Continue reading "International Woodworkers Fair (IWF) 2010 Review & Videos" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Announced yesterday from the Yellow team is a new 1.25HP Compact Router available as a fixed base unit DWP611 ($139) or a combo kit which can be used with fixed or plunge base DW611PK ($199). The router is a variable speed unit and designed to do the work of both a palm router and many jobs of a full sized router. We have not seen one of these units in person so we are not sure how it would compare in size to the 1HP Bosch Colt Palm Sander PR20EVSK ($121, Ohio Power Tool) but our guess it would be very similar. It looks as though the new DeWalt is going to compete directly with the Bosch Colt which has been one of the most popular palm routers for years.

The DeWalt Compact Router also has some nice improvements such as clear base and LED lights which will make it much easier to see your work. We first saw these features on another Bosch router, the MRF23EVS but delays have kept the much anticipated 2.3HP Bosch router from being launched. Looks like this DeWalt router could beat it to market when it launches in October 2010. Checkout the full DeWalt Press Release below for more info. 

Continue reading "DeWalt Launches New Compact Router – Fixed & Plunge Base" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Each Month the Bosch Accessories website for “Joe the Pro” does a prize drawing. It’s a simple way for them to gather your contact information and receive emails, only if you so choose the checkbox. This time around however you will get a FREE DareDevil Spade Bit as well as getting registered for the prize giveaway. Hurry up though it’s only good for the first 100 registrants.

If you are interested in simply picking up additional DareDevil Spade Bits visit OhioPowerTool.com for a wide selection on complete bit sets and individual sizes in 4”, 6” & 16” spade bit lengths.

Register at BoschJoeThePro.com  

Posted by Jay A. at 09:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It seems to be the trend in power tools these days that any tool can be improved with an LED light. Unlike the trend of putting lasers beams on every power or hand tool out there we are actually a big fan of LED lights on many tools. On the jobsite, shop, backyard or garage you are not always going to have the greatest lighting and seeing that dull pencil line through the blade guard isn’t always the easiest task.

The Bosch Reciprocating Saw RS7 ($99, Ohio Power Tool) replaces the RS5 and increases power to 11amps. This is the light weight, medium duty model but it still has some serious power so for most plumbers, electricians and homeowners it will perform very well. Unless you are doing a lot of demolition work in most cases the larger 15amp reciprocating saws or Sawzalls are just going to be added weight. Also check out the new Saw Blades including Milwaukee Sawzall diamond grit and Bosch Edge for Metal Cutting.      
     

Posted by Jay A. at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The weather was not on our side Saturday for the event but that didn’t stop those that showed up from having a good time. We had a last minute sponsor jump on board, Pabst Blue Ribbon, which helped brighten the mood and a it turned out to be great crowd that wasn’t going to let a few rain drops spoil their fun!

Continue reading "Recap – Second Annual Ohio Tool Racing Championships" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The winners from the LumberJocks 2010 Summer woodworking contest are in! See all ten winning projects. The winners were selected from the 77 total submissions in an online voting held from August 1 to August 7. 172 votes were cast during this period. Remember the topic was Fluidity…

We have mentioned the Milwaukee M12 XC Battery before which is more than just a battery with longer runtime. The M12 XC Battery 48-11-2402 ($79, Ohio Power Tool) actually adds power & speed to many tools as well as runtime. In lab testing with the 3/8” Drill/Driver 2410-22 ($149, Ohio Power Tool) the time it took to drill a 1” hole went from 16 seconds to 9 seconds. The Stall Torque went from 250 in.lbs to 310 in.lbs, just by switching to the XC battery. Similar gains are reported for the M12 Impact Drivers, Hackzall, Screwdrivers and other tools. The flat rubber over-molded base also makes the tool much more stable in the upright position as well as protects finished surfaces from marring. *Note the M12 plumb laser and M12 sub-scanner are the only 2 tools that cannot fit the larger battery.   

During the month of August, Ohio Power Tool is running a Free UPS Ground Shipping special for all Milwaukee Tool, simply use Coupon Code “MILWAUKEE” in the check out or call 800-242-4424. In addition to that cost savings you will also for a very limited time be able to get a FREE M12 XC Battery 48-11-2402 with the purchase of any Milwaukee M12 Tool Kit. That is an $80 value with most M12 Tools ranging from $99-$199, this is an incredible deal. The FREE battery ships with the tools, no waiting for a Mail-In Rebate to come. Supplies are very limited on this offer so place your order now; it may not be around tomorrow or even when you get home from work.

Continue reading "Free Milwaukee M12 XC Battery 48-11-2402 & Free Shipping" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You may have read our review on the Bosch PS21-2A which was very favorable for the 3^rd generation Bosch 12V Max Pocket Driver. The PS41-2A Impactor ($169, Ohio Power Tool), which was also recently updated (now in its 2^nd generation) while not as big of a leap as the PS21, still saw a solid improvements in performance. We received one of these for testing and tried to push the Impactor to its limits. We also compared it to a popular Drill/Driver model to highlight some of the benefits of the Impact Driver.

Continue reading "Bosch 12V Max PS41-2A Impactor – The Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.  

Continue reading "Johnson Levels Adds 18 New Measurement Tools" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Continue reading "New Delta Tools - Drill Press, Unisaw, Planer & More" »

Posted by Jay A. at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Oscillating multi-tools are rapidly becoming a toolbox staple for remodelers, finish carpenters, electricians, plumbers and even DIYers. Why? These users are discovering that the wide range of accessories gives these tools the functionality of multiple tools, and even helps them tackle a few tasks they couldn’t accomplish before. To help oscillating multi-tool users get the most out of their tools, Bosch Power Tools introduced an expanded lineup of blades, scrapers, rasps and sanding sheets designed specifically to improve the function and versatility of popular multi-tools. See the full line of Bosch Oscillating Accessories compatible with Bosch Multi-X, Fein MultiMaster 636 & many more.

