Milwaukee M18 Free Tool Mail-In Rebate for 48-11-1828
From now until September 30th, 2010 when you buy (2) Milwaukee M18 XC Batteries 48-11-1828($129, Ohio Power Tool) you can also get your choice of a FREE M18 TOOL. This promotion is a great deal if you are already shopping for an additional M18 XC battery or if you are looking to expand on your current M18 Cordless Tools.
Obviously the Sawzall & Grinder look to be the best dollar values here but only if those are going to be the tools you use most often. The new M18 Hackzall is a really nice handy one handed recip saw which in many cases might serve you better than a Sawzall. If you have any questions on any Milwaukee Tools or this rebate in particular call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 and they will be happy to help!
Download the Milwaukee Mail-In Rebate PDF for Full Details.
At first glance of the above marketing photos you might be thinking big whoop another 4.5” grinder with 7.5 Amps. Without feeling the grinder it's hard to tell the body of this tool is significantly Slimmer than anything else on the market, providing for more control in cutting and grinding applications. We recently had a chance to test out the Bosch against similar DeWalt & Makita models and performance wise they are all solid well build entry level grinders. However once you pick up the 1380 Bosch then go back to the others it really makes them just feel awkward, including even the other Bosch models. The Bosch 1380SLIM($69, Ohio Power Tool) is priced to move as an entry level grinder for professionals.
These types of small 4.5” grinders are ideal for metals shops, construction and a wide range of other applications, it’s good to see the Bosch team working to reengineer the basic products. With different accessories such as Grinding Discs, Flap wheels & Small Diamond Blades these can be very versatile tools. The 1380 grinders are expected to hit shelves this week at Ohio Power Tool and if you have any questions on any Bosch Tools feel free to give the guys a call at 800-242-4424.
Recently we received one of Johnson’s 48" Magnetic BIG J Heavy Duty Aluminum Level 1501-4800 for review and our initial impressions were very positive. The construction is solid and very nice design with large viewing bubbles, rubberized end caps and even the comfortable center grips. The magnet along the side is a very nice feature, personally had never used a magnetic 48” level it’s like having 3 hands, I’ve seen the light. That being said we handed it off to one of our favorite contractor and long time Ohio Power Tool customer with a mission to try and break it. We will report back soon, in the meantime Johnson Levels has some other cool products like free Android Apps (Leveling Bubble & Visual Level) and just announced today a full line of measuring tapes and long tapes, check out the full press release below.
Nobody is going to accuse DeWalt of jumping the gun and rushing to market with their new line for 12V Max* Tools. There are some advantages to being the last kid into the pool however in that you get to see what has worked for the competition and try to improve upon it. From what we have seem it looks like the Yellow Team has done their homework dissecting the competition and researching customers’ needs. The launch of the DeWalt 12V tools will feature 7 tools (+ 2 additional combo kits) and should hit shelves in October just before the Holiday Season.
Our initial reaction to the entire line as a whole was positive but nothing super surprising or that would inspire someone to drop their current 12V tools and say “Wow I have to have that”! Price seemed in line with comps for the most part, size was a little larger for most items but with some advantages, weight was in line and power seemed to top the first generation tools from Bosch, Milwaukee & Makita but it was unclear if they were less than, equal or better than the 2nd generation 12V tools that we have been seeing. DeWalt unfortunately does not provide power measurements in torque to compare with the other tools; instead they use UWO (Unit Watts Output) which doesn’t translate to torque directly. Head to head tests planned soon, stay tuned.
The biggest difference when looking at the whole line collectively would probably be moving the battery below the handle which allows for thinner more ergonomic handle. This seems like it would be a personal preference thing of comfort, either way seems fine if speed/power/features can back it up. This does make the tool a little larger but it also allows for a belt hook which you will not find on most other compact tools which use holsters. It also makes it more stable when standing upright. This configuration may be more familiar to some professional and may get easier adoption for those not currently using any 12V tools.
Hougen HMD508 High Speed Mag Drill with Free Carbide Kit
The Hougen Copperhead Carbide Rotabroach Bits have been available for some time however the new Hougen Mag Drill HMD508($1317, Ohio Power Tool) is the first drill designed to fully take advantage of the higher speed possible of the 18,000 series bits. Similar to the HMD505($1270, Ohio Power Tool) the unit features a build in gravity feed coolant tank and 2 speed options for different size cutters. The HMD508 is a little different in that it is rated at 450 & 750 RPM (vs HMD505 at 250 & 450 RPM) so for all the 12,000 series Rotabroaches you would use 450 RPM and for Copperhead Carbide Bits 750 RPM.
When using bi-metal Hole Saws it's easy to not follow the proper directions and become disappointed with the lack of performance. No matter what brand you are using there are some basic things you can do to extend the life of any Hole Saw. First have you ever looked at the proper RPM chart for your hole saws based on size & material? ...What Usage Chart?
All Hole Saw Kits or Individual pieces should come with a chart of some kind that gives the proper RPM for Wood, Aluminum, Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Etc. Since that packaging is probably deep in a landfill somewhere just keep a few numbers in mind. For a 2” Hole Saw the recommended RPM for wood is 2000, the recommendation for Stainless Steel however is 85 RPM. For a 5” Hole Saw the numbers are even lower 800 RPM for wood, 30 RPM for Stainless Steel (or 1 revolution every 2 seconds). Obviously no big deal on wood but that's pretty slow for the steel and easy to way over do it. Other types of metals such as Aluminum or Mild Steel you can go a little faster but not like you are zippin through a 2x4 of pine. If you should fine that handy cutting guide you will also probably notice a disclaimer that says “Cutting Oil Recommended” and if you want to extend the life of your Hole Saw you should probably use cutting oil with any metal cutting.
The slow speed and cutting oil both help to keep the Hole Saw cooler, over heating will kill any Hole Saw no matter what the brand, price or fancy selling features. For serious cutting in metal you might also want to look at Annular Cutters that will work in standard drills and do a much better job.
If you have questions about any Hole Saws contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com they stock a wide range of bi-Metal, Carbide, Diamond and other specialty hole saws.
It seemed like not too long ago all electric impact tools were square drive and there were few cordless tools even available. Now everything has changed and there are many options including cordless tools all the way up to ¾” square drives with an impressive 525 ft-lbs torque. In addition to square drives for sockets we now also want to use these tools as impact drivers for screws and other fastening applications. This is exactly why Milwaukee has created a full line of Shockwave impact adaptors specifically designed to better handle the high stress points these tools can create. You can easily go from hex to square or square to hex depending on your needs.
Just within Milwaukee Tools there are a wide range of Impact Tools:
It is important to keep a few things in mind when selecting your tool and adaptors. One thing is with the hex impact adaptors you can use up to 1/2" square drive sockets but it will really only be able to get at most 1400 in-lbs (117 ft-lbs) which may be underpowered for many applications. On the other hand with a ½” 2663-22 you have almost 4 times the torque as the 2650-21 and while the adaptor may hold up, it would be extremely easy to break driver bits and strip screws. Just something to think about when thinking about impact adaptors. If you have any questions about Impact tools (air or electric), adaptors, applications or anything else feel free to contact the experts at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 and they will be happy to help you find the right tool for the job.
If you have ordered anything online in 2010 you may have noticed your shipping charges have probably gone up. Ohio Power Tool is looking to provide some relief on several of their popular brands including Bosch, Dremel, CST/berger & Rotozip for the month of March. The order must meet minimal criteria (over $99, under 70lbs) and you have to use Coupon Code in checkout “MARCH”, very important. You can also call in the order 800-242-4424 and let the nice people know you want the free shipping deal.
Bosch 12V MAX Free Goodies
In addition to the free shipping from OhioPowerTool.com you can also take advantage of this Mail-In rebate deal on most of the Bosch 12V Max kits. Get yourself a free Driver PS20, 12V Battery BAT411 or LED Flashlight FL11A. All are pretty sweet deals. You may also notice it says PS21-2A and if you view the PDF form you will get a first look at the new Pocket Driver which according to this rebate will be out before May!
Bosch 18V Free Goodies
Still good until the end of March is this Mail-In Rebate for a Free 18V battery or 18V flashlight. This deal is also a very nice one and good on almost every kit available including the compact drill/driver & Impactor. Checkout the Bosch 18V tools available from Ohiopowertool.com. Of course all these deals can be used together so take advantage for the free shipping in addition to the free tool mail-in rebates.
