Shop

Apr 1, 1999 12:00 PM

Stick to it

A new stick welding power source from Miller Electric is perfect for small repair jobs, and it switches from AC to DC with a simple flick of a switch.

The company's new Thunderbolt XL stick welder features Accu-Set, an amperage control and indicator, located on the front of the unit for visibility and fingertip access. The unit is available in 225- or 300-amp output and 230 or 460v input. It has infinite amperage control for fine-tuned amperage. Because it can be set at increments as small as 1/2 amp, you don't have to change travel speed to get a good weld. Contact Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Dept. FIN, Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058, 800/426-4553.

Swivel screwdriver

Tighten or loosen nuts, bolts or screws, in and around tight or obstructed spots, with the Swivel Shaft bit driver from Sidewinder Products.

The driver locks into a 180 position and has a full 60 angular swivel. The tool has a removable cap for bit storage; its soft handle offers an easy, comfortable grip. It has a 1/4-in. hex drive and includes five standard 1-in. bits. Price: $10. Contact Sidewinder Products Corp., Dept. FIN, 850 Municipal Dr., Birmingham, AL 35216, 800/999-3405.

Lube it and use it

Maintain oil flow in your machinery with FS Growmark's new line of motor oils.

Suprex Gold, a premium diesel engine motor oil, is available in three viscosity grades: SAE 30, SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40. Each one comes packaged in quarts or 21/2-gal. jugs (15W-40 is also available in 1-gal. containers).

Suprex, an economy oil, is offered in six grades: SAE 10W, SAE 20W-20, SAE 30, SAE 40 and SAE 15W-40, packaged in 21/2-gal. jugs (15W-40 also is available in 1-gal. containers).

The company also is introducing Super Lube Gold and Engine Guard oils. Contact FS Growmark, Dept. FIN, 1701 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, IL 61702, 309/557-6000.

Adjustable work light

These new work lights put an angle on illumination while you're working in the shop.

According to the manufacturer, Pro-Lite's fluorescent lights have a polycarbonate lens that is highly resistant to impact, unlike traditional incandescent bulbs. The Pro-Lite swivels 360, has an adjustable hook for hanging, an on/off switch in the handle and a 15-ft. cord. The Professional model has these same features with an added 10 ft. of cord and a 360-adjustable magnetic mounting clip. The Pro-Reel offers 20 ft. of retractable cord. Price: $20 to $30. Contact Alert Stamping & Mfg., Dept. FIN, 24500 Solon Rd., Bedford Heights, OH 44146, 440/232-5020.

Surefire Sharp-Fire

Put up a barn, build a deck or hang drywall quicker than you can say "sharp shooter" with Milwaukee Electric Tool's new Sharp-Fire screw shooter.

Available in many versions, the one that fits farm work best is model 6701.20, offering 0 to 2,500 rpm for rapid-fire delivery. It takes on 11/4- to 2-in. screws and features a 120v motor. Also available are screw strips with 50 screws per strip. Suggested price for the shooter: $117. Contact Milwaukee Electric Tool Co., Dept. FIN, 13135 W. Lisbon Rd., Brookfield, WI 53005, 414/783-8311.