Because users spend approximately 65 percent of their time with oscillating multi-tools performing cutting applications, Bosch concentrated first on developing accessories that deliver great performance when cutting wood, metal and other materials. Included in the new cutting accessory range are:

Knives
OSC214C – 2-1/4” Caulk Removal Knife - $9.55
OSC4K – 4” Serrated Segment Knife - $20.52

Scrapers
OSC2FSC – 2” Flexible Scraper Blade - $9.91
OSC2RFS – 2” Rigid Scraper Blade - $10.85

Wood Blades
OSC138JF – 1-3/8” Japanese Tooth Hard Wood Blade - $14.48
OSC312 – 3-1/2” Round Wood Blade - $11.59

Bi-Metal Blades
OSC118F – 1-1/8” BIM Plunge Cut Blade - $12.80
OSC4F – 4” BIM Round Blade - $28.99

Specialty Tools
OSC312DG – 3-1/2” Round Diamond Grit Blade - $47.37
OSC3DRF – Delta 3” Carbide Grit Rasp - $34.57

Posted by Jay A. at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 
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 2^nd 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.

Continue reading "DeWalt Finally Arrives at the 12V Cordless Party" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

According to Dremel there are more than 17 million rotary tools in use today, of which many carry their name plate. The new 8200 Dremel is the latest of the cordless rotary tools variety and is similar in look and feel to the new corded Dremel 4000. Often the first question many people land on will be; how is this any different from the older ones?

When comparing tools, electronics, cars or anything it’s always good to have some baseline stats, even if you don’t always know what they measure. Unfortunately when trying to compare rotary tools it feels like we are missing some vital stats. Really the only number crunching there is to do is on RPM and whether there are set speeds or variable from 5,000 up to 35,000 RPM. On the 8200 the range only goes to 30,000 RPM, while the previous cordless model went all the way to 35,000 RPM. Does that mean the older version had more power? Absolutely not the case here but there is no stat for power/torque. The best we can say is the 8200 is clearly more powerful with significantly less slowdown or drag while working. This can be a very important factor more in cutting and grinding applications.

Continue reading "Dremel 8200 Cordless Rotary Tool 12V Max - The Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This July 1^st-31^st you can submit your most creative woodworking projects for a chance to win some very nice prizes, best we’ve seen so far. Even if you don’t enter it is still fun to come back and checkout all the interesting projects.

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

Already in the last week we’ve posted on the new Bosch Glide Miter Saw as well as the new Bosch 2.3HP Routers but there are still many more products to go. Another innovative product from the Bosch Media Event was the new L-Boxx container system Bosch will be selling and integrating with their existing tool line. The L-Boxx system has 4 container sizes with a variety of inserts for sorting and accessory storage. Pricing on these hard case looks to be in the $50-70+ range however the good news, we just heard today officially, these will be available with some of the most popular Bosch Tools as early as this fall. Even better news the target retail pricing looks to be right in line with current street pricing. Bosch 12V drill PS31-2AL (target $159), Multi-X oscillating PS50-2BL (target $199) & a new Jig Saw (more info to follow) will be the first 3 items to launch in addition to standard storage case.

Continue reading "Bosch & Sortimo Join Forces On L-Boxx Tool Storage" »

Posted by Jay A. at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Both of these new Dremel Multi-Max Blades are similar in size with the 1-1/8” width & 1-1/4” depth making them the largest strait cutting blades Dremel offers. Both will work on wood but the MM463 has a much more aggressive “Japanese” tooth pattern which would probably be ruined by any metal cutting. The new metal & wood MM462 actually looks more like a metal blade than even the other ¾” wood & metal blade MM422 because of the slightly curved teeth. This would probably be your best bet for copper and non-ferrous metals but still not the right tool for serious metal work. In the package at the store or even the pictures online they look similar but will definitely have a different cutting behavior in your oscillating tool.    

Continue reading "Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Blades MM462 & MM463" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another exciting product launch from the Recent Bosch Media Event was the new line of Routers. The MR23 routers are available in 3 different configurations: Fixed-Base Router MRF23EVS ($227, Ohio Power Tool), Plunge Base Router MRP23EVS ($244, Ohio Power Tool) & the Combo Router Kit MRC23EVSK ($309, Ohio Power Tool). These are expected to be in stores sometime in July but you can pre-order now on Ohio Power Tool to make sure you are the first kid on the block with the new toy. 

Continue reading "Bosch New Line of 2.3HP Routers – MRC23EVSK " »

Posted by Jay A. at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After a 2 day adventure to Bosch Tools North American home office in Mount Prospect, Il it is hard not to still be excited about all the cool new stuff coming. So many new products to such a wide range of fields from woodworking to concrete to metal working to cordless and so on. Maybe they put something in the water but it was very impressive to see so much innovation from just 1 year ago. We will work hard to get several posts up over the next few weeks, in the mean time we will do our best to focus on thing at a time.

Starting at the top, the Crown Jewel of the event would have to be the new Axial-Glide 12” Miter Saw GCM12SD. Available shortly at Ohio Power Tool with a current target price of $699; although no official dates on when these will hit the shelves... we are hoping soon! Of course the new Bosch GCM12SD will share/improve upon some of the great features on the current Bosch 12” Miter 5312 ($590, Ohio Power Tool) including upfront controls and built-in material support extensions.

As you can see in the pictures (more in this 32 Pic Album) the slide arm is the biggest innovation here but if you look close it is actually 2 arms working together, one on X and other on the Y axis. This mechanism is an extremely sturdy feat of engineering, and my last reservations were cleared away when the Bosch product manager started swinging a 2x4” at it like Mark McGwire in ‘98. The bearings are also sealed so no matter how much saw dust or debris gets on the arm, the travel will not become jerky unlike other slide saws where the rails are exposed.

Another great benefit an event like this offers is to have all the competitors’ latest & greatest models in one place to inspect and test alongside the Bosch. It takes great confidence in your products to set up a demo like that and while there were no price tags on the units it was pretty obvious the Bosch offered a clear advantage over the competition in terms of depth of work area used. For more details on the new Axial-Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD read the full Bosch Press Release below.

Continue reading "Bosch 12” Axial-Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD" »

Posted by Jay A. at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.    

