Recommendation points
Recently, we decided to pay attention to a tool that, for some reason, did not take root on a massive scale on our construction sites, or for a long time was not imported into the post-Soviet space and undeservedly remained little known. Before you is the third part of the “instrumental exotic”, and, most likely, not the last.
Our tool cycle “How to choose … Professional Tips” began with more prosaic machines, here they are, in all their glory: grinder, chainsaw, screwdriver, puncher, stapler, mixer, electromechanical scissors, glue gun, wall chaser, jackhammer, industrial hair dryer , reciprocating saw, nail gun, construction vacuum cleaner, drill, circular, trimming, milling cutter, laser level, spray gun, grinder, tile cutter, multitool, welding machine, jigsaw. Purely applied topics related to all our electric assistants were covered in separate articles: how to buy a tool, how to choose a cordless tool, how to operate a tool, how to work safely with an electric tool. And here are previous works about an unusual tool: Part 1 and Part 2.
Tape screwdriver
What could be easier than screwing screws with a screwdriver? Yes, it’s easy, but every master would like to optimize this process as much as possible. Several problems.
First, the preparation for tightening the fasteners (getting the screw out of the pocket / bag, installing it in the bit, positioning the unit in position) takes at least as much time as the single installation itself. Considering that a drywall worker uses thousands of screws per shift, this is an unaffordable luxury..
Makita BFR550RFE
Secondly, the installer uses both hands, although with a competent (!) Ceiling installation, they, hands, are usually just not enough. Even with one assistant, it is rather inconvenient to start grabbing a whole sheet correctly – you need to constantly recharge with a new screw and release the panel.
Thirdly, the brush that holds the self-tapping screw is regularly injured when the screw is skewed and the bit slips off the slots..
Fourth, problems arise with the local piece-by-piece storage of screws, because you need to take at least a couple of hundred with you on the scaffold. In pockets, they prick even through rather thick clothes, leather belt bags and small plastic boxes help a little. However, getting a self-tapping screw-two from a dense pile is also a problem – fingers are pricked. Some people hang large flat magnets around their necks or attach them to clothing. In any case, sharp fasteners fall to the floor sometimes very dangerously – with the point upwards, lost in construction waste and behind the frame. Waste overruns are sometimes a pretty decent percentage, especially for inexperienced finishers.
Senco Duraspin DS275
It turns out that there is special equipment for cladding installers – these are systems for automatic supply of self-tapping screws to the working area that work with any sheet and piece dry materials: gypsum board, gypsum fiber board, plywood, aquapanels, OSB, chipboard, cement boards … The technology is implemented in two versions:
- A tape, magazine screwdriver (Makita 6834, Makita BFR550RFE or Senco Duraspin DS275) is a relatively expensive highly specialized machine that practically cannot work with single fasteners.
- A special attachment for a traditional screwdriver, it is also called a magazine, a clip, an automatic feeder. (SMV from Kress, MA 55 Professional from Bosch, Metabo SM5–55 or SMD 57 from Hilti). Magazine easily attaches to multiple native models, forming a super-speed serial screwing tool.
The idea is not new and quite simple. The consumables are fixed on a special plastic tape that extends when the spout is pressed onto the working plane. The twisting itself is carried out by contact, of course, when the start button is pressed (the Protool tool has a start / stop function – the main key is not pressed).
Protool DWC 18-2500 DEC LI Set
Consumables. A standard tape holds 50 units of fasteners – an approximate rate for one sheet of 2.5×1.2 meters. The length of the self-tapping screws is clearly regulated by the manufacturer. The bottoms of all are 25 mm, and the maximum reaches 55 mm, some machines work with 75 self-tapping screws (Senco Duraspin DS275, Makita BFR750RFE). There are restrictions on the thickness of the self-tapping barrels (up to 4–5 mm) and on the diameter of the cap (up to 9.5 mm), which, in general, does not stand out from the needs of an average construction site.
Presetting the head depth. This is very important for drywall, when the top layer of paper should be squeezed by sweat, but not torn, and the head should not protrude beyond the plane of the sheet. Usually this adjustment is very precise, stepwise and tool-free (the Senco Duraspin DS275 requires a hexagon). In some models, a special scale is used (the same Senco), and in the Makita 6834 there is a rough adjustment, after which a more accurate depth is adjusted with screws.
Each draw frame also works in reverse mode, so you can easily unscrew an erroneously mounted self-tapping screw without any problems, you will not have to rearrange anything.
Naturally, all the “joys” of conventional screwdrivers are available for this tool: speed control (usually a sensitive button), variable torque (Protool DWC 18-2500 DEC LI Set), sensitive slip clutch, constant electronics (Makita 6833), easy bit change.
Makita 6833
The power unit for tape screwdrivers is used both for network and battery power (Senco Duraspin DS275, Protool DWC 18–2500 DEC LI, Makita BFR750RFE). There are plenty to choose from. Power (250-450 W), rated frequency (2000-4000 rpm), torque (4.5 to 20 Nm) – the variability is huge, especially for the console.