Milwaukee takes great pride in the fact that they invented the Sawzall recip saw almost 60 years ago. They really don’t like it when anyone else makes a competitive saw so naturally they are constantly updating and coming out with different versions to be more powerful, durable, lighter, cheaper, faster or some combination thereof. The two new models are both 12 amp models where the 6509-31 has a ¾” stroke and 6519-31 has the 1-1/8” stroke. These should replace the current 6509-22 11 amp models and be similar in price, maybe $120-130 range. The new saws feature a gear protecting clutch to extend the life of saw, counter weight to decrease vibration and claims a 2x faster cut time (not sure what that is comparing). We haven’t gotten an exact date on the release but it should be soon. It will be interesting to see how these perform vs the larger Sawzalls. More info and pricing will be available soon, in the mean time checkout all the Milwaukee Tools on Ohio Power Tool. Full Milwaukee press Release below.
New to the Ingersoll Rand Max family is the 3445MAX($227, Ohio Power Tool) 4.5” air grinder. The Max family of tools indicates the top of the line in terms of Power & Comfort (power/weight). It looks as though IR is really expanding the Max line to include not only impact wrenches, but also ratchets and now grinders. Checkout the video below for full stats on the new 3445MAX.
Kett KD-446 Profile Shears for Corrugated Metal & Curve Cuts
Kett metal shears are the standard in the business, if you are using another brand chances are you are still probably using a Kett head and shear blades. One problem with most metal shears however is it can be difficult to make tight radius cuts or work with corrugated metals. The new Kett Profile Shears KD-446($265, Ohio Power Tool) uses a different style head specifically designed to be more maneuverable while cutting. The profile shear can cut a radius as tight as 3” but only does 28” per minute in a straight cut while the less expensive KD-200($199, Ohio Power Tool) can do almost 300” in same time. If your primary need for an electric shears is for cutting spiral duct, wire mesh, corrugated siding or roofing this might be the right shear for you. Checkout the KD-446 in the video below:
It is pretty safe to say Rotozip has gone well beyond a handy tool for cutting out drywall at this point. The inventor of the spiral saw is still the best option for quick cutting in drywall but now the tools come standard with attachments to use the XWheel & ZipWheel saw blades. This changes the whole functionality of these tools and opens the gates to a wide range of cutting in metal, tile, masonry, stone, wood, grout removal and other materials. While these new Rotozip Accessories have been out over a year now, some of the trades they are best intended are just now adopting them.
The RZ2000 Spiral Saw Kit($167 Ohio Power Tool) is the latest kit to come out and includes an even better saw attachment head with a handle. The saw is more powerful at 6.0amp, variable speed (15,000-30,000RPM), ideal for the growing range of applications. The kit also has a variety of saw blades and rotary bits all packed into a nice new case.
Checkout all the different options for Rotozip Spiral Saws and Accessories as well as the very popular Tile Dock($69 Ohio Power Tool). You can see the Tile Dock and Diamond bit in the video below. Rotozip is a part of Bosch Tool so you know the quality is excellent, it also means the cordless Rotozip works with the Bosch 18v litheon batteries. If you have any questions about Rotozip tools email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
Dremel MM920 New Grinding Accessory for the Multi-Max
Hopefully this is the first of many new attachments for the Dremel Multi-Max, as oscillating tools become a staple among many of us and we are constantly looking to get new uses out of our tools for just another $5-$30. The new MM920($29, Ohio Power Tool) adds a more substantial grinding option, currently there is a MM900($33, Ohio Power Tool) diamond paper option but this is a 60 grit and uses the hook & loop pad MM11. The MM920 is an attachment that actually connects to the tool and the 24 grit Carbide can handle a little more abuse. Both attachments are better for different jobs and materials but it is nice to have the option.
Still waiting for a good strong metal bit that can cut harder metals...
At first I thought this website was all about tricked out garages that cost more than $100,000 to build, which also would have been a cool website. However that is not the case for www.100kgarages.comwhich is actually a site dedicated to the small fabricators across the country.
The idea is that a network of small and medium size fab shops all connected together would allow any crazy eyed individual within the network to have the capacity of a large manufacturing plant at their finger tips. For instance if you prototyped a product (you don’t even need your own equipment, checkout www.columbusideafoundry.com in Central Ohio) and wanted to sell a million of that product through a website, you could load the plans on the network and those from all over with capacity could manufacturer the product. This helps the person who needs manufacturing capability and also those with down time, to utilize their equipment and make a few extra bucks.
So far the network is centered around the Shopbot CNC router machines which makes sense but could, in the future, be applied to CNC Mills, Laser Cutters, Water-Jet, etc. There are endless possibilities to the technology and as it develops, new possibilities will continue to arise. The website www.ponoko.com brings everything together with material suppliers, creative folks and even buyers.
Bosch Impactor 26618-01 - New 3 Setting Model for 18V
Bosch just today announced a new Impactor for the 18V Litheon line which has 3 settings for a much wider range of applications in driving and drilling applications. I personally haven’t had a chance to test one of these units yet but obviously this would be a welcome improvement on an already great tool. In the meantime checkout the official Bosch Press Release below. Pre-order the 26618-01 on Ohio Power Tool for $398.
Mount Prospect, Ill.,– The fastest growing segment within the professional cordless power tool category is impact drivers. Yet some users have been hesitant to adopt the tools because they still needed a second tool for drilling. Bosch Power Tools & Accessories is removing that barrier this week by introducing the 26618-01 18V Impact Drill/Driver. By combining typical drilling and driving capabilities with the added power of impact fastening, Bosch’s multi-function tool offers pro users the power and versatility to tackle any number of common jobsite applications.
Bosch’s 26618-01 offers an ideal combination of torque, speed and control, all within a single tool. The result is incredible versatility. A two speed motor (0-750 / 2,800 RPM) offers users the choice between high speed for small diameter drilling and high torque/low speed for drilling with spade bits or precision driving applications. When it’s time to tackle large diameter driving and fastening applications, users can effortlessly switch to impact mode and let the tool’s best-in-class 1,500 inch pounds of torque (3X more than a standard drill/driver) do all the work. Even with all that power, the tool’s compact 7” length enables users to accomplish tough tasks in tight spaces. Powered by Bosch’s proven 18V Litheon battery platform, the 26618-01 offers best-in-class performance in almost every meaningful measure. Bosch’s powerhouse delivers40 percent faster screw driving, 20 percent faster drilling, two times more holes drilled per charge and 50 percent more screws driven per charge. This high level of performance is thanks to side-by-side battery and tool engineering that yields highly efficient power output in every application. The 26618-01 is compatible with Bosch’s 18V Litheon SlimPack batteries, a feature unique to Bosch’s tool that offers even greater user flexibility on the jobsite. The 26618-01 is also built to withstand the rigors of heavy duty usage. Bosch’s Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) , for example, protects the motor from damage due to stalling and Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) protects the batteries from overloading, overheating and deep discharging. The result is the best runtime and longest battery life in the cordless tool category, even in demanding applications.
In terms of user comfort, Bosch’s soft grip surfaces reduce user fatigue and slippage, while the spring-loaded impact mechanism reduces the torque reaction and minimizes screw cam-out. Bosch’s patent-pending white light LEDs offer phenomenal visibility in dark or tight spaces. A sturdy metal belt hook, which can be mounted on either side of the tool, frees up hands to move materials into place.
Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Who Cares, Power Tool Deals Now!
Why would you need to wait in line at 5am, uphill both ways in 10 feet of snow just to fight Pit Bulls with lipstick (aka Hockey Moms) to try and save a few bucks? Ohio Power Tool is already putting out lots of awesome power tools at special discounted pricing and not refurbished or last year’s leftovers but the new good stuff. Check out the Top Tool Deals page to get some great gift ideas. Remember these prices also work with any other deals for Free Tools, Mail-in Rebates and/or Free Shipping.
The Free Shipping Deal is good until Monday December 7th, a week after Cyber Monday on many major brands including Bosch, Milwaukee, Dremel, Ingersoll Rand, CST/berger & Ridgid. Simply use Coupon Code TURKEY at checkout for free UPS ground shipping.
Visit Ohio Power Tool for a wide selection of tools at everyday discount prices. There are also a variety of mail-in rebates and other deals you can check out on the home page. You can also call 800-242-4424 during business hours to place any order, just mention the Free Shipping special.
Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Ass. (STAFDA) 2009 Show Review - Part 2
We had a few more videos ready from the recent STAFDA show we thought that were pretty interesting.