Posted by Jay A. at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Several months ago the Bosch 5 point GPL5C ($299, Ohio Power Tool) hit the shelves and has been fairly popular. However since people are not used to using dot lasers with cross lines it can be hard to justify the price difference from the Bosch 5 point GPL5 ($199, Ohio Power Tool). A few days ago Bosch released the view below which should help determine if the cross line is going to be a time saver for you or not but in most cases it should be well worth it. See the full line of Bosch Laser Levels at OhioPowerTool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 07:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is some interesting information on the AngLevel which looks like a multi-tool for leveling, measuring and finding miter angles. There is a pretty Cool Tools video below which highlights some of the features. The price is $40 which seems pretty good although haven’t had my hands on one to see if it’s well made or junk. You can buy them direct from www.toplineinnovations.com.  More information and specs are below the video.

Continue reading "AngLevel Measuring, Leveling, Miter Finding Multi-Tool" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bosch is very well known for their high quality benchtop table & miter saws however the higher quality often times warrants a higher price. The new Bosch 5312 ($590, Ohio Power Tool) aims to be the exception by providing the same high quality saw but at a reduced cost. This new unit is very similar to the Bosch 5412 ($699, Ohio Power Tool) but without some of the non-essential features. In comparing the 5312 vs 5412 you will find the same great 15amp motor, upfront controls, 40” extended length, same large cut capacity, same quality manufacturing, double fence slide and same overall tool weight. The only notable differences in the two models are that the 5312 does not have the rotating handle, no softgrip, slightly shorter cord, no repetitive stop, the blade wrench is "basic" not a combination socket and the clamp is a vertical quick clamp not a “quick-action” clamp.

All these changes sound ok if it adds up to over $100 in savings and you still get basically the same legendary performance of the Bosch 5412. The new model 5312 puts the Bosch 12” slide miter back in the competition mix with a price point below the new 4-Pole Slide Makita 12” Miter LS1216L ($692, Ohio Power Tool) which has made a big splash here recently.

If you have any questions on Bosch Tools contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or sales@ohiopowertool.com and they will be happy to assist you with any Power Tools, Parts or Accessories you may have questions about.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

MOUNT PROSPECT, IL - This spring, the Dremel® brand is unplugging high-performance corded rotary tool technology and, for the first time, making it portable in the new Dremel 8200 cordless rotary tool (see ToolSnob.com Full Review). The tool combines the best of both worlds -- the performance of a corded tool and the convenience and flexibility of a cordless tool -- making it ideal for outdoor or on-the-go projects that require cutting, sanding, grinding, carving, engraving, routing, cleaning, polishing and more.

"As the market leader in rotary tools, the Dremel brand wants to deliver the high level of performance our users have come to rely on in a corded tool, but in a cordless package that gives them the freedom and range needed to complete any do-it-yourself, woodworking or hobby project," said Brian Benes, Dremel product manager. "Thanks to continued innovations in technology and insightful feedback from Dremel enthusiasts, we believe the Dremel 8200 is unlike any other cordless rotary available -- it's better."

Continue reading "Dremel 8200, Next Generation Cordless Rotary Tool" »

Posted by Jay A. at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Several years back a funny little 10.8v cordless drill hit the market from Bosch and at first people were not sure what to make or it (see our 2007 post Ain’t No Kids Toys). Fast forward to 2010 and the compact cordless tool category has exploded with tons of exciting new tools in the 10-12 volt range for home owners and professionals alike.

The new PS21-2A ($129, Ohio Power Tool) is the 3^rd version of the Bosch Pocket Driver and is available now, along with the 3/8” chuck drill/driver PS31-2A ($143, Ohio Power Tool). These next generation tools are built solid and no longer looked at as the “small tool” additions to the arsenal but more as replacements for some tried and true 14.4v and 18v tools. Both of these tools have plenty of torque to hang cabinets or even help build the occasional deck. At the same time the light weight design and 20+ clutch settings make it a nice tool for delicate jobs like working on computer boxes or assembling different items which can definitely be awkward with an 18v drill.

Testing the PS21-2A

When I pulled the PS21-2A out of the box the first reaction was honesty, did they really need to redesign the whole tool just to shave an inch or so off the nose. It turns out the smaller compact design is just a nice bonus but the real reason it got an overhaul is the guts. The new Pocket Driver has 265 in lbs of torque where the first generation had 80; it also now has 2 speeds like a real driver should. This new generation also gets new batteries which “pack a little more punch” (BAT412 instead of BAT411) but either battery works on new or older tools. See this photo album for 20+ pictures from the test.

To test out the tool, that was provided for us, we simply stacked (3) 2”x4” and started screwing them together. First drove 10 large exterior 3.5” screws, then 50 standard 3” screws, then another 30 2” square drive (used the Bosch P2R2 bit which works splendidly with both square & phillips). After 90 screws the entire board was full and still plenty or juice left so to really test the torque and clutch went back over all 90 screws to see how far into the wood the screws could be driven. Basically hitting max torque 90 times in a few minutes, at which point you might expect some overheating but was not a problem for this tiny tool even with my other hand basically covering the entire tool. It finished that task and still had a little juice left but was pretty much fading out. With a few breaks to snaps pictures and find some more loose nails it took about 30 minutes to kill the battery at which point the 2^nd battery was fully charged ready to roll again. I am pretty confident in most real life situations the battery would be good for an hour or more of constant use and easily last all day with occasional use.

It is safe to say the new PS21-2A blows away the competition in the 12V compact driver category. However the short fall with the Bosch 12V Max line of tools does not come from any one of their tools but more with the depth of the line. With a head start as the creators of the category you would expect they would have the most tools in their lineup but that is definitely not the case. The Milwaukee M12 line for instance now sports over 20+ tools, many specific to professionals but lots of versatility throughout the line. If that is not a concern in your world and you are just looking for the best possible driver or 3/8” drill, Bosch may very well be your choice.        

