Klein 1005 Crimper/Pliers Review: Right for Our Shop?
07 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

Klein 1005 Crimper/Pliers Review: Right for Our Shop?

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We’ve put the Klein Tools 1005 Cutting/Crimping Tool through the kind of daily use that quickly exposes a pretender. On paper it’s a straightforward cutter/crimper for 10–22 AWG terminals and connectors, handling both insulated and non‑insulated ends—exactly the range that crowds our bench. In hand, it feels like a classic shop companion: sturdy, no-nonsense, and confident when it closes on a crimp. We like that it aims to be an all-in-one helper, trimming wire cleanly and then moving straight into a controlled squeeze for consistent connections. Still, “Made in USA” and a famous name aren’t the whole story. The real question is whether the 1005 earns a permanent spot in our tool roll.
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DzIxY Lace Die Cutter Review: Right for Our Shop?
07 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

DzIxY Lace Die Cutter Review: Right for Our Shop?

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In our hunt for versatile lace accents, we put the DzIxY Lace Semicircle Background Board Metal Cutting Dies to work on everything from birthday cards to layered scrapbook headers. The semicircle motif brings an instant “finished edge” look—delicate without feeling fussy—and it pairs nicely with bold sentiments or minimalist layouts. We ran it through our die-cutting machine with standard cardstock and heavier textured paper, and the cut quality stayed consistent, with the finer lace details holding up surprisingly well. What we’re still weighing for our shop is the niche factor: it’s perfect for romantic, vintage, and wedding aesthetics, but less essential for modern geometric lines. Still, as a background-builder, it’s a compelling tool.

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EtchMate Engraving Pen Review: Right for Our Shop?
07 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

EtchMate Engraving Pen Review: Right for Our Shop?

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After a week of putting the EtchMate Engraving Pen through its paces, we’re starting to see where it fits in our workflow—and where it doesn’t. We tested it on scrap metal tags, unfinished wood, a thrift-store glass jar, and a few plastic blanks, aiming for crisp lines, steady control, and minimal fuss. The pen-style grip feels familiar in the hand, which helped us move from quick initials to simple patterns without a steep learning curve. That said, results depend a lot on surface prep and patience; on slick glass, we had to slow down for cleaner strokes. If we’re looking for a compact, giftable tool that invites experimentation, EtchMate makes a compelling case.
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Milwaukee 2626-20 Oscillating Multi-Tool: Our Shop?
06 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

Milwaukee 2626-20 Oscillating Multi-Tool: Our Shop?

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In our shop, the Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 oscillating multi-tool quickly proved it’s more than a “nice-to-have” gadget. With up to 18,000 OPM, it hums through a surprising range of tasks—flush cuts in trim, quick notches in plywood, and those awkward, corner-hugging jobs that usually demand three different tools. We appreciated that Milwaukee includes woodcutting blades and a sanding pad with sheets, letting us jump straight into real work without a separate accessory run. The cordless layout keeps our bench area uncluttered, and the tool feels ready for jobsite abuse. Since it’s sold as a power-tool-only kit, we treated it as a smart add-on for anyone already running M18 batteries.
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Self-Healing Cutting Mat & X-Acto Knife Review: Us?
06 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

Self-Healing Cutting Mat & X-Acto Knife Review: Us?

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We didn’t expect a pink A4 cutting mat and hobby knife kit to feel like such a tidy little studio upgrade, but here we are. The self-healing mat gives our blades a forgiving surface—light cuts disappear quickly, and the grid lines keep our stencils, scrapbook borders, and DIY mockups from drifting off-course. Paired with the precision craft knife, we get crisp corners and controlled curves without that “torn paper” frustration. The handle sits comfortably in our grip, though we still take our time on thicker materials where patience matters more than pressure. Overall, this set feels designed for makers who want clean results and a calmer workspace—cute color, serious utility, and minimal fuss.
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Shot Glass Display Case Review: Right for Our Home Shop?
06 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

Shot Glass Display Case Review: Right for Our Home Shop?

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In our hunt to tidy up the home shop without hiding our favorite finds, we tried the 2 Pcs Shot Glass Display Case—a black wooden, wall-mounted shadow box with 30 slots and removable shelves. What drew us in was the two-piece setup: it lets us split a collection across different walls or keep everything together for a bigger “gallery” feel. The finish looks clean and understated, and the compartmented layout keeps each shot glass from bumping into the next. We also like that it can double as a thimble or small-curio display, which fits our mix-and-match style. Still, we paid close attention to mounting stability and shelf spacing before calling it a win.

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Milwaukee 12V Cordless Rotary Tool Review: Our Shop?
05 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

Milwaukee 12V Cordless Rotary Tool Review: Our Shop?

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In our shop, the Milwaukee Cordless Rotary Tool, 12.0V quickly proved it isn’t trying to be a full-size die grinder—it’s aiming to be the grab-and-go problem solver that lives within arm’s reach. We used it for quick deburring, light sanding, trimming plastic, and touching up tight corners where a larger tool feels clumsy. The cordless freedom kept our workflow moving, and the compact feel made detail work less fatiguing during short bursts. Power delivery feels suited to precision rather than brute force, which is exactly what we want from a rotary tool at this size. In this review, we’ll break down what impressed us, what slowed us down, and where it earns a permanent spot on our bench.
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12×12 Trim & Score Board Review: Right for Our Shop?
05 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

12×12 Trim & Score Board Review: Right for Our Shop?

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We’ve tried plenty of cutters that promise clean edges and crisp folds, but our shop lives or dies by consistency. The 12 x 12 Inch Paper Trimmer and Scoring Board aims to be a true multitasker—trim on one track, score on another, and keep projects moving without swapping tools every five minutes. With two included blades (cutting and scoring), it’s clearly designed for cardmaking, envelopes, book covers, and those gift-box prototypes we always seem to be testing. What caught our attention is the emphasis on precision: measured guides, a stable base, and the kind of straight, repeatable lines that make DIY look professional. In this review, we’ll see if it actually speeds up our workflow—or just adds another gadget to the drawer.
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Rockin’ Wood Paneling Review: Right for Our Shop?
05 Feb
Tools & Product Reviews

Rockin’ Wood Paneling Review: Right for Our Shop?

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When we started looking for a quick way to warm up our shop walls, the Rockin' Wood Real Wood Nail Up Rustic Reclaimed Barn Wood Panels (104 sq ft) landed on our shortlist fast. The boards arrive with that naturally weathered look—grain lines, faded tones, and imperfections that feel more like history than damage. We like that it’s real wood and meant for a straightforward nail-up install, which matters when we’d rather be building than babysitting a renovation. At the same time, we’re watching for the usual reclaimed-wood variables: occasional warping, thickness differences, and the need for a bit of sorting before we commit. In this review, we’ll share how it handled, how it looked on the wall, and whether it fits a working shop.

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