Today DeWalt announced the brand new DWS780 12-inch sliding compound miter saw. The saw does look very similar to the older DW718 miters saw, and if you compare the two carefully you will notice that some parts are mirrored. I have had a few days of use with the older model saw, but it was years ago and I hardly remember if it had any design flaws. Because the saws are so similar looking, there were probably only minor changes made to the saw, but having not used the new DWS780 it is impossible to say for sure.

The advantage of this DeWalt saw is its larger crosscutting capacity of 16-inches at 90 degrees. This is accomplished by using a sacrificial table and second built in fence. Not everyone needs a 16-inch capacity, but if you have ever installed closet shelving, you realize what an advantage it is. The second plus for this saw is its weight. People still like the cutting capacity of 12-inch miters saws, but like the weight of the smaller 10-inch saws. At 56-lbs the DeWalt has the other 12's beat.

The number one new feature of the DWS780 appears to be their new LED shadow line system. While other brand use laser lines to show where the blade will cut, DeWalt has come up with a system that uses the shadow of the blade to show where it will cut. So instead of having to adjust the laser after changing to a thicker/thinner blade, with the shadow system it doesn't even matter.

The DWS780 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw is set to be released September 2011 and is expected to retail for $599. The Saw will come with a 3-year limited warranty, and 1-year free service contract.

For the full specs and details check the press release below.

It seems like more and more manufacturers are offering up longer warranties for their tools, and this is a move that I welcome. Duo-Fast is the latest to improve upon their warranty by giving their NEW 200-S and 200-C flooring staplers and nailers a 10-year warranty on all durable parts, and a 1-year warranty on parts that wear. Check the press release below for more details on the new warranties and the tools themselves.

Maybe fearing the same kind of backlash after users complained about the Kapex when it was introduced to N.A., Festool has suddenly announced that they will not be releasing their Carvex Jigsaw on June 1st. We have no clue what the issues with the jigsaw could be or when we will see the strobing jigsaw again, but it must have been serious enough to cause Festool to pull it and not indicate when it will be reintroduced. This is in no way good news for the company, but it does show that they stand for quality.

Dear Festool Customer,

At Festool we take great pride in delivering the most innovative and useful products available, while applying the highest possible quality standards. Though our tools are used by consumers at many levels, they are ultimately designed for the most demanding professionals, many of whom rely on them for their livelihood.

As a premium brand, our customers have extremely high expectations of us, and it is our ceaseless commitment to meet these expectations, oftentimes at great cost and effort. Our unwillingness to compromise means that we sometimes have to make hard choices.

With these factors in mind, we have decided not to introduce the Carvex jigsaw to the US and Canadian markets at this time. Late round testing in certain applications specific to North America has demonstrated that the current design does not meet the exacting standards that we demand of ourselves, and that our customers have come to expect.

Though we are certain that the Carvex, in its current configuration, would be an excellent tool for nearly any user, we believe that launching it as is would mean compromising many of the values that make us who we are today.

For now, we are sorry that we have to disappoint you. We believe, however, that we would have disappointed a few of you even more, had we introduced a product that didn’t meet the level of quality and precision you have come to rely on from Festool.

We will continue to refine the new jigsaw’s design, with the full expectation that the Carvex will be introduced at a later date, executed in a manner that will be satisfying to even the most demanding customer. As this process unfolds, updates will be announced on our website and through our email newsletter.

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of the Festool Brand.

Sincerely,

Christian Oltzscher
President and CEO
Festool USA

via Festool

The "New DELTA®" Taking Shape In Anderson, South Carolina

Anderson, SC – DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation's manufacturing, R&D, engineering and administrative facility continues to hit milestones with the transfer and installment of equipment and machinery from the Jackson, Tennessee location. The new location allows DELTA® to continue the Made in USA tradition of designing, manufacturing and marketing the world class UNISAW®, radial arm saws, line boring machines and BIESEMEYER® accessories.

"Passion for this incredibly powerful brand, love of the industry and drive to innovate true, solution-based products and accessories for our loyal customers are some of the most essential values leading our decisions for facility development, team deployment and customer support," said Alicia Hicks, Marketing Manager for DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation. "We strive to reconnect those loyal emotions of the 'Old DELTA®' with the reality of this 'New DELTA®'. Our desire is to show woodworkers that the 'New DELTA®' in Anderson, South Carolina is something to be excited about. We are proud to be a part of this strong heritage of products Made in the USA and to continue the plans set in motion over 90 years ago with the first DELTA product: Fulfilling the American woodworker's dream."

Located at 5530 Airport Road in Anderson, South Carolina, the new DELTA® facility is on schedule to have the equipment in place for training of the manufacturing staff in mid-April, with production runs beginning shortly thereafter. R&D and engineering facilities are also on track to be fully operational by early summer.

"Things are going well and we are on the schedule we set for ourselves when we closed the deal to purchase DELTA® from Stanley Black & Decker," said Bryan Whiffen, President and CEO of DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation. "Everyone at Stanley Black & Decker has been very helpful in smoothing the way for efficient transfer of equipment and data files, ensuring what we expect to be a seamless transition for our customers."

DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation also continues to add administrative, sales, engineering and manufacturing staff and now has 23 employees. When fully staffed, the new DELTA® will employ approximately 40 people at its Anderson facility.

DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation's management team has extensive power tool and woodworking equipment manufacturing, marketing and sales experience, and a proven track record of innovative product development and superior customer service that exceeds expectations. Just within the executive team, President and CEO Bryan Whiffen has 17 years of experience and Norm MacDonald, Executive Vice President and COO of Delta Power Equipment, has 20 years of experience. Management team members in marketing, sales, engineering, plant management, product sourcing and supply management bring the total to more than 135 years of combined experience.

The complete line of DELTA® professional and DIY woodworking equipment and machinery as well as BIESEMEYER® professional woodworking accessories will continue to be offered through woodworking distributors and retailers.

DELTA® and BIESEMEYER® customers can continue to obtain parts and service by calling 800-223-7278 or going to www.deltamachinery.com or www.biesemeyer.com.

Craig Walls Named National Sales Manager For DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation

Anderson, SC – DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation has named Craig Walls as its National Sales Manager. DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chang Type Industrial Co. Ltd., a Taiwan-based manufacturing company (Taiwan Stock Exchange symbol: 1541.tw), recently completed the purchase of the DELTA® brand of woodworking equipment and machinery and BIESEMEYER® accessories from Stanley Black & Decker.

"We are very pleased to have Craig Walls join our DELTA team as National Sales Manager," said Bryan Whiffen, President and CEO of DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation. "For Craig it's like coming home; with more than 30 years in the woodworking industry, 19 years of that experience was as a sales professional for DELTA® Woodworking Machinery when it was part of Pentair. With his vast history of the Delta of old, we anticipate strong, customer-centered results from Craig as he develops his team of expert Sales Managers, which is his first order of business."

In his more than 25 years with ROCKWELL/DELTA Machinery, Craig held a number of positions within the organization, including Area Sales Manager for Chicago from 1987 to 1999 and Director of Regional Sales, Central Region from 2000 to 2005.

Most recently, Craig was National Sales Manager for Montreal-based General International, a manufacturer of woodworking and metalworking equipment.

Craig and his family currently reside in Murfreesboro, TN but will be relocating to Anderson, SC in the near future.

Bosch makes one million euros of immediate aid available for Japan

Initial support for victims of catastrophe; further activities to follow in due course

03.24.2011– FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Bosch Group is making one million euros ($1,422,100 USD) available as immediate aid for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. This will support the relief work being carried out currently in the country by the Japanese Red Cross. Further measures will be taken once there is a clearer picture of the extent of the damage and of the reconstruction work that needs to be done.

Bosch North American associates have been encouraged to contribute to their local Red Cross.

"The catastrophe in Japan deeply shocked us all at Bosch. This donation is a token of our deepest sympathy," said Franz Fehrenbach, chairman of the Bosch board of management. He added that one could at present only guess at the actual extent of the destruction. For this reason, he explained, Bosch intended to postpone any decision as to how Bosch could best help the country and its people in the work of reconstruction.

Bosch has been present in Japan for 100 years. The company currently employs some 8,000 associates in the country, at 36 locations. They develop and manufacture products for divisions in the Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, and Consumer Goods and Building Technology business sectors.

Join Bosch in donating to Japanese relief efforts - Make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999

Big props to Bosch. You may not know this, but Robert Bosch GmbH is practically non-profit. It might be hard to believe, but 92% of Bosch is owned by the Robert Bosch Charity Foundation. Of the profits, the money that is not reinvested back into the company, the rest goes to charity and a small portion to the Bosch family.

[For example, in 2004, the net profit was US$2.1 billion, but only US$78 million was distributed as dividends to shareholders. Of that figure, US$72 million was distributed to the charitable foundation, and the other US$6 million to Bosch family stockholders. The remaining 96% of the profits were invested back into the company. In its core automotive technology business, Bosch invests 9% of its revenue on research and development, nearly double the industry average of 4.7%.] - Wikipedia

Makita has announced some new 12-volt max tools, and pretty much completes an upgrade to their entire 12V line. Of course they could still always expand on their line, and that would be just fine with us. Some of the new tools we have seen already, such as the FD02W Drill/Driver and the SH01W Circular Saw that make up the LCT307 kit. The other new tools in the line seem to only have minor updates over the previous models. Power wise the specs appear to be the same as previous models, so it probably doesn't make since to upgrade if you own an older model, however, some of the new models are lighter and smaller.

Makita has the new 12v max tools available as tool only, or you can purchase them as kits. For more information see the Press Release below.

I recently did a review of the the Porter-Cable 12-volt Reciprocating ClampSaw and thought that the clamping feature came in really handy. I suggested they bring it to their full sized saws, but sadly, PC just announced some new full sized reciprocating saws, but none of them have the clamping feature that a liked. Maybe next time

Porter-Cable has unveiled two reciprocating saws, one with an orbital action, and one without. The PC85TRSOK Orbital TigerSaw features a crank arm mechanism that allows for a more compact design and also features a tool-free shoe adjustment. The 8.5 amp motor delivers 3,200 SPM at a stroke length of 1-1/8” and a selector dial controls the orbital settings. Orbital cutting cuts faster, but leaves an ugly cut, so this feature is great for demo work. The non-orbital PC75TRS has a little less power at 7.5 amps but still delivers 3,200 SPM with a stroke length of 1-1/8”. This saw costs a little less then the PC85TRSOK at $59.97 vs $79.97, but you also have to deal with a tooled (probably a hex wrench) shoe adjustment.