Currently if you purchase the PS21-2A you can get a Free PS20B (Gen 2 Pocket Driver tool only), battery (BAT411 not the BAT412 it comes with) or LED flashlight, with a mail in rebate. Also you can still take advantage of the Free Shipping deal from Ohio Power Tool until the end of March by using the coupon code MARCH at checkout or calling in and mentioning the Free Shipping promotion.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A friend of ours is in the business of sourcing wood and it definitely seems like an interesting job. Some of their wood comes from old barns in and around Ohio and gets repurposed into floors, furniture, raw stock, beams, whatever. A visit to a local Mexican restaurant, currently under construction, which is using a lot of their raw stock wood really gave us a good idea how unique some of their product is. If you have any projects coming up and you’re looking for say 16” wide floor planks or antique looking wood stock, get a hold of Tom at Old West Woods he’ll fix you up. It can also be a very environmentally friendly way to use real wood that's a good quality. If you want to see more pictures and projects you can also checkout their Facebook page, which some of you may have already done because they have 2,900+ fans.   

Posted by Jay A. at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Jay A. at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bosch NailKiller Auger Bits (In-stock now at ohiopowertool.com) newly developed auger bits claim a 900% better lifespan than what is currently in the market today. It also offers a 61% reduction in torque response, vastly improving the user experience. I had a chance to see these bits in action at the 2009 STAFDA show, see video below, and they went through nail after nail with no problems. Also it eliminates the need for separate Ship Augers and Spur Augers, available in short 7.5” and Long 17” lengths. Checkout the full Bosch Press Release below.

Continue reading "Bosch NailKiller Augers "Kill" Ship & Spur Auger Bits" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Milwaukee M12 hacksaw 2420-22 ($179, Ohio Power Tool) has been an incredibly popular seller, with the pistol grip it is far more user friendly for 1 hand cutting than your traditional reciprocating Sawzall. Milwaukee has also recently come out with high capacity M12 XC Battery ($79, Ohio Power Tool) which not only give the M12 hacksaw longer runtime but actually gives the tool more power.

Available soon you will have the option of an M18 Hacksaw which will come with either the M18 slim or XC battery. This will be a good addition for those that already have other Milwaukee M18 tools. For many professionals there will be plenty of justification to have both a Sawzall & Hacksaw on the jobsite.

The only difference I can see in the stats is that the M18 has a ¾” stroke vs M12 with a ½” stroke. Otherwise it looks to be the same 0-3000 SPM speed and Quik-Lok keyless blade holder. We will let you know more as these become available.  Checkout the youtube video below:

Posted by Jay A. at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Continue reading "New Milwaukee Sawzalls 6509-31 & 6519-31" »

Posted by Jay A. at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.   

Posted by Jay A. at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Dremel Multi-Max was the most popular power tool of 2009, which is truly an amazing fact. The oscillating tool category is one of the fastest growing and it has become a staple in most tool cabinets, Pro or DIYer. Dremel has some new accessories recently launched with more coming out later this year. If you still aren’t sure all the different applications for the Multi-Max, here are several videos that should cover most of the current accessories.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another outstanding LumberJocks Woodworking Awards event is over. The results are in and it’s time to officially announce the winners. The winning projects were selected from the record breaking 151 total submissions in an online voting held from February 1 to February 7. 252 votes were cast during this period. And here are the winners…

1st: Owenusa - Earthquake Box 
2nd: Rj - Dislplay Table   
3rd: Andy - Eye Candy
4th - 10th: See Here 

Posted by Jay A. at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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...

Posted by Jay A. at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You may remember the 10” Makita LS1016L we took a look at several months ago. This saw added cut capacity while cutting the actual overall tool profile, making it much friendlier to use. I was really impressed at the time and the obvious question was when does the 12” come out? Chris over at Tool-Rank.com  tipped us off today and has all the stats up on his site as well. It looks like it shares many of the innovative features of the 10” but the capacity is obviously larger, up to 8” crown molding (nested). I look forward to getting my grubby little paws on one of these soon because it could be a serious contender for my next miter saw.  

When setting this up there were several guys in and out of the workshop and I heard a couple of comments like, oh yeah I saw that on the infomercial. That was to be expect I suppose however one of the guy had actually said his mother asked if he wanted a Jawhorse for Christmas and if someone’s mom is asking about it for a Christmas present, I’m going to assume all the Coptool.com readers have at least heard about it. Also several other fellow bloggers have already done reviews on this: ToolSnob, HomeFixated (see their video below), Stu’s Shed, LumberJocks, Toolguyd, Toolmonger, etc.

Having seen the infomercial myself it seemed like the Jawhorse could potentially be a very handy piece of hardware however I don’t fully believe anything I see on TV. I just saw the movie Avatar and can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what is CGI. So when this Jawhorse came in the mail I was pleasantly surprised that the box seemed to weigh a ton. Not so heavy you can’t carry it, but beefy metal construction (no plastic) with solid springs. The best way I can describe it would be to say it feels like if it fell off a moving truck I’m pretty confident it would still work fine. It was also fully assembled and set up in seconds, right out of the box. Because there are already so many other reviews on the Jawhorse itself I’m going to dive in on the 2 accessory kits I also had a chance to review. Checkout our 20+ review photos.

Continue reading "Rockwell Jawhorse RK9000 Review with Accessories" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.com  which 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.     

Posted by Jay A. at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

January & February means prime time for industry trade shows, up north things are a little colder, slower and people perhaps have a couple of days to see what’s new in their industry. Here is a quick list of just a few of the shows happening in the next two months.

International Builders Show – January 19-22, 2010

The largest building industry tradeshow in the country! More than 175 education sessions and great keynote speaker! All the top vendors will be there for building supplies, tools, etc with interactive booths and displays. Plus its Las Vegas.

AHR Expo – January 25-27, 2010

This is the world’s largest HVAC&R industry trade show. In Orlando, Fl for 2010 this show is not only a great place to see new products, attend education sessions, network but also has great deals on some of those expensive products from many vendors. This trade show is designed specific for those in the Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration industries. We mentioned the show earlier as the place where Ridgid is planning their 2010 World Premier Product Launch.      

World of Concrete – February 2-5, 2010

The industry's ONLY annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits with the industry's leading suppliers showcasing innovative products and technologies, exciting demonstrations and competitions, a world-class education program, and the information you need to help sustain and grow your business. This show is also another great Las Vegas show, maybe the only place big enough for the indoor/outdoor requirements in February.

