I usually don't have much coverage on concrete tools because I don't use them much in my line of work, and know very little about them. But for those of you in the concrete industry, or those just interested in tools news, you probably want to check out the official Makita World of Concrete press release that covers a few of their latest demolition and dust collection creations.

La Mirada, CA Makita joined nearly 50,000 concrete contractors and dealers under brilliant sunny skies in Las Vegas for four days of hammering, surfacing and drilling at the annual World of Concrete trade show.

The World of Concrete is the concrete industry's largest annual event, and Makita was there with Experience More, the 53-foot interactive tool display on wheels. Makita also offered hands-on demonstrations of its latest concrete solutions, with several tons of 4,000 PSI concrete formed in flat slabs and upright walls so attendees could try out the tools for themselves.

"Makita power tools deliver industrial strength performance with less vibration in a more compact size, and are engineered to beat up the concrete, not the end user. World of Concrete is a great opportunity to demonstrate these concrete solutions in an interactive setting," said Wayne Hart, Communications Manager, Makita USA. "This year we offered more new products with more concrete and more demonstrations, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Once again, World of Concrete delivered great weather, and a great audience that stepped up and felt the difference for themselves."

Makita offered several hands-on product demonstrations of new and existing products, including three brand new demolition hammers: the HM1307CB 35lb (1-1/8" Hex), HM1203C 20lb (SDS-Max) and HM0870C 11lb (SDS-Max), and two new dust extraction accessories.

• New 35 lb. Demolition Hammer (HM1307CB): Combines more control and less vibration with hard-hitting power. The new HM1307CB is powered by a 14 AMP Makita-built motor with 34.9 Joules of impact energy and 730-1,450 BPM. At only 12.2 m/s2 vibration, the HM1307CB is engineered to deliver more power to the work surface for more efficient work. Ease-of-use features include a rubberized ergonomic soft grip to provide more comfort and control, and the easy-to-operate slide switch to increase productivity and allow for continuous use. In addition, the side-handle swivels 360° for greater control.
• New 20 lb. Demolition Hammer (HM1203C): Engineered with more power, more impact energy, and less weight than the previous model. The new HM1203C is powered by a 14 AMP Makita-built motor with 18.8 ft. lbs./ 25.5 joules of impact energy and 950-1,900 BPM. At only 15.5 m/s2 vibration, the HM1203C is engineered to deliver more power to the work surface for more efficient work. The HM1203C weighs only 20.3 lbs. for an improved power-to-weight ratio, and it's ideal for vertical and horizontal applications.
• New 11 lb. Demolition Hammer (HM0870C): Engineered with more power than the previous model. The new HM0870C is powered by a 10 AMP Makita-built motor with 11.4 joules of impact energy and 1,100 – 2,650 BPM. At only 11.0 m/s2 vibration, the HM0870C is engineered to deliver more power to the work surface for more efficient work. The HM0870C weighs only 11.1 lbs. for improved power-to weight ratio.
• New Dustless Hammer Attachment: World of Concrete attendees tried out Makita's new Dustless Hammer Attachment (#193472-7), and discovered several advantages vs. competitive built-on systems including better tool performance (competitor built-on vacuum motors draw power from the tool resulting in less impact energy/BPMS), and longer cordless run time (battery has to power both the vacuum motor and tool motor on competitive tools, greatly decreasing the tool runtime on one charge). Other advantages include better dust extraction (industrial vacuums are much more powerful than built-on systems, and the result is more efficient dust extraction), and smaller size and less weight (25% less weight without vacuum components and motor attached to the tool). The new Dust Hammer Attachment features a 17" hose, telescoping spring-loaded barrel, depth stop and bit size adjustment knobs, and a built-in ruler.
• Grinder Dust Shroud: Makita also demonstrated the new dust shroud accessory for 4-1/2" – 5" Grinders. The accessory features a 4-spring suspension system that keeps the shroud flush with surface during movement and compensates for blade wear, a removable edge piece for surface work flush to edges or other objects, and soft brushes that prevent dust from escaping and help move the tool over the surface all along edge. The standard hose fitting (OD 1-7/16") will work with most vacuum systems. The new Dust Shroud is ideal for concrete finishing, concrete material removal, and paint or surface coating removal.
• Cordless Solutions: In 2005 Makita launched the industry's first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up, and today there are over 35 cordless solutions – and one battery. Makita offered demonstrations of several cordless solutions for concrete contractors including SDS-PLUS Rotary Hammers (BHR202, BHR241), the ½" High Torque Impact Wrench (BTW450), and the new 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless ½" Driver-Drill (LXFD01CW).