The Bernzomatic Quickfire is a brand new compact soldering hand torch. It features 30% faster soldering time, on/off trigger, lockable, easy to change fuel tank and is perfect for getting into those hard to reach places.
Bosch NailKiller Ship/Spur Auger is another revolutionary development from the Bosch Accessories team. These guys love to take standard accessories we have all been using for years and find new innovative ways to improve performance and tool life.
Already well known for their electric shears and metal nibblers Bosch Power Tools now offers a cordless metal shear option. The new Bosch PS70-2A($337) is 12V Max shear for 18 gauge metals; able to cut up to 12 gauge aluminum and other softer metals.
I had a chance to get my hands on the new PS70 and I was extremely impressed with how powerful it was given that it is such a lightweight cordless tool. It was also extremely easy to handle, with a very sharp turning radius and just 10” overall length (very similar to the PS50-2A size). The 12V Max battery platform is extremely efficient for drills/drivers however similar to the PS50 it can be lacking for certain applications that require continuous use. The new PS70-2A might be better suited for smaller jobs or intermittent cutting vs constant use. The cordless aspect does make it incredibly covenant so you will need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself.
The PS70-2A is on the shelves now, at least at Ohio Power Tool. Checkout more detailed pictures in this photo album. Let us know if you have any questions about any of the Bosch Power Tools.
We had several posts this year about new Milwaukee Band Saws. Several months ago we announced the new Deep Cut Band Saw 6232-6N($299), then the Compact Band Saw 6242-6($199) and most recently the M18 Cordless Compact Band Saw 2629-22 ($399). If you had seen any of these and though you would like to get one but put it off, now may be the time. From now until the end of the year each of these 3 new band saws have a free tool or accessory kit available. Checkout the full Mail-in Rebate here.
The Compact Band Saw 6242-6 ($199) has the option for Free set of the new 29pc Shockwave Impact bits 48-32-4401 or 15pc Thunderbolt drill Bits 48-89-2803.
The Deep Cut Band Saw 6232-6N ($299) has the option of a Free 4.5”-5” 12 amp Grinder 6116-30 (locking) or 6116-31 (non-locking) both sell for $129 at Ohio Power Tool.
The M18 Cordless Compact Band Saw 2629-22 ($399) has the option for a Free Flash Light 49-24-0171 ($39) or Hex Impact Driver 2650-20 ($199).
Bosch Tailgate Party @ Ohio Power Tool – October 22nd
Consider this your official invitation to come out to the Ohio Power Tool Columbus location and have some fun at the Bosch Tailgate party. In addition to the full tailgate spread there will be Bosch representatives on hand to answer any questions and give tool & accessory demos. Lots of Bosch prizes including hats, tee shirts, accessories and tools. The event will be Thursday, October 22nd from 10:00am – 2:00pm. It’s not just for the locals, checkout the great deals all month long online like Bosch Grinders $49, Bosch Bulldogs $222, 18V Impactors $99, 18V 4 Tool Combo & 3rd Battery $475 and lots of other great Bosch Tool deals, prices just got lowered yesterday.
Above and beyond these online deals if you can make it to Ohio Power Tool for the event, there will be instant rebates on almost every Bosch tool in-stock good for up to an additional 20% off instantly. Give the guys at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 for full details and to get your orders in early to guarantee stock but you are not going to do better buying Bosch Tools this year.
Air hammers have a wide range of uses in many different industries from automotive service to construction to foundry use. Coupled with a wide variety of air hammer chisels and different attachments these are incredibly versatile tools. An interesting fact, Air Hammers are also called Zip Guns and if you search on that term, you will get a whole other list of results in Google. Apparently “Zip Guns” are also a term used for homemade guns, typically fashioned to look inconspicuous, like a cell phone or ball point pen, not what we are talking about here although it would be a fun post to write.
Some Air Hammer basics; there are 2 common sizes for air hammer chisels the .401 shank and more heavy duty .498 shank. There are also 2 styles for each size, turn type and non-turn type chisels. The turn types are far more common and have a collar to hold the bit in the tool. The non-turn type, do not allow the bit to rotate by locking the bit in with 4 ball grooves; it also requires an Ajax Kwik Connect Retain (both chisel types work with kwik connect retainers).
You may remember the post a few weeks ago on the corded Compact Band Saw 6249-6($199), well the cordless M18 Band Saw 2629-22($399) shares the same basic sizes and dimensions. They also both use the 35-3/8” blade and feature the built-in LED work light however the corded version does have variable speed while the cordless does not.
The new compact M18 Band Saw is 45% lighter than the Deep Cut V28 Band Saw but still has a 3-1/4” capacity large enough to handle many common tasks. Th light weight compact size paired with the built in LED work light this is possibly the best band saw on the market for getting into tight spaces. The M18 also offers up to 3x faster cut time and 3x longer battery life when compared to other 18 volt cordless band saws. If you already have other M18 tools and batteries you can also pick up the tool only version M18 Band Saw 2629-20 ($219).
If you have any questions about any of the Milwaukee portable band saws or any of the Milwaukee M18 tool feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email any questions to sales@ohiopowertool.com.
Bosch like many other manufacturers offer Hole Saws in many sizes and varieties however Bosch offers their entire hole saw line with the Universal Quick Change System. The quick change system is a significant time saver when switch between hole saws; it only takes a few seconds to simply unlock the mandrel and replace it with a new hole saw.
Bi-Metal Hole Saws – These are you typical all purpose type hole saw, good for wood, metal and other construction materials. The Bosch Bi-Metal hole saws are available in several kits including 17, 19 & 25 piece. The kits have a high number of pieces because the quick change adaptors are separate and include 7-11 in each kit. The adaptors also work on most other brands of competitors hole saws.
Carbide Tip Hole Saws – These hole saws have serious diamond sharpened carbide teeth and are ideal for wood, laminate, cementboard, masonry, roof tiles and many other materials. Incredibly strong and long lasting the quick change adaptor is built into each bit. The Kits are available in 5 & 8 piece.
Diamond Grit Hole Saws – The newest line of hole saws for Bosch, the Diamond Grit saws are made to cut marble, granite, tile and other hard materials. These hole saws do require water to stay cool; typically provided by a spray bottle. The individual hole saws above ¾” work with Universal Quick Change System and have the adaptors build in. They use the AutoStart pin to ensure a perfectly centered hole, another unique feature for Bosch. The Mini Diamond Hole Saws (3/16”-5/8”) don’t require the Quick Change Mandrel and will work in any standard drill. The Kits are available in 7 & 11 piece.
Checkout the video below if you still have questions on the Bosch Quick Change System and if that doesn’t do the job feel free to give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
SPX Power Team Predator Torque Wrenches & Hydraulic Pumps
Several months ago SPX Power Team announced a new line of Predator Torque Wrenches and Electric Hydraulic Pumps. These new torque wrenches are serious tools putting out up to 28,800 ft. lbs. of torque on hex bolts as large as 6-1/8”. Unless you plan on building you own roller coaster or 80ft wind turbine in your back yard these tools obviously aren’t for the DIYers.
This new generation of electric torque wrench pump feature much higher flow and automatic cycle operation both of which result in higher productivity. The Predator pump can be operated continuously, and also features low amperage operation and low sound level. These pumps are not build for lifting as the valves are not set up for load holding. See the chart below to understand how these compact pumps can operate at up to twice the speed of typical 2 speed pump.
In addition to the Predator electric powered hydraulic pumps are the new and durable steel square drive and low clearance torque wrenches. This new generation torque wrench features more efficient and faster operation in an envelope size that is 2/3rds the size of aluminum wrenches, allowing the tool to be used in applications where space is limited, yet is still comparable in weight.
Ohio Power Tool sells a wide range of the new Predator Torque Wrenches, Electric Pumps as well as the necessary high torque sockets. Typically configuring a proper hydraulic system of any kind is going to take some professional expertice. As always if you have any questions on any hydraulic equipment feel free to give the pros at Ohio Power Tool at call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
Milwaukee Tool is very well known for their portable band saws. Earlier this year they announced a completely redesigned Deep Cut Band Saw 6232-6N that significantly increased power, speed & overall performance. Because one size does not always fit all, Milwaukee is now coming out with a Compact Band Saw 6242-6 with a more economically friendly price of $199 (Ohio Power Tool). The new smaller band saw will weigh only 9.5 lbs, 45% less than the Deep Cut but still have a fairly large capacity of 3-1/4” vs the Deep Cut at 4-7/8”. With the smaller size and light weight design it is natural to assume it will be used in tighter spaces, so it made sense that they also added an LED work light currently not available on the Deep Cut model. The Compact Band Saw will be the size as the new M18 band saw that will also be coming out soon, more on that later.