The Rental Show – February 7-10, 2010

This show features a wide range of products from heavy construction, light construction/general tool and party/special event products together on one floor, in one continuous hall. The show is also in Orlando,Fl for 2010 and I am just curious who provides all the rental party/special event products for the show.

Pumper & Cleaner Show – February 24-27,2010

In Louisville, Ky for 2010 this show is specific for professionals in septic system installation & service contractors, drain and sewer cleaning & repair contractors, portable restroom operators, industrial maintenance & cleaning contractors, municipal water & sewer system maintenance managers and other related professional.

Obviously there are many more shows throughout the year worth attending however these are just a few in the next 2 months. If you can’t make it but are interested in a particular show I would encourage you to check out the websites. Many have interactive floor plans and a lot of details. Also specific trade publications will attend and do a good job covering the shows with articles and videos (see http://www.forconstructionpros.com/video/).  

Posted by Jay A. at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I have been lucky enough to get to see this new router in action unfortunately the release date has been pushed back a few more months so don't run out and try and get one today. Chances are it might be the middle of 2010 before we can get our hands on the final product. They keep going back and tweeking it so it’ll be perfect when it does finally hit the shelves. The router has been completely rethought from the ground up, with 20+ new innovative features, many of the improvements carefully designed to give better control to the user.

Checkout this editors blog by Glen D. Huey from Popular Woodworking Magazine. This post does a great job of going through the most significant improvements.  

The MR23EVS was also mentioned in the latest issue of Wood Magazine as one of the “Top New Tools for 2010”.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The SpeedSand is the world’s first sanding disc applicator, which is design to hold up to 6 discs and perfectly align your hook and loop sand paper every time. In testing these out they worked very well, the whole package of sanding discs went right on the applicator and it was lined up perfect each time a new disc went on. To be honest up until this point I haven’t ever thought it was difficult to put on a hook and loop pad however they are not always perfectly aligned and I’m also not burning through sand paper packs at a time either.

The SpeedSand applicators are each $9.99 and come in 3 sizes: 5” - 8 hole hook & loop, 5” - 6 hole hook & loop and 6” - 6 hole hook & loop. You can order the SpeedSand directly from their website and visit Ohio Power Tool for all your other sand paper and sanding tools. See the video below to see how simple this product is to use.

Posted by Jay A. at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The great guys over at ToolSnob.com helped us all out by making a handy little chart for the most popular models of oscillating tools and what accessories will work with which tools. The post looks at the adaptors and which tools lock in place vs simply “fit”. It also links to all their reviews on each of the tools which are all pretty comprehensive reviews. I would encourage everyone to take a minute and check it out.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Category: Yin Yang – the dark and the light. Where would one be without the other? Create a project that uses color dark & light (wood, stains, etc.) to convey how contrasts work together to make the whole. When you post your project describe the Yin Yang effect that you created.

Submit your project between January 1st – 31^st

Vote on all the projects between February 1^st -7^th

Prizes include Bench Cookies for top 11 spots and for 1^st place an additional $400 gift card, all from Rockler

Continue reading "LumberJocks.com Winter Woodworking Awards – Yin Yang" »

Posted by Jay A. at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Posted by Jay A. at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unfortunately I don’t have any celebrity friends like David Letterman to do my top 10 list but these are some good gift ideas on Ohio Power Tool for anyone who loves power tools, ranging from $20-$299. Also all of the following items are eligible for the Free Shipping if part of an order over $99. Just use coupon code: TURKEY before December 7^th. All these items are also currently in-stock but can’t promise they won’t run out by the holidays. Checkout the Holiday Specials Page for even more deals from Ohio Power Tool.

10. Hougen RotaCut Metal Drill Kit 11075 - $74

This hole cutter kit includes 7 different size metal drill bits from 5/16” – ¾” which are faster and last 10 times longer than standard twist drill bits. Ideal for any electrician, mechanic, HVAC, metal fabricator or anyone that does any work with metal. These bits work with standard chuck drills found in almost any toolbox.

9. Milwaukee Right Angle Drill Attachment 49-22-8510 - $49

This handy accessory can get you into very tight places and is compatible with any drill that can accept ¼” hex bits from 2.4V to 36V or corded drills. Ideal for driver bits, spade bits, ¼” hex drill bits and many other accessories.

8. Bosch DareDevil Spade Bit Set DSB5013P - $27

Every carpenter, remodeler, handyman or weekend warrior should have a good set of Spade Bits in the tool box but Bosch reinvented the spade bit with the new DareDevil bits. This is a great gift because even if they have some spade bits they will love to upgrade to these.

7. Ingersoll Rand Titanium ½” Impact Gun 2135TiMAX - $249

Probably the sexiest impact gun you could own. This titanium impact wrench is the lightest, toughest, most powerful tool on the market today. Any serious mechanic will love this gun.

6. Lincoln 18V PowerLuber Grease Gun 1844 - $267

Now a cordless grease gun is probably not going to be on most people’s wish lists however for many farmers, mechanics and other service pros this may be the ideal present to see under the tree. The brand spankin new 18V extends the battery life to be able to hand up to 8-10 tubes per battery. This alone can be a huge advantage when out in the field away from the charger.

Continue reading "Top 10 Power Tool Gift Ideas for 2009 Holiday Season" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The original Dremel Multi-Max Kit 6300-01 was one of the most popular tool gifts last holiday season and it’ll probably be a popular gift on many lists this year as well. This season however there is a second option with the Multi-Max 6300-03 ($139). The new kit is basically the same Multi-Max tool but with a longer power cord, larger black case and more blades. The additional blades include two MM422 metal (non-ferrous) & wood, MM500 for grout removal and the ridgid scraper blade instead of the flexible one. A very useful applications I’ve found for these type of oscillating tools is replacing broken tiles using the grout remover blade something I always though should have been included in the kit.  

