Mark Wolfe Reviews the MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter
Worx Introduces The New MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter
By: Mark Wolfe
I recently tested the MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter (item number WX744L9, $39.99), one of a series of five tools in the new MAKERX go-anywhere tool lineup. This portable woodburning kit/ soldering iron is available individually, or included in three different combo kits. The individual unit is a tool only, with the power supply sold separately. Combo kits include a WORX 20V Power Share lithium ion rechargeable battery and the MAKERX 20V Hub to power the tools.
The MAKERX system was designed and built with crafters, makers, hobbyists, and DIYers in mind. It provides a ton of functional flexibility, quickly switching between a Rotary Tool, two-inch Angle Grinder, compact Air Brush, Mini Heat Gun, and the Wood & Metal Crafter. Tool and blade sizes are ideal for the details of jewelry making, metalwork, woodburning, electronics work, miniatures, school projects, and more. Each of these powerful tools features a compact, ergonomic design that fits comfortably in smaller hands. The system is part of the WORX 20V Power Share family, using the same powerful lithium ion rechargeable battery as dozens of other tools, for easy portability without extension cords.
The battery attaches to the 20V MAKERX Hub to power the interchangeable crafting tools while reducing tool weight. The hub features an on/off switch and speed control knob, and connects to the tool with a flexible four foot power cord and simple plug-in attachment point.
The MAKERX Wood & Metal Crafter kit comes with the 20V woodburning tool/soldering iron/metal crafting tool, six woodburning tips, four soldering tips, a silicone sleeve for added grip, and a cradle stand. One feature that makes this tool so versatile is the temperature control. Rather than on/off only, an adjustable operating temperature between 400 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit allows the user to increase or decrease heat for optimal performance on different materials like wood, metal, leather, and synthetic materials. Temperature display, up/down temperature controls, and on/off switch are conveniently built into the tool handle.
I tested the wood and metal crafter on wood, metal, and leather to get a feel for its full range of capability, and it performed admirably. I was impressed by how quickly the tool builds heat. The temperature readout reached 680 degrees in about 30 seconds. The finer soldering and woodburning tips were fully heated and functional right away when the readout displayed 680 degrees. The largest woodburning tip was fully heated and functional within about 45 seconds. I worked with the tool for approximately 90 minutes, and had no indication of excessive heat buildup in the handle.
The interchangeable tips thread onto the end of the tool. To switch between tips after initially heating the tool, I simply switched it off and used needle nose pliers to gently unscrew one tip and replaced it with another. In addition to the tips that are included with the kit, the tool is compatible with most standard screw-in woodburning tool and soldering iron tips.
WORX MAKERX Tools are sold individually, or in combo sets. They are available at worx.com and Amazon.
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