About a year ago we did a full review of the Bosch Power Box PB360S where we tested battery life, digital media functionality and of course how well it pumped up a crowd. Since that time this radio has seen a lot more action camping, tailgating, barbeques, sporting events and even a little work in there. Rain never a concern and when it gets dirty we have literally hosed is off (a gentle covering not blasting into the controls or anything). Definitely the best all around portable radio we have ever used and it’s not even the Deluxe PB360D ($239, Ohio Power Tool) model.

How is Bosch Tools celebrating the 1st birthday of the Power Box? Giving them away of course! Through the Bosch System Specialist (BSS) network of dealers if you spend over $500 on Bosch Tools, Accessories Measuring or Rotozip you get a FREE PB360S instantly, walk right out the door with it, no mail in rebates. Over $750 and you get a FREE Bosch 18V Battery as well, which yes will charge in the Power Box. That is a $200-$300 value or up to 40% back in free goodies! This deal does not work online unfortunately but there are Bosch BSS dealers all over the country. In Ohio you will definitely want to take the drive and head to Ohio Power Tool because those guys know their stuff!
      

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of the best forums we have found to talk about a wide range of topics such as electrical, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, painting and of course tools is ContractorTalk.com. Just recently the Forum has undergone big improvements and they are encouraging everyone to test out some of the new features and what better way than bribery. The more you comment, blog, post, write reviews, the more chances you have to win one of the (x3) iPad 2 or (x4) $250 Amazon gift cards. There are some really great new features and ways to interact on Contractor Talk 2.0 that make it so much more than just a forum. Seriously check it out!  
      

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Viega manufactures copper and stainless steel fittings for use in a wide variety of plumbing applications. The Viega products are unique as they require no flux or soldering, safer with no open flame, much quicker to install and less chance for failure. This is because the connections are made by pressing (7200 lbs pressure) the metals together to form a secure seal. Since Viega is a fittings manufacturer they partnered with Ridgid to produce the ProPress Tools needed for the system. For the rest of this year Viega & Ridgid will be touring the country with the Viega Challenge to test plumbers speed to see if they can sweat copper pipe faster than the ProPress can make a seal. Tee shirts, cash cards and Ridgid ProPress tools can all be won but if you can’t make it out, you can also register online. Visit the www.ViegaChallenge.com website for more details on prizes, dates and how to win! 
      

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Several months ago Porter Cable launched this new compact router as a fixed base unit 450 ($99, Amazon) as well as with a fixed/plunge base combo kit 450PK ($162, Amazon). The unit is designed to compete with other palm routers in a heavy duty production environments, so while it is compact and inexpensive it also needs to stand up to all day abuse. At the same time the lower price and versatility do make it an attractive purchase for the DIY users as a starter router.

The Porter Cable vs DeWalt Compact Router Kit

Just prior to the Porter Cable launch, DeWalt launched the almost identical looking compact router kit DW611PK ($179, Amazon), which you can read more on in a post we did here. There are some differences in the two brands and we think this was really handled pretty nicely. The Porter Cable has the lower price but also loses a few of the bells and whistles including the LED lights on the base and variable speed control. In terms of motor, soft start, digital speed control, etc the units are pretty much the same and should perform equally well however we have only seen the DeWalt and have not given it a full test drive.

The Porter Cable vs Bosch Colt Palm Router

For years the Bosch Colt ($99, single speed) has been the standard in palm routers and Porter Cable/DeWalt were not bashful in going directly after this business. The Bosch unit does not have a plunge base option so right off the bat the Porter Cable has a pretty big advantage. The motor also gets a bump in horse power to 1.25 hp (7 amp) vs Bosch at only 1 hp (5.6amp). In use however the Bosch does have some advantages, including a more straightforward height adjustments, although we may just need to get used to the Porter Cable, as we are accustom to the Bosch.

Also a letdown came when the base opening on the Porter Cable would not accept a 3/8” Roundover bit, which does fit on the Bosch. The increase in power doesn’t mean much if it will not take equal size bits.

The Porter Cable in Use

While we had this router for demoing we had planned to throw together a very basic shoe rack but added what was later called the “xylophone” on top, basically so we could use the router a little more. We ended up using a 1/4” Roundover, which may be as large as it will accept and it came out pretty nice. The router is a very comfortable size to use with one hand, perfect for this application.

The twist height adjustment on the fix base took some getting used to but had its positive and negatives. We really like how easily the base could come off for switching bases or even just switching bits. Adjusting the height was pretty straightforward simply line up the hash mark to zero and twist left or right to desired mark and clamp down. The problem is while the clamp holds pretty firm we were still able to twist the ring and move it with a little force, since this is where you hold the router in use we just kept thinking we were moving it even though we probably weren’t. Once you get accustom to this style it probably feels very natural but it will take some getting used to at least for us.

