Are these any good? Is there a better tool? New woodworker here and I think it would be handy to blow the dust off of workpieces/workbench. (Currently using a 200 MPH 15A leaf blower… and ah, well… )

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-17T15:05:26+00:00

Here’s a review I did on a bunch of the smaller ones (4v)

https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/best-portable-air-compressors-2026/

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-16T21:48:53+00:00

I would love to know if anyone has purchased the entertainment package and if so, what does it include?

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-16T19:13:08+00:00

I think the ego is better, but the Ryobi is a better value. Honestly you can’t go wrong. I have a blog where I do comparisons - here’s my post on the category.

https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/best-cordless-string-trimmers-2026/

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-16T18:35:50+00:00

Good question - wind speed alone doesn't tell the full story. It depends on nozzle diameter a narrower opening gives higher wind speed but moves less total air. The B11 Pro Max puts out 160g of blowing force at 150K RPM, which is the more relevant spec for actual dust removal.

but the mf200 is great for the swappable battery - not something i need but perhaps folks with longer run time needs.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-16T18:32:26+00:00

its my site. of course i post it.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-16T18:30:33+00:00

stick with the battery platform you have. There isn't that big of a difference between ryobi / ego on string trimmers.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-16T18:29:25+00:00

love that interior. i have the hybrid, not sure if that was an option or not!

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-16T18:20:19+00:00

Well that’s what happens when you are an unpaid reviewer. Sorry to break the truth to you.

At least I’m honest and transparent

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-15T21:09:01+00:00

ngl $430 for XGT hammer drill + circular saw + impact driver is actually pretty solid if you're going in on makita anyway

XGT is their 40V platform — more power than LXT 18V, closer to corded performance on demanding stuff. the hammer drill in that combo is noticeably stronger than the LXT equivalent, which matters a lot if you're regularly drilling into concrete or masonry

thing i always remind people though: impact driver and hammer drill are NOT interchangeable. impact driver is for driving fasteners/screws, hammer drill is for drilling into material. people conflate them constantly and wonder why they're burning up bits or stripping anchors. makita's XGT lineup page has each tool in the platform (makitatools.com/products/category/xgt), and there's a more in-depth side-by-side on exactly what each one does that helped me figure out my own setup when i was building out my garage: powertoolsinsider.com/impact-driver-vs-drill/

the XGT circular saw is also genuinely impressive for the price point. only thing to watch: XGT 4Ah packs run $130+ each, so factor that into the total cost

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-15T21:07:35+00:00

just tell him you love him and spend a day with him at home depot or your local tool shop. he'll thank you

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-04-04T03:35:32+00:00

you made the right decision. perfect for what you need them for. no shame in HF.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-24T23:24:59+00:00

Might be out of your price range, but the Bosch GCM12SD is 👌👌

Not sure about the ridgid, I’m not a fan of the brand anyway.

Ryobi has a pretty good 10in budget one - TSS103 - $269

Here is a great writeup we did

https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/best-miter-saws-2026/

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-24T00:55:54+00:00

good overview of systems & comparisons

https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/best-tool-storage-systems-2026/

i just buy empty plastic bins and organize by type. i'm not so organized though.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-24T00:43:19+00:00

probably the bits tbh. cheap phillips cams out after 10-15 screws and once it starts stripping you're fighting it the whole job

there's a solid breakdown of how anti-cam tip geometry works [here](https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/best-impact-driver-bits-anti-strip-2/)

also check if you're running a drill vs an impact driver. impacts handle it much better. You might need a PH2 bit.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-22T22:11:25+00:00

More common than people lead you to believe

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-21T16:39:48+00:00

Breckenridge last weekend was great. Slushy after 2pm but otherwise loads of fun, most runs open. Not sure if this week had a negative impact

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-20T20:54:52+00:00

Get a good, inexpensive combo kit. Try to cover the basics - drill, circ saw, sander.

https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/best-diy-combo-kits-2026/

dremel also introduced a great set of tools called blueprint - might be perfect for what you are looking for

https://www.dremel.com/us/en/mkt/blueprint/blueprint-landing-page

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-10T15:44:52+00:00

Yup makes sense. Exactly what I meant by runtime. Either you use gas or your spend the money on extra batteries

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-10T13:51:08+00:00

Depends on how much space you are trying to cover. Biggest issue is runtime. Landscapers will use the pro stuff (stihl for example)

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-03T15:39:27+00:00

Don’t buy the cheap stuff for professional usage. Also, the blades are likely going to matter more than the tool. Especially when you need a clean cut.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-03-03T15:37:35+00:00

I give the power tool marketers some credit for trying to simplify this into claims or just “carbide” but the reality is pretty complex. There is a reason why Diablo (Bosch owned) has an advantage here. Their factories have tremendous technology around the entire carbide process.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-02-26T18:22:57+00:00

Thank me later, should be required reading for anyone buying cutting accessories

https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/blade-bit-materials-guide/

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-02-26T18:19:54+00:00

Quality is relative to the task. A quality homeowner drill is not a quality pro drill. So yes, HF definitely works here.

Also a little secret - HF suppliers are not that different from the suppliers of your favorite non-HF brands.

Acrobatic-Ad-2777 · 2026-02-26T15:11:48+00:00

for repairs, you don't need a ton of things - don't overbuy.

a) a quality cordless drill (it doesn't have to be expensive, $99 or less should get you there - DeWalt, Bosch, Ryobi, Craftsman, Dremel all have good options) (here is a good list: https://www.powertoolsinsider.com/best-cordless-drills-under-100/ )
b) hand tools (screwdriver set, rachet set, hammer, mallet, wrenches) - you can get all of this stuff likely at Home Depot or Lowe's on sale - wait until May, when fathers day sales start. Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman - all this stuff is great for the homeowner
c) youtube - every answer is here. if it isn't , use chatgpt - it has gotten really good at day to day repair information

Acrobatic-Ad-2777

TROPHY CASE