If you have any questions about any of the Milwaukee Portable Band Saws do not hesitate to contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool, 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
Miwaukee Introduces Shockwave Accessories for Impact Tools
Recently Milwaukee introduced a completely new line of accessories designed to work specifically with Impact tools. These funny looking bits are designed to take the abuse of that constant impact force and the shockwave bits are claiming up to 10x life. The whole line will be available shortly on the Milwaukee Tool page of OhioPowerTool.com. (29 piece kit 48-32-4401$19, Ohio Power Tool) Also we will do a follow up post on some real world testing applications but in the meantime checkout the official Milwaukee Tool press release below.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces over 80 new products in its new line of Shockwave™ Impact Duty accessories. Delivering high performance and functionality, the full range solution was designed to stand up to elevated and extreme torque applications. The line includes high performance drill bits, nut drivers, sockets, bit holders and adapters.
"Impact tools are one of the fastest growing tool segments in the market today, but many accessory linescannot hold up under the high torque of impact applications,” says Mike Kirby, Sr. Product Manager-Accessories of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. "The new Shockwave™ Impact Duty Accessories offer a wider range of solutions for every user, and are engineered to absorb the stress of higher torque applications."
Made from a custom engineered steel and heat treated for high shock resistance, the Shockwave™ Impact Duty driver bits feature an innovatively designed Shock Zone™ geometry to absorb impact. In addition, a compressed forged tip delivers an ideal fit and eliminates breakage. The combination of proprietary material, heat treatment, and geometry deliver up to 10X longer life than the competition.
The product offering also includes user friendly features such as color coding on the nut drivers for easy size identifications and a thin wall construction on the professional grade sockets for easy access in tight areas. Broadly targeting cordless users, the Shockwave™ Impact Duty accessory line is not only ideal for heavy duty impact applications, but is a full system solution for all the user’s drilling and fastening needs.
New Hougen Swivel Base Magnetic Drills HMD925S & HMD914S
Hougen, invented the Magnetic Drill many years ago and continues to improve upon their designs. The original swivel base unit, HMD904S ($929), has become a very popular addition to their lineup. Now Hougen has just launched the HMD925S ($1438) and HMD914S ($1345) swivel base models. These units are basically the same motors as their stationary base counterparts however the swivel base allows for 1-1/8”W x 1-3/8”L travel. The swivel base saves a great deal of time lining up the hole as well as improves accuracy with one stroke lock & unlock handle.
#1 cause of broken or prematurely dull cutters is too slow of feed rate. Slower feed rates will not add life to your cutter but actually reduce the cutter's life. Use firm steady feed pressure throughout cut.
Always make sure to clear all chips from your cutter before starting the next hole.
Make sure support system for drill arbor is in place and not worn out. If using on a drill press, a support system must be used.
Make sure mag drill is on a clean work piece and securely attached. Uneven or large build up of debris can cause drill slippage. Material must be at least 3/8" thick. Painted material can also be troublesome if paint buildup does not allow magnet to hold securely.
When slug ejection becomes unreliable or tool resists cutting, resharpen or replace your cutter.
Always use coolant when drilling. For best results use Hougen's Slick-StikTM or RotaMagicTM cutting lubrication.
Milwaukee M18 Hammer Drill vs their other M18 Hammer Drill
Yes that’s right Milwaukee has 2 M18 Hammer Drills the 2611-22 ($349) & 2602-22 ($299). The original M18 2611-22 is slightly larger with 650 in lbs torque while the new compact M18 2602-22 has 550 in lbs, still plenty of torque (in fact same as DeWalt’s 24V). So why 2 M18 ½” hammer drills and not say 1 SDS hammer? Milwaukee is covering all their bases with the M18 line so my guess is whatever you are looking for from a 18v cordless line is probably somewhere in the works. Personally I can’t feel the difference in weight, if there is any, the “compact” is only slightly shorter and virtually the same height, they use the same battery about the only difference I could tell beyond price & torque was the 2611 has dual led lights while the 2602 only has the 1 led light. The big advantage the new 2602-22 has currently beyond the lower price is the hot special currently from Ohio Power Tool which includes a FREE M18 Sawzall 2620-20($199). Obviously that deal is a limited time special, so I would take advantage now. All the Milwaukee Tools are also available for the current Free Shipping offer (Use Coupon Code: AUGUST) from Ohio Power Tool.
If you have any questions on any of the Milwaukee M18 Cordless tools, feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool, 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com. Check back soon for more exciting products coming from the Milwaukee M18 line.
Free Shipping for Milwaukee, Ridgid & Bosch Power Tools
Looking for a great deal on Power Tools, Ohio Power Tool is the place but in addition to great deals like a Bosch 18v Impactor & Drill combo kit - $219, for the month of AUGUST you can also get FREE SHIPPING on some of your favorite Power Tool brands including Milwaukee, Bosch and Ridgid! The deal is also good on accessories from these brands as well. Simply use coupon code AUGUST on the first page of the checkout and the UPS ground option will be FREE. If you would like to call your order in to 800-242-4424 and simply tell them you want the August Free Shipping Deal and they will be happy to accommodate you, but you need to mention the promotion.
It is a proven fact if you make safety equipment more attractive people will be more likely to wear it. If everyone is wearing their safety equipment all the time, you will see fewer injuries, saving time and money in the long run. Safety Glasses manufacturer Edge Eye Wear took this idea and ran with it. The Edge Safety Glasses look as good as many of the most popular sunglasses but protect the eyes from jobsite hazards as well as the sun’s rays. Edge was the first to offer safety glasses with features like polarized lens, anti-fog lens, blue light filter, aqua precision, high-definition lens and G-15 lens as options on their eyewear. They have also done extensive laboratory testing to ensure their eyewear meet and/or exceed all safety standards.
Each of the frame styles is also available in a wide range of lenses from clear to Welders IR 5.0, each with a specific task in mind. There are 15+ styles of frames to choose from so it should be fairly easy to match the right lenses with a frame you will want to wear on the job and after. Popular models include: Brazeau, Reclus, Khor, Baretti, Kazbek, Dakura, Delano & Kirova.
Lens Technology: Clear Anti-Reflective – Designed to keep glare down. Allows 99% light pass through. Yellow – Enhance available light in low light conditions or after dusk. Allows 80% light pass through. Polarized Yellow – Enhance available light in low light conditions or after dusk with added advantage of polarized lenses to eliminate glare and reflections. Allows 36% light pass through. Amber – High contrast lens for overcast days. This lens also has blue filter properties. Excellent for activities where the light is flat of contrast is minimal, such as skiing. Allows 57% light pass through. Copper - Filters out blue light of haze which can cause eye fatigue, tired, strained or sore eyes. Specifically engineered as a high contrast driving lens to give greater depth perception. Allows 8% light pass through. Polarized Copper - Filters out blue light of haze which can cause eye fatigue, tired, strained or sore eyes. Specifically engineered as a high contrast driving lens to give greater depth perception with the added advantage of polarized lenses to eliminate glare and reflections. Allows 12% light pass through. Smoke – The perfect all around tint for standard shading in normal light conditions. Allows 16% light pass through. Polarized Smoke – The perfect all around tint for standard shading in normal light conditions with the added advantage of polarized lenses to eliminate glare and reflections. Allows 16% light pass through. Silver Mirror – Similar to smoke lens properties, but has the added Silver Mirror lens coating which reflects more light, making it ideal for bright light conditions. Allows 13% light pass through. Polarized G-15 Silver Mirror – The G-15 technology was designed by the US Air Force to maximize transmission of light at 555nm. Provides contrast and image definition while offering cooling sensation to the eyes. Allows 9% light pass through. Blue Mirror – Similar to Silver Mirror lens but more reflective power. Allows 12% light pass through. Polarized Aqua Precision Blue – The Aqua Precision lens technology was designed by NASA as a reflective coating for satellite portholes. The Aqua-based color of this lens maximizes clarity and contrast. Allows 9% light pass through. Rose Mirror – Reflects light in bright light situations. The Rose color base offers a warm color for the eyes and is coated with a Silver Mirror for additional light reflection. Details are enhanced in flat light. Allows 11% light pass through. Aqua Precision Red - The Aqua Precision lens technology was designed by NASA as a reflective coating for satellite portholes. The Aqua-based color of this lens maximizes clarity and contrast. Allows 13% light pass through. Welding IR 3.0 – Filters out low levels of intense Infra Red light, such as gas welding, brazing or torch cutting. Allows 12% light pass through. Welding IR 5.0 – Filters out medium levels of intense Infra Red light, such as gas welding, brazing or torch cutting. Allows 2% light pass through.
