Bosch is expanding their cordless 10.8 volt line in the UK with the addition of a compact metal shear. Bosch boasts a cutting speed of up to 4 times faster then cutting with hand shears. Considering the tool is doing all the work at a size not much bigger then a hand shear, I would probably be happy if it was only as fast has a hand shear. The faster speed is just an added bonus. If my conversions are correct, it looks like it can cut up to 16 18 gauge steel, and 12 gauge aluminum.

Not all tools make it to the US, but if it doesn't and you really wanted one, it shouldn't be to hard to have one shipped over. Remember the U.S. 12 volt is exactly the same as the 10.8 volt. Video after Read More

Bosch Germany (translated)

Update: It looks like this is US model PS70-2A which toolsforless.com lists for $350. Considering they are the only site listing the PS70-2A and Bosch US doesnt even list it, I still think it is probably not yet available. Amazon even removed thier listing for the PS70-2A.

Update Oct. 4 2009: The US model PS70-2A is now listed and available on Amazon, though still not mentioned on the Bosch US website.

One problem many of us face is tool organization. It takes so many tools to get the job done right, that sometimes they are hard to keep track of. One of the reasons for disorganization could be because of using your "work" tools at home, or using the same tools to go from building in your shop, to installing on the jobsite. If you are not completely organized, you could leave an important tool behind, which could be very costly.

I would like to introduce Sortimo, a 40 year old European company that makes just about everything you would need for the ultimate in tool organization. They just recently made there way over to the US, to hopefully bring organization to America. What I like about Sortimo is they offer a complete solution to storage and organization for both the home/business, as well as storage solutions for vehicles of all types. The recent addition of their L-BOXX (similar to the Festool Systainer) has added another solution that can be used at home, transported with their vehicles storage system, and used on the job. Sortimo has also partnered with Ford to offer the Sortimo storage system to the latest Ford Transit Connect Van.

By using a single storage system, breaking down your tool organization by categories, and labeling all of your tool boxes - you can take what you need, leave what you don't, and be sure to have all of your tools when you get home. Unfortunately Sortimo is still relatively new to the US, so there is no place to but their products online. The easiest way to get what you need would be to contact their US HQ and order directly from them. For vehicle storage solutions, they have a number of disturbers across the US, check this map for the dealer nearest you. Video after Read More

Sortimo North America, Inc.
2815-B Colonnades Court
Norcross, GA 30071
Phone: +1 877 812 6994 (toll free)
Phone: +1 404 812 6994
Fax: +1 770 685 6350

So, you just picked up the LS1016L 10" miter saw from Makita, and now you are in search of a miter saw stand to free up your saw horses. Good news, Makita has just announced a brand new mobile jobsite miter saw stand.

The Model 195083-4 miter saw stand adjusts to five height positions to fit workers of all sizes. It also features two out-feed roller stands to support longer materials. If you are working with material in the 14-16 foot range, you will probably have to use additional out-feed stands. The 195083-4 stand also uses large 12 inch solid rubber wheels that should help you get around the jobsite. With the good also comes the bad... the 195083-4 weighs a hefty 90 lbs. When you add the weight of a 50-60 lb miter saw, you are looking at quite a bit or weight when you have to load or unload you stand.

Specifications

Item number:	195083-4
Dimension (L x W x H)	50-1/2” x 21-1/2” x 12”
Net weight	90.7 lbs.
Includes	Jobsite Miter Saw Stand
Suggested Retail	$299

Makita Tools
Makita 195083-4 Job Site Miter Saw Stand - Amazon.com

A recently passed bylaw by the town of Granby, Quebec has the power tool community in an uproar. A 7-2 vote by the city council has banned all use of construction power tools on Sunday, despite objections by local citizens, contractors, and 1,500 petition signatures

"Every time we make a bylaw it's usually because the minority is not respecting the majority," said Granby Mayor Richard Goulet.