In addition to displays and demonstrations of the latest concrete solutions, Makita was joined by the Rockstar Makita LeDuc Race Team and their 900 HP Truck (which they started-up a few times, to the delight of the many race fans at the event). Curt, Kyle, and Todd LeDuc are the best family race team in the off-road business, and they use Makita tools to keep their trucks on-track in high-energy racing throughout the year. The Rockstar Energy Drink models were also on-hand for photos and poster signing. All photos can be downloaded at makitanation.com

We pretty much had our news on the Delta sale spot on, but for those looking for more information on the sale, I have attached the latest press release.

DELTA® Woodworking Machinery Has A New Home – In Anderson, South Carolina

(Anderson, SC, January 18, 2011) – Chang Type Industrial Co. Ltd., a Taiwan-based manufacturing company, has agreed to purchase the Delta brand of woodworking equipment and machinery from Stanley Black & Decker. The deal is expected to close on February 4, 2011.

The new, independent company, Delta Power Equipment Corporation, will be based in Anderson County, South Carolina and led by Bryan Whiffen, who has been named President & Chief Executive Officer. Norm MacDonald has also joined the company as an Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. Both Whiffen and MacDonald have years of experience in the power tool industry, and have been responsible for manufacturing and marketing such brands as Ryobi, Homelite, Milwaukee and Ridgid.

The new Delta company will continue to provide a complete line of professional woodworking equipment and machinery, and will continue to build the world-class Unisaw, as well as the Biesemeyer® accessories, in the United States. Plans are to move the manufacturing equipment from Jackson, Tennessee to the company's facility in Anderson.

Once fully operational, the Anderson facility will include manufacturing, R&D, engineering, sales and administrative functions.

"We are pleased to be able to say that the Unisaw will continue to be made in the USA," said Whiffen. "We are also excited for this opportunity to invest in the great Delta brand so that we can bring high quality, innovative woodworking equipment to Delta's loyal customers.

Delta Power Equipment Corp. is working to ensure that the fine sales and service that Delta dealers and woodworkers have come to expect will continue.

"Stanley Black & Decker has been very supportive of this sale and have agreed to help us make the transition as seamless as possible for our dealers and our customers," added Whiffen.

Customers and dealers can continue to obtain information on sales and service for Delta woodworking equipment at www.deltamachinery.com.

Popular Woodworking broke some pretty interesting news on Friday, that I am sure has a lot of people wondering what is going on. It turns out that Stanley Black & Decker will be selling the Delta brand to a Taiwanese company called TOTY and it will be renamed Delta Power Equipment. The New company will be run by someone familiar to the industry, Bryan Whiffen, who was Sr. VP for product development at TTI. TTI as we know, is the owner of Milwaukee Power tool and Ryobi.

We shouldn't see much of a change in production, because according to Popular Woodworking, TOTY makes many of the tools already sold by Stanley Black & Decker, Craftsman, and Ryobi. But what does this mean for the USA made Unisaw?

There has been no official press release from Stanley B&D or Delta to confirm these reports from Popular Woodworking, but I was able to find a press release from the South Carolina Department of Commerce that does confirm Delta Power Equipment will be moving into the area. TOTY will be investing over $3.6 million in a facility in Anderson South Carolina and is expected to create 40 jobs. If the Unisaw is to remain American made, I would assume it would be made in this facility. There is little doubt in my mind that many tools will still be made in other countries.

I wonder who will be making the scroll saw that was once made by Dewalt, but was changed to the Delta name back in the Summer of 2010, as both version are still listed for sale on Amazon.

Update: Popular Woodworking has confirmed that the Unisaw will remain in the US and move its production to the new S.C. plant. P.W. also has more information about Chang Type Industrial Co. Ltd. (TOTY).

"Having the Unisaw made in the U.S. was a key point with our retailers," said Whiffen, noting that he had spent seven hours talking to dealers to discuss the sale. "And it's important to us. As far as I know it is the only cabinet saw made in the U.S.A. and it is a very nice saw."