All the colored lenses provide 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays. For those with larger heads, like me, check out the oversized Kazbek XL models which have a 152mm front with 120mm at the temples. I’ve been wearing mine around for a few weeks now just as sunglasses when biking and they have been really awesome with better lenses than my old pair of more expensive glasses. Priced from $5.95 to $24.95 it’s not hard to imagine getting a few pairs with different styles and lenses. Contact Ohio Power Tool if you have any questions about the Edge Safety Eyewear.
Here are the new mail-in rebates available from Milwaukee Tools for FREE Grinders & Accessories. These are can be pretty significant deals if you are in the need of several high quality grinders or use a lot of Sawzall blades or hole saws. Also the V28 Cordless free battery or impact tool deal is still available until the end of July if you want to take advantage of that mail-in rebate.
Milwaukee Grinders – Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
This promotion reduces your cost by 33% on quantity grinder orders. The promotion starts Wednesday July 15th and goes through September 30th. No mix & match, so the free grinder will be the same as the other two purchased. The promotion is redeemable for up to 5 grinders per customer. For complete details checkout the PDF - FREE MILWAUKEE GRINDER.
Milwaukee Sawzall Blades – Buy 3 Get 1 FREE
This promotion is good on 25 packs of Sawzall blades including popular models like “The Ax”, “The Wrecker” & “The Torch”. Milwaukee is the inventor of the Sawzall Reciprocating Saw and continues to be the name brand for Sawzalls and accessories. No mix & match on Sawzall blade packs. The offer is good for July & August. For complete details checkout the PDF – FREE SAWZALL BLADES.
Milwaukee Hole Saws – Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
This promotion is good on select Hole Saw Kits as well as bulk packs (9-25) for individual hole saw sizes. No mix & match on hole saw kits or packs. The offer is good for July & August. For complete details checkout the PDF – FREE HOLE SAWS.
If you have any questions about any Milwaukee Tools and Accessories please contact the professionals at Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or sales@ohiopowertool.com. If you see a model number on the Mail-In Rebate form that is not on the website, you can simply place the order over the phone.
We recently had the opportunity to review the Work Sharp WS2000 Tool Sharpener with the knife sharpening attachment. My first concern before even receiving the product was, how good could it be for only $99. On receiving the unit and setting it up I was surprised by how solid it felt. The unit is compact, perfect for storing away when not in use but still stable enough for use when sharpening tools, even without bolting it down.
The WS2000 is a simple design with 1 speed (1,750 RPM) and an on/off switch; the attachment wheels are very versatile and can be used right side up with solid sheets or upside down with the slotted sheets. The slotted sheets work great because at high speeds they allow you to see through to the sharpening edge as you are working. A fixed port on the front of the unit is set at 25 degrees and has a 2” wide opening. It works great for most applications putting a very straight edge on some scrapers we tried out. The port is most commonly intended for wood chisels but I found the height to be a little limiting for some other applications. A nice feature would be to have the ability to adjust the angle but if you need to be that exact with the blade angle you might consider looking at the WS3000 model. The kit comes with 2 wheels and several sheets of different grit so you can have 1 wheel for slotted sheets and the other one for solid sheets. Going from one wheel to the other is also very simple, just remove the hand tightened knob on top and within a few seconds you can go from one to the other.
Sharpening Your Tools & Accessories, Just Got Easier
We are always looking for ways to save money, I don’t know about you high rollers but last year and the year before I was still trying to save money. Something tells me I’ll be that way no matter what’s going out in the real world. I recently had an interesting conversation about two new products that appeal to my frugal nature thewww.worksharptools.com & www.drilldoctor.com designed for sharpening tools and accessories. I’ll be reviewing the Drill Doctor 750x & Work Sharp WS2000 w/Knife sharpener next week and let you know what my thoughts are. In the meantime I’ll leave you with their official Press Release below…
Last week Milwaukee Tools held their annual event to introduce new products to all the media outlets. We received an invite but unfortunately had to miss the event. We did however speak with some of those that were in attendance and apparently it was a really great event with a wide range of new innovative products. You might also want to checkout the review & photos from http://www.toolsnob.com/, who has some great coverage from the event. Below are some of the highlighted items from the show we will be featuring over the next weeks & months.
M12 line - M12 AC/DC Charger: charges Milwaukee M12 batteries in the car or through a traditional outlet - M12 M-Spector AV: the next generation of the m-spector records video, photo and audio on a 2BG memory card - M12 Tool Holster: tool belt portability for your M12 tools - M12 High Capacity Battery: fits all M12 tools to increase runtime and power - M12 Radio: exclusive digital processor and weather sealed MP3 compartment - M12 Right Angle Drill: 3.75" head for drilling and fastening in tight spaces - M12 PVC Shear: cuts 2" schedule 40 PVC in 3 seconds - Digital Contractor Radio: powered by 120VAC, M12, M18, V18, V28, and slide pack Ni-CAd batteries
M18 line - M18 AC/DC charger: charges Milwaukee M18 batteries in the car or through a traditional outlet - M18 Compact Band Saw: only 9.5lbs and 16" long, compact and light weight design for cutting overhead and in tight spaces - M18 Flex Light: convenient hands free use
V28 line - V28 1/2" Hammer Drill / Driver:750 in-lbs of peak torque and compact size - V28 1/2" 3/4" & 7/16" High Torque Impact Wrenches: best in class torque, compact size, light weight
We can’t wait to see some of this stuff hit the shelves along with the tools and accessories we have already written about from Milwaukee. These guys are really stepping it up to fill out their power tool lines and thus far we have been extremely impressed with the quality and performance of their professional grade tools.
If you are interested in Milwaukee Tools you can visit www.OhioPowerTool.com, a premier distributor of all Milwaukee tools, accessories and parts. If you have any questions about existing products or products coming down the pipe you can also call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
The 18V Litheon Bosch Impactor hex drivers are available now, with several other square drive 14V & 18V Impactors available shortly. As indicated in the title these impact drivers would be considered mid-range, which means high RPM & BPM with enough torque to do most work typical for 3/8” or ½” impact guns. We will most likely see High Torque Litheon cordless models down the road as well.
I recently got the chance to test the Bosch 18v Impactor Driver along with the 2 leading competitors (Makita & DeWalt) cordless Impact Drivers. One feature that continues to stand out in my mind was the electronic cell & motor protection which we got to see in action during the stress test. The test went like this, several extremely large bolts were lined up that none of the drivers could possibly move; then we got to try and drive the bolts with each tool. None of them could move the bolts and after a few seconds one of the competitor’s impacts started smoking and almost caught on fire. Another which had “protection” simply turned off and would not come back on. It turns out you need to find the charger and recharge the battery to get it to work again. Not very convenient if you are on the jobsite. The Bosch Impactor turned off when the electronic protection kicked on but a few seconds later it was back, working great, no fussing around. Read the full press release on all 8 versions of the Impactors Drivers & Wrenches below.
Milwaukee Tool – The Torch Diamond Grit Sawzall Blades
Recently Milwaukee Tool announced they would be coming out with two new The Torch Sawzall Blades with diamond grit cutting edges. These diamond blades are intended to cut material such as cast iron, hard tile (up to grade 5), ceramic tile, plaster, masonry, brick, pavers, fiberglass and lots of other abrasive materials. The cutting edge is a nickel alloy braze with embedded industrial diamond grit. The marketing from Milwaukee suggests these blades will last 30x longer and cut 2x as fast. Both the 6” & 9” blades feature .042” width and 1” height. Cost on the 6” 48-00-1440 will be around $12 and the 9” 48-00-1450 will be around $15, an amazing deal if these live up the 30x longer and 2x faster claims.
You will soon be able to get the new Milwaukee Torch Diamond Grit Sawzall blades along with all your other Milwaukee Sawzall Blades online at Ohio Power Tool. Checkout the video below to get excited about these new blades and everything they can do.
