New CA-100 Ridgid Micro SeeSnake 36738 - 3rd Generation
That is right the very popular Ridgid Micro is now in its 3rd generation for production. The new SeeSnake Micro CA-100($224, Ohio Power Tool) has a new design with several upgrades from the previous version, not to mention a slightly lower price. It seems like only yesterday the first Micro hit the shelves to unbelievable instant popularity. Previous bore scoops were hundreds or thousands of dollars more. This unit made it easy for everyone to own one of these handy tools.
The new Micro CA-100 model has many similarities to the previous generation including 320x240 resolution, RCA video out, AA battery power, 3 tool attachments and hard plastic case. The improvements include larger 3.5” screen, rotating image and improved 4 light imaging head. The new 3’ imagining head is actually almost the same one from the Ridgid MicroExplorer (just no digital self-leveling); see pictures and testing of that head in our Milwaukee AV vs Ridgid Explorer review.
The downside of the new unit is there are no 9.5mm models so if you need the smaller diameter head you will need to purchase this CA-100 unit which comes with a 17mm head, then also buy the 9.5mm replacement head($102, Ohio Power Tool). Also there plans for an even smaller 6mm head to come in the next few months. If you have any other questions feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424.
FEIN acquires Magnetic Drill Manufacturer Jancy Engineering
This could be a nice acquisition for Fein, headquartered in Germany as their line of portable magnetic drills are not that popular, in the US at least. Jancy is the number two line in the US market behind Hougen Manufacturing so it will definitely give Fein a nice foothold here in the states. Jancy, based in Iowa, sells their machine under the popular name Slugger. It does not look like Fein is planning to make any great changes in management at this point but at the same time they probably didn’t make the acquisition just for business as usual. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Read more at Construction Supply Magazine.
For a great selection of Mag Drills visit OhioPowerTool.com or call 800-242-4424, these guys really know their stuff when it comes to mag drills, annular cutters and other related fabrication tools. They also stock a wide range of these drills and cutters from several manufacturers however they don’t stock either of the Jancy or Fein mag drills.
Our friend Stuart over at ToolGuyd recently asked us the question which is brighter, the Milwaukee M12 incandescent Xenon light 49-24-0145($22, Ohio Power Tool) or the M12 LED Light 49-24-0146($49, Ohio Power Tool)? At over double the price you would hope there would be some real advantages here. The lower power consumption on the LED give the flashlight significantly longer run time. Incandescent bulbs get very hot and also burn out leaving you literally in the dark and costing a few bucks to replace, not to mention a trip to the hardware store that might not have them. The light is also brighter and more natural white, but how much so is the question…
For a bunch more pictures check out this photo album it does a great job of very clearly demonstrating several things. First that the LED is much whiter more natural light, second that the beam is much more focused with a clear circle of light and finally clearly much brighter, probably more so in person than even the pictures indicate. Hopefully that sheds some light (baad pun) on the Milwaukee Xenon vs LED debate.
You may also notice if you are very attentive, in the pictures from the album link we switched back and forth from the traditional M12 battery to the new M12 Red Lithium battery to see if there was a difference in brightness but none could be detected. Let us know if you think otherwise.
As always for a great selection of Milwaukee M12 Tools visit OhioPowerTool.com or call the guys at 800-242-4424 and they will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
We have been waiting for Makita to redo their 9.6v cordless 3-3/8” circular saw for some time. This is a very critical tool for some specific users, not for everyone, but for those folks it might as well be made of gold. The new Makita 12V model SH01W($149, Amazon) replaces that unit while keeping the same size blades with 1” cut capacity (5/8” at 45 degrees).
