Dig This Las Vegas, Sandbox for Big Kids & Heavy Equipment
As a little kid I remember really loving the sandbox we had in the backyard. A couple of pieces of pressure treated lumber and a few bags of play sand really went a long way, well until some bees moved in and ruined all the fun. As a grown up (on the outside) apparently there is a little larger sandbox to play in, where else Las Vegas at Dig This. For a mere $210-$700 you can get behind the joysticks of full sized Caterpillar Bulldozers and Excavators and move some real sand. Check out the video below for more info.
Unfortunately they don’t have any concrete to destroy with tools like the new RX Hydraulic Breakers from Chicago Pneumatic but still certainly a unique experience to check out.
Reversible, Variable Speed Magnetic Drill ECO.32T from Euroboor
When drilling through thick steel a magnetic drill is an essential tool. The most common versions typically come in a single speed or two speed versions to provide a little control to properly estimate the best RPM of the Annular Cutter in use. While the correct RPM actually varies by each 1/16” (SFM x .262 x diameter = RPM) for most general applications single or two speed is good enough. The Euroboor machines have been private labeled in the US for over a decade so if it looks very familiar you are probably correct. Euroboor, a Holland Company, is in fact the original manufacturer of these machines which are now available in the US market.
The Euroboor ECO.32T($999, Ohio Power Tool) machine is one of the only compact machines on the market that has the capability of variable speed and reversing. These features are not only nice for accurate drilling but absolutely essential when it comes to tapping. These units are also nice for using with a chuck (can either mount directly to the motor or use a Weldon shank adaptor) because of the near 6” stroke.
Size and weight of these units are almost identical to the Hougen Single Speed HMD904($845, Ohio Power Tool) which is probably the most popular mag drill on the market. With the advanced features of the ECO.32T is does make a compelling option to consider, even if you don’t have an immediate need for precision drilling or tapping. All the Euroboor Mag Drill Machines also come standard with external coolant tanks, normally a $100+ feature.
Whatever your needs are in magnetic drilling the professionals at Ohio Power Tool most likely have the solution for you. Give them a call at 800-242-4424 and they will find you the right tool for the job!
For when you absolutely positively need the best possible option for coring concrete and don’t mind paying for it. This thing is self propelled, self contained (with water), self feeding, hydraulically controlled with an onboard tachometer and can core anything between ½” to 24” at the flick of a switch. Overkill for 99% of core drill users probably but we love to see it in action making the job of precisely drilling a dozen 24” holes look as easy as playing a game of Frogger. Diamond Products Core Drills are some of the best on the market and the “Ultimate Drilling Machine” 4250025($26K, Ohio Power Tool) is certainly the show piece that lives up to its name. See it in action in this video from the 2012 World of Concrete.
Have Gorilla Glue Scientists Finally Solved the Age Old Question?
Which is obviously: Why can’t they make a freaking cap for glue that wont clog? It’s been plaguing man since the dawn of time but apparently if you put a team of scientists on it (seriously watch the video) for long enough you can answer just about anything. What’s the meaning of Life? How did we get here? Who killed JFK? All on the backburner but we might possibly have that Glue Cap thing licked! Check it out.
New Milwaukee M18 / M12 Combo Battery Charger 48-59-1812
This new charger from Milwaukee will be able to charge both their M12 & M18 batteries on a single charger. Unfortunately it appears they will not charge simultaneously but in the order they were placed on the unit. There are two separate lights on top to indicate which one is currently charging and when each is fully charged. This charger really does make a lot of sense as we are finding more and more the 12V tool platforms are becoming an essential part of many professionals arsenal.
This charger also combats the new Dewalt 12V/20V charger which can charge both types of their new battery styles however it can only have 1 battery on the charger at a time. Even though the Milwaukee charger doesn’t charge simultaneously it would seem having the 2 slots is a definite advantage here.