The plunge base is pretty intuitive and we loved how in control you felt when using it. If you are used to a regular plunge base this will feel like going from a dump truck to a sports car, much lighter, smaller, move maneuverable and easier to use free hand. It won’t have the power of course and you can only use ¼” arbor bits but it does a great job with them.

The Verdict

Overall we were very impressed by this unit, although we may opt to shell out the extra $17 for the DeWalt version with variable speed and LED light just because you never know. We would recommend getting it as a combo because the plunge base really is very handy in this size. A good counterpart to a full size unit or if your tool arsenal is pretty small with no router, this combo kit offers huge versatility for a relatively small investment, of course then there are the router bits that will get you. Only real complaint was that our 3/8” Roundover bit would not fit out of the box as it did on the Bosch, please don’t tempt people to alter the tool within 5 minutes of opening it.   

Unit Specs

- Compact, lightweight design enables comfortable and assured control in any routing application
- Durable 1.25HP motor delivers the power to meet the toughest applications
- Soft-starting motor features full-time electronic feedback that maintains motor speed through the cut
- Adjustment ring enables controlled bit depth changes to within 1/64"
- Large, low-pressure spindle lock button allows for comfortable, single wrench bit changes
- Multiple shaft-lock detents enable quick and simple bit changes
- Depth ring and clamping mechanism combine to ensure motor remains locked in position
- Plunge base incorporates fine-tune adjustment rod for precise depth setting
- Motor can be transitioned quickly and easily between fixed and plunge bases
- 5-position adjustable turret enables stepped or repeated plunge cuts
- Up to 1.5" of depth travel with standard base and 2" with plunge base
- Overmolded rubber handles provide a comfortable and secure grip (plunge base only)
- Aluminum motor housing and base construction provides long term durability
- Large 4" diameter sub-base accepts universal template guides (fixed base only)
- Large plunge base platform provides added stability for heavier applications and sub-base accepts universal template guides
- Extended 8-slot 1/4" collet maximizes surface contact with router bit shank for a tighter grip
- Power: 1.25 HP
- Amps: 7.0 Amps
- No Load Speed: 27,000 rpm
- Motor Diameter: 2.70 "
- Collets: 1/4 "
- Switch: Rocker
- Base Dimension: 4" (standard) 4-3/8"x5-3/4" (plunge) "
- Weight: 4.1 lbs
- Shipping Weight: 12 lbs
                    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The relatively new technique (at least for construction blades) of vacuum bonding the diamonds to the blade means all the diamonds are on the outside of the blade and there is only a single layer. In the case of the Diamond Products Cut Core A2Z blades the diamonds are of a higher quality and held in place much longer meaning it can cut metal, rock, concrete, asphalt and just about anything pretty equally. The cuts should be much faster however because it is a single layer the life of the blade is going to be much less in concrete. In this case the chocolate chips are all on top of the cookie not baked into it. For fire and rescue this is an idea blade because it will go through all the materials you might face very quickly while creating relatively fewer sparks and debris.

The A2Z blade while it can replace tradition concrete cutting blades it is far more advantageous for cutting rebar, mesh and other metal products where you might use traditional abrasives. The A2Z blade is available in 4.5” ($58, Ohio Power Tool) & 7” ($92, Ohio Power Tool) sizes for use on grinders which are about equal to a 50 pack of traditional abrasive in terms of price and life. The difference is with the A2Z blade there is a significant time savings in both cutting speed and however long it takes to make 50 blade changes. The blades are also available in 12” to 16” sizes for gas high speed cut-off saws.

Our though is it would definitely be worth taking a look at and testing out on most jobsites. There are many applications this type of blade is really well suited but it may take some trial and error to figure out what those are for your crew. If you have any questions about the A2Z blades or any other Diamond Products concrete cutting or core drilling applications talk to the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 they really know their stuff here.   
      

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A few weeks ago we did a post on the new DeWalt Hand Tools that should be hitting stores this summer. We included some photos but here are a few quick product videos for 5 of their most innovative new tools in the line.  

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By now you may have figured out we are suckers for the “Guy with an Idea” type tool products and here is another good example. The company is www.ComboGlasses.com and they make Safety glasses with built in ear protection. Very simple idea but the design and execution are very good. When not need the ear plugs tuck into the glasses out of the way very easily. The glasses also have two adjustments which allow you to easily find the right fit when using the ear protection. Of course the glasses meet and/or exceed all ANSI standards for safety eye protection.

