Power Tool Reviews Archives

February 28, 2011 0

Porter Cable 14″ Chop Saw PC14CTSD Preview

The chop saw isn’t a new tool by any stretch of the imagination, but as anyone knows who’s done a lot of metal cutting or fabrication, this is a tool you really need. Porter-Cable’s new 15 AMP Chop Saw (PC14CTSD) has been built to ensure it offers contractors performance, ergonomics, ease of use, and durability. This chop saw seems ideally suited for a number of trades, including mechanical contractors, electrical contractors, metal fabricators, and many other areas that need a simple, but durable tool for cut-in-place sawing. The PC14CTSD simply performs like a tool that is capable of handling a number of metal cutting applications on professional jobsites. This tool, in particular, seems to have been built with the contractor in mind. To start off with, the 15 AMP, high torque motor delivers 3,800 RPM, which enables the new chop saw to cut through tough materials, including cast iron pipe, angle iron, threaded rod, conduit, square tubing, and more.

February 23, 2011 0

Self-healing Li-ion Batteries on the Horizon

by Clint DeBoer

Self-healing li-ion batteries would mean a dramatic improvement in the battery’s ability to sustain itself through extended use. Lithium-ion batteries […]

February 22, 2011 0

Rockler Introduces Dust Right Vortex 40530

by Clint DeBoer

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware introduced the Dust Right Vortex this week. It’s basically a 10-gallon dust container that turns any standard […]

February 18, 2011 0

Porter Cable Announces 2 New Reciprocating Saws

by Clint DeBoer

Today is a good day to need a reciprocating saw – particularly, if you like Porter-Cable and don’t want to […]

February 15, 2011 0

Milwaukee M18 Cordless 3/8″ Right Angle Drill Driver Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation expands its M18 Lithium-ion system with the new M18 Cordless 3/8″ Right Angle Drill Driver. As the only 18V Right Angle Drill with an adjustable clutch feature, the new tool provides eleven torque settings, plus one drill mode, for complete control in close-quarter fastening applications. Featuring a 3/8″ one handed, keyless ratcheting chuck, the user can quickly change bits without additional tools. In addition, an extended paddle switch design provides easy trigger actuation from the top, middle, or bottom of the tool to allow the user to change hand position depending on the application.

February 9, 2011 0

CEL Multi2PRO MT1 Cordless Multi-Tool Review

by Clint DeBoer

There are now over a dozen oscillating multi-tools on the market, which begs the question: which one do I buy? What we’re finding, especially thanks to universal accessory adapters now coming to market, is that they all cut basically the same – provided you are comparing them using the same blade. What that leaves is features, price, and of course, rugged build quality and ergonomics. CEL’s Multi2PRO has some nice features that make it stand out, and it’s an easy tool to use, so it fits nicely into the mix of oscillating multi-tools and provides the company with a competitive product with which to round out their product line. We tested the CEL Power8 Workshop all-in-one compact benchtop tool earlier last year and we’d rank the Multi2PRO in the same category. If you’re looking for an inexpensive multi-tool with decent features, CEL has something that’s at least worth a second look.

February 7, 2011 0

Makita Dustless Hammer Attachment Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita debuted and released two new dust extraction solutions for concrete contractors at this year’s World of Concrete. These 2 […]

February 1, 2011 0

Porter Cable PC18ID 18V Lithium Impact Driver Review

by Clint DeBoer

Impact drivers are the new drill. While we don’t recommend them for actual drilling – not into hardwood, at least – the Impact Driver has become the go-to tool for most homeowners looking to reduce fatigue and stress when driving screws. The tools, like Porter Cable’s PC18ID 18V Impact Driver, are extremely compact as well – allowing for more maneuverability than many drills with standard chucks. At just under $80, it also presents itself as an incredible value – especially if you’re already in possession of the lithium-ion batteries and charger required to power this tool.

January 31, 2011 0

Porter Cable PCL418C-2 18V Lithium 4-Tool Combo Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

We weren’t sure what we’d find when we opened up the Porter-Cable PCL418C-2 18V 4-tool Combo Kit, but after just a few minutes examining the tools and handling them, we came away with the impression that this is possibly one of the best values in the market today. We don’t say that lightly, and we certainly were anxious to get to our performance testing – but in terms of sheer features and build quality, Porter-Cable really impressed us with their attention to detail and craftsmanship.

January 20, 2011 0

Bosch CAG180 Cordless Angle Grinder Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has earned its well-deserved reputation for providing outstanding user experiences in the grinder category. Now, with the CAG180 4 1/2-inch, 18-volt Lithium-Ion Angle Grinder, Bosch has set out to create the most powerful cordless angle grinder in its class packed with power, design and safety features. It is designed to outlast and outperform the competition. The CAG180 addresses many common user complaints with cordless grinders used for light-duty cutting and grinding applications in metal, masonry and tile materials such as lack of power, excessive weight and poor overload capacity that causes the tool to stall when the pressure is raised.