“Frankly, we didn’t even remember it’s our 20^th year in business,” admits Raymond Wong, GREX’s vice president of sales and marketing. He says he’ll consider the new brad nailer to be a fitting way to mark the anniversary instead.

Looking forward rather than back, with a commitment to building high quality air tools, has been the guiding principle for GREX and its founder, Frank Wong, since the beginning. Back around 1995, when he started the business in the family’s garage, the challenge to become a new tool-brand name in the fastening industry, among other well-established giants, was daunting. Frank, a former gift shop owner and retailer, was starting from scratch in every sense of the word.

“My father did not know a single thing about the industry,” Raymond says. “He had never even used a pneumatic nailer or stapler before. But that didn’t stop him. He’s always been a quick learner and a hard worker.”

And, the time was ripe in the fastening industry for change. Some other pneumatic toolmakers were beginning to outsource their manufacturing from the U.S. to Taiwan. Nailers and staplers produced in Taiwan were considered to be of great quality, and the opportunity was there for more Taiwanese tool brands to enter the field.

Through acquaintances of friends and family, Frank formed a partnership with a group in Taiwan that wanted to start up a new nailer and stapler factory. The plan was for him to sell product and form a dealer network in the U.S., while his partners manufactured the tools overseas. So Frank sold his gift shops and moved his family from the East Coast to California. There, he started making sales calls to tool stores, driving around Los Angeles as the company’s only sales force. Slowly but surely he convinced other tool retailers to begin carrying his products.

“It was tough, because we were a ‘no-name’ brand. Regardless of how good the product was, most people wouldn’t even give it a second look,” Raymond says.

But fortune was smiling. One of Frank’s dealers introduced him to Jerry Carter, who had just retired from SENCO as its national sales manager. Jerry agreed to come work for Frank, “and somehow, they just clicked,” Raymond says. “The combination of my father’s savvy business sense and Jerry’s knowledge, experience and relationships in the industry, allowed the company to steadily grow.”

An attractive product inventory helped, too. GREX soon offered a full catalog of industrial-grade pneumatic nailing and stapling tools and, Raymond adds, the early designs were focused on simplicity and durability. GREX came to be known as the value brand capable of providing quality tools at a reasonable price. Then a string of successful 23-gauge pin nailers galvanized GREX’s reputation with professional contractors and woodworkers alike. First there was the P630 in 2000, followed by the P635 in 2004. Both pinners were easy to use, with self-adjusting magazines and offering longer pin lengths than their competition. The company’s P650L, which came to market in 2007, was the first 23-gauge pin nailer that could shoot up to 2-in. pin nails.

“We believe this revolutionized the industry — many applications that used to use 18-gauge, 2-in. brads now could be replaced with 23-gauge, 2-in. nails instead,” Raymond says.

But brad nailers continue to be mainstay tools for customers, and GREX offers them, too. Raymond reports GREX’s 1850GB “Green Buddy” is its best-selling 18-gauge pneumatic brad nailer. The company also expanded its breadth of inventory about 10 years ago with compact airbrush tools. In addition to some 50 different fastening tools, GREX now makes 30 variations of airbrushes, spray guns and compressors. It’s a side of the business that is growing steadily.

“Our airbrush sales are now comparable to our tool sales. We apply the same philosophy to the airbrush as our tool side. We focus on offering premium quality, differentiated and innovative products. And for that we have been recognized as a premium brand in the airbrush industry.”

All told, GREX’s inventory includes about 3,000 products, factoring in nails, fasteners and replacement parts, and it currently has some 400 dealers across North America. The company caters to professionals, Raymond adds, so GREX products are not available through big box stores.

Commenting on how the company distinguishes itself in the marketplace, Raymond believes GREX’s commitment to quality is key to its reputation among the pros. Whereas some other companies have lowered prices in recent years to capture the DIY market, the tradeoff has been durability — and pro users have noticed the quality slip. GREX has steered clear of the “bargain-basement” approach.

“We’ve been able to differentiate ourselves by actually continuing to do things the same way as we started,” Raymond says. “We still design and build tools like they used to be made 20-plus years ago. I like to say we are ‘Old School.’”

