MAVROMATIC » Cool Tools

Final Cut Blade – Blade that sands while it rips

Danny Mavromatis — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:27:32 +0000

The Final Cut Blade is one of those products that make you go, “Why didn’t I think of that!?”. It’s genius! It really is… a blade that sands while it rips! The way it works it very simple — you attach a self-adhesive sand paper which is designed to fit most blades and comes in sizes ranging from 10″ to 12″ — as the blade cuts, it also gives a nice sanding. You get perfect edges that are ready for glue or staining.

Watch the video above to view how the system works. Blades and sand paper is available directly from the Final Cut Blade Store.

- Final Cut Blade – All in one step… Just cut, the sanding is a bonus

Garmin ecoRoute HD bluetooth wireless dongle

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:29:32 +0000

The Garmin ecoRoute HD is a bluetooth wireless dongle which plugs into your vehicles ODB port allowing you to monitor sensors such as intake air temperature, coolant temperature, throttle position and engine load, intake manifold pressure, battery and charging system information, mass airflow rate, timing advance and emissions — you can even check and clear engine trouble codes without visiting the car dealership.

The ecoRoute works with newer Garmin Nuvi GPS units that feature ecoRoute firmware, but since this is bluetooth… A) is it hackable? B) will an iPhone App be released from Garmin to pair with the device?

At $149 (retail) the Garmin ecoRoute HD is a great feature to add to your Garmin Nuvi GPS. It’s available for pre-order now from Amazon.com.

Wicked Lasers – The Torch is “World’s Most Powerful Flashlight”

Danny Mavromatis — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:45:35 +0000

If you are looking for the “World’s Most Powerful Flashlight” then look no further. This is no joke, the Torch is currently being reviewed by The Guinness Book of World Records. With a retina damaging 4100 lumens of light, the Torch can also melt plastic, light paper on fire within seconds, and even fry an egg (as shown in the video above).

The Torch accomplishes this by using an halogen light bulb running at 100 Watts using a custom build high voltage circuit. To keep the front lens from shattering due to the immense heat generated, The Torch flashlight is equipped with a specialized heat resistant glass lens and is encased in a durable, military grade aluminum case.

The Torch will set you back $299 and is available now from Wicked Lasers.

DISCLAIMER: You probably won’t want to use this as a flashlight or around kids… plus it only runs for about 10 minutes and is recommended to be used for around 3 minutes with about 2 minutes of “rest” time to let it cool down.

Barnes & Noble Nook – The Unboxing!

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:59:15 +0000

I finally got the Barnes & Noble Nook in my hands and here is the live unboxing. It was a challenge but was well worth it! The fit and finish on the Nook is exactly what I expected. Like others have mentioned, the UI needs some refinement and optimization but for a v1 product, I’m extremely happy with it. I will load up my PDF’s (SDK and technical docs) and report back my experiences…

P.S. Sorry about the poor production on the video… I got lazy and tried out the Flipcam I bought my wife for Christmas. If you like the “rawness” of the Flip videos, I can do more of these types of posts as they are a lot easier to create than the edited ones. Enjoy!

Panasonic 360 Quick Iron: Double Sided Iron

Danny Mavromatis — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:04:03 +0000

Panasonic’s 360 Quick Iron claims up to 25% faster ironing due to its double sided pointy edges. After looking at this iron for a bit, this should have been the original design when the first iron was invented. The traditional flat back side really doesn’t serve a purpose other than needing it to sit the iron upright. The Panasonic 360 model allows you to get into the tight areas like collars and cuffs without the need to turn the iron or yourself around. This goes to show you that you can reinvent things that have been around for a long time. Kudo’s to Panasonic!

The Panasonic 360 Quick Iron line ranges from $80 – $40 and are available at Amazon.com
.

REVIEW: Microwave Leakage/EMF Detector (CEM DT-2G)

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:54:34 +0000

The responsible folks over at LESS EMF INC. sent me the new version of the Microwave Leakage/EMF Detector that I blogged about last year. The CEM DT-2G offers a backlit LCD display and an even higher sensitivity meter that never needs calibration. The meter also provides an audible “beeping” alarm and red flashing light when it senses microwaves above the 5 mW/cm². It’s sensitive down to 0.01 mW/cm² at 2450 MHz and will read all the way up to a roasting 9.99 mW/cm² in hundredths of mW/cm². The battery operates for more than 12 months under normal use and comes complete with carry case to keep your unit in perfect condition. The CEM DT-2G can also be used to measure radiated power from wireless keyboards, modems, cell phones and all other wireless devices using the 2450 MHz analog frequency. The meter is available now and retails for $34.95.

I measured my home and I’m in safe ranges… phew!

- LESS EMF – MICROWAVE OVEN METER

DYMO RHINO 3000 Label Printer – My Favorite Tools – July 2009

Danny Mavromatis — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:38:02 +0000

One of my pet peeves is having unlabeled wires and cables. It drives me bonkers! That’s why the Dymo Rhino 3000 is My Favorite Tool for July 2009. This little tools lets you label all your wires and cables very simply. If you are asking yourself what makes the Rhino better than say a Brother P-Touch? Well, it’s all in the adhesive and printing layout.