In addition to the new Multi-Max kit there are also now bulk accessory packs which make it cheaper to buy some of the most popular blades and sandpaper. The new kits include MM80P, MM80W, MM491, MM450B, MM440B, MM422B which are all currently in-stock and available from Ohio Power Tool.         

Posted by Jay A. at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is another tool we got to see in action at the STAFDA show. This Skil saw is specifically designed for use in installing hard wood, engineered & laminate flooring. I imagine it would also be pretty handy for ripping plywood and other sheet materials. Basically it is designed to take the place of a miter saw and table saw on flooring installations. It is also extremely compact and easy to carry around and use right where you are installing your flooring. For a price expected under $200 it’s an easy sell for professionals and DIYers alike. The new Skil Flooring Saw will be in stores soon.       

Posted by Jay A. at 01:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 7^th, 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.  

Posted by Jay A. at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The STAFDA trade show is traditionally where manufacturers come together and solicit current distributors to carry their products thus increasing their overall reach. This show does not have as many product launches as the larger and more end user focused show like the www.BuildersShow.com or www.WorldofConcrete.com but there were some cool new products that were launched or at least that were available to touch and feel for the first time. Many of the larger vendors also had private meetings to unveil future plans and products however those products weren’t ready to launch.

Some of the highlights (more to come):

The Senco Fusion was one of the bigger product launches of the show. They didn’t have any marketing material ready and currently nothing on their website but they did have several working models of the 15 gauge and 18 gauge finishing nailers which I got to try out. These should be available sometime in the first quarter 2010 with other finishers on the way shortly afterwards. The framing nailer they said was in the works but we would not see it anytime soon.        

The Milwaukee 2790-20 JobSite Radio for M12, M18, V18, V28 & NiCds was also at the show along with all the new Milwaukee Test & Measure tools. I have probably already had too many posts on these items already but it was nice to get chance to see them in action and answer a few questions like how can the radio take every kind of battery? Answer 3 different battery slots so probably not going to see any other universal tools coming.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While supplies last, at Ohio Power Tool you can get a Free 3^rd Battery instantly with the purchase of the CLPK40-180 ($475) or the CLPK50-180 ($550) combo kits. The CLPK50-180 is actually the CLPK40-180 kit with the Impactor 25618B, but for only $75 more it’s one great deal. The free 3^rd battery ships right away with your tool (no mail-in rebates) and is the light weight slimpack BAT609 ($77) which is great for the light, impact, and many uses of the hammer drill. Bosch is also the only major tool brand that allows any of the 18V tools to work with both the slimpack or fatpack batteries.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 22^nd 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 & 3^rd 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.         

Posted by Jay A. at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Where this new drill really shines is in compact spaces, with a head length of only 3-3/4” this drill can get into places most other tool can’t with the versatility of using a 3/8” chuck. The M12 right angle drill also features a built-in LED work light, battery gauge and extended paddle switch.  Check out all the Milwaukee M12 tools at Ohio Power Tool.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mount Prospect, Ill. – When it comes to simplicity, reliability and value, there is no substitute for a high quality corded drill. The new 1006VSR 3/8” Drill from Bosch Power Tools & Accessories delivers everything a great corded drill should and does it in a lighter, more ergonomic and more powerful package.

While the tough 6.3 Amp motor performs in even the most demanding applications, the variable-speed, two-finger trigger enables users to manage that power with authority. With the ability to dial in speed from 0-2,600 RPM, the result is precise control and incredible versatility.

Although the 1006VSR is a leader in the power department, users will also appreciate the tool’s light weight. At only 3.4 lbs, Bosch’s 1006VSR offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. The light weight, great balance, two-finger switch and a newly re-designed soft grip handle all add up to create a drill that offers users all-day comfort.

The 1006VSR features a 3/8” keyless chuck for quick and easy accessory changes and a recessed lock-on switch to prevent accidental lock-on. A durable belt clip frees up hands for other tasks. Inside the tool, upgraded components offer outstanding durability and reliability.

The 1006VSR will sell for $59 and will be available soon at www.OhioPowerTool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Devon Palmer is a local woodworker whose studio is only a few blocks away from us in the www.junctionviewstudios.com (Checkout the ArtShow this weekend).  Primarily he makes bowls, vases, platters, goblets and other ornamental sculptures.  Clearly the Lathe is his preferred machine of choice and over the years he has gotten extremely talented at using it to create amazing works of art.  On his website www.devonpalmer.com he states that after the initial creation of a piece it can take up to 3 years to finish it, to ensure stability.  In an effort to keep his work as Green as possible, he tries to use only locally sourced fallen wood so nothing needs to be chopped down or imported.  I caught this YouTube video the other day and wanted to give some props to a local artisan who supports some of the same local groups we do.

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

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.      

Posted by Jay A. at 04:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just got done reading a great review, up now on www.toolsnob.com, which spent 3+ months review the new Bosch 18v cordless Impactor. It looks and sounds like this tool was really put to the test including ladder drops and many other abuses.

My only complaint with the review was it states that the Impactor with (2) slimpacks starts at $250 (Amazon) but the ad on the top of their own site says you can get the Bosch 18v Impactor, Compact Drill/Driver & (2) slimpack batteries CLPK23-180 for $219 (Ohio Power Tool). Check out all the Bosch 18V Tools with some really great special pricing on Ohio Power Tool.    

Posted by Jay A. at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Exactly one year ago today we did a simple comparison post on some new oscillating tools coming out from Dremel and Bosch that would compete directly with the Fein Multi-Master. See Some Fein Looking Tools – Bosch PS50 & Dremel Multi-Max 9/9/08. Since then this post has held strong as our most viewed post ever. I wanted to take a second to revisit the post and perhaps add some more related links, photos & insight now that these tools have been around the block a few times.

Since the original post we added several YouTube Videos (See Below) as well as some additional posts for Bosch PS50 Accessories and Dremel Multi-Max Accessories as well as found some great post on other blogs including this post on toolsnob, one of the best I’ve seen.