There are 3 tint options for the lenses clear, smoke or amber, each priced at $12.99. There are also Bi-Focal options available. A set of ear plugs are included with each pair of glasses but additional pairs are also available and easily replaceable. All of these products can be purchased right on their website and ship from their factory in Western Montana, where they are assembled. Good luck guys hope you sell millions of them! 

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 
If you still have not treated yourself to an Oscillating Multi-tool you may want to consider looking at the new Skil when it is available in May. The 2.0 amp motor is slightly less powerful compared to the Bosch, Rockwell and Fein but certainly so is the $79 price tag.

One big selling feature with the Skil system is that it uses the ever growing Bosch OIS accessories platform shared with Milwaukee, Ridgid, Bosch and others. These tools really are only limited by their accessories so it is extremely important to get a tool that has a lot of existing accessories, which can be found on the weekend at a home center store but also something where the most future innovation will occur. At this point it is safe to say the OIS system will be around for many years to come. For more information on the new Skil 1400-02 ($106, Amazon) check out the official press release below.

MT. PROSPECT, ILL. – If you only have room for one power tool in your life, SKIL has the right option for you. SKIL Power Tools is launching the new 1400-02 Oscillating Multi-Tasker™, an 11-piece multi-tool kit designed to help do-it-yourselfers with a variety of at-home projects. The versatility of the 1400-02 is perfect for fix-ups and installations, as well as light to medium-duty remodeling projects.  

Whether leveling off piping, removing grout or sanding small furniture pieces, the 1400-02 offers convenient features that include: a powerful 2.0 amp motor, a no mar head to protect walls from scratches when cutting, a convenient, integrated dust extraction port for maximum dust collection and a soft-grip for added comfort and control.  

Here is a nice short video highlighting several of the features of the new Milwaukee Red Lithium batteries we first wrote about last September. For more specs on individual tools specifically visit Ohio Power Tool, either the Milwaukee M12 or Milwaukee M18 product pages.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 04:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congrats to our friends at Big Ass Fans for winning this year's Inc Economic Hero contest. Really a great company, we love the products and glade to see you are doing so well. Read the full press release below.  

Lexington, KY – Carey Smith, president and CEO of Big Ass Fans, has been named Inc.’s Economy Hero. The competition, hosted by Inc. and its partner SAP, was created to highlight companies and their respective CEOs that are helping the country get out of the recession by providing jobs, innovative work, and new business models.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 04:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What happens when a bunch of tool blog nerds get together and dream up different things that could be powered by cordless drills? And as if that wasn't exciting enough, best comment wins some free tool stuff, so feel free to make fun of us. This will be a monthly event with new questions each go around, so please throw out any topic ideas for next month as well. Check it out here - Volume 1, Number 1 on ToolSnob.com.
   

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Known for their innovative tools and “yep we're very proud of this” pricing, Festool tools are definitely highly regarded among professional tradesmen. Several of our fellow tool bloggers have recently done some very detailed reviews and currently there are a few give aways on the latest Festool products we wanted to share.

ToolSnob – A great review on the new Festool Rotex 90 DX sander, but to warn you if a man could marry a sander apparently he would.

HomeFixated – They are running a giveaway on the new Festool T-Loc Systainers storage units (size 1-5). Also nice YouTube video if you don’t know what these are or how they work.

ToolRank – Here is a nice write up on the new 10.8v Festool CXS compact drill/driver also with a nice YouTube video.

Festool – Direct from Festool themselves you can enter to win a Festool RO 125 Sander and HEPA CT 26 Dust Extractor kit. Simply visit http://www.festoolsweepstakes.com/
       

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You have until the end of this month (April 30, 2011) to enter to win the Milwaukee Heavy Duty Fight Trip Sweepstakes at MilwaukeeCain.com. The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare for two, hotel, $500 spending money, tickets to a UFC fight and a meeting with the champ himself Cain Velasquez. There are also 15 other chances to win Milwaukee Tool Cain Velasquez Prize Packs and 5 of those include a $250 gift card.  

For more information on Milwaukee Tools visit Ohio Power Tool or call the pros at 800-242-4424.      
    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When looking for a good quality inexpensive line level there are plenty of options out there. We recently had the opportunity to review Johnson’s entry level line laser kit 40-0921 ($82, Amazon) and thought it offered some real nice features for the money.

Out of the Box

Right of the bat we were happy to see that this kit includes a tripod and laser glasses but still remains at a very competitive price. We were not terrible impressed with the tripod quality but defiantly good enough for occasional use and has the 5/8”-11 thread which can be difficult to find without going to a rotary laser tripod, which can get pricey.