The problem is the bylaw was touted as a anti-noise regulation, yet the use of lawnmowers is still permitted. The other issue is the fact that now local residents have only Saturday to accomplish all of their house repairs and other home projects that require the use of power tools.

Disobey the law, and you are looking at a fine up to $1000

[Source]

It looks like Festool is exploring the idea of an end-user training program. They are starting out with a special 2 day trial run program at the Festool USA HQ that will cover the TS Plunge-cut saws, PS Jigsaws, CT Dust Extractors, Rotex sanders, Multifunction tables, Kapex Miter saw, and Domino Joiner as well as user requested topics.

This class will include some classroom discussion, though depending on the experience level of the class, we will try to spend most of the two days in the shop, actually using the tools. Although future classes may be project-based, this trial event will be focused on product benefits and system techniques, so that participants leave with a better understanding of how to work faster, easier, and smarter using the Festool System.

Unfortunately registration has ended for the Aug. 31-Sep. 1 event, but this might be a sign of things to come.

[via Festool Owner's Group]

One problem many of us face and loathe is rust on our tools. Even though I live in Southern California, which is a mostly dry climate, I still end up with rusty tools if left unused. One solution would be to coat all of my tools with something like WD-40, but who has time for that? If I did have time, would I even remember?

The No Rust Shield from 3-In-One adresses all of these problems with little work on our part. You simply place the No Rust Shield in your toolbox, press the button to activate, and you have rust and corrosion protection for a full 90 days. Plus a built in time strip lets you know when it is time for a new No Rust Shield.

Here is how it works:

Metal-seeking vapor phase corrosion inhibitors (VpCI) from the No-Rust Shield migrate through an enclosed space to form an invisible layer that seals metals against air and moisture that can cause rust and corrosion. The unit protects exposed metal in enclosed spaces without any harmful effects on electrical, mechanical or chemical properties.

You can pick up the No Rust Shield at Wal-Mart for around 5 bucks.

For more information visit NoRustShield.com

No Rust Shield - Amazon.com

CPO Outlets, which sells certified pre-owned tools from all of the major tool manufactures has just added three new brands to their growing number of online stores. The addition of Black & Decker, Panasonic Tools, and Fein, brings their total number of stores to 32 different brands. If you want to take advantage of factory reconditioned tools including a factory warranty, at a discount price, you might want to take a look at the CPO Outlets the next time you need a tool.

CPO Outlets

It looks like in order for Bosch Tools to find out where their advertising money is best spent, they are giving away free Guns & Hoses t-shirts. The only catch is they want you to tell them which publication you spotted their Bosch Nail Guns ad in. If you are reading this blog post, then you probably heard about the Bosch nails guns from us, but unfortunately it doesn't look like that will get you a free shirt. Bummer. So the next time you are at the hardware store, you might want to browse through a few magazines to see if you can spot the ad.

The giveaway runs until August 31st or until supplies run out. Good Luck.

Bosch Guns and Hoses T-shirt

Bosch is a German company, so as expected Europe gets all the cool Bosch tools before we get them here in the US. Yeah it sucks, but this allows us to get a sneak peak at some of their latest gadgets before, or (the sad part) if they make it to the US market.

Like most of you tool blog readers, I really like it when a completely new design of an old tool comes along. It doesn't even have to be a complex tool for me to get excited, just a different take. Such is the case with the Work Horse. It is not that other saw horses don't already do the same thing, but the Work Horse offers a new and unique design.

Using just a few scrap 2x4's, you can have a saw horse at just about any length. You don't have to worry about cutting through your saw horses anymore. With its replaceable 2x4 top you can cut through all you want. Add a piece of plywood on the bottom and you have yourself a nice shelf. It has all the features you would need. The Work Horse is similar in function to the Trojan TS-35 Folding Saw Horse

You can pick up the Work Horse at Festooljunkie.com for $69.99

Thanks to user PutnamEco for posting this in the Tool Rank forum.