Doug from ToolSnob reviews the Makita LCT208W($154, Amazon) 2 tool combo kit which includes the 3-3/8” circular saw as well as the 3/8” chuck drill/driver. Currently that appears to be a steal at only $5 more than the saw alone, plus you get a free holster. We don’t want to spoil the fun but it is a positive review and 99% of the time we are going to accept his reviews as law. But don’t let that stop you from reading it…
Milwaukee M18 Cordless 3/8” Right Angle Drill Driver 2615-21
This new tool will be available shortly on the Milwaukee M18 page of Ohio Power Tool. Check out the video and official press release below. We will update again when we get our hands on one but looks like a nice addition to the line.
MILWAUKEE, WI – 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.“The combination of a 3.75" total head length and an integrated Electronic Clutch make this tool the most compact 18V Right Angle Drill Driver in the industry,” says Christian Coulis, Sr. Product Manager for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. “Whether an Electrician is drilling holes in a confined space or a Cabinet Builder is putting the final touches on the assembly, this tool will fit into tight spaces and provide the control needed for precision 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. Complete with an LED light to illuminate the work surface and up to 125 in-lbs of torque, the M18™ 3/8” Right Angle Drill Driverprovides unmatched versatility, ease of use and power.
Among the first products powered by REDLITHIUM™ battery technology, thenew Right Angle Drill Driverwill deliver unmatched run-time, performance and durability for the professional tradesman. The M18™ Cordless Platform continues to be the fastest growing LITHIUM-ION system with over 25 tools to date. Milwaukee® is committed to the ongoing development of this platform and will continue to provide innovative solutions that offer industry leading reliability, performance and ergonomics.
Specifications: 2615-21 3/8” Right Angle Drill Driver Kit • 125 in-lbs • 0-1,500 RPM • 11+1 Clutch Settings • Head Length: 3.75” • Tool Height: 11.25” • Tool Weight: 4.25 lbs Includes: 2615-20 M18™ Cordless Right Angle Drill, (1) M18™ XCLITHIUM-ION Battery Pack, 1 Hour Charger and Carrying Case
2615-21CT 3/8” Right Angle Drill Driver Kit • 100 in-lbs • 0-1,500 RPM • 11+1 Clutch Settings • Head Length: 3.75” • Tool Height: 11.25” • Tool Weight: 3.7 lbs Includes: 2615-20 M18™ Cordless Right Angle Drill, (1) M18™ Compact LITHIUM-ION Battery Pack, 30-Minute Charger and Carrying Case
The Earth Drill Post Hole Auger – Definitely Made In America
One of our personal joys in writing for this blog is the rare opportunity to talk to a guy who has “An Idea” and then sees it through to a product. Such is the case with Keith Sands from Oklahoma who though there must be a better way to drill post holes than traditional 1 or 2 man post hole augers. Some time ago he created the EZ-Way Earth Drill which has a simple crank mechanism, dolly style wheels and aggressive gearing to drill a post hole up to 10”x28” with literally no sweat. The unit also saves from any stress on the back in setup or operation, no dangerous jerking when the drill catches a root or rock and produces a very clean hole, quickly.
The Earth Drill is easily configured for use with a 2HP Gas Motor or several models of heavy duty electric drills, he said the Milwaukee or Makita models work the best but the Ridgid also works well and is less expensive. On the website the unit with you option of motor is around $1400 but said the unit can be sold without a gas motor or drill if the customer already has a suitable power supply. Idea for heavy users and rental houses, also a very reasonable price if the unit works half as well as it does in the video.
With a background in welding/fabricating and a lot of experience digging post holes this product was a natural fit for Keith. It’s awesome to see him going straight to market with a website and youtube video, even if they aren’t as polished as we have seen. It is our hope more folks will follow suite and take their ideas and see them through to real products like Keith.
If you want a Milwaukee, Makita or Bosch electric drill motor that will work in your new EZ-Way Earth Drill give the folks at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 and they would be happy to set you up.