For the month of May you can get FREE GROUND SHIPPING on all Bosch and Dremel accessories from Ohio Power Tool. This applies to all orders over $55 within the continental US. If you want to take part in the free shipping deal and meet the minimum order, simply use COUPON CODE "MAY" in the checkout and when you get to the shipping options Ground will be FREE and overnight, 2 day, etc will all still be available with pricing attached.
This is a great time to stock up on accessories like Dremel Multi-Max Blades, Dust Collection Guards, Brute Bits, Bosch Multi-X blades, T308B Jigsaw blades, Dare Devil Spade Bits, Multi-Construction Drill Bits, Speedwave Diamond Blades, Cup Wheels, Rebar Cutter, X5L full head carbide, etc. Visit the Bosch and/or Dremel pages on Ohio Power Tool for full list of all available accessories.
Don't Forget to use the COUPON CODE "MAY" or you won't get free shipping! Don't want to mess with using a coupon code... just call 800-242-4424 and say give me the Bosch accessory free shipping deal.
Chicago Pneumatic has recently introduced two brand new pneumatic belt sanders for getting into the tightest spots. The CP7858 uses a 3/8” x 13” belt while the CP7859 uses a ¾” x 20.5” belt. Both units feature higher RPM (20,000-22,000), 180 degree arm and belt pivot, compact design, powerful motors as well as quick and easy belt changing features.
Along with these impressive features and benefits, perhaps the most important is the quality and durability built into these new CP belt sanders. These new sanders are built to withstand the most demanding tasks and environments. In addition, these new sanders boast a value and price point well within the reach of professional technicians looking for the right tool for difficult applications.
Ohio Power Tool carries the CP7858 3/8” and CP7859 ¾” pneumatic belt sanders as well as a wide range on United Abrasive (SAIT) belts for these models and many others ranging from ¼” to 1” width. If you have any questions about the Chicago Pneumatic tools or sanding belts please do not hesitate to call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
You have probably heard about the new Bosch Edge reciprocating saw blades by now. Perhaps you registered to win the Bosch Ax and Stub Hub gift card. If you haven’t, it’s free, do it. Hopefully you read about the launch on Coptool.com or another blog like ToolSnob.com who did a pretty good test against the Lenox Gold Blades, Lenox got smoked.
Ohio Power Tool and Bosch Tools would like to do more than tell you about them, we would like to get these in your hands so you can try them for yourself. Ohio Power Tool will give you a 5 pack of 6” Edge Blades of your choice for free, with any Bosch order over $129. If your order is over $199 you have a choice of any 6” or 9” blades. Simply email your name, order number and requested Edge Blade part number to sales@ohiopowertool.com and these will be shipped with your order for free. The only request is that you use them and if possible, email us a line or two about what your thoughts are on them.
Bosch Multi-Construction Hammer Drill Bits Go through Everything!
These new light blue drill bits work in your standard ½” chuck hammer drill. I have been a fan of the Bosch Blue Granite bits which has a similar carbide tip and are great for going through not only concrete but also masonry, stone, tile and other similar materials. The new Bosch Multi-Construction Bits go even further, in addition to concrete, masonry, stone & tile the new bits also go through metal, plastic, wood and even glass! Basically all the materials you might want to drill it can handle it. Ideal for say attaching a wood stud to concrete, pre-drill a hole into both at once without switching the tool or bits, big time saver.
The Multi-Construction bit also steals some technology from the Bosch Tile & Glass Bits and will make perfect holes in ceramic tile or glass. The bits work in both rotary or hammer mode depending on the material you are going into. It might get ugly if you are in hammer mode when you try going into glass for the first time so make sure you check your tool.
Checkout Ohio Power Tool if you are interested ordering some of these new drill bits, they are in-stock and available to ship now! Read the full Bosch Press Release below.
It can be difficult to predict the future and determine what is going to be best for your needs in the long run. There are a few basic things to look at which will help guide you in making the right financial decision for what is right for you personally or your business.
Frequency – How often will you need this item, what is the likelihood the usage could change in the future? Urgency – When you need this item is it for something urgent or can usage be planned and therefore group projects together. Versatility – Can this equipment do multiple jobs; are there different options that you might want down the road? Availability – Is this item even available in your area to rent? It might answer your question real quick if you can’t even rent it. Maintenance – Do you have someone to maintain/repair the equipment, what are the typical repair costs; could there be problems if the item sat dormant for the winter? New Business – Is there additional business you could do if you had this new equipment? Are you missing opportunity on current jobs where you refer business to others? Technology – How quickly does the technology change? In 2-4 years will something better be available and you will need to upgrade?
Using Rentals to Grow Your Business
Renting is a great way to expand your business without the costs of additional equipment. For instance if a plumber who owns his own business wants to do pipe and drain inspections he might look at adding a Ridgid SeeSnake for a cost of $4000-$10,000. Then the risk is the equipment might go unused for weeks at a time until he builds that part of his business. On the other hand he could offer these services and simply rent a SeeSnake (from $125) as needed until the frequency goes up and buying becomes more attractive. Additionally rental equipment is a great way to supplement your current inventory. You may already own a mag drill but an upcoming job requires a few hundred holes drilled. It might make sense to rent a second or third drill for the job and speed up that step of the process. Often times this will more than pay for itself when consider man hours and project bottle necks.
Financing & Economic Slow Downs
During slower economic times it can become harder to secure financing and/or justify purchasing new equipment but the absolute worst thing you could do is turn away business. Shop your local rental house and know what inventory is available and what the rates are so you can speak confidently about your capabilities and build those rates right into any quotes. Also most places will offer discounts if you are planning to rent the tools several times per month.
March Rental Madness Deal – Ohio Power Tool
If you are near the Columbus, Ohio area and looking to rent any tools or equipment in the near future you might want to check out rental tools & equipment from Ohio Power Tool before the end of the month. Any rental items checked out before the last day of the month will be eligible for 25% back in free good which can be used on any new tools or accessories. At minimum it should cover the costs of any accessories you might need, such as saw blades or drill bits but the savings can add up quickly into free tools.
Outside Central Ohio you can still rent from Ohio Power Tool on a weekly and monthly basis if you would like to take advantage of the 25% in free goods offer. Shipping rates will apply so some items may not be cost effective but on weekly or monthly rental there are defiantly items which can be pretty reasonable to have shipped direct to your jobsite. If you have any questions call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
Ingersoll Rand is arguably the strongest name in automotive air tools. Obviously there are cheaper tools in the market place that discount suppliers will push on you but how long does it last with regular use and can you even get simple maintenance parts for it? That being said everyone wants to save some cash on anything they are buying!
Currently you can get Ingersoll Rand Air Tools at some of the lowest prices online from Ohio Power Tool. After you get a great price you will get up to an additional 15% of the purchase price of the tools, back to you in cash money. This is part of the IR Stimulus Plan, not that we haven’t seen enough “Stimulus Package Sales Promotions” but anytime you can get a great deal and then get a check on top of that I’m happy.
Ohio Power Tool has become the home of the Free Battery Deals. Some people do free shipping but that’s only good for a couple bucks, these free battery deals can save you up to $150. Nothing is more annoying or a bigger waist of time than running out of battery power. Make sure it never happens to you again! Here is the full list of all the free battery deals currently available at Ohio Power Tool:
If you are looking for 18V tools from Bosch or Milwaukee there are also special deals right now for them just not free batteries. Bosch 18V Tools have a trade-in deal which could save you up to $100. Milwaukee M18 Tools include a free Impact Drive tool, a $179 value, with some of the tools and combo kits.
In this post we are just going to look at selecting portable wet/dry cutting Diamond Saw Blades which would typically go on a handheld gas saw such as the SpeediCut Core Cut 12”, 14” or 16” saws. One would think this would be very simple right, possibly 3 or 4 options but you would be very wrong. In a 14” x .125 size alone we are looking at over 50 options so with the different sizes there are hundreds of possibilities. Why so many options… it comes down to money, after all we are talking about real diamonds.
Diamond Quality - Just like gemstone diamonds there are quality grades to cutting diamonds. High quality solid diamonds are more expensive than “flawed” diamonds with lots of carbon imbedded; they also cut better, longer. Diamond Quality is the main factor in pricing any diamond blade, without the diamonds these are basically just big pieces of sheet metal.
Segment Height – The metal in the segments are used for one basic thing to control the cut rate of the diamonds. The segment metals are far less expensive than the diamonds baked into them and really play little significance in the price; often the taller segments are used with lower grade blades. This seems counter intuitive because there are more diamonds in a larger segment, but often these are lower quality diamonds. Since the lower quality diamonds have more flaws they will not last as long and the metal needs to wear quicker exposing fresh diamonds to make more cuts.