First, the adhesive on these labels is meant to be wrapped around cables and wires so you can be sure they won’t pop off. The label actually feels like it “shrinks” onto the cable (they do have true heat-shrink versions too).

Second, this rugged labeler was designed to print labels for A/V and Networking cables and wires so the way it prints the text is meant for easy reading when wrapped around the cable. Here are even more reasons.

If you have an A/V rack or network closet you owe it to yourself and anyone that works on your stuff properly labeled and organized wires. The Dymo Rhino 3000 is the tool that can make it happen… it will be the best $80 you’ve ever spent!

- DYMO RHINO 3000 Label Printer 15605

Bosch PS40-2, The Best Power Driver – My Favorite Tools – June 2009

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:05:22 +0000

Here’s a fun fact about me, I’ve been around construction tools and machinery all my life. My dad is a Master Carpenter and General Contractor so I’ve pretty much seen power tools evolve over the last 20+ years. I even remember his first cordless drill, which barely had enough power to drive a screw without pre-drilling. So this months favorite tool is the Bosch PS40-2. The Bosch PS40-2 is a 12-volt Lithium-Ion Impact Driver that is very well balanced, light weight and very powerful. If you have never used an impact driver, you’re in for a treat. The sound of it “impacting” when driving a screw or bolt is normal (some think the sound is a defect). Don’t judge it by it’s compact look this drill is a monster… it’s small enough to carry with your and use in tight places but powerful enough to drive a screw without drilling. The battery life is also great… I typically charge it and can use it for the full day before needing to recharge. Just keep in mind that this is a driver, not a typical “drill” so if you want to drill something this isn’t the best tool for the job. Bosch offers a PS30-2A (drill/driver) for that kind of job.

Here are some specs on the PS40-2:
- Hammer and anvil system produces 800 in-lbs of torque
- Delivers 1,800 RPM/3,000 BPM with 60 per cent more torque than 18V drill-driver; 800 in.-lbs of max torque.
- 3 LEDs illuminate work area for use in dark areas.
- Spring-Loaded Impact Mechanism.
- Aluminum gear housing with protective rubber front and a 1/4″ hex drive with quick release.
- Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle; bumpers on side of tool.
- Variable speed trigger.

The Bosch PS40-2A also will make a GREAT father’s day gift!

AMAZON.COM - Bosch PS40-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver
BOSCH TOOLS - 10.8V Litheon™ Impactor Fastening Driver

Felco Classic Pruner & Pruning Made Easy Book – My Favorite Tools – May 2009

Danny Mavromatis — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:24:20 +0000

I’ve been really getting into gardening lately. Not only is it stress releasing but it also requires some cool tools. I’ve found that my favorite gardening tool has been my Swiss Made Felco #F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruners. These things can be completely taken apart and refurbished with parts so they will be the last pair of pruners you’ll ever purchase! I’ve also relied on “Pruning Made Easy: A Gardener’s Visual Guide To When and How to Prune Everything, from Flowers to Trees” as a reference guide and I highly recommended it. This book covers everything I have in my garden from my fruit trees and grape vines to our indoor plants. These two items are My Favorite Tools for May 2009.

- Amazon.com: Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner #F-2

- Amazon.com: Pruning Made Easy: A gardener’s visual guide to when and how to prune everything, from flowers to trees (Storey’s Gardening Skills Illustrated)

Weller Pyropen WPA2 – My Favorite Tools – April 2009

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:06:27 +0000

I’ve decided to kick off a new feature on Mavromatic called “My Favorite Tools”. If you are like me and love to visit hardware stores and industrial supply houses checking out new tools, then you’ll enjoy this feature.

This months favorite tool is the Weller Pyropen WPA2. The Weller comes in handy when you need to solder something and can’t plug in a proper soldering station. I last used this applying DC connectors to a cable that would connect to a CCTV Camera. I was about 15′ up on a ladder and this tool worked like a charm. The Weller Pyropen WPA2 uses butane fuel — kind used to refill a lighter — and has a run time of about 3 hours of operation between refills. It ignites with the push of a button and provides heat up to 932° F — which is more than enough heat for typical projects.

Here are some other features that make the Weller Pyropen WPA one of my favorite tools:

Ignites with the push of a button, ideal for field service jobs
Lightweight and completely portable, ready to use in 30 seconds
Sturdy metal tank holds enough butane gas for 3 hours of operation
Does not require cords, batteries or cartridges
Temperature adjusts from 482°F to 932°F (approx. 25 – 60 watts)
14 soldering tip combinations available
Refills with butane fuel
UL listed

Treat yourself to a Weller Pyropen WPA2, it will be on your list of favorite tools too!

- AMAZON.COM: Weller WPA2 Pyropen Professional Self-Igniting Cordless Butane Soldering Iron