Our corded tool reviews include corded saws, routers, sanders and grinders, and more. We try to ascertain the best compound miter saws and best table saws to name a few. When it comes to corded tools, often power is key. Our power tool reviews try to determine whether a new product has advanced features or specs. Once we understand what’s new we can then test the tool to get a feel for it and see if it’s truly an upgrade. When we look at tools like rotary hammers or even oscillating multi-tools, we try to determine which tools have the least vibration while performing the most work. A power tool may be able to provide more power, but at the expense of ergonomics. Other tools add great features, but sacrifice in other areas. We evaluate the whole tool, so that we get the entire picture.
Porter-Cable is addressing the problem of needing the power of a cordless impact drivers, but for extended-use applications. They launched the 1/4-inch Hex 4.3-Amp PCE201 specifically to give tradesmen an option in the workplace. This impact driver is designed for deck builders, steel roofing installers and other tradesmen who complete numerous fastening applications in challenging workplaces (but who have easy access to power).
At first glance, the DeWalt DWS780 miter saw looks impressive—like it means business. It also looks very similar to the […]
Delta Power Equipment Corporation introduced two new bench grinders this week. The larger of the two is the 8-inch Model 23-199, which features a patented tool-less quick change nut and tool-less wheel cover so you can swap out or change grinding or polishing wheels quickly and easily. The grinder runs at variable speed and has a front-mounted speed dial to dial the grinder in from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM. The Model 23-199 also features a cast iron base to give it more stability and holding power and which also serves to reduce vibration during use. Four rubber feet are also included to help prevent movement. The full-size clear safety shield utilizes thumb screws for easy adjustment.
We’re not sure who or what this tool will ultimately target, but Alec Rivers, a Ph.D. student at MIT, developed […]
DeWalt has launched a bunch of new tools this year, but I don’t recall their angle grinders getting any attention in some time. Now, a new 4-1/2″ Small Angle Grinder has been deployed whose claim to fame (newest feature) is a One-Touch Guard that allows the user to simply turn the guard by hand to adjust its position into any of eight durable detents. There is no button to push and the process is completely tool-less. DeWalt observed a need for users to continually move the guard depending on the application, while in manufacturing shops and on jobsites. We’d have to agree, and this feature seems to address a pretty common problem, while at the same time encouraging the use of the guard in more applications. In addition to easy adjustability, the guard also pops on and off with a quick press of the release button.
Rockwell has just thrown down the gauntlet in multi-tools by offering both a Universal Fit system to allow their three new Sonicrafters, and their new Shop Series Sonictool, to use other brands’ accessories without adapters. Three new Sonicrafters and a Sonictool? Yes. The company has completely revised its initial Sonicrafter Oscillating Multi-tool by adding a Hyperlock tool-less blade change and also increasing the motor power. And if that weren’t enough, the company has also released a new assortment of Rockwell universal accessories designed to fit not just their own tools, but also competitive multi-tools.
We were impressed by Porter-Cable’s 12V and 18V Multi-tool’s which, most notably, use a tool-less blade change system. This week, the company launched a 3-amp Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit (model PCE605K), which, with the right blade, should be able to cut through just about anything you put it against. Corded oscillating multi-tools are important in the market as they delivers both the performance needed for tougher applications, and also the endless run-time demanded by larger jobs.
Randall Coe made a recent move from Bosch and is now heading up things in the RotoZip company, RotoZip hasn’t been idle of late, and at this year’s Bosch Media Event, they were present to show off a few new items. Chief among them was the new SS560vsc-50 RotoSaw+ Spiral + Connect Kit. This is a brand new tool that is debuting in October 2012 and which features what Bosch claims is a new 6.0-amp Spiral+ Saw, the most powerful tool of its kind on the market. The tool has a variable speed dial with feedback and ranges from 15k-30k rpm. It also uses something called “Constant Speed Technology” which will allocate additional power to maintain speed during a mroe difficult in hard wood, or when encountering a knot, or example.
So Milwaukee is into innovation – everyone who is even remotely familiar with the company and its product lines can attest to that. But what’s always surprising (to me, at least) is the diversity of areas that innovation touches. Take their new Max-Lok Carbide Extension System, for example. This falls smack dab in the lap of serious concrete professionals who use SDS-Max bits day in and day out. The Max-Lok system is designed to extend SDS-Max rotary hammer bits up to 82.5″. That means you can take your existing SDS-Max bits and bore deeper and into more places than ever before. And you’re not buying expensive and dedicated extended length bits to do it.
The Straight Flush Saw is something new to the market. In fact, it seems to still be getting to the […]