Win a Real Wood Backyard Playset - MyFixitUpLife Radio Show
The backyard Real Wood, Real Fun playset is designed by MyFixitUpLife radio hosts and licensed contractors Mark & Theresa. More than just a fun play structure for the kids, it’s also perfect for the entire family to use as an exercise station. The play structure includes a slide, two swings, a small storage room for toys, and a two-story play tower. The winner receives a pre-cut pressure treated Southern Pine lumber package, playset accessories, and the necessary hardware. Plus, plans and how-to video on how Mark & Theresa have constructed the playset for their family will be included.
Finalists are selected by public online vote (vote here) that runs through May 6th, and a panel of judges will select the winner. Don’t forget to invite your friends to vote for you, every day.
Winner of the Real Wood, Real Fun outdoor play structure will be announced live on their radio show Saturday, May 13, 2011 at noon. You can also register for more of their monthly giveaways at MyFixitUpLife Free Stuff.
High School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) – Metro School
The Metro School is a very interesting concept; it’s a Columbus public school where the best and brightest can apply from the surrounding schools. The students that get accepted then take accelerated classes in partnership with The Ohio State University in the areas of math, science, engineering, etc. One of the paths through the school that focuses heavily on engineering incorporates the building and competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) each year as part of the curriculum. We joined in the fun to help “mentor” the young geniuses but we probably learned more from them than vice-versa. Check out the build photo album here.
Each year the competition is a little different and unfortunately they don’t get to saw the other robots in half but they do compete directly with kids from other schools. The theme of this 2011 competition is LOGOMOTION. Check out the video below for the details of this year’s challenge.
The first round of the competition is in Cleveland, a few hours away, the first week in April (even though the robot needs to be completed and shipped this week) so the team will have to travel and stay there for several days which of course cost’s money. If you would like to help out and sponsor the MetroBots 2011 team with any amount from $25 to $500+ please email my good friend Obsaa who is in charge of raising the money for their team. Your company will get its name on the website, T-shirts and the actual robot and is tax deductable.
Is there really anything the special lady in your life would like more this Valentine’s Day than a shiny new red Milwaukee M12 cordless drill? Alright you probably shouldn’t answer that however with over 20 tools in the lineup including some very popular new editions like the Multi-Tool & Heated Jackets (most popular size thus far Medium, presumably for the ladies) Milwaukee M12 is arguably the single fastest growing tool line on the market today.
Alright, the deal isn’t exclusively a Valentine’s Day special, it actually goes until the end of March and it’s a mail-in rebate on free goods for almost all the Milwaukee M12 tools. Some M12 kits include a choice between 4 items: XC battery 48-11-2402, M12 radio 2590-20, plumb laser 2320-20 and ac/dc charger 2510-20. While others include simply a free work light 49-24-0145, you will have to read the rebate for the specifics.
If you have specific questions on any of the Milwaukee Tools or accessories do not hesitate to give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424. They are happy to help and could probably give you some Valentine’s Day gift advice as well however they are probably more knowledgeable on the Tools.
Hougen Mag Drills Free Accessories on HMD904 & HMD914
Hougen Magnetic Drills are some of the most popular on the market and arguably some of the best. Doug Hougen patented the first Rotabroach Annular Cutter back in 1973 and since then a whole industry has obviously taken off. If you are in the market for a new Mag Drill now is a good time. Until the end of this month 2/28/2011, you can take advantage of this mail-in rebate promotion for your choice of: Drill Chuck & Adaptor, Twisted Drill Adaptor Kit, 1” Arbor Extender or 2” Arbor Extender. The promotion is good with the purchase on any of the Hougen HMD904 or HMD914 models.
Milwaukee M28 Cordless Tools Are Here… And with a Bang
Over the past few months the industries first lithium-ion tool line, Milwaukee V28, got an overhaul to the Milwaukee M28. Many of the industry leading tools remained the same however all the battery systems now features the latest and greatest M technology to increase each tools power, runtime and prolong the battery life.
