Ah! Thank you very much. I'll have a go at that this week-end.
Dale Leavens, Cochrane Ontario Canada [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype DaleLeavens Come and meet Aurora, Nakita and Nanook at our polar bear habitat. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark M" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 1:09 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Talking Thermostat was New Tool Review > Hi Dale, > > My thermostat started giving a message something like 'operating hours > indicate it is time...'. Since I haven't been able to find the manual > since > my house was robbed on Christmas day, I called Best Way to ask what to do. > They told me to open the front flap and find > the two horizontal rows of buttons, then hold down the right bottom button > for at least 3 seconds. That worked. > They also sent me the instructions as an MP3, as well as the complete > manual > with wiring diagrams as a PDF. Feel free to contact me off list at > [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you would like a copy of them. > > Mark > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dale Leavens" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 3:35 PM > Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] New Tool Review > > >> While on the subject of cutting up wood, I have one of those talking >> thermostats which generally I am very satisfied with. >> I do have one issue though, for months now it insists that according to >> the >> passage of time it is time to have my furnace serviced. That goes without >> saying but nevertheless it insists on saying so. The damn thing has an >> echo >> though in the form of my wife and frankly it is more than a reasonable >> sloth >> should be expected to bear. >> >> How can I convince this thing either that I have serviced my furnace or >> that >> I don't care to and to please stop pointing out my deficiencies in that >> way? >> >> I don't recall seeing how to defeat this feature in the manual and just >> now >> I can't seem to locate the CD with the instructions. >> >> Thanks to anyone with the solution. >> >> >> Dale Leavens, Cochrane Ontario Canada >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Skype DaleLeavens >> Come and meet Aurora, Nakita and Nanook at our polar bear habitat. >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Boyce, Ray" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 5:10 PM >> Subject: [BlindHandyMan] New Tool Review >> >> >>> Hi >>> Perhaps one of the most recognized power tools for the woodworker or >>> carpenter, the circular saw offers portability and versatility to the >>> user. It is the >>> "go anywhere" power tool of choice when it comes to cutting wood for a >>> wide variety of tasks or projects. Builders and carpenters usually own >>> several! >>> >>> For finer cabinetry work in a well-equipped workshop, the circular saw >>> may not see as much use, particularly if a table saw or cabinet saw is >>> available, >>> however, the circular saw is still the best option for tasks like >>> breaking down large sheet goods in the absence of a large sliding table >>> for the stationary >>> saw, or a panel saw. >>> >>> I once owned the Triton 235mm circular saw, but sold it along with my >>> Triton workstation when I bought a new cabinet saw. To this day I still >>> regret letting >>> it go. It was a solid saw with great cutting capacity. I have been using >>> a 7 1/4" circular saw ever since and there have been numerous times when >>> I need >>> that extra cut depth the 9 1/4" (235mm) circular saw offers. >>> >>> I managed to get my hands on the GMC LS236LS 235mm circular saw recently >>> and gave it a good look over and workout. What follows is my review of >>> the tool. >>> >>> GMC LS236LS Circular Saw >>> First and foremost, the saw comes packed in a box with good styrofoam >>> casing protection. There is no plastic case for the saw (very few >>> circular saws come >>> with them) and even fewer people actually keep their saws in them! Apart >>> from the saw in the box, included is a full color user manual, which, as >>> is the >>> case with all GMC product manuals lately, very well put together with >>> easy to follow instructions and sharp full-color photographs. There is >>> also a guide >>> fence and arbor nut wrench, but let's examine the saw itself in detail >>> now... >>> >>> LS236LS Specifications & Discussion >>> In terms of construction, the saw body is a mix of hard plastic >>> (incorporating the main handle, motor casing and front handle) and rigid >>> aluminum (saw base, >>> blade guard, bevel and depth adjustments etc). As with most 235mm saws, >>> this one is quite heavy. It weighs in at around 7.5 kgs (16.5 lbs). It >>> seems to >>> be built quite well and feels solid in the hand. As a rigid base plate >>> is necessary for accurate and repeatable cuts, it is good to see GMC >>> have implemented >>> a fairly thick aluminum base on the LS236LS that resists unintentional >>> warping or twisting in use. >>> >>> The LS236LS saw features a powerful 2300W motor and everything is double >>> insulated for safety. This is over 3HP, so there is plenty of power to >>> cut through >>> even dense lumber at full cutting depth. I don't think you will have >>> much trouble at all in the power stakes when using this saw. I rarely >>> noticed the >>> motor being strained