Introduction

Porter-Cable first announced their ultra compact line of 12-volt tools back in August of 2010. They were one of the last of the major brands to make tools in the ultra compact category, but they had a few extra features that set them apart, as well as a lower price. One tool in the new line that caught my eye was their version of the ultra compact reciprocating saw; it had a new simple clamping feature that looked like could really come in handy. Porter-Cable was awesome enough to send their ClampSaw to me for review, and I have been testing it out for the last few weeks.

The Porter-Cable 12-volt ClampSaw comes with everything you need right out of the box, which means you can be using the saw in no time at all. The PCL120CRC-2 kit includes the saw, (2) 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, a 30-minute charger, (1) 4" metal blade, (1) 4" wood blade, an hex wrench, and a soft-sided tool bag.

When I first set eyes on this new saw, it was the clamping feature that drew me in. Anyone who has used a reciprocating saw has run into problems with the blade getting caught in the material, which causes the saw to jerk around. It is when we lose control when accidents happen. The clamping feature of the saw aims to solve these gripping and slipping problems. The clamping shoe is always on the saw and is tucked out of the way when you don't need it. When you are ready to get your clamp on, you can slide out the clamp and lock it into position with the included hex wrench. The top of the clamp even has measurements so you know how far to open it, depending on your material size. It opens up to a total of 2 inches, so you can fit all the common plumbing pipe sizes, and even a 2x4.

One of my first experiences in using tools was when I would work with my Father to design & build my car for the Pinewood Derby races in the Cub Scouts. He would let me do all of the designing myself and even let me do some of the simple cuts with a handsaw. My designs were not works of art by any means, but the cars were always fun to build, and the quality time with Dad was priceless.

Dremel, Lowe's and the Boy Scouts of America have teamed up to help share the joy of building and the joy of family, as they hold their very own Pinewood Derby Days at every Lowe's store. Starting January 15th and running through March, Lowe's stores will be holding Pinewood Derby car building clinics to help you get started. If you are a parent with kids and 5 Saturdays to spare (you do), you should head over to Lowe's and build some cars with your kids.

Head over to DremelDerby for more information.

Via CopTool

Popular Woodworking broke some pretty interesting news on Friday, that I am sure has a lot of people wondering what is going on. It turns out that Stanley Black & Decker will be selling the Delta brand to a Taiwanese company called TOTY and it will be renamed Delta Power Equipment. The New company will be run by someone familiar to the industry, Bryan Whiffen, who was Sr. VP for product development at TTI. TTI as we know, is the owner of Milwaukee Power tool and Ryobi.

We shouldn't see much of a change in production, because according to Popular Woodworking, TOTY makes many of the tools already sold by Stanley Black & Decker, Craftsman, and Ryobi. But what does this mean for the USA made Unisaw?

There has been no official press release from Stanley B&D or Delta to confirm these reports from Popular Woodworking, but I was able to find a press release from the South Carolina Department of Commerce that does confirm Delta Power Equipment will be moving into the area. TOTY will be investing over $3.6 million in a facility in Anderson South Carolina and is expected to create 40 jobs. If the Unisaw is to remain American made, I would assume it would be made in this facility. There is little doubt in my mind that many tools will still be made in other countries.

I wonder who will be making the scroll saw that was once made by Dewalt, but was changed to the Delta name back in the Summer of 2010, as both version are still listed for sale on Amazon.

Update: Popular Woodworking has confirmed that the Unisaw will remain in the US and move its production to the new S.C. plant. P.W. also has more information about Chang Type Industrial Co. Ltd. (TOTY).

"Having the Unisaw made in the U.S. was a key point with our retailers," said Whiffen, noting that he had spent seven hours talking to dealers to discuss the sale. "And it's important to us. As far as I know it is the only cabinet saw made in the U.S.A. and it is a very nice saw."

Via Popular Woodworking – S.C. Commerce

Bosch is launching what they are calling a store within a store at select Home Depot Stores. This new Bosch store inside of The Home Depot is called the Bosch ProCenter, and is likely an area set aside just for Bosch tools. Also on hand at the Bosch ProCenter will be a Certified Expert to help answer any questions you might have about Bosch tools, and give tool demonstrations. Sounds like what Hilti did. Right now the Bosch ProCenter can only be found at a few Home Depot stores in the Chicago, Houston, and Miami areas, and there is no word on expanding to other states.

To kick of the new Bosch ProCenter, select South Florida Home Depot Stores with Bosch ProCenter will be hosting the Bosch Blitz Team, who will offering special promotions and giveaways. One event that sounds like a lot of fun is the Bosch Power Box Toss Challenge, where winners will receive a new PB360S Power Box Jobsite Digital Media Stereo. Dates and locations below.

Other Promotions include:

• $50 Home Depot gift card with the purchase of any Bosch Power Tool (First 20 customers only)
• $10 Home Depot gift card with the purchase of $20 worth of Bosch accessories (First 25 customers only)
• Purchase a Bulldog Rotary Hammer and receive a DMD4K Multi-Detector ($99 value) (while supplies last)
• Register with a Bosch expert and receive a free t-shirt