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 class," said Wayne Hart, Makita communications manager. "Makita has shown once again how to take an industry leading tool and refine it to make it even better."

In addition to the smaller size and the weight(only 4.2 lbs.) of the GA4534, Makita also positioned the side handle of the grinder at an increased angle of 20-degrees. This simple angle change actually does feel more comfortable. If you don't believe me, pretend like you are holding a grinder in your hands, than move your side handle hand 20 degrees out. Simple things.

Makita - [:cicn:] Amazon

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 System mounts onto the WS3000 without the need for any tools or modifications, by using the stock mounting screw hole, and the accessory t-slots. The main benefit this has over the WS2000 version is the adjustable sharpening guide. This adjustable guide now lets users choose any sharpening angle between 10 – 30 degrees. You also have the option of removing the guide all together and go free handing, if your skills are up to it. The kit includes everything needed to get started, minus the WS3000, and includes three 1"-18" belts in incremental grits. Video after Read More.

Work Sharp - [:cicn:] Amazon

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 to let users insert a common 3/8" dowel to elevate your work piece for painting or other finishing needs. This same hole can be used to screw the Paws to your work surface for more permanent applications. The Bench Paws even include on-board storage for the dowels and screws.

The Bench Paws do cost a little more then the Bench Cookies at a price of $19.99 for a set of four paws, four dowels, and 4 screws. Made in Wyoming, USA.

[:cicn:] Woodworkers Supply

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 Oscillating Interface System (OIS). They hope the new interface system will be used as the standard by all other tool manufacturers. This might seem like an impossible task, but this is not a first for Bosch. They have already managed to do the exact same thing in the jigsaw market with the T-shank blade design, and in the rotary hammer market with the SDS bit.

"OIS is a unique 12-pin system from Bosch that provides a secure, reliable connection between the tool and the accessory. That's important, especially with today's high-torque oscillating tools," says Ken Osberg, Bosch Group Product Manager. "It also enables users to position accessories in 12 different angles to deliver great maneuverability and access to work spaces."

This new system is great and everything, but what about the tools we already own? Bosch has the solution for that; buy new Bosch tools. No, just kidding. Bosch has also come out with a universal adapter that works with all oscillating tools on the market. This single adapter will allow you to use the new OIS accessories on your old tools until the standard has been adopted. So how long do we have to wait until the standard becomes standard? According to the press release, Milwaukee Electric Tool is already on board and their new Multi-tool is OIS ready. Team all this up with Bosch's growing line of multi-tool accessories, and even more blades coming in Q1 of 20011 and it looks like we have a winner.

The Bosch OIS blades are in stores now, and the OIS adapter will be launching this fall.

Bosch

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 kit you might find a designer on TV using. The kit includes: 1-gallon air compressor, storage bag, 3/8 in. upholstery stapler, staples, pin nailer, pin nails, staple remover, sanding block, plug, coupler, 24 foot air hose, project DVD, and Bonus air brush kit. Suggested retail is $140.

The Home Improvement Project Kits are for, you guessed it, home repair. They offer many of the tools you would need for those common household repairs and upgrades. Both of these kits include a larger 2-gallon air compressor that is ideal for tire inflation, and larger nail guns.

Model FP260097 Kit includes: 2-gallon air compressor, storage bag, 2-inch 2-in-1 nailer/stapler, nails, staples, molding removal bar, angle finder, speed square, level, putty knife, utility knife, blow gun and nozzle, plug, coupler, 25-foot air hose, project DVD, and Bonus caulking gun. Suggested retail is $140

Model FP260098 Kit includes: 2-gallon air compressor, storage bag, 2-inch 2-in-1 nailer/stapler, nails, staples, nailer oil, wrenches, 25-foot air hose, project DVD, tire inflation chuck, male plug, and coupler. Suggested retail is $85

The Home Maintenance Kit (Model FP260094) is for people with houses that might be a little under the weather, and need your TLC. This kit includes tools that help you unclog drains, and seal up those cracks, and do other types of home maintenance. The kit includes: 1-gallon air compressor, 3/8-inch upholstery stapler, staples, staple/tack remover, caulking gun, caulk remover, multi-use tool, blow gun and plug, blow gun nozzle, wire brush, putty knife, utility knife, 25-foot air hose, Bonus drain cleaner kit. Suggested retail is $140

One of these might be the perfect gift for the first time homeowner.

Campbell Hausfeld

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.

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 auto adjust feature also calculates the the correct length of screw needed depending on the material thickness. Also you have the added plus of not having to worry about changing the tool back and forth. The QuikJig was built to be a heavy duty tool for heavy users. As such, Porter-Cable has equipped the QuikJig with some features you would appreciate while working in a shop, such as a rear-dust collection port, easy mounting holes, adjustable hole spacing, and even on-board storage. See the Woodcraft video after the Read More for an up close look and demonstration.

The Quick Jig is out now and can be found at specialty woodworking and tool stores at a suggested price of $230. Like I said, this tool is for the hardcore pocket screw users.

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. Sounds great right? Well the down side is the accuracy of +/- 1/8-inch. Like I said, it is not a bad tool, it just doesn't offer the same amount of features and accuracy that are currently being offered by their competitors at the same price.

Drop the price down to $50 or so, and I would say that the tool fits the price. But at $100 it seems as though Craftsman is just gunning for a wider profit margin. If anything this article reminds us of the importance of researching before you buy, or at least before the end of your stores return date.

Sears

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 hands will be, which is why it almost completely covers the entire tool. The biggest upgrade is of coarse, the added power. With each new model Bosch has added a little more power, and this brings the current models up to 7.0 amps. The added power will allow you to cut through even thicker materials, like 5+ inches of wood, at even faster speeds. To make sure the power stays true even if you hit a hard spot, is the "Constant Response" electric speed control.

Another nice change over my old Bosch, is the location movement of the variable speed dial from the switch, to the back of the tool. It is nice to get the dial out of the way, because it is very rare that I find myself using it. Other features to take notice if are: four orbital settings, an adjustable dust blower, a 45 degree bevel range, a tool-less blade changing system, and a 1-inch stroke length.

Both the JS470E and the JS470EB are in stores now with a price of around $160. A great price for a tool that is still made in Switzerland.

Bosch Tools