Both models will be available this month at Lowe's, independent distributors, and Amazon.com. For more information see the Press Release after the Read More.

Cincinnati, OH (February 9, 2011) – Kett Tool, leading producer of electric and pneumatic portable power saws, shears and nibblers, introduces the KD-200 double-cut shears. The KD-200 cut C.R. mild steel up to 18 gauge in straight or contour lines at over 300 inches per minute and stainless steel up to 20 gauge at over 180 inches per minute. The swiping action of the KD-200 blades seals the edge of coated metals, and the 7/32" waste strip leaves a clean cut.

The KD-200 are ideal for fabricating and general manufacturing work. Portable and weighing in at only four pounds, the KD-200 permit fast cutting of C.R., sheet pipe and corrugated mild steel and aluminum. Maintenance and repair shops also use them for fast, burr-free cutting of sheet steel, pipe and aluminum. The KD-200's minimum cutting radius is six inches.

The KD-200 shears are also available with a contour cutting blade KD-200C for those wanting to cut together curves and with the HS blade KD-200HS for cutting foam filled doors.

ABOUT KETT TOOL COMPANY: Formed in 1940, Kett Tool Company produces electric and pneumatic portable power saws, shears and nibblers to cut a wide range of sheet material used in various applications. Kett Tool has dealers located in every state in the USA. To learn more about Kett, please visit www.kett-tool.com or call (513) 271-0333.

Last week we saw a little about the latest dust extraction accessories Makita announced at WOC, and today I have some more information from a new press release to share.

New Dustless Hammer Attachment (193472-7)

The new dustless hammer attachment works with Makita SDS-PLUS corded and cordless rotary hammers. It features a 17" hose, telescoping spring-loaded barrel, depth stop, bit size adjustment knobs and a built-in ruler. World of Concrete attendees tried out Makita's new attachment and discovered several advantages versus competitive built-on systems, including better tool performance (competitor built-on vacuum motors share power with the tool resulting in less impact energy/BPMS), and longer cordless run time (battery has to power both the vacuum and tool motor on competitive tools, decreasing the tool runtime on one charge).

Use of this attachment with most jobsite vacuums results in better suction and more efficient dust extraction. Because there is no vacuum motor or components attached to the tool, the Makita solution is more compact and has less weight than built-on systems. Lastly, most built-on systems have only a half-gallon capacity, increasing downtime from the frequent disposal of the collect material.

New Grinder Dust Shroud (195236-5)

Makita's new grinder dust shroud is designed to fit Makita 4-1/2" – 5" grinders. It features a spring-loaded suspension system that keeps the shroud flush to the surface during movement and compensates for blade wear. The shroud has a removable edge piece for surface work flush to edges or other objects. It also has soft brushes that help contain the dust and allow for smooth movement over the work surface. The outside diameter of the extraction port will work with most standard vacuum hose systems. The new dust shroud is ideal for concrete finishing, concrete material removal and paint or surface coating removal.

I am happy to see that Makita is providing accessories that will help prevent dust from getting into the air and more importantly our lungs, and we all know how bad concrete dust is. So now that Makita has shown us these new dust extraction accessories, I am surprised that they have not come out with an actual dust extractor.

We knew this was all but finalized, but now we have the official word that the deal has closed.

Delta Power Equipment Corporation Closes Deal with Stanley Black & Decker

(Anderson, SC, February 7, 2011) – Delta Power Equipment Corporation announced today that its deal to purchase the DELTA® brand of woodworking equipment and machinery from Stanley Black & Decker closed on Friday, February 4, 2011 as expected.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Chang Type Industrial Co. Ltd., a Taiwan-based manufacturing company (Taiwan Stock Exchange symbol: 1541.tw), Delta Power Equipment Corporation is based in Anderson, South Carolina. This new location will continue the Made in USA tradition of designing, manufacturing and marketing the world class UNISAW®, radial arm saws and BIESEMEYER® accessories.

"We are right on track with our transition plan and expect to begin moving machinery and equipment from the Jackson, Tennessee location very soon," said Bryan Whiffen, President & Chief Executive Officer. "We expect to have the Anderson facility fully operational in April. In addition, I'm pleased to announce that Alicia Hicks has been named Marketing Manager for the organization and additional staffing is well underway."

Delta Power Equipment Corporation is located at 5530 Airport Road, Anderson, SC 29626. Their phone number is 864-231-5888.

The complete line of DELTA® professional and DIY woodworking equipment and machinery as well as BIESEMEYER® professional woodworking accessories will continue to be offered through woodworking distributors and retailers.

Delta and BIESEMEYER customers can continue to obtain parts and service by calling 800-223-7278 or going to www.deltamachinery.com or www.biesemeyer.com.