it, charge it, and it’s ready for quick cleanups between tasks. The one-touch empty system also feels designed for real work—no wrestling with clumps of debris when we’re in a hurry. With the multi-surface pet tool and duster crevice tool, it aims to handle everything from car seats to bench-top grit. Still, we wanted to see if “compact” can truly mean “capable.”
18″ Bamboo Knife & Board Kit Review: Shop-Ready?
Our first impression of the 18" Bamboo Fish Cleaning Board Kit was that it feels like a mini fish station you can pull out of a drawer. The bamboo board has a reassuring heft, and the anti-slip design kept things steady while we worked—no skating across the counter when the fish got slick. We appreciated the built-in scale/measure marks for quick length checks, especially when we didn’t want to hunt for a tape. The included clamp helped tame wiggly fillets, and having the knife, sharpener, and gloves in the same set made setup fast. That said, the real question is durability: after a few cleanings, we’ll be watching for warping, odors, and how well the edge holds.
EZARC Obsidian Oscillating Saw Blades: Our Shop?
In our shop, oscillating blades aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re the difference between a clean cut and a long afternoon. The EZARC Obsidian Carbide Oscillating Saw Blades (3-pack) claim multi-material confidence, and we put that promise to work where it matters: trimming PVC, nibbling through drywall, and bumping into the inevitable hidden nail. The carbide edge feels built for those mixed-mess moments, when wood turns into metal mid-stroke and most blades start whining. We also like the quick-release compatibility, which keeps our workflow moving instead of hunting for hex keys. Are these the blades we reach for first? That depends on the job—but they’re firmly in our “ready drawer” for anything unpredictable.
15 Ideas de Almacenamiento de Cocina que Te Harán Decir ‘¿Por Qué No Se Me Ocurrió Antes?’
¿Cansado de buscar espacio en tu cocina? Descubre estas 15 ingeniosas ideas de almacenamiento que no solo optimizan tu espacio, sino que te harán preguntarte cómo viviste sin ellas hasta ahora.
