Bosch added three new digital laser measures to their line up that are sure to impress. The GLR225, coming out this month, looks to be the next step up from the previous DLR130K & DLR165K. It features a 230 foot range and an accuracy of 1/16”. It also adds the Pythagorean theorem function that was available in the DLR165K, but was missing from the DLR130K. In total, the GLR225 offers 7 different measurement modes – length, area, volume, minimum/maximum, continuous, indirect length and multi-surface area measurements. The new min/max mode allows users to sweep the laser across a surface, and the laser will display the minimum and the maximum distance form your location.

The next two DLRs, model GLR500 and GLR825 offer a measuring range of 500 feet and 825 feet respectively, and have an impressive accuracy of 1 millimeter (about 1/25”). Because measuring at such great distances can be difficult, Bosch has added a 1.6x magnification viewfinder to both models. These lasers have even more measuring modes then the GLR225, 11 in total – length, area, volume, minimum/maximum, continuous, indirect length, double indirect, combined indirect, stake out, trapezoid, multi-surface area and timed measurement. Other features such as built-in memory, and an illuminated display have also been added. Models GLR500 and GLR825 should be available this July.

[:cicn:] Amazon

I talked about the Sortimo L-Boxx a bit a few months back, and also about the Bosch version being introduced in Europe. At the recent Bosch event, the media got the first news that these Boxxes are indeed on their way to the USA. To be honest, I never thought the Bosch version of the L-Boxx would make it across the pond, as the Systainer never did. So why the L-boxx and not the Systainer? Maybe Bosch just didn't want to use the same box as Festool.

The Bosch L-Boxx is not just a typical Sortimo L-Boxx colored blue with a fancy red Bosch logo. There is actually a simple change/addition that makes the Bosch version more suitable for workers. You will notice that the two smaller sizes of the Bosch L-Boxx have a handle in the front, that allow users to carry the case vertically. This is something the Sortimo L-Boxx currently does not offer. Also, as you have seen before, the cases can latch together and are stack-able.

Bosch will kick off the L-Boxx line with the introduction of three tool kits. The PS31 12-volt Drill + L-Boxx will be available starting this September as Model PS31-2AL, Price $159. The PS50 12-volt Multi-X + L-Boxx will also be out this September as Model PS50-2BL, Price $199. Third is a Bosch jig saw as Model 1590EVSKL coming this October, Price $199. Hopefully Bosch will start using these cases for all future tools.

You don't carry a bulky electric reciprocating saw around in your toolbox on the off chance you have to cut a single piece of copper pipe or make a small hole in some drywall; it is not very practical. For those light duty tasks you can get by with something much smaller. I like to turn to my trusty hand saw that accepts recip. blades – that is, if I can find a blade.

This is where the Milwaukee Folding Jab Saw flies in to save the day. You don't have to remove the blade after each use, you can simply fold it down and toss the saw into your toolbox. You can't lose the blade if it is still attached to the saw. The Folding Jab Saw can hold all standard recip. blades, so a replacement blade is as far as the local hardware store. The Jab Saw will include 3 blades; no word on price or availability.

Wow! I just had the privilege of trying out Bosch’s new 12” Duel-Bevel Miter saw; and I came away impressed. This saw, like the previous model, has all the up-front controls, which can really save time and strain on the back (no reaching behind to set the bevel); but when you look at the GCM12SD you’d think that something is missing – that it’s not a ‘slider’ – it’s too small. Exactly! This saw doesn’t have sliders or rails; this saw GLIDES.

Bosch’s Axial Glide System completely does away with the sliding rail system, yet provides 14” of horizontal cutting; and best of all takes up the space of a ‘chop saw’. For me, this means when on the job site, setting up production in a corridor or hallway, I’d have an extra foot of work space and no moving parts banging into the wall; and I can make my cuts without always waiting for a worker to pass behind. Referring to the photos I took (below), you’ll see: Rigid, Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, Hitachi, and Festool – all on a workbench with Bosch; there you can really notice the space savings over the sliding rail system.

In real work conditions I’ve tried all these major brands of sliding miter saws (including Bosch’s older model) and found that they all are prone to have sticking problems. The bushings gum up with sawdust and I find myself having to force the saw forward. The Axial Glide System solves this problem with its articulating arms, which glide the saw through the cutting stroke. In fact, the saw travels so effortlessly that they’ve added a resistance adjustment (just in case you find the saw too smooth).

Cutting through a 14” piece of maple, I could feel how stable and precise the saw traveled through the entire stroke. And this system is tough; I watched as Jason, a proud Bosch product manager, splintered a couple of 2X4’s over the glide system without damage of misalignment.