No word yet on the street price of these chargers but they will be included in all the Milwaukee M18 Fuel kits and should also be available stand alone in March. For more info on the new combo charge see the Milwaukee Tool press release below. MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to deliver productivity-enhancing solutions to the professional tradesman with the introduction of the M18™ & M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger (48-59-1812).The new Energy Star rated unit will charge all M18™ and M12™ LITHIUM-ION batteries sequentially, allowing the user to put both packs on the charger and walk away confident that they will be ready for their next job.
“With the expansion of the M18™ or M12™ systems, we have a growing customer base that is using both batteries,” says Christian Coulis, Sr. Product Manager for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.“The combination of M18™ performance and M12™ productivity helps to make this a very valuable solution to the users who have invested in both systems. For example, plumbers may use M18™ cordless tools for applications that require more power and torque, and at the same time have a need to use an M12™ PVC Shear. This charger will help them be better prepared and more productive.”
Available in March 2012, the new Multi-Voltage Charger will be included with the M18™ FUEL™ Drill Driver and Hammer Drill Driver, sold as an optional accessory and will also transition into several M18™ kits throughout the year. The new unit will charge M18™ or M12™ compact batteries in 30 minutes and extended capacity (XC) batteries in 60 minutes.
With the introduction of the new charger and an unrelenting commitment to grow the M18™ and M12™ cordless platforms, Milwaukee® continues to expand its leadership position in LITHIUM-ION cordless.
Ridgid Plumbing Spring Fling 2012 Promotion is Here
The Ridgid brand of professional plumbing equipment is the clear industry leader with some of the most well built and innovative products available. Unfortunately this also means they do not run many promotions for their products with the exception of the once per year Spring Fling promotion where you can pick up a few extras with your purchase. The promo is a mail-in rebate and can include additional cables with Drain Cleaners, a free year to RidgidConnect or a NaviTrack Transmitter (valued at $915) with full SeeSnake Camera System.
For more details here is the Mail-in Rebate form you will need to fill out to claim your Freebies. Promotion ends in April and is good for all orders from Jan 1 so if you already made a purchase of one of these items you can still claim your Freebies. Here is a short Youtube on drinking the Ridgid Kool-aide.
SawStop on Colbert: People Who Are Destroying America
"Everyone Knows Woodworking Feels Best Bare Back" possibly my favorite line from this but there are plenty of take aways from Mr. Colbert's indepth reporting on this topic.
Woodworking Show Bosch Deals 2012 – After Show Specials
If you have never been to the touring Woodworking Show we would highly recommend it, at least in our area it is heavily attended show. It is not suprising to us in the least for the price of admission there are a long list of highly skilled woodworkers such as Jim Heavey (Wood Magazine) and Roland Johnson (Fine Woodworking Magazine) who give free seminars all day long. In addition to being highly informative there are also vendors that come to the show with some very aggressive deals. For the Ohio show Bosch naturally teamed up with Ohio Power Tool and together provided a lot of very aggressive deals combining instant rebates, show special and mail-ins, it was very rich to say the least. Good news for the online bargain hunters is Ohio Power Tool brought back a few tool deals and are letting them go for very similar prices and picking up the shipping!
Simply use the provided COUPON CODE unique to each tool and very limited supplies. And you will get an additional 20% off Plus FREE SHIPPING for these select items.
These unique codes will expire soon so act quickly to take advantage of these great deals! Also check out the other great Bosch woodworking tools and accessories such as jigsaw blades, OIS oscillating attachments, sand paper and more. If you have any questions contact the Pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424.
DeWalt’s New Design for Compact Reciprocating Saw DWE357
When it comes to recips and Sawzalls there are many different styles and power ratings. Some are better for rough-in work, while the heavy hitters are better for straight demolition. It’s because of this wide range of corded reciprocating saws we really think there will be a portion of the crowd very excited about this new compact saw design.
The DeWalt DWE357 ($129, late 2012) is lightweight but more importantly very well balanced. It gives great 1 handed control and would be ideal for those that do a lot of overhead work. As far a reciprocating saws go it would not be considered very powerful so not a great demo tool but the trade offs for definitely there. We can’t wait to do a little more testing but from our brief use it seemed like there would definitely be some people pretty excited about this. Check out this Facebook photo album for more images and the full DeWalt press release below.
