Makita introduced a new Impact Driver (model LXDT04) and a new Hammer Drill (model LXPH01) over the weekend, but their specifications lead me to believe that these belong in a mid-range class. I don't know that Makita officially has a mid-range class of tools, but I believe these tools fall into that class for a number of reasons. Either that or Makita is moving in the wrong direction in order to produce more compact tools.
It is rare that a company turns to the public in search of product testers and even rarer that we actually know what the product is beforehand, but such is the case this time. Festool is seeking 25 people to test out their new Domino XL and provide their feedback. As I think you can gather from the name, the Domino XL is much like the original Domino, only larger.
What is a gift that keeps on giving? How about a Torchmate CNC Machine? With one of these, you are only limited by your imagination. As mentioned before, the Torchmate has the ability to use both a plasma cutter and a small Bosch Colt 1HP router to make its cuts. It is no wonder why Santa took to making extra gifts with a Torchmate he delivered for Christmas. Read all about it in the Torchmate version of "Twas The Night Before Christmas".
Could this be the end of Sears as we know it? Every year 24/4 Wall St. puts together a list of 10 brands that they predict will not survive the next year. Unfortunately, number 5 on their list to go bye bye in 2012, is Sears. But don't start crying just yet, there might be some hope for Craftsman.
Power tools and tennis do not seem like they would go well with each other, but as we found out way back in January, a cordless drill saved tennis when it was used to pop an air bubble that formed on the surface of the court at the Australian Open. The latest tool/tennis match-up has tennis being used to sell power tools.
At a time when most power tools are made outside of the U.S., and a time when jobs are hard to find, it is good news to hear that Milwaukee Electric Tool could be adding up to 103 new jobs to their research and development center in Brookfield, WI. It turns out this expansion is due to $1.5 million in economic development tax credits that MET is eligible for, as well as a $250,000 loan to improve the facility.
Milwaukee Tool has already started on the remodeling and expansion needs at the facility, and some of the 103 employes have already been hired. The remaining employes are expected to be hired over the next three years. The total amount of tax credits that Milwaukee could receive is directly based on the number of job that are actually created, so that is just over $14,500 in state tax credits per job.
via - BizJournals - JSOnline
Thought NiCad was dead? Guess again. We knew DeWalt planned to support their 18-volt line for years down the road, but I just assumed that meant their 18-volt lithium-ion line. It turns out that is not the case at all, because DeWalt has just announced the new DW059HK-2 1/2-inch Impact Wrench that uses good old 18-volt NiCad technology. This should be good news for people with a stock of 18-volt DW batteries, and don't feel it is time to upgrade.
"The DW059HK-2 complements the other tools in our 18 volt system and further demonstrates our commitment to providing contractors with products that meet the demands of professional jobsites," said Jeremy Torok, senior product manager, DEWALT. "While we are constantly looking to maximize technology and develop entirely new tool systems, we are also deeply committed to those users who rely on our existing 18 volt offerings. The introduction of our latest impact wrench is one way we are continuing to serve these contractors."
The new Impact Wrench delivers 300 ft/lbs of torque at a maximum of 2,600 impacts per minute and 1650 revolutions per minute. It uses an impact mechanism that is said to direct torque to the fastener better without the kickback you would normally get with such a tool. The DW059HK-2 is built using a magnesium gear case, and all metal transmission for long life and durability. It uses a hog ring anvil system for easier socket changes.
The new Impact Wrench can be purchased as a kit, which includes a 1-hour charger, 2 18-volt XRP NiCad batteries and tool case, and is expected to retail for $299. The Wrench can also be purchased tool-only and should retail for $159.
When products are made incorrectly, the consumer is the real winner, and such is the case with these Router Mats from Woodpeckers. Woodpeckers picked up a full pallet of router mats that were cut to an incorrect size of 22 x 25” and they are passing along the savings to us. For $25 you get a pack of 10 router mats, which is only $2.50 each; I don't even think Harbor Freight has them that low. The only thing that might get you is the shipping. There are a few different styles of router mats on the market; these are the raised mesh style that allows dust to fall into the gaps. Did I mention that these are made in the USA?
You just need to figure out what to do with 10 router mats. You could make a few DIY router cookies, make a few non-slip jigs, you could use them as work mats, or even line a few of you tool drawers.
Good news boys and girls, Delta has their new website up and running, and it looks great. The website is easy to navigate, the colors work well together, and there are a bunch of little delta symbols everywhere just in case you forgot where you were. Be sure to check it out and show your support for the newly owned company.
I predicted DeWalt would be announcing their 20 Volt line of tools in June, and here we are, I was right, and I am still not a fan of calling 18V tools 20V Max, but this is a battle I cannot win.
I always say that if you are going to buy a cordless tool, you are really buying into the whole manufacturers cordless system. Once you own one tool from a manufacturer you are more likely to stick with the same battery and charger, so you buy other tools. So when a manufacturers comes out with a new line of tools, it is always best to come out with a whole lot of tools for the same system. Thankfully for us, DeWalt is on the same page; their new line of 20V Max tools launched with a total of 11 new tools, which includes a compact drill/driver (DCD780C2), premium drill/driver (DCD980L2), two impact drivers (DCF885C2 and DCF885L2), compact hammer drill (DCD785C2), premium hammer drill (DCD985L2), reciprocating saw (DCS380L1), circular saw (DCS391L1), SDS rotary hammer (DCH213L2), right angle drill (DCD740C1) and work light (DCL040).
The new 20V Max line uses a slide style battery that is similar to the other 18V lithium-ion batteries on the market today, and similar to the DeWalt 12 Max batteries. In fact, the new charger for the 20V Max batteries can also charge the 12V Max batteries; this is a huge advantage that DeWalt has versus their competition. The 20VM tools can use either a compact 1.5Ah battery or the the regular 3.0Ah battery, and kits will be sold that offer both.
The tools in the 20VM system have been designed from the ground up and offer the same ergonomic features that DeWalt implemented in their 12VM line. The most notable changes are to the grip area and weight distribution. The 20VM system also has some great electronic features that helps to maintain consistent power throughout tool use, maximize battery life, and prevent overheating.
There is so much information on all of these new tools, that I have not even had a chance to go through it all. So in an effort to speed thigs up, I have posted the press releases for on the next pages. Happy reading.