Just for good measure I snapped twenty or so more pictures of these two tools and put them in this Facebook Album. Some of the points I was trying to highlight in the added photos would include the difference in size and shape, often people think the Dremel is larger but in fact the Bosch is slightly longer. The difference in Cases, the Bosch is a clear winner here. Also a few pictures of the vents, both of these tools can get hot but the Dremel is often run continuous for longer amounts of time and can get really hot. The Bosch being cordless is less equipped to run continuously so it often has at least a minute or so to cool during battery changes. One guy I spoke with who runs the Dremels all day long actually uses two Multi-Max and puts different attachments on each and use each for 20-30 minutes then switches to the other which saves him time from switching blades but also give the tools time to cool.  

The accessories are also more substantial on the Bosch; in general the Dremel accessories are smaller, thinner metal but less expensive. The sanding pads do work interchangeably but you can see in this photo the Bosch sanding pads are slightly larger. Also you will see in this picture the Bosch adaptor which allows you to use Dremel or Fein blades as well. The Dremel is pictured with a simple washer because this is what we have found many of the tradesmen using so they could use the more substantial Bosch blades with the corded Dremel tool. Funny thing is I didn’t tell them to do this (legal disclaimer: nor would I ever suggest anyone ever alter a tool or make their own adaptors for any tool or accessory ever) but amazingly several different heavy users of these tools came up with the idea on their own. Obviously end users are going to figure out work arounds, manufacturers should accept that and make things easier on everyone.

If you are looking for Dremel Multi-Max ($99) or Bosch Multi-X PS50-2A ($179) PS50-2B ($199) or any of their oscillating tool accessories; Ohio Power Tool keeps all these tools and accessories in stock and able to handle quantity orders.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Currently (until the end of the month or while supplies last) at Ohio Power Tool you can pick up Milwaukee Hole Saw Kits for some significant discounts. These kits include Ice Hardened & Big Hawg Kits: 10 piece electrician ($55), 10 piece plumber ($54), 15 piece general purpose ($93), 7 piece Big Hawg ($70) & 15 piece Big Hawg ($123). Also if you purchased 2 kits before August 31^st you can also get a free 3^rd kit with this Milwaukee Mail-in Rebate. If you have any questions about the kits or any other holesaws as always feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.   

Posted by Jay A. at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For a limited time at Ohio Power Tool you can pick up one of the new Milwaukee M12 2410-22 drill/drivers with the 3/8” metal chuck and get a free Power Port 2349-20 ($149 total). This is an instant promotion, no mail-in rebates but supplies are extremely limited. The Power Port is an incredibly convenient little device to have; it can charge a dead cell phone, camera, ipod or other small devices using a car charger or USB. Read reviews on the Power Port from ToolMonger & ToolSnob they both seem to really like it and everyone loves the 2410-22 drills. The reviews we have been getting back from users on these new M12 Drills have been really strong and that is from professional electricians, plumbers, contractors, etc.

The 2410-22 with free Power Port can also be applied towards the Free Shipping promotion which lasts all August and can be applied to any Milwaukee Tools. If you have any questions about any Milwaukee Tools contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com they are happy to help.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Drill Doctor has been around for several years and claim over 3 million units sold so even before I got my hands on the unit I was thinking this product was more than just a gimmick and that it would work as advertised. The unit I had to test was the Drill Doctor DD750X which is the top of the line “professional” model that you can buy online for $139-179. The company that makes the Drill Doctor also makes the WorkSharp, which we also reviewed several weeks ago.  

Getting Started

The unit comes with a nice hard plastic case which stores all the components of the drill doctor. I would imagine most of the time the drill doctor will stay in the workshop and not be something you need to take to a jobsite or transport around but it’s still a nice feature. Getting started was fairly simple and self explanatory. On the top of the Drill Doctor is a bit alignment tools. You put the drill bit in the chuck, loosely and then place the chuck in the alignment device. Open the bit clamps push the bit in and close the clamps. The clamps align the drill bit perfectly to your specifications, however the only slot for the chuck that is marked in 118 degrees. If you need 135 or some other angle for the bit there are multiple slots however none are marked. In the book it says each slot is about 10 degrees (left +, right-) which means you couldn’t hit 135 exactly anyway with the alignment tool. Once you align the bit, tighten the chuck down and the bit should be set. On the actual grinding port there is another adjustment gauge and this time there are 118 and 135 degree marked settings. I set it to 118 because that was the only way I knew the alignment and grinding would be the same. At that point you simple put the bit in and turn clockwise. Always use even number of half-turns with light pressing. A rough idea for how many passes it will take would be: 3/32” 2-4 turns, 1/8” 4-6 turns, 3/8” 16-20 turns. It’ll depend on how worn out the bits are but if you check the bit every few full passes you will see how much old material is left.

Working All the Angles       

I had a bunch of old bits to sharpen of all sizes. These were all sizes, angles and different types of bits including a few carbide masonry bits. The instruction manual did have some really good information on identifying bits & angles, checking for wear problems and understanding what to look for to know your bit has been correctly sharpened (i.e. undersplit & oversplit). The 118 degree bits were first and went very smoothly. I tested out the MTO (Material Take Off) control on the alignment guide and could see the difference of how aggressive the grinding was; a feature only on the 750X model. I tried a ½” bit which told 20+ passes to get sharp, if you are planning to mainly do larger bits I would recommend switching the grinding wheel to the 100 grit (sold separately). When trying to sharpen the 135 degree bits I ran into the problem of not being able to align the bits exactly. When sharpening I could tell I was charging the angle of the bit, to what I’m sure but when it was all done they were sharp and worked good. It is also ok to make a 135 degree into a 118 degree bit it just takes a few extra grinds and you may need to take it out to realign once or twice. I tried this on two different sized bits and it worked great as well. When it comes to the carbide masonry bits… don’t rotate. Just “plunge” the bit in once on each side, I ruined the first bit and probably took some life off the grinding wheel. The second masonry bit I did worked much better.

Keep it Clean

As you sharpen your bits there is a lot of metal dust created. This will wear down the grinding wheel. Every few bits you should clean out some of the metal particles. Another option is hooking up a standard 1” vacuum to the grit tube which will such out the dust, extending the life of the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel itself should last for about 200 sharpenings. It is also recommended to turn the grinding wheel around after 100 sharpenings to maximize grinding ability. New wheels are $20, not bad for $.10 a sharpening.

