About Benjamen

Benjamen Johnson grew up watching his dad work as a contractor and woodworker. He became an electrical engineer and took an interest in woodworking. Check out Ben's projects at Ben's Workshop or follow him on twitter or instagram.

Empire Protractor and Angle Finder

Aug 12, 2019 Benjamen 10 Comments

The Empire protractor and angle finder fits in places other angle tools won’t and is worth the few bucks you’ll spend. Read More

Layout & Measuring

Shh… Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge Driver is Finally Coming Soon

Jul 2, 2019 Benjamen 31 Comments

Milwaukee has [finally!] introduced an M12 version of their Surge hydraulic impact driver at NPS19. Read More

Drills & Drivers, New Tools, Power Tools

A Much-Needed Hard Case to Protect Dewalt Safety Goggles

Jun 24, 2019 Benjamen 20 Comments

I found a hard case to better protect my Dewalt safety goggles during storage and transport. Read More

Accessories, Safety, Storage & Organization

Husky 52″ Adjustable Height Workbench with 2 Drawers

Jun 21, 2019 Benjamen 45 Comments

Husky added to their line of adjustable height tables with a new 52″ table featuring two under mount drawers. Read More

New Tools, Workstands

New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Rear Handle 7-1/4″ Circular Saw

Jun 13, 2019 Benjamen 44 Comments

Here’s a quick look at the new Milwaukee Tool worm drive-style M18 Fuel rear handle 7-1/4″ circular saw. Read More

Cordless, New Tools, Power Tools, Saws, Woodworking

New Milwaukee M12 Fuel Right Angle Die Grinder

Jun 10, 2019 Benjamen 65 Comments

Here is what we know so far about the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel right angle die grinder, announced at NPS19. Read More

Grinders & Sanders, Metalworking, New Tools, Power Tools

New Knipex Diagonal Cutter Material Catcher Accessory

May 31, 2019 Benjamen 29 Comments

Knipex has come out with a new “material catcher” accessory for their Read More

Accessories, New Tools, Precision Tools

Testing the Craftsman Hand Tool Warranty at Lowe’s

May 21, 2019 Benjamen 81 Comments

Here’s what happened when I tried to exchange a broken Craftsman hand tool at Lowe’s. Read More

Editorial, Hand Tools

Ryobi Days: Buy an 18V Starter Kit, Get a Free Cordless Power Tool or Battery (Ends 6/20/19)

May 20, 2019 Benjamen 46 Comments

This is one of the best Ryobi cordless power tool deals of the year. Read More

Cordless, DealGuyd

Deal: Save on Craftsman Versastack Tool Boxes, Compatible with Dewalt Tstak

Apr 16, 2019 Benjamen 17 Comments

Thru the end of the month, save big bucks on most Craftsman Versastack tool boxes and organizers. Read More

DealGuyd, Made in USA, Storage & Organization

Use Veritas Platform Saddles and Lumber to Make Quick Work Supports

Apr 12, 2019 Benjamen 4 Comments

Veritas platform saddles hold dimensional lumber stably on its edge to make a different handy woodworking fixtures. Read More

Accessories, Clamps, New Tools, Woodworking

The CoBlo: A 2-in-1 Air Hose Coupler and Blow Gun

Apr 10, 2019 Benjamen 15 Comments

Coilhose Pneumatics solves the problem of “where the heck did I put my blow gun?” with their CoBlo 2-in-1 coupler. Read More

Compressors, Air Tools, Nailers, Made in USA

My 3D Printing Design Process – How I Made a Packout Tool Box Mounting Bracket

Apr 2, 2019 Benjamen 28 Comments

Here’s how Benjamen designed and 3D-printed a Milwaukee Packout mounting bracket. Read More

DIY Projects, Editorial

Infinity Brass Pilot Router Bits

Apr 1, 2019 Benjamen 18 Comments

These Infinity router bits can fit in places others with larger bearings can’t. Read More

Power Tool Accessories, Routers, Woodworking

Veritas Layout Block: Five Measurements in One Small Gauge

Mar 28, 2019 Benjamen 17 Comments

The Veritas layout block is a handy 5-in-1 reference gauge with 1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ measurements. Read More

Layout & Measuring, New Tools, Woodworking

Hart Quick-Adjust C-Clamps

Feb 25, 2019 Benjamen 9 Comments

Unlike traditional designs, these Hart c-clamps have a quick-adjust mechanism. Read More

Clamps

New Irwin Vise-Grip Pliers Wrenches are Now Available

Feb 22, 2019 Benjamen 26 Comments

Irwin’s new Vise-Grip pliers wrenches are now available in 8″ and 10″ sizes at Lowe’s Read More

Hand Tools, Pliers, Wrenches

Review: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Metal-Cutting Circular Saw

Feb 12, 2019 Benjamen 23 Comments

Here’s a closer look at the Milwaukee M18 Fuel metal-cutting circular saw, and some examples of what it can do. Read More

Cordless, Metalworking, Power Tools, Saws, Tool Reviews

Highlights from Hilti’s Innovation 2018 Event

Feb 1, 2019 Benjamen 17 Comments

Here are the most interesting tools that I saw at Hilti’s Innovation 2018 tool media event. Read More

Cordless, Power Tools, Saws

How to Get 3D Printed Parts Without Owning a Printer

Jan 22, 2019 Benjamen 16 Comments

Here are some options for getting 3D printed parts without having to buy and maintain a pricey printer. Read More

Digital Fabrication, How-To, Reader Question

Garret Konz on First Thoughts on the New Craftsman V20 Cordless Drills and Drivers: “The USA made models are almost identical to the dewalts and obviously share many parts. The Craftsman tools, which…”
Hilton on New Narex Cranked-Neck Paring Chisels: “$159 now.”
Altan on New Dewalt EXTREME Tri-Flute Drill Bits: “Thanks for reminding, I sometimes forget here is to discuss tools, sorry!”
Stuart on New Dewalt EXTREME Tri-Flute Drill Bits: “Just because the UK are islands doesn't mean they're not part of Europe. Brexit will withdraw the UK from the…”
Altan on New Dewalt EXTREME Tri-Flute Drill Bits: “I also found a photo online that they produced Toughsystem tool boxes with Vidmar label, I was searching something else…”
Jo B on New Dewalt EXTREME Tri-Flute Drill Bits: “Thank you for the clarification. I red your message wrong, and wanted to warn people about those extra-large cases.”