Material Being Cut – It is very important to match the right blade with the right material if you have any intention of preserving the blade and getting the most value for your dollar. The basic rule of thumb is you want a harder blade for softer material and softer blade for harder material. This of course has everything to do with controlling the rate the diamonds are exposed. Asphalt is very soft, a hard segment will hold the diamonds in place and allow them to cut much longer. Cured reinforced concrete would be much harder and in ture use a soft metal for the blade, if an hard blade was used it would hold the diamonds in place too long and you would end up trying to cut with very dull diamonds. Good news is if you went back to asphalt or other soft material the blade would eventually recover provided you hadn’t pushed it and burnt the blade up. A hard concrete blade on the other hand will work like butter in asphalt because the soft segment in the soft material wears away quickly exposing new diamonds constantly. The bad news is the blade will be used up very quickly.
Blade Size & RPM – Each size saw spins at different speeds, 12” have the highest RPM while the 16” spin the slowest. The 14” saws spin at 5400 RPM for instance so all the 14” blades are made for that speed. The 12” blades are will work on the 14” saw because they are being used at a slower speed which may not be ideal but work just fine. Never however use a blade above its max RPM rating. The blades have a concaved shape and spinning them faster will cause them to heat up and potentially be very unsafe.
Wet vs. Dry – All the dry high speed blades can be run wet or dry for most applications. With large surface area and intermittent cutting the saw blades are constantly exposed to plenty of air cooling the blade. If the same saw blade however were used in a walk behind saw, half buried in concrete for continuous use water would need to be applied or the blade would over heat.
Hopefully this will help when you make your next diamond blade selection. Typically if you are working with a knowledgeable company, like Ohio Power Tool and have a general idea what you will be cutting they will be able to help you select the right blade at the right price. Everyone’s situation is different if these blades are going to be used by new employees with little training the inexpensive Star Blue blade with high segment and low quality diamonds will ensure limit risk due to improper use. For the professional with many years of experience cutting the same material a Heavy Duty Orange or Premium Black blade will be a better value in the long run, lasting longer and cutting faster.
New Milwaukee M18 Cordless 3/8” & ½” Impact Drivers
In addition to the new M18 Jig Saw & Grinders, Milwaukee very quietly introduced two other new M18 18 volt tools as well. Now available are the 2651-22 3/8” square drive ring type anvil which puts out 2000 in-lbs torque and the 2652-22 ½” square drive detent type anvil that puts out 2200 in-lbs torque. Both of these tools are similar to the ¼” hex impact in size, weight and price but they put out significantly more torque, typically need for these larger applications. All the M18 impact driver kits sell for $299 with 2 XC batteries on Ohio Power Tool. These new impacts can also work with the slim pack M18 batteries as well.
Milwaukee M18 Cordless ½” Impact Driver 2652-22 - 1/2" Detent Type Anvil - Torque of 2200 in.-lbs. - Fastest speed - 0-2200 RPM, 0-3200 impacts/minute - Compact - 5-3/4" length, 4.1 lbs. weight w/ battery - Milwaukee 4-Pole Frameless Motor-Maximum Efficiency and Run-time - Powered by 18V lithium ion batteries - Comes with: 2652 Impact Driver, (2) XC Batteries, Charger, Carrying Case
Milwaukee M18 Cordless 3/8” Impact Driver 2651-22 - 3/8" Ring Type Anvil - Torque of 2000 in.-lbs. - Fastest speed - 0-2200 RPM, 0-3200 impacts/minute - Compact - 5-3/4" length, 4.1 lbs. weight w/ battery - Milwaukee 4-Pole Frameless Motor-Maximum Efficiency and Run-time - Powered by 18V lithium ion batteries - Comes with: 2651 Impact Driver, (2) XC Batteries, Charger, Carrying Case
If you are shopping around for 14” Diamond Saw Blades, now is the time to buy, while supplies last you can pick up a 14” SpeediCut Gas Saw for Free just by purchasing a few blades. If you purchase 10 Cut-All Multi-Purpose Blades 14” x .125 which sell for $334.10 each, then you get a Free 14” SpeediCut Jr Saw SC6514 (Sale Price $629.10) instantly. You could also purchase 15 of the Heavy Duty Orange Blades 14” x .125 which sell for $364.65 each and get a Free 14” SpeediCut SC7314 (Sale Price $1032.40) instantly. Either way both of these deals are instant rebates so the saw will be delivered with the blades in a few days. No mail-in rebates or any of that nonsense, just a high quality gas saw to your door for free. If you have any questions about this deal, Diamond Products or any concrete sawing applications please feel free to contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com. With some many different style blades and applications if you would need a different style blade or 16” saw or any other kind of substitution please contact us and Ohio Power Tool, there probably is a way to accommodate you.
When the Milwaukee M18 line of tools was launched last year there was the promise of a cordless grinder and jigsaw coming first quarter 2009. True to their word these two new tools should be available very shortly. Both new tools are available as tool only or in a kit with 2 XC batteries, case & charger. The M18 Grinder/Cut-Off 2680-22 features many of the same advances as their new corded grinders including 4-pole motor, overload protection, debris baffles, tool free burst resistant guard and the only cordless grinder on the market with a paddle switch design. The M18 Jig Saw 2545-22 was designed from the ground up to be one of the most powerful cordless jig saws on the market. We are looking forward to both of these much needed new additions and can’t wait for additional cordless tools coming later this year.
Both of these new M18 tools are available now at Ohio Power Tool for pre-order and should be arriving in stores in the near future. Video demos on both of these tools are already in the works, so stay tuned.
New Bosch Edge Reciprocating Saw Blades for Heavy Metal
Recently Bosch introduced the new Edge Reciprocating Saw blades specifically for Metal applications. You may have already heard about the blades because of their interesting free custom guitar sweepstakes. The guitar was created incorporating the shape of new saw blades. In the launch kit sent to dealers and press they also included a 10” toy version of the guitar. A very weird promotion in my mind however it has gotten a lot of people talking so I guess it worked. Personally I’d prefer more free samples to give to people to use but that’s just me.
Putting the Heavy Metal Free Guitar promotion out of the way, how good do the new blades actually work. Is there a real compelling reason to try these new blades? Several features defiantly make it look like it could be worth testing. You can read the official press release below for more details but these blades have a nice substantial feel not at all flimsy and the few cuts I made they seemed very fast. Their third party testing suggests 65% faster and 2x longer lasting than the Lenox Gold.
Bosch Edge for Metal Recip Blades Last Longer, Cut Faster & Cleaner Than Competition
Mount Prospect, Ill., January XX, 2009 – The toughest materials call for the toughest blades, but it’s not enough to just be tough. The blade must be built to last and cut faster and cleaner than the rest. That’s why Bosch introduced their latest Edge for Metal Demolition reciprocating saw blades. The blades feature Bosch’s Micro-Edge TechnologyTM, a patented design and manufacturing process that results in longer blade life, faster cutting and increased durability with teeth that stay sharper over time.
The powder metal steel alloy minimizes heat build-up for longer life and Bosch’s patented 2 x 2 tooth geometry delivers faster and cleaner cuts by effectively removing debris. The first set of teeth cut more aggressively and the smaller reinforced teeth follow. This alternating tooth pitch increases cutting speeds by 20 percent.
The teeth are protected by Bosch’s own Micro-blastTM technology that cleanly defines the cutting surface as opposed to rough or uneven teeth that will tear-out much easier.
The blades are taller and thicker than competitive blades to reduce vibration when cutting and results in a straighter cut, ideal when accuracy is a must.
The blades come in 6-inch and 9-inch lengths with kerfs of .035” (14+18 TPI), .042” (8+10 TPI) and .062” (8+10 TPI). The 14+18 blades are ideally suited for medium gauge metals. The 8+10 for Heavy Metal is designed for thick gauges metals and the 8+10 for Metal Demolition is made for tearing stuff up.
If you are constantly working with metal sheets up to 1/2” thick and using traditional twist drill bits, you need to try out the Hougen RotoCut. These bits work in either a hand held drill or drill press, last 10x longer and cut 3x faster than traditional twist drill bits. The design of these bits is similar to a hole saw where the inside of the bit leaves a slug helping the bits cut faster and last longer. RotoCuts are available in Kits or individually sizes up to 1-1/2” diameter.
