This topic comes from an email I was sent last night pointing out that Makita cordless combo cases in Germany are hard plastic unlike the soft luggage style cases we get here in the US. They are basically larger versions of the standard molded plastic case, with a specific place for every tool. There is no question that these larger molded cases offer greater protection for your tools, but are also pretty bulky and seem like they would be hard to carry around the jobsite.

I myself, am a fan of the luggage style case, though it is a bit ridiculous to take such a large bag to the jobsite. So why am I a fan? Because they work great as luggage for your clothes when you need to travel.

So what type of storage would you prefer for your large cordless combo kits with 4 tools or more? Hard molded case, soft sided luggage, or do you use some other 3rd party storage solution?

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Grinders are one of the few tools on the jobsite that are true multitaskers and likely a good reason to make sure you get a good one. They can cut, sand, grind, shape, polish and sharpen, something many of us do on a daily basis.

The two new Makita angle grinders – GA4030/K (4”) and GA4530 (4-1/2”) are powered by a Makita built industrial 6 AMP motor - gotta love Makita for building their own motors and not using something off the shelf. These 11,00 RPM motors are also sealed to protect the bearings from dust and debris, and feature machined gears that are said to last twice as long as competitive models.

Makita also had comfort in mind when designing these new grinders and decreased the size of the barrel grip to only 2-2/4”. They also added a 3rd top position mount for the side handle in addition to the 2 side mounts. This new position should really come in handy during cutting applications. You will notice that both models are basically the same with the disk size and spindle thread type being the only differences.

Makita Tools
$ GA4030K , GA4530 - Amazon

If there is one thing that makes time fly on the jobsite, it is a good work environment. One of the easiest ways to improve your work environment is by adding a little Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture to your day.

But you can't take just any radio to the jobsite, there are to many hazards. You need a radio that can withstand a fall from the rooftop, a punt down the stairs and even a game of car bowling. The new M12 radio from Milwaukee Tools survived all this and more, but you don't have to take my word for it, someone made a video to prove it.

Pretty impressive if you ask me and something you can easily test yourself if you don't mind voiding the warranty. But if the radio is that durable, who needs a warranty?

Milwaukee M12 Radio - Amazon

Well over a year after Milwaukee released their line of 12-inch miter saws, they have now come out with a new heavy duty miter saw stand, which in my opinion is a year late. However if you have been holding out for a Milwaukee stand or you are just now looking for a better way to make your miter saw more mobile, it doesn't look like the 48-08-0550 Miter Stand will disappoint.

In typical Milwaukee fashion, the 48-08-0550 is no light weight. The stand weighs in at 56.3 lbs which is a pound more then one of the Milwaukee Miter Saws it would be supporting. When we take a look at the specs we can see what the weight of the stand is accomplishing – the table area of the stand can support an amazing 550 lbs. It has a total extension width of 9.5' which is good for short trim, but if you are working with trim lengths in the 12-16' range I always suggest getting a couple extra roller stands.

It looks like only part that is questionable are the girly sized wheels. I don't know why manufacturers like to skimp on the wheels, but it is has always been annoying. Do they not realize that jobsites are like mini war zones?

If the 48-08-0550 Stand caught your fancy you can pick one up for around $200.

Milwaukee Tools