This Value Conscience Pro can hardly wait to set this saw up on the big job and see the reaction of the guys as they ‘glide’ through the crown, base and casing.

[:cicn:] GCM12SD - Amazon -- GCM12SD - CopTool

The newest Bosch miter saw (GCM12SD) was just announced a few days ago and is not scheduled to be released for a few months, but it looks like Ebay is ahead of the game. Ebay has a listing for the new saw with the current bid at only $330. The company selling the saw lists themselves as a freight recovery specialist, so I would guess this is a saw that never made it to its proper location and is probably something Bosch is missing. Check out the listing for yourself, but I would not be surprised if it ends up being pulled.

ebay

The retirement of the popular TV show the New Yankee Workshop left a void in the fans of woodworking lovers. We can not blame Norm Abrams for ending the long time running TV show that probably took up most of his time, but we will still miss it. Thankfully you can still catch his show on reruns, and even online; but that doesn't change the fact that the show is gone.

Now we hear news of a new show that is coming from the same PBS station that brought us the New Yankee Workshop, WGBH-TV. The new show called "Rough Cut Woodworking With Tommy Mac" is a big step forward for host Thomas MacDonald that takes him from video podcaster to the national public television spotlight. The show will air in October on PBS stations and on the PBS digital cable channel, Create. If you just cant wait until October, you can check out the Tommy Mac 207 podcast to get an idea of what the PBS show might be like.

207 Woodworking via Woodshop News

Bosch Tools recently held a press event at their U.S. head quarters in Mount Prospect, Illinois to showcase and announce some new tools. While I was not able to attend this event myself, I was able to send a Tool-Rank representative or as I call him, Dad, to get the scoop on all the latest and greatest Bosch has to offer. He will be here later to share his experiences with the tools, but for now here is the official press release for the new Bosch Axial-Glide 12” Miter Saw as well as a ton of photos. Check them out after the Read More.

Some great news to start off the long weekend. Way back in in March of 2009 I wrote about a possible 12 volt cordless Multi-Max from Dremel. Today it looks like this possibility has become truth. While visiting the website of my local tool store, I spotted the above graphic that says the cordless Dremel Multi-Max will be coming this October. If the specs. from back in March are true, we are looking at 10,000 to 21,000 OPM's with a variable speed control. According to the pre-order listing, it will use the same attachments and accessories as the corded Multi-Max model. If we take the information we know about the 12 volt Dremel rotary tool, we can conclude that it will use the same 1 hour charger. As for price, we are looking at $150. This is a slightly cheaper then the Bosch Multi-X, so I wonder if a new Multi-X is also on the way. Dremel and Bosch are owned by the same parent company.

Pre-Order [:cicn:] Tools R Us

No they are not literally here in my hand, but many a people should be happy to learn that the Makita High Pressure Nailers and Compressor have made their way across the seas into the U.S of A. The benefits of using a high pressure nailer over a standard nailer are pretty obvious; the higher amount of air pressure allows the nailer to drive nails into the hardest of materials, like LVL and glue lam.

To get you started, you will need a compressor. Makita's 2.5HP AC310H compressor offers 1.6 gallons of air packed to 400 PSI. Even though it can send all the pressure you need to you HP nailers, it also has two low pressure couplers for your standard nailers. For the nailers Makita has the 2-1/2” Siding Coil Nailer (AN610H) which weighs in at 4.2 lbs, and has a capacity of 400 nails ranging in sizes from 1-1/4” to 2-1/2”. Second is the 3-1/2” Framing Coil Nailer (AN911H) that weighs 5.3 lbs and has a 300 nail capacity ranging in sizes from 1-3/4” to 3-1/2” x .162” shank diameter. If high pressure nailers are on your list, be sure to check out the complete list of specs on the Makita website.

Makita AC310H AN610H AN911H

Anyone that works with tools indoors knows that dust can be a big problem. Not only is dust bad to breath in, but it can also be a pain in the butt to clean up. So when I fist saw the Demo Air Net my inner voice said “Thank You”.

The Demo Air Net is a filter bag that can be attached to just about any standard fan. Used on a typical household box fan it can filter upwards of 1,000 cubic feet, collecting airborne particles down to 5 microns in size. Of course, the bigger the fan and the more CFM's it moves, the faster it can clean the air. Once you are finished using the Demo Air Net, you can simply wash it out and let it air dry.

The Demo Air Bag can be purchased in four sizes to fit fans ranging from 9 inches up to 42 inches at a cost of $30 - $230. This is much cheaper then a dedicated shop air filter, but also a much more portable solution.

[:cicn:] Demo Air Net