March 4, 2008
Hitachi just kicked off their Micro Series, a new line of small Lithium-Ion tools, with a 10.8 Volt Micro Driver. It looks like it's very similar to Milwaukees 12-Volt Sub-Compact Driver, Skil's little 7.2 Volt Power Driver (look for a review soon), and especially Bosch's Litheon Pocket Driver, but there are a couple features that set it apart from the pack.
First, the design is similar to a regular-sized cordless in that the battery sits like a shoe at the end of the handle. To the user, this translates into the tool's ability to stand up on its own. This may sound insignificant, but if you've got your hands full with your knee propping this up and your shoulder holding up that, anything that makes grabbing the tool easier is a welcome thing.
Continue reading: "Hitachi DB10DL 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Micro Driver Drill"
March 1, 2008
To accompany the release of their new MFK 700 router/laminate trimmer (as well as the MFT/3 Workbench), Festool has also updated their large model router into the new OF 2200. According to the Festool website, there are "nearly 40 unique features" on the new tool. While, we didn't bother to count out and verify this oddly high number, we did spend plenty of time on the Festool website and can say that it seems apparent that the OF 2200 has everything anyone would ever want in a full-sized router. It's insane, actually.
Since we really don't even know where to start, we're just going cover a few of the more impressive features.
Continue reading: "Festool OF 2200 Router"
Along with their OF 2200 Plunge Router and the MFT/3 Workbench, Festool has just announced the U.S. release of the MFK 700. To date, it's the smallest of their routers, but this in no way means that it's light on features. In fact, it's pretty heavy on them, and from what we can tell, there isn't a bad one on the list.
The MFK 700 comes with two bases; one for horizontal routing and one for vertical routing. The change from one to the other is made with a tool free system (just a locking knob) and, from the looks of it, it can be done very quickly.
Continue reading: "Festool MFK 700 Modular Router"
Festool, maker of some very good (and wildly expensive) power tools has just dropped a bomb with news of three new tools to be released this spring. Earlier in the week, we had heard that they were going to make an announcement and were hoping that the Kapex Miter Saw was going to be one of the tools, but it looks like we'll have to wait a little longer for that one. Instead, they're releasing a completely new modular router, upgrading their larger plunge router, and upgrading their work table. Each tool has its own website where you can get overload yourself on all the features, pops, and buzzes of these new releases.
Read more about the:
MFK 700 Modular Router
OF 2200 Plunge Router
MFT/3 Workbench
February 27, 2008
Just looking at Milwaukee's new 15 Amp SuperSawzall makes us want to cut a car in half. According to Milwaukee, it's the "fastest, most durable recip Saw in the world." Those are some big words, but it's likely the truth. Milwaukee makes some extremely rugged Sawzalls and now, with 15 amps of arm shaking power, they may have made the ultimate tool for all around destruction and mayhem.
Continue reading: "Milwaukee 15 Amp SuperSawzall"
February 25, 2008
To us, Bosch Jigsaws are some of the best out there. We've used a lot of different models and have always been impressed with their accuracy and quality. So when we heard that they were releasing a compact model, we were curious how it would turn out. Would they be able to pack all the goodness into a smaller package, or would the quality be somewhat sacrificed?
The JS5 has many of the features that are found on quality jigsaws these days. It's got a great tool-free blade change system, which is a real plus to anyone who used to carry around an 8 inch screwdriver for blade changing. Now, all you have to do is press the blade up into the slot and it clicks into place. To release the blade, just twist the collet, using a thumb tab, and the blade falls right out. It's similar to the system that is on some reciprocating saws.
Continue reading: "Bosch JS5 Jigsaw - Review"
January 28, 2008
UPDATE: Festool has just released information on three new tools, available this spring. Details here.
We were just flipping through the latest issue of Tools of the Trade and saw that Festool will soon be releasing their Kapex Sliding Compound Miter Saw in the states. This is good news for anyone who not only values high quality tools, but also has a virtually bottomless bank account.
Assuming that the U.S. version of the Kapex is the same as the rest of the world's, it's going to quite a saw. The thing is loaded with features including a variable speed control, a new quick blade change system, and its own bevel gauge/angle finder. Other features include:
Continue reading: "Festool Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw"
January 14, 2008
Denali has recently released a 3.6-volt screwdriver set that looks to us like a nice little kit. The tool, weighing less than a pound, has a nose-mounted LED, a cushion grip handle, and a battery indicator light.
But what really makes this screwdriver look good is the wall mounted charger which also doubles as a bit storage unit. Not only is the unit very compact, but all of the bits and accessories are easy to see and access.
The screwdriver also comes with a storage bag if you'd rather not have the thing stuck to your wall for all eternity. And because the li-ion battery can hold a charge for up to 18 months, this might be the case. The entire package goes for about $25, which sounds to us like a pretty good deal, especially for someone living in an apartment who just need something for minor repairs and hanging pictures.
At Amazon.com
January 8, 2008
If you're in the market for a biscuit joiner (and who isn't?), you should at least check out the Lamello C3. Lamello is a Swiss company that actually invented the biscuit joiner and their reputation rests in large part on the shoulders of this tool.
The Classic C3 Plate Joiner looks like it has a lot going for it. First of all the slide shoe, fence, and stop square are each made from a single piece of machine milled metal. This gives the tool a high degree of accuracy and, from what we've heard, the high quality construction of the tool eliminates any wiggle in the fence (an ailment that we've seen many biscuit joiners succumb to). The C3 also has positive stops at the most common cutting angles as well as six different depth settings.
Continue reading: "Lamello Classic C3 Plate Joiner"
December 21, 2007
With the exception of Milwaukee's testosterone-addled 36-volt system, the current trend in tools is towards lighter more compact models, and with that in mind, Bosch has just released the JS5 Jigsaw, a smaller version of their exceptional line of jigsaws.
The JS5 has a tool free blade change, an ergonomic handle, and an anti-splinter insert. It comes with an on-board adjustable dust blower, and a dust extraction system as well as a 4-position switch that controls the orbital action of the cut.
Continue reading: "Bosch JS5 Orbital Jigsaw"
Hitachi DB10DL 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Micro Driver Drill
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