during the test period when making cuts in most >>> timber species. You will notice it working that little extra when >>> cutting very dense >>> timbers at full depth cut capacity, but we experienced no motor stalling >>> or any other noticeable motor issues as a result of cutting full depth >>> in dense >>> hardwoods. Naturally, you should cut a little slower and ensure your >>> cutting blade is sharp when tackling the harder wood species. In >>> softwoods like pine, >>> the 2300W motor seemed to power through them without taking a backward >>> step. >>> >>> As with most larger circular saws, they can and do emit a fair amount of >>> noise when you fire them up and as you are making cuts. The user manual >>> doesn't >>> actually list the decibel emission spec for the saw, but it would have >>> to be over 80dB for sure I would think, and hence, ear protection is >>> required for >>> safe use. The saw didn't seem to be any degree louder than other similar >>> spec universal motors in other tools I own. >>> >>> The main and front handles are comfortable to hold and use. While the >>> main handle features small raised grip cones in the design, I would have >>> liked to >>> have seen a rubber overmold on the grip surfaces for that little extra >>> added comfort. Chance of hand slippage is minimal however with the >>> current design. >>> >>> The no-load speed of the saw is listed at 4500 RPM. Not an overly >>> important figure except when it comes to buying new blades for the tool. >>> You just need >>> to make sure the blade you buy is rated to spin at 4500 RPM for safety. >>> Most TCT circular saw blades these days are, so it's not really an >>> issue. >>> >>> And speaking of blades, the LS236LS spins a 235mm blade (9 1/4"). The >>> saw comes supplied with a stock 20 tooth TCT blade. The included blade >>> is surprisingly >>> sharp out of the box, and I have used it successfully throughout the >>> test period making many cuts and it has held its sharpness quite well. I >>> was expecting >>> worse as stock blades included with many tools (and many other brands of >>> tools) are often less than average in the quality stakes. Despite this, >>> the blade >>> still only has 20 teeth, which makes it most suitable for ripping tasks. >>> If you want to do a lot of crosscutting with your circular saw and wish >>> to get >>> reasonably clean cuts, you will need a blade with a few more teeth. A >>> 30, 36 or 40 tooth TCT blade will work quite well for both crosscutting >>> and rip cutting >>> tasks, although rip cutting might take a little longer. Replacement >>> blades to suit can be readily found at any good hardware store. You >>> don't need to use >>> GMC blades either, as long as the blade is 235mm (9 1/4") and has a 25mm >>> arbor, it will fit. The manual makes mention not to use blades thinner >>> than 1.2mm >>> or thicker than 2.5mm however. Considering that the blade is actually >>> the part of the tool that is doing the cutting work, fitting a good >>> quality, sharp >>> blade will greatly increase the quality of cut the saw makes, and your >>> overall experience with the tool. In fact, one of my favorite tools is a >>> small and >>> very light, el cheapo 7 1/4" circular saw that was my first one ever >>> bought many years ago. The stock blade that came with it was >>> questionable, but I replaced >>> it with a high quality Irwin trade blade and the difference was >>> remarkable! >>> >>> As mentioned above, the saw base is of aluminum construction which adds >>> to the weight and solid feeling of the saw. The retractable blade guard >>> is constructed >>> of the same material, although of a slightly thinner gauge. A >>> retractable guard handle with rubber overmold grip provides a little >>> extra insurance against >>> slippage when retracting the guard to make particular cuts. >>> >>> You will notice attached at the rear of the blade guard is a plastic >>> dust collection port. It measures roughly 1 1/2 inches (outside >>> diameter) so is suitable >>> for hookup to a smaller vacuum system (high speed, low volume). Dust is >>> hard to collect from a circular saw at the best of times, but any >>> addition to help >>> catch excessive dust from this type of tool is a welcome addition for >>> me. In use the dust port seemed to reduce expelled dust by about 25% (as >>> close as >>> I could guess), however, I couldn't help wonder if that figure would >>> have been increased if the dust port was moved several inches forward >>> (more higher >>> in the guard arc) than its current position? I say this because a lot of >>> dust seemed to be expelled just forward of the dust port on many >>> occasions. Admittedly, >>> however, raising the port up the arc would mean your dust collection >>> hose sits higher and would most likely get in the way of operating the >>> retractable >>> blade guard and lever, so it may well have been placed where it is for >>> this very fact. Regardless, if you can't use the circular saw outside >>> and allow >>> the wind to dispose of your debris (and hopefully not straight into the >>> neighbor's bedroom window!), a dust port is a handy addition to reduce >>> exposure >>> in an enclosed environment. >>> >>> I usually stock several blades for my circular saw, although I mostly >>> leave the combo 40 tooth blade on for most cutting tasks, only switching >>> to a 16 tooth >>> or 24 tooth blade when