TOWSON, Md. – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of its new Reciprocating Saw (DWE357), which features a unique, compact configuration that provides outstanding control and balance compared to traditional reciprocating saw designs, without sacrificing the power that professionals expect. The DWE357 is ideal for general contractors, mechanical contractors, demolition workers, electricians, HVAC professionals, framers, remodelers and other residential and commercial construction professionals who are tasked with completing cutting applications in tight spots, overhead and other challenging workspaces.
“Our new, compact reciprocating saw is designed to provide professionals with improved balance and comfort, allowing them to complete a variety of cutting applications efficiently,” said Ivonne Meza, DEWALT product manager. “The saw’s innovative configuration enables contractors to cut in tight spaces where reciprocating saws can’t typically go, providing versatility on the jobsite.”
The reciprocating saw weighs just 6.8 pounds and is 14.5 inches in length, making it 20 percent shorter than other traditional corded models currently on the market. The compact size allows users to make strong, fast cuts in small spaces such as in between rafters and studs, under sinks and in corners.
Despite its small size, the DWE357 features a 10 AMP motor that delivers the power to complete tough applications, with 2,800 strokes per minute (SPMs) and a 1 1/8-inch blade stroke length. The saw is designed to provide balance and control, ultimately helping professionals to work longer and experience less fatigue.
In addition to its compact design, the DWE357 includes several innovative features including a lever-actuated, four-position blade clamp and fixed/pivoting shoe. The four-position blade clamp is unique to DEWALT reciprocating saws and allows users to position the blade in horizontal and vertical positions. The pivoting shoe provides the leverage necessary to complete different applications, making the saw versatile particularly in flush-cutting applications. Additionally, the DWE357 includes a keyless blade change feature that allows users to replace the blade easily and efficiently.
Bosch 18V New Compact RHS181-01 SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
On most jobsites an available power outlet isn’t always the easiest thing to come by. Cordless tool are a much easier option and with high capacity lithium batteries are replacing corded tools wherever possible. For small concrete drilling Bosch has already come out with an SDS-Plus rotary hammer drill RHH180-01($499, Ohio Power Tool) which features a brushless motor and can handle a wide range of applications for SDS-Plus drilling for concrete anchors.
What Bosch has found is that most of the time however a SDS-Plus cordless drill is preferred mostly for pre-drilling for Tappers(or Tapcons) and other small anchors which are most commonly available in sizes 3/8” or smaller. For these small holes an even lighter weight compact SDS-Plus drill would work terrifically. For this reason Bosch Tools has launched the RSH181-01(coming soon) which only has a ½” capacity but plenty for these applications and the lightweight design is ideal for hours of continuous use.
Above is a short video of the European version of this new rotary hammer drill from our friends over the pond at ToolStop. Also see the full Bosch press release below.
Mount Prospect, Ill., Bosch Power Tools introduces complementary tool for users in need of a lightweight product solution featuring compact portability for drilling small diameter holes in overhead or tight spaces. The new RHS181 Compact Rotary Hammer's high performance motor offers increased power, extended tool lifetime and amplified stall torque - making it the most powerful compact SDS-plus® 18V Li-Ion rotary hammer on the market.
A variable speed trigger enables speed regulation, while a two-mode drive allows users to switch between drilling with hammer action and drilling only. The compact angle gear and the pneumatic hammer mechanism (both Bosch-engineered features) ensure maximum performance and enhance tool life.
The RHS181 also boasts superior ergonomics, improving handling and reducing user fatigue. Electronic Cell Protection combined with the new Bosch lithium-ion High Capacity(HC) 3.0Ah Fat Pack Battery deliver unmatched runtime, empowering users to drill over 100 ¼"x 2" - ½" holes per battery charge.
RHS181 comes with an SDS-plus chuck and delivers optimal performance when drilling the most common diameters, including 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch holes.The LED light illuminates dark work spaces.