By that, Raymond says GREX builds all-metal tools rather than using composites, with metal magazines and metal internal parts. Many of GREX’s tool models today are the same ones that were part of the company’s original lineup, so they are proven in the industry. And, GREX is committed to providing replacement parts, which he says customers know they can depend upon.

“We know how important it is to make replacement parts available and affordable, and we make a point to support the tools we sell, because we are not in the business to sell throwaway tools.”

Aside from a commitment to customer support, Raymond credits GREX’s “flat” corporate structure and small family-run style as part of its success, too. He says those at GREX who work closely with customers are the same people who make the decision to invest in new products, design them, oversee their manufacture and, eventually, sell them. It makes the company nimble enough to respond quickly to opportunities, and to innovate products that customers genuinely want.

“We don’t release new products all the time, but when we do, we want to be sure there are differentiated features over the competition that are of value to the user. Why make something new that’s no different from what’s already offered in the market?” he says.

To that end, Raymond is excited about GREX’s all-new GC-1850 Cordless 18-gauge Brad Nailer. Woodworker’s Journal saw a preliminary version of it last summer at the AWFS trade show in Las Vegas (to see a video, click here), but Raymond reports that some production details still needed to be finalized. It will launch officially by the end of this month on the company’s website. To recap the product’s highlights, it’s the only cordless 18-gauge finish nailer operating on replaceable fuel cells that is as small as a traditional pneumatic 18-gauge nailer. It will be lighter than its competition, with all-metal construction, and it’s capable of shooting 2-in. brad nails into hardwood. It will offer the lowest cost of fuel per shot, and it requires just two AAA alkaline batteries that will last at least 50,000 shots. The street price will be about $450.

Raymond hopes the new nailer will be a fitting way to mark 20 years of business. And, unquestionably, GREX has come a long way in that time — from a retailer’s garage startup to one of today’s leading air tool manufacturers. But for founder Frank, and five other members of the Wong family who are among GREX’s employees, humble beginnings are far from forgotten.

“For my father, GREX was started as simply a means to provide for his family … There were no intentions to grow a huge corporation or to sell the most tools or to be well-known. It was about building a sustainable business. To achieve that, it was about building a respectable business, offering great products that we believe in and are passionate about. And providing a superior level of service to our dealers and customers. That same philosophy still guides our company today.”

To learn more about GREX tools, click here.

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Rockler equips the sub-base with a stepped center cutout that will accept standard Porter-Cable style guide bushings, for template routing and other joinery tasks.

This new Compact Router Sub-Base is the second sub-base variation Rockler has brought to market of late for this router category. Another option is the Compact Router Mortise Centering Base (item 57523; $19.99).

You can buy Rockler’s Compact Router Sub-Base with Handles (item 59811) for $29.99 at Rockler.com, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, or through Rockler’s printed catalog.

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Tim Inman: To me, you’re talking two different machines with two different job assignments. I’d buy both of them. If budget or life partner issues won’t accommodate two, then I would definitely start out with the bigger one, unless you plan on doing just little jobs. But, the big one can do little jobs where the little one can’t do big jobs. Really, get ’em both.

Chris Marshall: When compact (1 or 1-1/4 hp) routers first came out years ago, I was really excited: more power than a laminate trimmer but in a similar tidy size? Count me in! And when plunge bases for these handy little machines hit the market, my appreciation for compacts just continued to grow. I’ve tried them all — Makita, DeWALT, Porter-Cable and Bosch — and I’ve found them to be powerful enough for most routing applications that can be done with a ¼-in. shank bit: edge profiling, mortising, dado and groove cutting and light template or other joinery work. They are as well made as their larger cousins, while being easy-to-handle, particularly when your workpiece is small or when you have to steer the router along a narrow edge. A big router’s heft can sometimes test your confidence, but with a compact router, I always feel like I’m in complete control.

All this said, no woodworker should be without a mid-size router. That will be your workhorse machine. The larger motor can tackle virtually any routing operation, with the exception of panel-raising with huge bits — that’s a task for a 3hp full-size router. Plus, a mid-range model will accept both ¼- and ½-in. shank sizes. Yes, it’s proportionally bigger than a compact router, and the added weight doesn’t always work in your favor when you’re steering it by hand. But, with a fixed and plunge base, a 2 to 2-1/4hp machine could easily be the only router you can’t be without. It will work well in hand or bolted under your router table. A compact router, while more nimble and fun to use, comes in second place.

