What exactly is a switchable impact? Well, as the name suggests, it is an impact driver with a switch. This switch then allows users to completely turn off the impacts from the tool. It basically turns your impact driver into a standard drill/driver. One of the questions often asked of this tool is why one would need a switchable impact. The answer is simple; you now have a single tool that can take the place of two tools. When you are up on a ladder, do you want to have two tools to worry about, or just one? Switchable impacts can do many of the things a normal drill can do, with one small downside; they can only use 1/4 hex bits. There are adapter chucks that allow you to use regular bits in 1/4” hex chucks, but sadly none was included in the Bosch kit.

The Bosch 26618-01 is a powerhouse; it is not much bigger then a regular Bosch 18V Impactor, but it gives you much more versatility. I used the tool side by side with my Friends regular Bosch 18V Impactor and I did not notice any difference in how they performed. Even though it is a tool that is meant to replace two tools, you don't really feel like you are missing out on anything – other then a drill chuck. That being said, the tool is a little lackluster in the torque area while in drilling mode. It preformed fine with all standard drill bits used, but it had some trouble with a 1” Bosch Daredevil bit. Once switched back to Impact mode, the 26618-01 had no problems with the DareDevil bits.

It looks like Porter-Cable has filled an RPM gap with their latest 7-1/4" circular saw. The PC15TCSMK looks to be Porter Cables blade-right replacement to the much loved MAG line. To be honest, I am a bit confused as to why the blade-right versions of the MAG saws were discontinued, while the blade-left models still remain; but I digress. Porter Cable does have a couple other blade-right saws on the market right now, but none of them offer the higher 5600 RPM's at 15 Amps the PC15TCSMK has to offer.

Based on user feedback, Porter-Cable built the PC15TCSMK to be a lighter saw, with better weight distribution, and better ergonomics. Taking some features form the MAG line, PCs latest creation uses a similar cast magnesium shoe. In total, their new saw is only .1 lbs lighter then the MAG saw, but every little bit helps, plus the MAG was already amazingly light. Another improvement over the MAG, besides being smaller and lighter, is the angled front handle (the first thing I noticed from the photo), which allows your hand to be in a more natural relaxed position during use. Some other honorable mentions include: a soft trigger grip handle, optimized trigger force, bevel stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees, and a 10 foot cord.

The PC15TCSMK includes a 24-tooth carbide thin-kerf framers blade, wrench, rip fence, and kit box. The saw will be available in May 2010 and carries a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Porter Cable

This might offend some of those die hard green mechine lovers, especially since this particular tool is not yet avaialbe in the USA, but the rest of us will have no problem seeing a Festool belt sander being used as a Festoolmobile. I wonder if Go-Carting is covered under the Festool warrenty? The retail price for a Festool riding belt sander: $670 - $950. Do you think this would do well in the power tool drag race?

It is almost time for the 2nd Annual Power Tool Drag Races taking place in Columbus Ohio. I have never been to any of these races myself, but from the videos I have seen, they sure do look like fun. Think of it as pinewood derby races but for adults, and with more power. The Races will feature two classes: Stock (Single engine. Limited mods. Built on own) , and Top Fuel (Multi-motor. Open mods. Built on own).

The Race will take place on Saturday August 21st 2010. Registration to enter is $25, and the Fans get to watch for free. Our friends over at Ohio Power Tool will be sponsoring a number of prizes at the event. Looks like it will be a fun day for all. I don't know if there will be any tailgate BBQ's, but what kind of sporting event would it be without them?

For more information and complete rules, visit PTDRC