News

Makita is at it again, making tools smaller and lighter, but still giving us the power we need to get the job done right. Their new GA4534 4-1/2" angle grinder packs 6 Amps of power into a barrel that is only 2-3/16" in diameter. This Makita built motor delivers 11,000 RPM's and uses labyrinth construction to seal and protect the motor and bearings from dust and debris. "The new GA4534 has the smallest barrel grip on the market, and is the most compact and lightweight paddle switch angle grinder in its...

A sign of things to come? Bosch Germany

It has been a while since the release of the Work Sharp 3000 sharpening system, and like the older WS2000 system, it now has a Belt accessory that allows users to sharpen everything from pocket knives to kitchen knives. To be honest, I was surprised it took this long for the accessory to come out, but it looks like it has little in common with the version used on the WS2000. This extra time spent has allowed Work Sharp to design a better belt sharpening system that offers more flexibility. The Belt...

The Rockler Bench Cookie has been a popular tool at the work place, so it was probably inevitable that a product would come out to directly compete with it. The Bench Paws from Woodworkers Supply have taken their inspiration from gripping power of dog feet, but does this new design really offer any new benefits? Woodworkers Supply says this paw design offer greater holding strength because the open pads allow dust to fall through and between the toes of the micro-textured traction surfaces. The pads are also designed...

Oscillation tools have quickly become the top tool on everybody's wish list. Because they are useful in so many applications, the tools are sought after by remodelers, electricians, plumbers, finish carpenters, and DIYer's. The oscillation tool market is still rapidly growing, but with each new tool, it becomes more and more fragmented. Why? Because every manufacture uses a different proprietary blade. In many cases, accessories from one brand will not work on the other brand. Bosch is taking the step that is needed to bring unity to a tool that really needs it by introducing the...

Have you even wanted to get started on a home project, only to be put off by the amount of tools that you need, yet don't have? Campbell Hausfeld has four new starter kits that just might get you back into the DIY mood again. They idea is pretty simple, you choose the kit that best suits your needs, then you can get started on those projects right away. The Home Décor Kit (Model FP260096) is for the person that likes to do crafts, reupholster furniture, do a bit of artistic painting, etc. This is a...

Today Duo-Fast held a virtual press conference where they gave us the scoop on their latest creation, the DFCR175C fuel powered cordless roofing nailer. This particular tool has been the number one request by end users. So Duo-Fast, doing as all smart companies do, is giving the people what they want.

I don't use pocket-hole jigs very often, but even a light users can appreciate what these tools have to offer. Heavy duty users should be excited to learn that the new QuikJig from PC has a ton of new features that turn an already great tool, into a much more versatile tool. What sets the QuikJig apart is its ability to to auto-adjust depending on the thickness of the material you are using. This feature takes all of the calculations and/or guess work out of changing the tool to accommodate different material thicknesses. This...

Craftsman has just entered the laser measuring market, which would normally be good news, but in this case, Craftsman has me wondering why they even bothered. It is not as though the new laser measurer is a bad tool, it is just a tool that has too little to offer for its price in today's market. A mispriced tool, as it were. At a price just shy of $100, the Craftsman Accutrac laser measurer can measure distances of up to 100 feet, calculates length, area, volume, does Pythagorean measuring and even has a backlit LCD screen....

I have always been a fan of Bosch jigsaws and always try to point people in their direction, so when I hear about new jigsaws from Bosch, it is hard not to get excited. But can the jigsaws of new, really be any better then the jigsaws of old? A quick look at the specifications has me leaning in the direction of yes. The first thing you notice about their new JS470E and JS470EB(Barrel-Grip) jigsaws are the looks. Bosch had your comfort in mind and added a black soft-grip to all the areas they figure your...