The nice guys at Ohio Power Tool were not happy to just let everyone know they had all the new tools in-stock however they also felt compelled to give a ton of stuff away. So until the end of the month or until supplies run out (most likely the second) Ohio Power Tool is giving away a M28 Battery 48-11-2830($159, Ohio Power Tool) with every 3 Tool($599) & 4 Tool($719) Combo Kit. Also with any individual tool kit (not including bare tools) they are giving away a one of the brand new M28 LED Flashlights 49-24-0187($59, Ohio Power Tool). This even includes the brand new hammer drill 0726-22 which features 750 in-lbs torque!
These free goodie giveaways are not mail-in rebates but ship with your order and are exclusively offered through Ohio Power Tool. While most everything in the M28 line is currently in-stock at their Ohio location you may want to give the guys a call at 800-242-4424 just to confirm if you are going to need it right away. As we are pretty sure these kits aren’t going to sit around collecting dust.
LumberJocks Winter Woodworking Awards 2011 - Art of Joinery
Check out all 90+ entries in the Winter 2011 LumberJocks contest for the "Art of Joinery". Always fun to see all the creativity that goes into each of these projects.
The Art of Joinery– dovetails, mitres, and even the good old butt joint can turn a practical project into a piece of art. For this Winter Awards, show us your artistic joinery creations, whether they are in a piece of furniture, a sculpture or – whatever your imagination can design. As always we want to hear about your creation and how it came to life.
The Woodworking Show 2011 Columbus, Ohio Review & Photos
Last weekend we spend a good amount of time over 3 days at The Woodworking Show basically to learn how little we really actually know about woodworking. The show covers all levels of woodworking from very basics that even young kids can get started with, up to very advance techniques, processes & equipment. Booths ranged from teaching workshops to cutting lumber to bulk supply dealers to every kind of product demonstrations and of course one of the highlights the Bosch Tool booth from Ohio Power Tool. Check out this photo album for all our pictures from the show.
Sporting her I Heart PowerTools tee, this nice young lady, was very popular with the predominately older male crowd the woodworking show typically brings in. The big tool attractions at the Ohio Power Tool / Bosch booth were definitely the Glide Saw GCM12SD and the new 2.3HP Bosch Routers MRC23EVSKalso see the video below.
We got word from the router product manager himself these are targeted to ship in early March. The holdup is apparently on the parts supply chain side not a design issue and we expect with the years of heavy testing behind this new router it will be problem free out of the gate. Just need to wait a little longer.
One of the most popular speaker / instructors that was at the show was Jim Heavey from Wood Magazine who ran several classes each day on various topics. We had a chance to sit in on a few presentations and speak with Jim personally, a really nice guy who definitely knows his stuff. He also has his own Blog on WoodMagazine.com and recently did a post on his take from the Columbus show you can check out. He even mentions the Idea Foundry, Tool Racing & several pictures of the Coptool.com racer, The Reaver; we built for last year’s race.
Another interesting side attraction at the show is the Show Off Showcase, where local woodworkers can enter their own handy work and all the attendees get to vote on their favorite. The Columbus show winner was Phillip Traudt who built an amazing Carousel Rocking Horse (you can kind of see in the pic above), Phillip best of luck at the finals, we hope you bring one home for Columbus!
If you are looking to improve your skills you might also consider a couple day work shop. We had some good conversations with Chuck Bender from the Acanthus Workshop and also got to watch him make dovetails by hand a few time (he was the booth across from us), very impressive stuff. His school offers classes from basic all the way to master craftsman level; we might just have to sign up ourselves. Check out this abbreviated video from the dovetail DVD below.
Obviously there were tons of other really cool things from the show we didn’t touch on at all but if it took us 3 days to see everything at the show, we’d be working for weeks to cover it all. We will be back next year for sure and in the mean time we’ll buff up on our woodworking skills.