The developers pay special attention to the ergonomics and mechanics of the tool as a whole. The narrowed nose of the autoswitch is considered a huge plus, which allows twisting the screws near the obstacle strictly perpendicular to the plane (Makita 6833 “shoots” the self-tapping screw 15 millimeters from the wall). The store is carefully protected from dust and the release of material – its structure is either highly insulated (Makita BFR550Z), or as open as possible (Bosch MA 55 Professional), the clever waste blowing system (Hilti SMD 57, Kress 180 ATBS 3.0 SMV) is considered a special chic. The mass of the consoles is modest, it rarely exceeds 500 grams, the MA 55 pulls by 0.4 kg, and the SMD 57 – 0.35 kg, so the weight of the equipped device, even a battery one, does not exceed two kilograms. The handles in the tape screwdrivers are made rubberized, the tool is assembled with a hook for hanging, the guide rail can be folded (Makita BFR550Z), sometimes the nozzle has a “weapon” stock for gripping with the second hand (Kress SMV, Metabo SM5–55).
Bosch MA 55 Professional
As for the price tag, it does not fall below $ 300 per unit. For the Metabo SM5–55 prefix with the “shura” SE 4000 they ask for 500 green, the same cost for the network DWP 4000 from Protool. But Protool DWC 18-4000 DEC LI SET (3 Ah, 18 V) with two batteries, a charger and other “stuffing” – almost a thousand dollars.
Special attention should be paid to the MAX pneumatic tape screwdrivers, we talked about them in the article about nailers. There the tool half shoots, half twists.
Cordless fan for builders
No, we are not talking about those units that are integrated into forced ventilation systems. A construction fan is a portable machine, an analogue of household floor equipment. It seems to be not as utilitarian as a heat gun, but it can effectively assist heating, cooling, and drying equipment. And he himself is able to speed up the drying of moist surfaces, for example, walls after painting. Another task of the fan is to improve air exchange on a construction site or in a workshop, remove dust, remove smoke or harmful vapors. But the main thing for which you can fall in love with such an auxiliary tool is the ability to cool down a little right at the workplace, even if the object is not yet electrified. Note that in nature there are network machines for similar purposes, for example, BL 6800 or DF 30 P from Master.
Master BL 6800
Autonomy is a serious moment that the manufacturers have fully implemented and made a “chip”. Both the Makita BCF201Z and Ryobi P3310 can be battery powered. Any branded Li-ion batteries for 14.4 or 18 V, both for 1.3 and 3 Ah, are suitable for “Makita”. That is, the fan can always be revived from the power unit of another tool, so there is no point in paying for an expensive charger and battery (the manufacturer sells the fan naked). Makita developers promise three hours of continuous work in mobile mode. Ryobi is also quite flexible in terms of batteries, it belongs to the ONE + system, which includes tools with interchangeable NiCd / Li-Ion batteries. Ryobi CFA180M and Ryobi P3310 are rated for an 18-volt 1.5-4 Ah unit, the most powerful battery provides the fan with uninterrupted operation for 10 hours at low speed. By the way, Makita BCF201Z plugs into a regular household outlet, a special power adapter is included.
Makita BCF201Z
The performance of the battery fans is, let’s say, moderate. Makita produces a maximum of 120 cubic meters. meters per minute, but “Ryobi” – all 390. To create comfortable conditions and ensure energy saving, the devices were equipped with a speed switch. There are two positions – lower and upper (1200/1700 rpm for BCF201Z and 1400/2100 rpm for Ryobi ONE +). The second speed of both machines creates more noise, but its threshold is quite acceptable, especially in construction site conditions.
Makitovtsy offered another useful option – an automatic timer, which allows you to set the shutdown time of the device, for example, so as not to pay too much attention to the process. Three intervals are available: 4 hours, 2 and 1.
Ryobi P3310
As befits a building tool, the design of the fans is simple and thought out in detail. The machines are well protected – the hull lines are rounded and licked; there are special stiffening ribs; high-quality plastic is used, resistant to impacts; The BCF201Z casing has elastomer bumpers. The devices have a wide, stable base, so there is no reason to fear accidental falls. The fan itself tilts relative to the floor and is fixed in several positions. Makita is installed with a maximum angle of 45 degrees, in “Ryobi” the range is wider, the installation is stepped (8 options) – the air can even be directed to the ceiling. Both models have carrying handles (in BCF201Z it is more pronounced, in Ryobi P3310 it is a notch on the body, in P3310 – two small handles on top), can be suspended. The fans are compact enough for their performance, and they have no problems with being overweight. Makita BCF201Z with battery weighs only 2.6 kilograms.
The cost of a construction fan from Makita is around $ 80 (excluding battery and charger), Ryobi is a budget option – up to $ 40 per unit.
Mobile panel saw system
Known for its woodworking machinery, Mafell has produced yet another masterpiece. This is an automatic mobile (!) Horizontal cutting machine for sheet materials Mafell PSS3100 SE. The unit is perfect for the needs of furniture makers, who can quickly and accurately cut chipboard in tight spaces or even directly on sites. However, in construction, the system also found application, since it also processes other materials: OSB, plywood, LDSP, plexiglass, glued panels, fiber cement, asbestos boards, solid wood, various composites, plastics, DSP – you just need to select the required saw blade.