The Laser

When it comes to cross line lasers this unit is definitely on the larger side. Many of these style lasers are compact enough to fit in belt pouches. The larger round shape does allow for a 360° graduated base which rotates, a nice feature over the other compact models. This unit is accurate to ¼” at 35 feet which is standard for entry level and certainly precise enough for most tasks. The pendulum is self leveling and locks when not in use however if something should go wrong the 3 year warranty certain provides a little extra piece of mind. The one downside we saw with this unit was no ¼”-20 thread, common for most pole & wall mounts, also no magnets which we have seen on other unit mounts. We found the laser strength to be pretty strong, very similar to competitive models and several higher-end line units so no complaints there.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 05:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We first got a look at this new compact table saw back at 2010 STAFDA show but didn’t really get a chance to learn much about it. Now that the Bosch GTS1031 ($399, Ohio Power Tool) is in-stock we had a little more time to look it over and check out some of the features on this new table saw.

The purpose of this new unit is to be compact and portable for easy setup on the jobsite but still all the power and precision you would demand from a Bosch table saw. Several features make this unit extremely portable including one hand balanced carry handle, underneath storage for all the accessories all steel base frame, and easy to fold out stand GTA500 ($79, Ohio Power Tool). On the performance side the 4hp, 5000rpm motor is extremely powerful, 18” capacity Squarelock rip fence, ½” Dado & zero clearance insert options.
 
Going Head to Head against the DeWalt DW745 ($322, Amazon), which would have to be the closest competitors product, the Bosch measures up very well. The DeWalt unit is a 2 handed carry which could mean an extra trip during setup and breakdown, slower speed at 3850rpm, the rip capacity is only 16” vs Bosch’s 18”, no on-board accessory storage and cannot accept Dado blades. To the DeWalt’s credit the unit is 7lbs lighter and currently priced $77 less.

Going head to head against the Bosch 4100-09 which has been the jobsite standard and includes the gravity rise stand is another story. While the unit is 13lbs heavier the wheeled stand does make it very portable and priced competitively with the stand. Electronic soft-start, Arbor Lock, 24” rip capacity, 40T blade, larger table and larger dado capacity are all factors that keep the 4100 a serious consideration when looking for a portable table saws.

All in all the Bosch GTS1031 seems like it is definitely a good fit for those looking for a more compact solution in a jobsite table saw. The biggest downsides that we saw were the lack of soft-start and wish the 24T blade had been upgraded. Check out all the Bosch table saw and miter saw options from Ohio Power Tool and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to call the pros at 800-242-4424.
           

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Take advantage of great deals on popular Lincoln cordless grease gun models 1244 ($199, Ohio Power Tool) and new 1844 ($249, Ohio Power Tool). Simply fill out this Mail-In rebate form along with your proof of purchase and take advantage of your choice of popular gift card rebates. Visit Ohio Power Tool to view the full line of Lincoln Lube or Mityvac equipment.   
   

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A few weeks ago we did a quick post and video announcing the launch of the Milwaukee M18 2682-22 5-3/8” metal cutting circular saw. We had a little experience with the unit but still had some lingering doubts about how it would perform in the real world. Then last week one of our local contacts purchased one of these saws (tool only 2682-20, no Red Lithium batteries) so we pitched in a free blade and asked them to test its limits. Honestly we were a little nervous for the results because we knew they were not going to be nice to this tool.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 09:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check out Ohio Power Tool for the full line of Bosch 12 Volt cordless tools. Also listen online to 97.1 The Fan for all kinds of great sports coverage, we just hope you a Buckeye Fans.   
    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At the 2010 STAFDA show (see pictures here) however we got to see many of these new DeWalt hand tools and have to say we were really impressed with several of them. Obviously when they are talking about “100 new tools” you are going to find some that just got the name, how do you really innovate the crow bar.

The 15 oz framing hammer (now $59 target price) on the other hand is truly very impressive, going right after the Stiletto titanium hammers on weight, price and durability. With these all steel hammers you don’t have to be Nostradamus to know they are going to be very popular. Another new item we thought was really interesting was the folding utility knife which would have gotten high marks in either of our Utility Knives Showdowns one or two. For more information checkout the full DeWalt press release below and stay tuned, we will certainly be keeping an eye on the new DeWalt hand tool division for more innovative products.

TOWSON, Md. – DEWALT announced today the launch of its new line of hand tools, which will be available beginning in June 2011. The line includes more than 100 professional-grade products including utility knives, pliers, wrenches, tape measures, hammers, saws, toolboxes and more. Professionals trust DEWALT products because they are optimized to perform tough under real life conditions. Now, for the first time ever, contractors will benefit from a complete line of DEWALT hand tools and storage products that will increase productivity and meet jobsite demands.

