In celebration of JET tool being 5o years old this year, they are holding a tool sweepstakes giveaway once a month for the entire year. Then a grand prize giveaway, and a great ending if you ask me, at the end of the year consisting of an "Ultimate Work Shop".

This months giveaway is a parallel clap set. Next months giveaway is a Pro Shop Tablesaw.

So you can't wait?

JET has some free stuff to hold you over. Plans for an adirondack chair and arbor, screen savers and more.

You dont want to miss this.  For complete contest rules, and to sign up yourself, head on over to the Jet Tools website .

What is the last thing you want to do after you have finished your newly remodeled bathroom? How about cracking a ceramic tile while trying to hang your towel rod. It seems that tiles keep getting harder and harder, but the bits just can't seem to keep up. 

Bosch aims to solve these problems with their new glass and tile bits that boast a unique geometry that allows them to drill better, faster, and last longer then traditional glass bits. Made of tungsten carbide, the precision diamond ground point eliminates walking, and allows for smooth cutting. Best suited for glass, ceramic walls, and ceramic floors; the new bits should be a welcomed addition to professionals and DIYers tool boxes.

 

Find more information at http://boschtools.com

This is one of the things I really love about Makita; they are always looking for ways to improve their tools.

“We did some research on our best-selling BHR240, and made it even better,” said Ethan Haughawout, Makita’s associate product manager – cordless products.

So you might be wondering what makes this tool better then the previous model. Makita was able to make the new BHR202 smaller, and added the same vibration reduction technology to the BHR202, that is found in their high-torque impact wrench. This means a more comfortable tool for you, and the extra loss in vibration adds more life to your batteries.

Lets get down to the features.

The Makita built motor delivers 1-1,000 RPM and 0-4,000 BPM. It has a 3-position switch to go from drilling, to hammering, to drill/hammering. A built in torque limiter clutch is designed to disengage if the bit happens to jam, and a 360° chuck with 40 different locking positions allows you to chisel at the position that is best for you. And of curse the BHR202 features, what is pretty much standard with all Makita tools, a built in LED light for more visibility, and Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery technology.

The BHR202 will be available September 15, 2008.

MSRP for the complete package, including: Tool, depth gauge, side handle, 2 ea. Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, Rapid Optimum

Charger, and contractor bag is $489. MSRP for tool only is $259

A lot of questions have been going around the woodworking community wondering why the newest Milwaukee miter saws (The 6955-20 and 6950-20) do not include the very much standard hold down clamp. Another question is why the right fence does not slide, while the left one does.

Not knowing these answers myself, I decided to send an email to Milwaukee, and see if I would get an answer.

I did, and here is what they said.

"The clamp is not included because the vast majority of professional finish carpenters (our target user) do not use clamps.
Regarding the sliding fence, while the right fence will not slide, it is easily removable."

So we got a straight answer about the clamp, but no real answer about why the right fence does not slide.

I am a finish carpenter, and use a miter saw for a lot of my daily work; while I agree that a clamp is not used very often, they are very useful when they are needed. It is nice to know you have that option if you need it, and at times can keep your fingers safe. At the price you are paying for the saws, it seems to me a little silly to exclude a relatively cheep accessory, that also adds a bit of safety.

The right fence not being able to slide is a bit weird. They say it is easily removable, but what if you are cutting base standing up, and sharing the saw with someone who is cutting crown lying flat. You would be taking the fence on and off the whole day. From what I have been hearing, there is a "hack" you can perform to solve this problem, but why should we have to do it.

If you already own this saw, let us know if you agree with Milwaukee. Also be sure to add you review in our power tool reviews section.