The RHS181K Rotary Hammer kit retails for $285 and comes with 1 BoschFat Pack Lithium-ion HC battery, boasting up to 50 percent more run time, cold weather performance in up to -4°F temperatures, and an integrated battery fuel gauge.The optional Flexible Power System also allows the use of SlimPack batteries providing minimum weight.Also available February 1, through authorized dealers nationwide, is the RHS181B Bare tool.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel vs DeWalt 20V Brushless – Showdown
While neither of these two were the first to the brushless party, Panasonic launched their first Brushless tool in 2006 with many others since. However most of these tools have been priced in the $400 plus range which puts them a little out of the comfort zone for most of us. As these kits and bare tools start to fall into the range of other tools many people are going to take a more serious look at upgrading.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel & Brushless Technology
Milwaukee Fuel was first announced last November at the STAFDA trade show (see our post) with lots of excitement. The “Fuel” platform does use brushless motor technology as well as receive some upgrades to the electronic power delivery. The interesting choice Milwaukee made was to develop their drill/drivers 2603-22($279, Ohio Power Tool) and hammer drills 2604-22($299, Ohio Power Tool) first before launching the M18 Fuel Impact tool 2653-22 (should be coming in a few months). The M18 drill/drivers and hammer drills will use this technology to push the limits of power, runtime and durability on all three fronts. Topping out at a very impressive 725 in lbs of torque, the most of any major brands 18v, 24v, 28v or 36v check style hammer drill. That is a lot of power to contain; we would definitely recommend the side handle with these ones. Expect to see these on the shelves this month.
DeWalt 20V Max Brushless Impact Driver
Just yesterday we posted our initial thoughts on the first DeWalt 20V DLF895C2 Impact Driver we got to see. Some nice features with the new bit system and mechanical 3-speed switch but in terms of power (1500 in lbs) certainly not the most powerful impact driver. What they did do was to try to utilize the all the saved energy and come up with the longest possibly runtime. The stat we were given was 53% longer runtime vs their brush impact on the same DeWalt 20V system. Pretty impressive for basically a motor swap. These should be on shelves in April.
Unfortunately at this point we haven’t got our hands on either for more than a brief minute. The real question will be is DeWalt talking up their push on runtime because they know they won't have the most power? Or will the push toward longer runtimes hold true and give consumers options in terms of more powerful vs longest runtime? Perhaps the red team has really figured out the power tool trifecta of most power, longest runtime and most durable with FUEL? Rest assured we will get to the bottom of this puzzle soon enough.
For now you will have to be content to judge both on these tool competitors on their well funded marketing micro-sites and videos. No questions these tool companies are embracing multimedia! See DeWalt Brushless micro-site vs Milwaukee Fuel micro-site and see who you like better. Probably would not make you buying decision off that alone however.
Brushless Tools the Next Step for DeWalt 20V Max Cordless
It was only last June when it was announced DeWalt would release a new line of 20V Max tools, see our post here. So why are they already redoing their Impact Driver and soon to follow drills and hammer drills? The answer is Brushless technology which seems to be all the craze in power tools as of late with Makita, Hitachi and Milwaukee already on board. No question the technology is better, by removing brushes there is less friction and energy lost to heat buildup so it can transfer more energy to actual power in the tools. This also means less wear parts to fail and need replaced. So will the new Brushless technology take over power tools?
DeWalt Brushless Impact Driver Kit DLF895C2
This new impact driver has several features that really make it a very nice tool. First it features a 3 speed mechanical control at 500, 900 & 1500 in lbs of torque. This gives tremendous control for to the user that allows for the impact driver to be much more effective in delicate applications (we installed brass small brass hinges without stripping or overdriving). This is also the first time we see the speed setting as a mechanical switch which allows the user to easily see what setting it is on without having to turn the tool on with a trigger pull to see the setting light.
