http://www.tool-rank.com/ 776-182 http://www.tool-rank.com/finishing/finish-sprayers/wagner-control-spray-max-hvlp-sprayer-518080--20100905776/ The Wagner Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer comes with everything you need to apply finishes quickly and easily. The length of the spray hose (20 feet) gives you the ability to keep moving when painting or applying sealants. The sprayer can handle materials from oil enamels and oil primers, oil stains, clear sealer, polyurethane, varnish, lacquer sanding sealer, lacquer and automotive finishes. The viscosity cup allows you to measure the thickness or density of the material and adjust (or thin) as needed for the sprayer to apply the product evenly. The spray nozzle adjusts to allow for a round, horizontal or vertical pattern depending on your application. Changing the spray pattern is accomplished by turning the ears on the air cap (which fits over the nozzle). The rate of material flow is adjusted by merely turning a regulator on the hose end of the spray gun. There is a scale on the regulator that serves as a guide. I have a friend that produces giclee prints (this is an 8 color printing process) that need to be sealed after they have dried. I have used this sprayer to apply the speciality varnish needed for these prints. Works like a charm. I have also used this to paint an uneven tongue and groove ceiling where large gaps existed between the boards (the tongues weren't fitted tightly into the grooves). That was a job that would have taken forever with a brush and roller. When you are using the unit inside it is louder than I would expect for such a small sprayer. The unit is compact and stores easily. ]]> Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:15:22 -0500 771-180 http://www.tool-rank.com/finishing/other-finishing/titebond-iii-ultimate-wood-glue--20100831771/ I have used this glue for years and I have never had a glue related failure. While not the cheapest glue out there, it is still quite affordable. While not available absolutely everywhere, you should still be able to find it easily. This glue has a decent open time, giving enough time to get things in postion. It sets fairly quickly, usually about 45 minutes when the clamps can come off(overnight for full cure). In my informal break testing, the glue joint did not fail, the wood came apart. I will continue to purchase this glue when I need the best glue available. I'll be using Elmer's Carpenters wood glue when I need a more affordable option. ]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:04:50 -0500 770-179 http://www.tool-rank.com/finishing/other-finishing/elmers-carpenters-exterior-wood-glue-gel-20100831770/ Having tried Elmer's regular wood glue, I decided to give this gel glue a try. My first impression was at how thick it was. My second impression was how high a build it left after spreading it out. It would appear that this build was not really a problem but it was of some concern as to how much of a glue line it would leave. This glue appears to have the same high initial tack as their carpenters wood glue. In my informal break test the glue line did not break, the surrounding wood pulled loose. While this is a quality product, I prefer Titebond Molding and Trim wood glue, due to its easier spread ability and less tenacious initial tack, as I often have to reposition things shortly after assembly. I would purchase this glue again if I did need that initial holding power though. ]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:16:48 -0500 768-178 http://www.tool-rank.com/finishing/other-finishing/elmers-probond-interiorexterior-wood-glue-20100830768/ Stumbled upon this glue while shopping in Walmart, since I was in need of glue and not wanting to make an extra trip to the lumber yard for a small purchase, I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. True to its labeling it does offer a quick tack and set up. Within about 30 minutes it will reach a point where it will stay together without further need of clamps. In my informal strength test, the glue joint did not separate, the wood broke apart. I have some setting out in the weather to see how well it will hold up along with some other manufacturers glues. I feel this glue is an even match for the other glues that are commonly available. It sells for over a dollar less at the 12 ounce glue bottle size, thereby making it very economical. ]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:20:52 -0500 767-177 http://www.tool-rank.com/finishing/brushes/purdy-380425-professional-white-china-whitesprig-paint-brush-2-12-inch-20100828767/ This brush is soft and supple and cleans easily. China bristle brushes are recommended for super smooth finishes. This one certainly fits the bill. This brush holds a lot of finish (I've used it for varnish and oil paint). And, does not leave brush strokes! I used it to apply a semi-gloss finish to a black walnut bathroom counter top that was put in place for a vessel sink. The finish came out smooth and brush stroke free. This really helps when sanding between coats since you aren't removing the previous layer's brush marks. While this brush is more expensive than many I've owned in the past, the difference is amazing. Better tools DO yield better results. I believe that with proper care this brush will last for the rest of my life. Cleaning this brush is easy since it is so supple. Mineral spirits before use, sqeezing out the excess helps to condition the brush, making clean up (my least favorite task) go much more quickly. I usually brush the mineral spirits out on newspaper, swish the brush back through clean mineral spirits, blot the brush with paper towel and hang to dry. The brush has remained soft and supple from one use to the next. Well worth the money. ]]> Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:23:04 -0500