Mafell PSS3100 SE
What’s the idea behind innovation? In short, it is an automatic feed plunge-cut circular saw. A small circular has its own separate drive, it moves along a long guide rail, while the operator stands in one place and controls the process using a stationary control unit.
The tire used here is very strong, its profile is not simple, with a number of channels and guide grooves. For ease of transportation and short-cut operation, it can be quickly disassembled into sections with a length of 1.5 meters, when loaded, the tire allows cutting by 3100 mm (shown in the name of the system). The distance of the tooling stroke is regulated by a movable end stop, which initiates a stop of the forward movement of the saw, the removal of the blade from the material, and the shutdown of the rotary drive. If, suppose, this length is not enough, then you can continue cutting along the guiding knife. The tire does not have any clamps and clamps, and after installation in the design position, it does not slip (there is a thick foam pad on the back side), so it is possible to position the system in any zone of the sheet, and not just near the edge. You can even cut diagonally. The saw is very smooth, without any jerking.
The fixed control panel allows the master to single-handedly cope with the task, being in one place. The main organs here are: power supply key, feed rate regulator. Interestingly, the operator can change the direction of the saw, run it forward or backward on the tire. This is very useful when cutting in multiple passes. So there is a corresponding function – the so-called “trimming”, which excludes chips. After the transfer of the special flag, the rig is displaced, set to a minimum depth of a few millimeters – you can pre-cut.
The Germans slyly made a dust removal system. They did not attach the vacuum cleaner pipe to the moving part, but placed it on the head unit. A hose goes from the control unit to the circular, which does not interfere with the reverse movement, but fits into a special channel on the bus. Thus, mobility is not affected. An important element of the dust extraction system is the innovative movable blade guard, which covers the working area well. Moreover, it not only effectively localizes processing waste, but is also a very functional protection.
As for safety, that is, apart from the casing, there is also a riving knife, which is also “floating”, which does not interfere with cutting into the material. The start button is tight, accidentally does not turn on.
The moving element of the cutting system is a robust circular saw. The circular saw is submersible, that is, its equipment is completely removed from the workpiece, of course, the cutting depth can be adjusted to a few millimeters, the maximum is 45 mm – enough for sheet materials. Installation accuracy is ensured by high-quality wing screws and a well-readable scale. Discs for the machine are used with a diameter of 160 mm, according to the design of the cutting edges, it is possible to choose: for fast cutting (few teeth), for a fine cut, universal, as well as a four-tooth with diamond dusting and an additional riving knife (for cement-containing slabs).
To select the optimal mode of work with a certain material, the master has access to a stepless setting of the speed of the equipment – this is a traditional wheel located on the saw. The disc speed can be set in the range of 2600-5200 rpm. By the way, the speed of automatic tool feed (located on the control panel) is adjustable in the range from 4 to 20 m / min., The return stroke is stable – 25 m / min..
They installed a rather modest motor on the saw – only 1490 W, but this is quite enough for cutting sheets and even a system for limiting the starting currents was required (soft start). But the mass of the equipped unit is only 17 kilograms.
The portable panel saw system Mafell PSS3100 SE is generously endowed with auxiliary electronic systems, which is not surprising, since the machine works in automatic mode, and there is no direct manual control from the operator. In addition to soft start and electronic frequency control, there is a system for maintaining the speed of rotation of the disk under load (constant electronics, preventing seizure and kickback). In case of incorrect presets of rotation speed and feed (as a result, overheating of the motor windings), overload protection will work, and the machine will shut down.
The tool turned out to be very unusual, but this makes it no less popular, even despite the biting price. The Mafell PSS3100 SE system costs about 125,000 rubles, but real mobility, coupled with the quality of work that is characteristic of stationary equipment, is simply priceless for many professionals..
Here are a few more relatively little-known, but in their own way wonderful instruments have become closer to the people, but our list of exotic units is far from exhausted. We will continue.
Could you please provide more information about the “multi-shot” screwdriver, mobile fan, and MFRS mentioned in this text? How do they work, what are their features, and where can they be purchased?
The “multi-shot” screwdriver is a versatile tool that allows you to switch between different screwdriver bits without the need for multiple tools. It works by having a rotating chamber that holds various bits, making it easy to select the desired one. It is convenient for various tasks, such as assembling furniture or working on electronics. As for the mobile fan, it is a small portable device designed to provide a cool breeze on the go. It operates via a battery or USB power source and often comes with adjustable speed settings. It is handy during hot summers or stuffy environments. MFRS refers to Multi-Function Remote Switch, a device used for controlling various electronic appliances wirelessly. It can operate multiple devices like TV, air conditioners, or DVD players from a single remote. These products can be purchased at hardware stores, online retailers, or specialized gadget shops.
I’m curious about the “multi-shot” screwdriver, mobile fan, and MFRS mentioned in Part 3. Could you please provide more details about how the screwdriver works and what makes it “multi-shot”? Also, I would like to know how the mobile fan operates and what features it has. Lastly, could you explain what MFRS stands for and what it entails? Thank you!