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3 New Plunge Routers From Makita

makita plunge routers

It looks like Makita has upgraded their highly ranked 3612C Plunge Router, which if you remember was awarded 2nd place among all 3+ HP plunge routers tested by Tools Of The Trade Magazine. It was second only to a Festool router which is 3x the price.

The Makita models RP1800 and RP2301FC are both upgraded versions of the 3-1/4 HP 3612; with the RP1800 being a single 22,000 RPM speed and the RP2301FC being a 9,000 - 22,000 RPM variable speed. Not only looking better then the previous model, the new versions also feature a number of upgrades. The first thing I noticed was the joystick style trigger switch. A trigger where your hand will be, obviously makes sense and also makes it easy to transition from gamer mode to woodworking mode and back The RP2301FC features a soft start, and an electric brake, which not only make the tool much safer, but also prevents mistakes. Another nice feature only available only on Model RP2301FC is the addition of LED lights, which Makita likes to add to everything and I agree with them. Both models have a plunge depth of 2-3/4" and offer 3 preset depth stops.

The third model is the RP0900K which is a smaller lighter duty model plunge router. This 1-1/4 HP router has a speed of 27,000 RPM at 8 amps, and accepts only 1/4" router bits. Its maximum plunge depth is 1-3/8" This is obviously a lighter duty router then the above models, but it also comes with a lighter duty MSRP.

Model
RP2301FC
RP1800
RP0900K
Collet Capacities
1/4" and 1/2"
1/4" and 1/2"
1/4"
Plunge Capacity
0" - 2-1/4"
0" - 2-1/4"
0" - 1-3/8"
No Load Speed
9,000 - 23,000 RPM
22,000 RPM
27,00 RPM
AMPS
15.0
15.0
8.0
Max Horsepower
3-1/4
3-1/4"
1-1/4"
Overall Height
12-1/4"
12-1/4"
8-1/2"
Net Weight
13.4 lbs.
13.4 lbs.
6 lbs.
Includes
Extended depth adjustment knob, 1/4" collet sleve insert, 1/2" collet, wrench
Extended depth adjustment knob, 1/4" collet sleve insert, 1/2" collet, wrench
1/4" collet sleve insert, straight guide, (2) wrenches, tool case
MSRP
$329
$259
$159

 

Makita Tools
RP0900K3 New Plunge Routers From Makita RP1800 RP2301FC - Amazon

Makita's New Cordless Rotary Hammer Is 36 Volts Of Sexy

makita bhr261 36 volt rotary hammer

No, you are not day dreaming... Makita has just introduced a brand new 36 volt cordless LXT lithium-ion 1" SDS-Plus rotary hammer. Makita says the new BHR261 was designed and engineered to offer the power and speed of a corded 1" rotary hammer, with the freedom offered from being cordless.

The BHR261 has 3 modes of operation that should accommodate all of your construction/destruction needs: "Rotation only" for those delicate materials, "hammering with rotation" for drilling into harder tougher materials, and "hammering only" used for material removal. The BHR261 uses a Makita built motor that delivers 0-1,200 RPM and 0-4,800 BPM, while also offering AVT (Makita's vibration reduction technology). Even though the new BHR261 is twice the capacity of their 18 volt LXT batteries, the charge time is still only 30 minutes.

The BHR261 kit includes (2) two 36V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, 30-minute Rapid
Optimum Charger, side handle, depth gauge, and tool case for a MSRP of $899

Hopefully this drill is just the beginning of the Makita 36 volt LXT line. I know many of you are ready for a Makita 36 volt cordless miter saw.

For more information visit Makita Tools

DeWalt Impact Ready Accessories

dw_impact_rdy

With impact drivers becoming more popular every year, it only makes sense that the accessories you use with your impact can hold up to the extra torque that impact drivers offer. The problem is most bits were designed with drills in mind and their much lower torque range. DeWalt saw this problem and has designed and engineered a new line of accessories specifically for impact drivers.

DeWalt Impact Ready Products Include:

IMPACT READY Drill Bits - Patented one-piece, taper web design provides 5x more durability than conventional hex shank drill bits.
IMPACT READY Holes Saws - 2x more life than standard bi-metal hole saw when drilling 16g, steel.
IMPACT READY Pivot Holders and Nutsetters - locking collar for straight or angled driving, 20 degree pivot angle to complete applications in tight spaces.
IMPACT READY Nutsetters - locking collar for straight or angled driving, 20 degree pivot angle to complete applications in tight spaces. Patented, recessed corners distribute torque across flats and eliminate stripping. Offers best in class magnetic strength for increased bit retention with impact drivers and wrenches.
IMPACT READY Screw Driving Bits - includes Phillips head, square, and slotted bits, all able to withstand high levels of torque.
IMPACT READY Driver Sockets - thinner than wrench sockets for tough access areas.

So the next time you are looking for impact accessories, you might want to give DeWalt a try with their new Impact Ready line.