I second Tim’s motion here: buy the mid-size to get you going, then save up and buy the compact too. You’ll love having both options.

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I have some scrap pieces of solid surface material and plan on building another shelf unit that will look different because of the different colors I have. When I have pictures of that, I will submit them.

-Jaime Anthony Ballestero

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“NOW you tell me. I’m right in the middle of installing floor and wall porcelain tile in not one, but two, bathrooms. I feel your pain.” – Murray George

“Laughed out loud when I read your column. Built a room on the back of our house two years ago, and I’m still paying for it. I’m 72 now and I’m thinking of enclosing my shop located in my RV garage (it’s only two walls, I say). There comes a time when you have to say, ‘Nope, I can’t do it (because it’ll hurt).’” – Gil Hebert

“Been there, done that …never, ever again. I installed three rooms of oak flooring in an addition, and I feel your pain in addition to the pain I felt when put down my flooring.” – Greg Little

“I, too, am too old to lay flooring, I hired two of my sons friends to do the laying while I did the measuring and cutting. They didn’t even want to use the kneepads I bought for them. Motrin, Norco or whatever you have helps. My doctor told me to use the Motrin before I started the job, which really works.” – Jim Ware

“I have been there. I put flooring in a 1,500 square foot house and I know your pain. Each corner, each angle, the floor registers, etc. I already have a bad back and bad knees. Now I have a bad feeling about putting down flooring. I ask ‘What’s wrong with bare floors or carpet?’ I think gin is the best at easing the pain.” – Ralph Williams

“A lesson from my father:  Before deciding if you should do something, take a hint from the age of people who do it for a living.  There are no old roofers, there are no old flooring installers.” – Roger Rayburn

Some had a quibble with Rob’s calculation – likely a bit of hyperbole – that he spent 300 hours over the weekend installing the flooring. –Editor

“I usually read your editorials for I like the writing style. Do the math, my friend: 300 hours is more than two solid weeks! Last year I bought a multi-tool for some flooring repairs at a museum I volunteer for. I got the project started but never finished it. Shame on me…your story is a good reminder to finish what I started.” – Sherman Anderson

“There are only 48 hours in a weekend and that’s if you don’t sleep.  I replaced all the flooring in my house (not in one weekend) and am glad I did it.  Both floors are now 100 percent real hardwood.  If you wear kneepads and have the proper tools, it is not hard work. I also tiled the basement; that was a little harder.” – Jack Klein

Some eZine readers, on the other hand, shared their flooring success stories. – Editor

“Oops. Been there, done that! In 2014, my wife and I bought a condo for one of her sisters; the rugs throughout the house were trash! I spent the next month laying plywood over the concrete slab and then 1,500 square feet of hardwood in the living room, dining room, kitchen, hall, one of the bedrooms, and up the stairs. While I didn’t enjoy the task, I learned a great deal that will help me when I lay the flooring in the 1909 Craftsman home that my wife and I bought to retire to.

“Most of the downstairs will be left looking like it was when it was built, the kitchen will be brought up-to-date and we will add a residential elevator, the main floor bathroom will be split into two powder rooms (pointers and setters) and a mechanical room. Upstairs will be another story, wall-to-wall carpets and a new master suite. The main floor pine flooring will be replaced with engineered bamboo that will match the original color, about 2000 square feet.” – J. Eric Pennestri

“My son-in-law and I did that with solid oak flooring in our entry, kitchen and dining room.  All are connected so not given to changing floor type readily.  We found a nail gun made just for this type of wood. How lucky. Glad the job is done. It does look beautiful, especially since the wife loves it. I can understand your NO on installing flooring.” – Mike Neal

“My wife and I have installed wood flooring in four rooms and wood-look ceramic planks in our kitchen. I disagree; it is a great DIY project and saved us thousands by DIY. Maybe you are just getting old, LOL. I’m a young 66, and my wife will only be 60-something. We love doing projects together; it keeps us young and happy.” – Bill Bires

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