For larger holes in sheet metal up to 1/8” Hougen also has the Holcutter line of bits. These are not your traditional metal hole saws, they are 3x faster and leave a much cleaner hole. The cutting action is much smoother preventing tool jerk and extending the life of the tool and your wrist. Each bit also has a lip around the cutting edge stopping the bit from pushing through, very useful when working with electrical boxes or any tight spaces. These are available as Holcutter or Carbide Holcutter with individual sizes up to 3” on each.
Don’t forget to also get some Hougen Slick-Stik lubricant to extend the life of the bits and ensure a smooth cut. These bits are ideal for: Electrical, Piping, Conduit Work, Sheetmetal Fabrication, Spotweld Removal, Maintenance Installations, HVAC, PHCC, Automotive Aftermarket and many others...
This year, 2009, marks Hougen Manufacturing’s 50th year in business. Dr. Douglas Hougen founded the company in February 1959 to develop his new concept in metal hole cutting that would revolutionize the business. Eventually this lead to the patented Rotabroach Annular Cutter which changed hole cutting forever.
He saw a lot of potential in his new cutter outside the industrial market place and later invented the first light-weight portable magnetic drill press that would use his cutters. He used the new mag drills to go after the fabrication and construction industries with tremendous success that continues today.
Ohio Power Tool would like to honor Dr. Douglas Hougen and his incredible inventions as well as congratulate Hougen on celebrating their 50th anniversary; a great accomplishment. For the month of February Ohio Power Tool will offer additional discounts up to 20% off already low prices for all Hougen Mag Drills and Rotabroach Cutters. Below you will find links to some of the video demos for these great machines.
Milwaukee Tool just announced the next generation of portable band saws. The new Milwaukee Band Saw 6232-6N is 40% faster than the previous Milwaukee models and 20% faster than the closest competitor, the Dewalt DWM120K. The Milwaukee motor was updated from a 6 amp to a 10.5 amp motor and is now the most powerful on the market. The improvements don’t stop there, with aluminum motor housing, better saw balance, 2 finger trigger, variable speed dial, improved blade protection and new bearings this is a very solidly built band saw.
The band saw’s deep cutting capacity is 4-7/8” however it can cut up to 6” round pipe when rotating. The improved T handle grip not only allows for comfortable operation but also allows the tool to lock into a vise for stationary cutting. Another nice feature for those who maintain many of these units and are thinking about upgrading some of them, is that up to 80% of the parts are interchangeable. This means if you have brushings, pulleys or other parts they will work in the new & old models.
To properly introduce the new Milwaukee Band Saw 6232-6N Ohio Power Tool is giving away a brand new Milwaukee 4.5” rattail grinder 6122-30($119 sale price) with each band saw purchased however supply is extremely limited with 3 max per order. The grinders will be shipped with the units, no mail-in rebates to worry about. The Milwaukee 6232-2N is available now for pre-sale at $299 and should be in-store before Febuary 6th.
Milwaukee Tool is serious about proving themselves in the metalworking tool category. Within the next month or so Milwaukee will also introduce several new 5”, 6”, 7” & 9” grinders to accompany the new 4.5” grinders available now. All the new Milwaukee metalworking grinders are intended to not only compete with the likes of Bosch, Makita and Metabo in this category but in fact become the preferred brand for users.
Milwaukee has recently introduced 7 new 4.5" grinders aimed at the metalworking grinder market. These new grinders will compete directly with other top names currently dominating metalworking grinders such as Bosch, Makita and Metabo.
Some of the new features that will make Milwaukee competitive include: Debris Baffles, basically an engineered L-shape intake vents protect the motor and other components by deflecting debris particles out of the airflow before entering the grinder. Another feature is the Multi-Port Exhaust vents on all four sides of the gear case allow more hot air to escape preventing motor burn-up, others typically have only 2. Also Milwaukee uses a 25% Longer Lasting Epoxy Coating to increase tool life by preventing debris from damaging copper wires in the motor.
Some of the connivance and safety features include: Tool Free Adjustable Guard allowing the user to quickly adjust the guard without the use of a tool. Burst Resistant Guard Positive detents lock the guard in place so if a wheel burst, the guard is more secure and less likely to rotate. Finally the Soft Grip 3-Position Side Handle provides optimal control for any application.Top position is ideal for cutting.
The reason there are 7 models is because for each version there are locking and non-locking triggers, for compliance reasons. Ohio Power Tool sells all 7 models call 800-242-4424 if you need any help determining which would be right for you.
Models Include: 6122-30 10AMP Rat Tail w/Lock, 6122-31 10AMP Rat Tail no Lock, 6148-30 10AMP Paddle w/Lock, 6148-31 10AMP Paddle no Lock, 6148-33 10AMP Slide Trigger w/lock, 6140-30 7.5AMP Paddle w/Lock, 6140-33 7AMP Slide Trigger w/lock
Hougen was the first company to develop and patent the Magnetic Drill back in 1976. Since then there have been many improvements made to the original design but Hougen has remained a leader in the magnetic drill industry. The model HMD904 has been one of the most popular mag drills for many years because of its light weight design, significant power and durability. Not to long ago the HMD904S with swivel base was introduced which allowed for slight adjustments after the magnet had been activated.
Now you have two new options for the HMD904 which are the HMD904C ($899.95), which is the basic 904 model with the 16oz coolant tank and fittings. The second option is the Fabricators Kit HMD904K ($1,188) which includes the HMD904C, ½” Jacobs Chuck with adaptor and 12002 Rotabroach Cutter Kit. The fabricators kit provides the basic set up with several Rotabroach sizes to get started but with the chuck the mag drill can also use regular twist drill bits.
The 16 oz coolant tank is also available as an add-on option for existing HMD904 mag drills as HOU05548 (Hex Arbor) & HOU05087 (Spindle Arbor). Call Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 if you need as order any Hougen parts or accessories.
There are a small number of people that use a mag drill on a daily basis and you are well aware if you are one of them. These tools are becoming more popular for much more than just working on I-beams. If you are considering a mag drill or an upgrade there are several important things to consider.
Hougen and Milwaukee are probably the two best known and most reliable makers of mag drills. Magnetic drills vary greatly in their size, weight, height, depth of cut (d.o.c.), amp power, RPMs and several other features. Hougen makes the smallest mag drills available, HMD115 & HMD150, which have an extremely low profile. The small sizes makes these incredibly useful for working in tight spaces such as with automotive and trucking applications.
One of the most popular mag drills and a real work horse is the Hougen HMD 904. This model is light weight at 27.5 lbs, powerful with 450 RPM and d.o.c. of 2”. It has a height of 16” and easy to work with if not in a tight spot. This model is also available as the HMD904S which features a swivel base. The swivel base allows you to get the drill close to the hole and then do a more precise line up with the tool in position. This is an especially huge advantage when using a mag drill in the horizontal or overhead position.
For more heavy duty applications consider the Hougen HMD925 with Powerfeed or the HMD505 that has a d.o.c. of 3” and 2 RPM speed options. The Milwaukee mag drills on OhioPowerTool.com are larger machines ranging from 57-72 lbs. heavier than any of the Hougen drills available although they do have some good features. These Milwaukee units feature adjustable bases for lining up your hole exactly. Also the Milwaukee drills feature keyed chucks which can use regular drill bits, hole saws or the Milwaukee Steel Hawg Cutters up to 6”. Milwaukee does have a smaller Hougen style mag drill 4270-20 but there are many reasons why the Hougen outperforms it. Please comment if you disagree, this will probably be a future article.
When considering drilling into solid metal the drill bit itself is a large considerations. Hougen features several varieties of Rotabroach Annular Cutters engineered to be one of the best metal cutters on the market. The Rotabroach cutters will work with other mag drills but will not work with chuck type mag drills. The smaller Hougen drills use different cutters all together which are more compact the Rotaloc (HMD115) and Rotaloc Plus (HMD150). If you are looking for cutters that work with a 3/8" chuck, the Milwaukee Steel Hawg Cutters work with traditional chucks and range in size from 7/8” to 6”. For cutting thin metal, such as sheet metal, Hougen makes several kits (RotaCut & Holcutter) which work in a traditional chuck style hand drills.
Deciding which type of mag drill and cutters you will need is not an easy decision and not something you can determine easily by reading a quick blog post. I would recommend calling the professionals at Ohio Power Tool (800-242-4424) if you have any questions.