New Milwaukee Sawzall Blades for Flush Cut & Rough-In
When we received this latest Milwaukee press release (see below) we were surprised nobody had made a similar flush cut reciprocating blade before. Last May we helped out on a local Habitat Blitz Build and personally cut all the doorway plates from the pre-made walls. We of course used the blade upside-down in the Sawzall to get it as close to level with the floor as possible but still required a little finesse to not hit the blade against the concrete more than necessary. This blade will make the job much easier and faster. It's just odd that it has not been thought of before. The new blades also feature “The Fang” and “Nail Guard”, check out our recent post to see the videos on those new features. These will both be available shortly on the page for Sawzall Blades at Ohio Power Tool.
MILWAUKEE, WI - Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation expands the new wood-cutting SAWZALL® blade offering with two new Application Specific blades focused on eliminating key user frustrations. While the recently launched wood-cutting blades appeal to the majority of users by delivering the fastest cuts, most nail durability, and quickest plunge cuts on the market, the new Flush Cut and Rough-In blades fill critical voids in the market by solving problems often encountered in trade-specific applications.
The Flush Cut Sawzall Blade has been engineered to specifically address the unique frustrations encountered during window and door cut-out applications. When attempting to cut bottom plates from a doorway, traditional blades will bend and break when the tip impacts the floor or the teeth will dull from rubbing against the floor. The Flush Cut blade solves these issues with a unique shape to protect against floor impacts and a Floor Guard design to shield the teeth from floor contact. Additionally, the Flush Cut blade features a Double Truss design that guides the blade for straighter window cut-outs.
The Rough-In Sawzall Blade has been engineered to specifically address the unique frustrations encountered when cutting through-holes in nail-embedded wood during plumbing and HVAC rough-in work. It features a low profile for cutting holes as small as 2-1/8" in diameter and an optimized 7-3/8" length that allows the blade to cut holes through double top plates. “Users want more options for creating through-holes,” says Erich Herman, Director of Product Management. “Traditional blades are a poor option as they will warp and break under the stress of cutting a tight radius. This new design will easily cut small diameter holes with great control and no concern for nail impacts.”
Both blades also feature the award winning Nail Guard™ and Fang Tip™ designs that were introduced in November 2010.The Nail Guard tooth design keeps nails out of the gullets and protects against tooth fracture. The Fang Tip design bites into the wood on first contact for faster plunging.
With the launch of the new-to-world SAWZALL® Blade design and this expansion into application specific blades, Milwaukee Electric Tool demonstrates its continued commitment to delivering innovative accessory solutions to save time and increase productivity on the jobsite.
The Woodworking Show 2011 – Columbus Stop This Weekend
If you are a woodworker, handyman or just love great deals on tools and live in Ohio this is a pretty exciting weekend. The Woodworking Show takes place at the Ohio Expo Center (Fairgrounds), show hours are Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6 & Sunday 10-4. Ohio Power Tool and Bosch have teamed up to create an interactive testing center to try out the new MR23 Bosch Routers, GCM12SD Glide Saw, MX25E Oscillating Tool among others with real Bosch product managers you can ask questions (Like when will my router get here?).
Ohio Power Tool is definitely jumping in to do their part and really give some very aggressive deals; we’re talking Crazy Eddie sawing prices in half type stuff. One example would be a Bosch 2 tool 18v Cordless Combo kits for under $160 crazy. Obviously supplies are limited and there are instant rebates coupled with mail-in rebates but ridiculously low none the less. Also there will be more Bosch swag than you shake a stick at including pocket knives, tool holsters, backpacks, tool belts, long sleeve shirts and more, if you make a purchase they can be yours.
Sawzall / Reciprocating Saw Blade Tourture Test for Demo
Somehow we missed this when it came out a few months ago in Fine Homebuilding Magazine. It is a very nice detail comparison of 15 major demo blades for wood. Looking at price, TPI, cut speed, cuts, flexibility, etc it really goes deep with each blade. It was pointed out to us while having a discussion about metal cutting blades in Garage Journal forum which is obviously a different kind of blade but though it was a good read anyway. For the full story check it out here at Torture Test – Demolition Blades
You can also purchase a wide variety of demolition and other Sawzall / Reciprocating Blades from the fine people at Ohio Power Tool.