Via Popular Woodworking – S.C. Commerce

If you didn't get your fill watching pumpkins flying through the air over the Thanksgiving weekend, Bosch is just in time with their second Bosch Beatdown Crew video that might satisfy your need for potential destruction. In their first video, Bosch put bat to radio in the stands of Wrigley Field to show us that their Power Box 360 radio can handle a beating. In this second video they go a little more extreme by launching one of their radios over 150 feet using some good old medieval weaponry. This test is a little harder then their typical drop test, but the end results were the same; they started with a working radio, and ended with one.

[:cicn:] Bosch PB360 - Amazon

VERNON HILLS, IL (October 2010) – Duo-Fast® Floor Fastening Systems (www.duo-fast.com), a leader in carpet and flooring installation tools for more than 40 years, is introducing Jet-Tac™ Tack Strip Epoxy, a quick-set epoxy that is ideal for tack strip installation on concrete or wood.

"We've done our homework and listened to what carpet installers are looking for in fastening tack strip to concrete," said Rita Bockrath, Marketing Manager for Duo-Fast Floor Fastening Systems. "Jet-Tac™ has a number of features never before seen in this industry that are sure to save carpet installers time and money."

Jet-Tac™ is the first two-part epoxy that comes in a uniquely designed 10 oz. (250 ml) cartridge with nozzle that can be used in a standard caulk gun.* The specially designed nozzle allows the two-part epoxy to be fully mixed by the time it reaches the end of the nozzle; thus, no mixing by hand, and no special tools are needed.

Unlike hot-melt glues, Jet-Tac™ sets up in 5 to 7 minutes, allowing enough time for the installer to apply the adhesive and position in place full strips for additional savings.

It also features a superior holding power formulation and a cure time of just two hours. Carpet installers will appreciate this because it allows power stretching on the tack strip after just two hours; they no longer have to come back much later in the day or the next day to complete the installation.

Due to its superior holding power formulation, installers can apply Jet-Tac™ in dabs rather than a continuous bead, meaning they need to use less than competitive adhesives to obtain superior results. In addition to using less Jet-Tac™ adhesive per installation, the cartridge can be opened and resealed without the epoxy setting up inside the cartridge. Users can leave the nozzle on the cartridge and replace it when ready to use again, or reseal the cartridge with the included nut and cap. Jet-Tac™ Nozzle Kits, with three replaceable nozzles per pack, are also available (part no. 650650).

Jet-Tac™ is very stable; it can withstand temperature ranges from -40 F to 160 F without changing composition. Once it is fully cured and set, water will not affect the adhesion strength of Jet-Tac™.

Jet-Tac™ is ideal for tack strip installation on concrete, but works well in many other applications, including cove moulding, carpet shims, transitions, ceramic, and metal bonding to concrete or wood.

Duo-Fast Jet-Tac™ Tack Strip Epoxy (part no. 650651) will be available in early 2011 at flooring products distributors throughout the U.S. For more information, go to www.duo-fast.com or call, toll free, 888-DUOFAST.

*Jet-Tac can be used with any standard caulk gun. However, Duo-Fast recommends using a caulk gun that features a four-fingered trigger.

It looks like Bosch is going to be bringing some competition to the world of portable optical scopes. Bosch and Perceptron announced a partnership that will make all of this possible. According to the press release, Perecptron is a global leader in inspection solutions and will be brings a lot of know how to the table. Bosch is obviously a leader in the contractor tool industry and has a solid cordless line that they will be able to expand upon. The press release specifically points to the Bosch 12V line, so we can probably expect a 12V Bosch scope in the future. Press Release after Read More.

IDEAL Acquires Premier Tool Manufacturer SK Hand Tools

-- IDEAL expands its commitment to "Made In America" mission by keeping manufacturing of iconic tool brand in the United States --

08.23.2010 – SYCAMORE, IL -- IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase certain assets of SK Hand Tools Corporation, one of America's leading manufacturers of tools for the professional mechanic.

Doug Spitler, Vice President and General Manager of IDEAL's Retail and Industrial Divisions, has been named to run the new company which will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IDEAL: "Acquiring SK Hand Tools will expand our focus on American-made quality, service and value. Loyal customers can count on the SK brand being re-energized under IDEAL ownership as the premier 'Made in USA' line of professional tools."