The Jet website for their new Vortex Cone Dust Collection units really impressed us with some good information and a ton of nice YouTube videos (see below) from the guys of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. The site has a helpful index of different shop machines and their required amount of air flow for proper dust removal. Here are just a few basic measures from their Dust Collection 101 section that might be helpful to review before you visit the site:

EFFICIENCY - Two specifications that provide an accurate measurement of a dust collector’s actual performance: 1. CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) - Volume of air a collector moves 2. SP (Static Pressure) - Number of inches of pressure created

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 02:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Back in September we announced Milwaukee had upgraded their wood cutting Ax Sawzall Blades with several new features including “Nail Guard” and “Fang Tip”. We have had a chance to use these new blades and can say there definitely is a big improvement in terms of durability and usefulness in demo applications. To encourage everyone to give the new blades a try Milwaukee is giving away a Free Tee Shirt when you buy just two 5 pack of blades (6”, 9” or 12”). The Tees look pretty cool and for buying just $20-30 in Sawzall blades, a pretty nice freebie. Here is the PDF for the Mail-In Rebate information. Offer is good April & May.

**Warning** When ordering online make sure you are getting the new Ax Sawzall blades, Milwaukee kept the same SKU numbers as the previous Ax blades so double check you are not getting their old inventory or simply order from Ohio Power Tool who made the switch months ago.     
    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A very important part of any tool’s performance is getting it enough power to run correctly however it is a consideration which is sometimes overlooked. We wanted to quickly cover some of the basics and things to consider when purchasing and/or using extensions with various power tools.

The simple calculation for figuring your power needs is Watts/110 = Amps (or Amps x 110 = Watts). Each power cord will have a maximum Amperage rating which is a function of gauge thickness (thicker the cord, lower the gauge number) and length. As electricity travels the length of the cord, power is enviably lost so it is critical to always get a cord rated higher than your tool requires. Another consideration is if you use 2 or 3 cords together the Amperage rating will drop noticeably, which seems to slip people’s minds from time to time. Here is a voltage loss calculator if you want to get real scientific but that is most certainly overkill.

Examples of Tool Amperage: Oscillating Multi-Tool 2-4amps, Drills 6-10amps, Sanders 2-10amps, Grinders 7-15amps, Rotary Hammers 10-15amps, Circular Saw 13-15amp, Routers 13-15amps, Core Drills 15-20amps

Using a small Dremel or sander you will probably never see any issues with any cord but the bigger stuff is where you have to pay a little more attention. Normally 15amps will be the upper limit for most power tools because the standard US outlet is 110v rated for 15amps. Tool manufacturers will push the 15amp limit because they are all trying to make the most powerful tools possible.

There are however 20amp outlets (5-20P), some may even be hiding in your own home disguised as 15 amp outlets, see center image above. Core Drill Rigs are one common example of 110v power tool that do require 20amps. Generators also commonly have 20 or 30 amp outlets available as well. Some power tools utilizing the 20amp power supplies may also use one of the twist lock connection extension cords and it can gets pretty messy from there. If you have questions at that point it is probably best to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424, they are always happy to help. 

For the 10-15amp power tool used on a jobsite we definitely recommend 12ga extension cords rated for outdoor use (-40f – 140f) in either 50ft ($31, Ohio Power Tool) or 100ft ($55, Ohio Power Tool) lengths that include the lighted end. For shop use the retractable reel style extension cords in a 14ga or 12ga are very nice for organization, convenience, safety and protecting the cord. At 50ft both should still be rated at 15amps (over 50ft 14ga would drop below 15amps). More commonly however these retracts are found in 16ga (10amp, 1250watt) but since they look very industrial with 3 prong plugs sometimes this leads folks to believe they are rated for 15amp tools which is not the case.

Underpowered extension cords are a very common occurrence because it’s a simple equation of people wanting the most powerful tools and being cheap when it’s time to buy extension cords. We have all done it but it can cause damage to the equipment and/or will cause the tool to not perform as it is specified. A ground-fault circuit interrupter GFCI ($22, Ohio Power Tool) is also a must for proper protection from electric shock of the tool but more importantly the user. For professional jobsites OHSA is very serious about correct power cord usage. They are also very serious about proper maintenance of the cords with no nicks or noticeable wear. It is however completely acceptable under OSHA rules if a cord should get damaged to cut and reattach a new connector as long as this is done correctly. Taping over a cut or splicing will not qualify as a proper repair for those guys.
    

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)