One of the most interesting things about brushless is it allows for improvements in size, power and/or runtime. What it appears DeWalt has done is to keep power and weight exactly the same and put all the efficiency advantages of the brushless technology into more runtime. They are claiming 53% longer runtime than their 20V brush version impact which is significant.
The new impact also incorporates a snub nose design which is another first of its kind and really allows for the tightest design possible. A second yellow trigger releases the bit and is the fastest bit changing system we have ever seen. We did find however with large spade bits if they became stuck the bits actually pulled out of the tool with only moderate force. We will be interested to see if this is the case when the actual production models land this April.
Finally with the launch of this new impact driver we also see that DeWalt 20V Max will be changing all their batteries to 1.5Ah (DCB200) & 3.0Ah (DCB201) which will feature 3 lights to indicate charge strength left. Probably a decision that would have helped them if these features had been included in the original tools a few months ago but at least they will be coming soon.
So is Brushless the Wave of the Future?
No question power tools will all be brushless in a few years however like plasma TVs when they first launched you are going to pay for it as an early adopter! To give you an example this new Impact Driver will come in 2 kits DCF895C2 (2x 1.5Ah batteries) at $279 & DCF895L2 (2x 3.0Ah batteries) at $349. That is pretty rich for an impact tool when you compare other 3.0Ah impact and hammer drill combo kits for around $300 range. Not wildly expensive so certainly there will be plenty of buys and with any luck in a few years the price of these motors will be driven down to become the standard.
Getting Ready 12/21/2012, You Know When the Zombies Come
You might recall the Silo House Post we did sometime ago; man was that guy ahead of the times. If you don’t have a few million to drop on your own personal bunker our buddies over at Pro Tool Reviews at least have a basic Zombie Preparedness Checklist of tools you might want to have sharpened up and in good working order for the big day.
Of course this got us thinking and we started Googling around for other supplies and shelter for when the inevitable apocalypse does comes. Only a short drive away from us is a fully functional underground bunker built to hold up to 80 people. Surprisingly there is still space left for a very reasonable $35,000/person. Of course we will probably have to shoot our way through all the zombies to get there and prey they let us in when we do but very nice accommodations. Watch the video tour of the Indiana Vivos bunker below.
Woodworking Show – Columbus, Oh This Weekend Feb 3-5
The woodworking show travels around the country each winter and has become a very popular destination for live educational seminars with some of the bigger names in woodworking. It has also become synonymous with some really great deals. Ohio Power Tool will again be at the show with Bosch, Rotozip and Dremel featuring some of the most aggressive deals we have honestly ever seen. No joke, not a sales pitch, they are weird.
On top of the Ohio Power Tool already low internet prices the show also brings instant rebates on most woodworking related tools ranging from $10-75 off instantly. For accessories the instant savings is $5 off for every $30 spent at the show. In addition several “Door Buster” tools have been selected with even better deals, for the Columbus Show there will be a limited number of each of these: 12v drill/driver PS31-2A$85 – 18v drill & impact kit CLPK232-181$175 + Mail-in Rebate for Free 3rd fatpack battery or cordless jigsaw – Variable Speed Colt Router PR20EVSK$89 – Oscillating Tool Kit MX25EK-33$129 – Router Combo Kit MRC23EVSK$259.
February also brings an amazing in-store (or show) promo Mail-In Rebate on Bosch 18V Combo Kits including an option for a FREE 18v Grinder CAG180B, 18V Jigsaw JSH180B or 18V HC FatPack Battery BAT619G!
On top of all that for the first quarter Bosch System Specialist (BSS) locations are offering your choice of a FREE tool instantly: 18v Drill Kit DDS181-02 – Line Laser GLL2-40 – 12v Combo Kit CLPK22-120 with any Bosch or Rotozip purchase over $500. The only stipulation is that at least $100 of that is in accessories and only 1 tool per order. Again this is an instant deal so you are walking out the door with this one.
Add all these deals together and it’s not hard to figure out how to come up with some serious savings! Check out the Ohio Power Tool Woodworking Show Flyer here to better layout all these deals and sorry none of these deals are available online.