I am going to do a lot of rip cuts. Switching >>> blades on the LS236LS is not really any different from other circular >>> saws. You simply >>> engage the spindle lock button on the inside edge of the blade guard >>> forward of the handle to lock the saw's spindle/arbor. Then use the >>> supplied wrench >>> to remove the arbor nut, remove the blade, add the new blade of choice >>>(ensuring it goes on in the correct orientation) and add and tighten the >>> arbor nut >>> once more. Nothing to it really. >>> >>> In terms of cut depth, the LS236LS can cut up to 87mm deep (3.43 inches) >>> at 90 degrees setting and 56mm (2.2 inches) at a 45 degree bevel >>> setting. The metal >>> depth locking lever on the left side of the handle near the base allows >>> you to set the depth of cut required. A good saw will have a solid depth >>> guide >>> rod to hold the saw "square" to the base plate at all times, despite >>> what height the body of the saw is raised to in order to make shallow >>> cuts. The LS236LS >>> passes this test, the depth guide rod maintaining blade alignment quite >>> well no matter what height the saw is set at, and retains alignment >>> equally well >>> when set for a bevel cut too. The saw can indeed cut bevels from 0 to 45 >>> degrees with major scale indicators at 15, 22.5, 30 and 45 degree >>> settings. The >>> bevel adjustment arm is impressively solid, strong and rigid, allowing >>> accurate bevel settings to be maintained right throughout a cut. I have >>> seen weaker >>> bevel adjustment features on saws that cost 50% more! A metal bevel >>> locking arm with rubber overmold handle locks the desired bevel setting >>> in place. Additionally >>> an adjustable screw allows the saw to return to the zero degree setting >>> accurately and repeatedly each time. >>> >>> Redeye Laser Guide >>> GMC can be attributed to adding a laser line guide to almost any tool, >>> and many of their tools in their product line now feature their "Redeye" >>> laser guides. >>> There is always great debate as to the usefulness of a laser guide >>> implemented on a circular saw. Some like the feature, others think it is >>> pointless. >>> On the LS236LS saw the laser guide is mounted at the top of the arc on >>> the metal blade guard. Mounted is perhaps not the best word though. >>> Rather, the >>> laser is encased in the blade guard in its own molded housing which >>> forms part of the blade guard assembly itself. This affords it great >>> protection. The >>> Class 2 laser beam projects out in front of the saw to show the >>> projected cut line of the blade. The on/off switch for the laser is >>> located on the top >>> forward face of the main handle and is a simple push button switch. The >>> laser is powered by the mains power, so the saw's power cord must be >>> connected >>> to a power source to turn the laser on. Note that the saw itself does >>> not need to be spinning for the laser to work. It can be operated >>> independently. >>> >>> The laser itself is reaosnably bright and there is no trouble seeing it >>> in indoor or workshop environments. Outdoors, the laser can be a little >>> harder to >>> see, particularly in the middle of the day during very bright, sunny >>> conditions where it can be quite difficult to see. This is a common >>> issue with all >>> laser line generators, so its not just an issue with the GMC Redeye >>> lasers. You can purchase laser line enhancing glasses from some hardware >>> stores (and >>> I believe GMC also sells their own glasses) which help you to spot the >>> line a little easier outdoors. These glasses are quite inexpensive too >>> and might >>> be a worthy purchase if your work is done outdoors. In use I found the >>> laser to be very accurately aligned to the actual blade's cutting line. >>> This is >>> good because there doesn't seem to be any way to adjust the laser line >>> easily. >>> >>> As mentioned above, there is great debate as to the usefulness of a >>> laser on a circular saw. Personally, while I don't think it will turn >>> you into a professional >>> saw cutter by using the laser alone, I feel there is worth in including >>> it. While you can generally line your cut up with the cut line notch at >>> the front >>> of the saw's base, the notch is often too short to make more precise >>> adjustments as you cut. The laser line projects further out from the saw >>> and gives >>> you a much longer line to match against your marked cutting line, so >>> minor angle variations in cut can be judged much more accurately. Of >>> course, if you >>> want to make a long, parallel cut, the included fence attachment is the >>> accessory of choice, but sometimes the fence just doesn't have the >>> capacity, and >>> out in the field if you need to make a straight cut down the middle of a >>> full sheet and want some form of straight accuracy without using a >>> clamped fence >>> or straight edge as a guide, the laser can be a useful tool. Personally, >>> I like having that feature available if it is needed, but I didn't find >>> I needed >>> it for the majority of cuts I was making. It does help you manage and >>> get a feel for your new saw however and develop the technique to cut >>> straight freehand. >>> >>> Of course, as with all laser products, caution must be taken. Never look >>> directly into the laser, point it at anyone else, or use it on >>> reflective surfaces. >>> Check