I am a fan of small lightweight air compressors and have been using a small 1-gallon for years now on the jobsite. So when I got news about a new 1-gallon from Porter-Cable, the excitement began to flow; that is until I realized that the new C1010 compressor from Porter-Cable is the same as the D55140 from DeWalt. Not that there is anything wrong with the DeWalt, it's just that the new compressor is not really new.

The specification for both units are almost identical, with the C1010 coming it at 71 decibels, which is 2 decibels higher then the DeWalt; the rest of that stats are the same. Both weigh 24-pounds, have a motor with a draw of only 2.6 amps, and have a rather quick 20-second recovery. So why is there a 2 decibel difference? My guess is just a difference in testing. The Porter-Cable is expected to retail for $139, but Amazon currently has the DeWalt for less then $130. I expect Amazon will offer a lower price for the C1010 down the road. So, red or yellow?

If this wasn't confusing enough, Senco's 1-gallon compressor is Model number PC1010.

Porter-Cable C1010 – Amazon, DeWalt D55140 - Amazon

Back in October 2010 Bosch announced their partnership with Perceptron, a global leader in optical scopes. This lead us to assume that Bosch at some point in the future would come out with a 12V inspection scope that would compete with the cordless models from some of the other major brands. It looks like our prediction was correct, as Bosch has announced their new PS90 12V Max Inspection Camera.

The PS90 inspection cam allows people of all trades to get a view of small tight places. The camera comes with a waterproof flexible imager that is a full 48-inches in length and has a camera head that is only 17mm in diameter. The head itself is made out of metal for added durability, and features bright LED lights that Bosch says are configured to provide maximum visibility while preventing hot spots and glare. The camera also can be used with a hook, magnet, or mirror attachments.

The main body of the PS90 features a 2.7-inch display, and controls that allow the user to magnify the image up to four times. If 2.7-inches is not big enough for you, the kit also comes with a video output cable that can be used with an external video monitor. The PS90 kit also includes a battery with built-in life indicator gauge, and can be charged in 30 minutes with the included charger. Bosch says the 12V battery provides 8-15 hours of continuous use depending on LED light usage.

For users that need to get into even smaller places, Bosch also offer a shorter 36-inch flexible imager that uses a smaller 9.5mm head. If both sizes are needed, they can be purchased together in the PS91 kit. Both kits are available now at Amazon and other stores nationwide.

PS90 – Amazon, PS91 – Amazon

Bosch Tools

Sortimo has announced their new LS-Boxx, which is identical in size to their medium L-Boxx's, but instead has an opening in the front for removable trays. These trays, called i-Boxx's comes in two sizes and come with insert boxes and feature a transparent lid. The top portion of the LS-Boxx opens just like a regular L-Boxx and can house small tools such as cordless drills. The advantage of this new box is its ability to carry a tool in the top, and all the accessories needed in the tray's below. Sortimo talks about different tray options for the new LS-Boxx, but so far I can only find this one photo. These LS-Boxx's are compatible with existing L-Boxx containers, as well as other Sortimo vehicle storage solutions. Sortimo is based in Germany, and Sortimo U.S. doesn't expect the LS-Boxx to hit our shelves until sometime next year. I wonder if Bosch will start using these?

Also new for Sortimo are powered L-Boxx. These new boxes are called L-BOXXes, and offer a portable power solution that all ties in with Sortimo's modular system. They have two current options available, 230V and 400V, and also available are matching power distribution cables. Again these are only available in parts of Europe at this time, but I will keep my eye out of the US crowd.

Think scientists have all the answers? Think again. Self-taught metallurgist Gary Cola from Detroit has amazed scientists with his new heat-treating process that makes ordinary steel stronger and more shock absorbent then the most common titanium alloys used in the industry. Cola claimed his new Flash Bainite steel was 7 percent stronger then martensitic advanced high-strength steel, and at the same time could be thinned and lengthened 30 percent more. Cola's claims were then verified by Suresh Babu of Ohio State University.

The process to make Flash Bainite is as simple as quickly sending sheets of steel through 1100 degree Celsius flames, then cooling them with a liquid bath. The entire process takes less then 10 seconds. Previous heat-treating metheds required steel to be heated for a few hours, or as long as days.

So when will we start to see new lighter weight, stronger, and cheaper tools? Because the process can be done so quickly, there is less time and energy used, which means costs saving will be passed on to everyone. Let us not forget that regular old cheap steel is used, and thus another costs savings. While the metal itself is not light weight, the fact that it is stronger means manufacturers can use less of it.

Could this be the end of titanium hammers? Could this mean that even the cheap hand tools from China will be stronger then many titanium alloys? Lighter table saws, miter saws, drills, hand tools? Manufactures need to get a move on this.

Via Science Daily