There will also be Bosch Company guys in the booth doing hands on demos for all the new Bosch, Dremel & Rotozip Tools. Additionally Jim Heavey from Wood Magazine will be holding educational seminars right next to the booth and he will also be using many of the latest Bosch Tools!
One of the other feature presenters exclusive to the Columbus show will be our good friends at the Idea Foundry who will be providing live demos on a wide range of different things including: blacksmithing, metal casting, CNC shopbot, lasercutting, makerbot, and other topics not necessarily woodworking related. Although we have to say the woodworking shop is really coming together over there, more info on that to come soon!
DeWalt Launches New SDS Plus Drop-In Tool & Dust System
We recently saw DeWalt’s new HEPA vacuum and some of their new concrete attachments at the STAFDA trade show last November. Among those attachments was a pretty innovative dust collection unit for drilling which is why we were pleasantly surprised to see this new drill attachment.
There have been several new accessories designed to better improve the performance of drop-in anchors. Bosch launched the Stop Bit last summer which is designed to provide the perfect drill depth for setting each size drop-in (1/4", 3/8", 1/2"). They do a terrific job but serve only the one function and don’t address dust collection. Powers Fasteners have also created a Smart Bit which is very similar to the Bosch but works in conjunction with their Smart Setting Tool to more securely hammer the bits into place. They have also redesigned their Smart Drop-in system to visually indicate when the anchor has been set properly which will work with any of the Bosch, DeWalt or Powers systems. Clearly Drop-In Anchors are on the minds of many manufacturers.
Where the new DeWalt System seems to have several advantages is that with the adjustable depth setting tool you can use standard size SDS-Plus bits. This means you are not limited to just setting drop-in anchors, which could be a big plus for some. Also the dust and debris created from drilling these holes is not that significant but when drilling overhead can certainly cause the user frustration as the debris will go right in their face & eyes. Using a full size vacuum may be over kill and certainly if you are setting anchors up on scaffolding not the most convenient solution. For more details read the full press release below and check out more pictures in this Facebook Album.
TOWSON, Md. – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of the Adjustable Depth Setter (DWA5537DS) and Dust Collector (DWA500DC), which when used together serve as DEWALT’s proprietary Depth Control and Dust System. Designed specifically for use with the SDS Plus drill bits from DEWALT, the system is ideal for professionals in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing fields. The most frequent application of this system is for installing drop-in anchors, which are used to hold threaded rod for hanging pipes, conduit and heavy loads.
“During our research in the field, many professionals voiced frustration around the complexities of performing overhead applications, including the inability to control the drilling depth, exposure to excessive amounts of dust, and issues with hitting rebar or post tension cable,” said Maurice LaPointe, Product Manager, DEWALT. “Our new proprietary system, when combined with the SDS Plus drill bits, provides accurate depth stop and dust control with any common drop-in anchor installations. This allows for less downtime for the professional.”
The DWA5537DS Adjustable Depth Setter is designed exclusively for use with DEWALT’s 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch SDS Plus drill bits. The DWA5537DS allows for controlled drilling depth, and provides accurate depth stop for setting the most commonly used drop-in anchors (1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch), providing ease of use for professionals tasked with some of the most difficult overhead-drilling jobs.
To help prevent dust from pouring into a professional’s eyes and face while drilling overhead, the DWA500DC Dust Collection System flushes tightly against the application material, creating a collection area for dust and debris. The DWA500DC fits over the DWA5537DS sleeve to minimize dust, and helps to create a clean workspace. Because DEWALT’s new Dust Collection System is manufactured from flexible material, it allows professionals to easily view drilling spots while performing various applications.
The DWA5537DS Adjustable Depth Setter and DWA500DC Dust Collector will be available in February 2012 anywhere DEWALT Accessories are sold. The DWA5537DS will come with a 1/2-inch SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ SDS Plus Drill Bit (DW5537) and retail for $39.95. The DWA500DC will be sold separately and retail for $19.95, but must be used in conjunction with the DWA5537DS.