the included manual for all safety precautions. >>> >>> Use and Conclusion >>> It might be worth mentioning the retail price for this saw now, as most >>> of you know, I try to review all tools based on their purchase price, >>> rather than >>> comparing one tool to another tool who's price is different. The GMC >>> LS236LS circular saw retails for AUD$199.00. This, in my opinion, puts >>> it in a price >>> range a little above the weekend warrior or budget tool purchaser. As a >>> result, I was looking for features that set it apart from those >>> lower-end models >>> and whether these features offer good value for money given the retail >>> price. >>> >>> Firstly, overall construction seems excellent. The saw is strong and >>> rigid with very little side to side play in the motor housing with >>> reference to the >>> saw base. This is a good sign of basic quality and often determines how >>> accurately a saw will cut. And given the many test cuts we performed, >>> the results >>> did reflect this accuracy. Strong metal construction is found pretty >>> much everywhere it needs to be, with only hard plastic covering the less >>> important >>> areas that won't really affect cutting precision (motor casing and >>> handles). Again however, I think the inclusion of rubber overmolds on >>> the handles would >>> have been the icing on the cake! >>> >>> The saw is very user friendly in regard to changing saw depth and bevel >>> angle, all of which require no further tools, however, you might need to >>> adjust >>> the "stiffness" of the locking levers to suit your tastes. Mine were a >>> touch stiff out of the box, but this is a 2-second adjustment. >>> >>> The weight of the saw itself goes a long way to reducing vibration >>> during cuts. I wouldn't like to make any overhead or too many vertical >>> cuts with it. >>> Wrist fatigue kicks in fast, but for general horizontal cutting work, I >>> feel the weight of the saw is more beneficial to cutting results than it >>> is a hindrance. >>> >>> I think for the retail price, this saw offers pretty good value for >>> money. Of course, I can't comment on durability of the motor or the >>> motor's quality >>> of build at this stage, as I have only had the saw for a little under 2 >>> months, but so far it hasn't missed a beat. >>> >>> The LS236LS is backed up by a full 2 year replacement warranty however, >>> so there is a little extra added piece of mind there. >>> >>> For the price, the saw is definitely worth a look if you are considering >>> a tool a step above the budget models and one that will allow a little >>> more beating >>> around. I am pretty happy with the results this saw delivers. When you >>> add a blade with more teeth, the results on crosscuts are even better. >>> >>> As always, check what's available in the same price range with similar >>> features in the local hardware store before you make a decision. >>> >>> The GMC website can be found at >>> www.gmcompany.com >>> and you can contact them to find out whether these saws are available to >>> you in your local area. >>> >>> ********************************************************************** >>> This message and its attachments may contain legally >>> privileged or confidential information. If you are not the >>> intended recipient, you must not disclose or use the >>> information contained in it. If you have received this e-mail >>> in error, please notify the sender immediately by return >>> e-mail and delete the e-mail. >>> >>> Any content of this message and its attachments which >>> does not relate to the official business of Eraring Energy >>> must be taken not to have been sent or endorsed by >>> Eraring Energy. No warranty is made that the e-mail or >>> attachment(s) are free from computer virus or other defect. >>> ********************************************************************** >>> >>> >>> >>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >>> >>> >>> >>> To listen to the show archives go to link >>> http://acbradio.org/handyman.html >>> or >>> ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ >>> >>> The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. >>> http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday >>> >>> The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. >>> http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml >>> >>> Visit The New Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From >>> Various List Members At The Following Address: >>> http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ >>> Visit the new archives page at the following address >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man >>> list just send a blank message to: >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> Yahoo! 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Groups Links >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://acbradio.org/handyman.html > or > ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. > http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml > > Visit The New Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From > Various List Members At The Following Address: > http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ > Visit the new archives page at the following address > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Yahoo! 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