This latest move follows IDEAL's acquisition of American tool makers Western Forge and Pratt Read earlier this year, and further demonstrates the company's ongoing dedication to manufacturing in the United States. Although IDEAL is still formalizing plans, the company is committed to manufacturing SK tools in the United States, either by integrating production into its existing plants or building a new, state-of-the-art facility. IDEAL will publish its comprehensive manufacturing plans for SK within 30 days after the sale closes.

Founded in 1921, Chicago-based SK Hand Tools is considered an icon by generations of mechanics. Its broad line of quality-made tools, including sockets, ratchets, hammers, and wrenches, have evolved over time to make them among the most precise and reliable on the market. IDEAL intends to sell SK Hand Tools' portfolio of nearly 4000 tools under the SK® brand throughout the automotive and industrial channels of distribution.

The asset sale is expected to be finalized on August 25, 2010 with IDEAL assuming no liabilities. SK had filed for bankruptcy protection on June 29, 2010.

These last few years have been all about the oscillating multi-tool. You talk to just about anyone, and they either own an oscillation tool or they want to own one. Bosch knows how popular they have become and especially love how popular their own Multi-X has become. One problem facing the Multi-X is the rather small list of accessories. Sure they have most of the basics covered, but people love to have options. Bosch has announced a whole new lineup of accessories that pretty much cover everything that we know to be possible with a multi-tool.

According to Bosch, approximately 65% of time oscillation tools are being used is in cutting applications. So they have stepped up their cutting blade line to include: 4” Bi-Metal Segment Serrated Knife, 2-1/4” Caulk Removal Blade, 1-3/8” Bi-Metal Cutting Plunge Blade, 4” Bi-Metal Segment Sawblade, 3-1/2” Carbon Segment Serrated Blade, 1-1/8” Bi-Metal Plunge Blade, and 1-3/8” Japanese Tooth Plunge Blade. One blade that is completely new to oscillation tools is the 4” Bi-Metal Segment Serrated Knife, which can be used to power cut through insulation. In the grinding, cutting, and sanding categories we have: 3-1/2” Diamond Grit Blade, 2-1/2” Thin Kerf Carbide Grit Segment Blade, 3” Carbide Grit Delta Rasp, Scraper Blade, Assorted Sanding Pads and Sanding Sheets.

These new accessories are not out yet, but you they should be in stores late this summer. We love how Bosch is stepping up its game by adding more accessories to the lineup, but we want more. We want Bosch to really try and think outside of the box and find us uses for the oscillation tool that we never would have thought of.

Makita's 10” 4-rail saw has been out for a while now, and receives lots of praise around the internet so it comes at no surprise that Makita has moved up to next logical step.

The new LS1216L is built off of the same design as the 10” model, so many of the features are the same. The biggest difference is of coarse the added cutting capacity the 12” version offers. The 4-rail design offers a more compact footprint without the loss of any cutting capacity; this allows the saw to cut 15” material at 90 degrees. Even more impressive is the saws ability to cut 8” crown and 6 1/2” baseboard vertically nested.

If you liked the LS1016L but found you needed more cutting capacity you might want to upgrade to the LS1216L. Model LS1216LX is also available which includes Makita's Jobsite Miter Saw Stand. MSRP for the LS1216L is $679

LS1216L - Makita

As part of Makita's plan to rid the world of power cords, they have added two more cordless tools to their lineup. You might not have expected cordless vacs from Makita, but it is something they have offered in the past and something most of us can use.

Their new cordless vacs come in two models, the first (Model BCL180ZW) uses the Makita 18 volt LXT batteries, and the second (CL100DZ) uses their 10.8 volt batteries. They are both about 18 inches in length total, and can be used for both floor cleaning, and broken down for hand held cleaning.

You are looking at a continuous run time of 10 minutes for the 18 volt compact battery (1.5 Ah), and 12 minutes for the 10.8 volt. You can get up to 20 minutes of run time with the BCL180*, when using one of the Makita 3.0 Ah batteries. The 18 volt model is also available as a kit, including 1 compact battery and charger. All three models include Vacuum, Extension, Floor Nozzle, Crevice Nozzle, ans 2-Stage Filter.

The Cl100DZ, BCL180ZW, and BCL180W are suggested to retail for $59, $89, and $149 respectively.

Makita Tools
$ Makita Cordless Vacs - Amazon