DeWalt.com
DeWalt Impact ReadyDeWalt Impact Ready Accessories - Amazon

Once Anticipated Ridgid R4511 Granite Table Saw Recalled

r4511_1_thumb Just a few months back, the woodworking crowd was all a buzz about the new granite topped table saw from Ridgid. People were doing just about anything they could to find out the latest details about the saw, and how they could order one as soon as possible.

Now it looks like that joy has come to a halt, although temperately. It seems as though the R4511 table saw doesn't play well with stacked dado sets, which can cause them to be "ejected from the saw". The good news is that you can set up an appointment to get a free on-site repair. You should probably stop using your saw until it is fixed.

Please check to make sure your saw is not one of the ones listed in the recall notice, I do not want to hear any horror stories. See the CPSC recall notice for more information.

New GTL3 Laser From Bosch Keeps You Square

Just the other day, I was in the backyard trying to square something up on the floor of the patio. Unfortunately, there wasn't an easy method for me to do this over the long distance. I ended up getting the task done by using a 5 point laser and plumbing down to get a reference point on the ground. Not the fastest solution, but problem solved.

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New EZ Lock Detail Abrasive Brushes From Dremel

dremel_detail_brush

If you were using Twitter at all last Wednesday, you might have noticed Dremel giving out a bunch of their new Detail Abrasive Brushes; a great way for them to kick off the launch of their new rotary tool accessory.

The new Detail Abrasive Brushes are capable of sanding in hard to reach places by making use of a circumference of small flexible abrasive bristles.

Each bristle on the brush is impregnated with sanding abrasive that wears down as the accessory
is used to expose new grit, extending the accessory's life and eliminating the need for abrasive compound. The brushes' design allows users to remove only the exterior surface layer of their work piece without
damaging the base layer.

You can purchase the Detail Abrasive Brushes in 3 different grits to suit your needs: 36 grit, 120 grit, and 220 grit. The brushes also feature Dremel's EZ Lock system, which makes it easy to switch over from the 3 available grits without having to use any tools. You can purchase the Dremel Detail Abrasive Brushes for around 8 bucks each.

For more information visit Dremel Tools
Dremel Abrasive BrushesNew EZ Lock Detail Abrasive Brushes From Dremel - Amazon

Delta's New Premium Full Kerf Saw Blades

delta full kerf saw blade

With the release of the new Delta Unisaw, also comes the release of a new line of premium saw blades. To find out what the masses wanted in a saw blade, Delta visited more then 100 professional woodworking shops to gather feedback from over 200 professional woodworkers. Using this feedback, Delta increased the size of the carbide on the teeth by 50 percent, allowing for additional resharpening down the road. The blades also feature laser cut expansion and harmonic body slots to reduce blade noise and vibration.

Here comes the part I like. Delta laser-etched sharpening instructions on to each blade, so you can be sure your sharpening center can match the sharpening to the original Delta specs. Lets just hope they follow those instructions.

The new Delta Full-kerf saw blades are manufactured right here in the USA and use C4 sub micro-grain carbide that is said to improve the quality of cuts and lengthen blade performance. The blades will range in sizes from 10 inches to 12 inches, with 5 additional blades from 220mm to 300mm. Based on blade model, tooth combinations will be available from 40T to 100T. Prices range from $75 up to $130.

For additional information and a great video detailing the manufacturing process, visit DeltaPorterCable.com/sawblades
Delta ToolsDelta's New Premium Full Kerf Saw Blades - Amazon

Bosch Pneumatics Coming This Month

bch_nailers

The much awaited, much anticipated (at least by me and my coworkers) Bosch pneumatic tools are coming out this month. Bosch had a couple of the framing nailers out since June, but now the rest of the guns are on their way to the store shelves.

I also found out that my local tool store will be having some type of Bosch sales event this Saturday. This leads me to believe that the Bosch reps will be there demoing the new line and getting the word out.

If you have a chance to check out the new line, be sure to let us know what you think.

Bosch Tools
Bosch PneumaticsBosch Pneumatics Coming This Month - Amazon

Makita's New AVT Demolition Hammer

makita_hm1214c

Like to break things? Makita has tools for that; like their new HM1214C AVT Demolition Hammer. AVT = Anti Vibration Technology; it is the counterbalance system Makita uses to get rid of that warm burning feeling you get in your hands and body while using fun destruction tools. We all hate that feeling.

The HM1214C sports a 14 amp motor that produces between 950-1,900 BPM and 25.7 joules of impact energy. It weights in at 27.1 lbs. and is 27.5 inches long and uses a very nice sized 16.4 ft power cord. The HM1214C uses the very common SDS-Max bit, so you should have no problem finding the right bit for the job. The MSRP for the HM1214C is listed at $889.

Makita Tools
Makita ToolsMakita's New AVT Demolition Hammer - Amazon