Overall

I was very happy with the Drill Doctor overall with the one frustration that I couldn’t align the 135 degree bits exactly. For my purposes not a big deal but for some craftsman out there, that might be very particular about this, it could be an issue. I found the 135 degrees that were made into 118 degree bits worked just fine. Considering these were all pretty dull and within an hour there were dozens of sharp bits that worked great I would say overall this product works great.      

More photos available in this Facebook Album   

Posted by Jay A. at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.  

Milwaukee Tools - Bosch Tools - Ridgid Plumbing Tools

Posted by Jay A. at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently Campbell Hausfeld introduced a new line of air nailers (www.chnailers.com) as well as a new line of air compressors (www.chcompressors.com) primarily aimed at the DIY market. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to test out the 15 gauge Finish Nailer CHN706000 which will retail for around $139 at your local home center.

Out of the Box

Well I was not terribly impressed by the packaging for this tool, there is a pikaboo window which is probably unnecessary and the inside was a thin plastic shell with twist ties holding the tool in place. It reminded me of opening a GI Joe toy when I was little which was kind of cool from a nostalgia point of view but didn’t give me super high hopes for the tool. Also the nailer requires 2 AAA batteries and **batteries not included, again another flash back to childhood but in this trip there was no childhood glee. Not that it's important, if the lower packaging costs are what keep the price down super, put it in a plain brown box I wouldn't care. Eventually I found some batteries and we were good to go.

New Technology

All the new CH nailers have some new/adapted technology incorporated into them. The CHN70600 finish nailer has the most added technology of the new nailers including laser pointer, low nail warnings and even a stud finder. This seemed like a lot of technology, before I ever got my hands on it and to be honest I’m still not convinced it is necessary. The laser pointer works great but when you line the nailer up it’s only about an inch away from the work surface. It’s right in the middle of the tiny window in the shoe and you can even push the nose against the wood before pulling the trigger to get it super lined up without the laser. The low nail warning also works fine but you can see the cartridge with the nails going down. The nailer also has Anti-Dry Fire feature which locks up when you are almost out of nails which is a much better feature and seems like it would neglect the need for the warning lights. Finally the stud finder, which is hanging on by a thin piece of plastic below the no-mar tip, was tested. At first I didn’t think it even worked and then read the directions to figure out how to calibrate it. Once calibrated the stud finder worked pretty accurately although since it hangs it wasn’t totally flat against the wall so I found myself pushing the stud finder plate against the wall with my free hand which made this job a two handed operation. Also I’m left handed and the stud finder trigger is set for right handers. I am still wondering about the speaker on the left side of the tool which beeps when it finds a stud. With sawdust, drywall and everything else on a jobsite is that speaker going to hold up?

Low Tech Improvements

If all the electronics weren’t enough there are some other technological improvements that don’t involve laser beams. There is a small level on the back on the nailer, and when I say small I mean tiny. I’m not really sure how necessary a level is on a finish nailer anyway but it is not easy to read. It was fine outdoors but inside it became much harder to read and typically you will be inside with a finish nailer. A low tech feature which I thought was a real good idea was the swivel air hose connector which seems obvious to put on a tool like this as it is more comfortable, convenient and allows the hose to hang in a more natural fashion which I think would result in less malfunctions with the air inlet in general.

Most Important – How Does It Work as a Nailer

Like when you get a new iPhone with all the bells and whistles where you can stream video from NASA astronauts but can’t make a phone call across the street. I think the most important question to answer is how does the Finish Nailer work as a Finish Nailer?  Overall I have to say I was very impressed with the how the tool works for what it is intended, and really isn’t that most important. The tool feels well constructed, the nail depth adjuster helps set the proper nail depth and loading the nails was very easy. I did find at 70 psi (minimum) I wasn’t getting the nail to get all the way through the wood and drywall every time however at 90 psi it worked beautifully every time. The tool can operate in “sequential mode” or “bump mode” which allows you to hold down the trigger and nails to fire when the nose is compressed. I didn’t have any nail jams while using the tool but clearing a jam seemed pretty strait forward to fix with the easy to open latch on top of the tool that exposes where you would have a jam.  

Overall

I think overall this is a real nice nail gun for the price. The swivel plug, adjustable exhaust, ADC nail depth adjuster and Anti-Dry Fire are all real nice features for any nailer. I personally don’t think some of the electronic features were necessary and could see running out of batteries, never replacing them and still think it’s a good tool. I get that a lot of the added electronic features on the tool give a less experienced user more confidence in what they are doing. The lasers and stud finders will sell more tools and probably will hold up fine to occasional use by a DIYer over the next several years. I will say I would look at these features completely different if this tool was going into stores like Ohio Power Tool to sell to professionals than I do knowing the tool is made for the DIY shoppers at the Depot Center. Can I see these features ever making it onto pro tools, nope. 

The tool has been donated to the www.ColumbusIdeaFoundry.com (thank you Campbell Hausfeld) where it has already begun taking abuse and will certainly get used for everything it was never intended. I will update down the road several months on the long term performance of this tool, stay tuned.      

Posted by Jay A. at 09:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The New 10” Miter Saw from Makita LS1016L is now available and I was lucky enough to get a chance to demo this unit. I had seen different marketing and press information on this unit and to be honest I had pretty high expectations when I finally got my hands on it.

Freakin Laser Beams

The unit I had was the LS1016L, which I am assuming the L is for Laser. Makita did some nice things here where they put a micro adjust on the handle, so you can control if you want the laser on the cut edge or left or right. They also put an on/off switch so you can simply turn it off, brilliant. Let’s spend no more time debating lasers usefulness and simply turn it off if you don’t want to use it.

Sliding Rail System

By having 2 pairs of independent rails, this 4 rail slide system is incredibly compact and does not require a huge work area behind the saw. I tested this unit out on an outdoor workbench behind the shop which would be way to shallow for any other sliding miter saws. This also makes the saw much more compact for travel and easier to carry around. Total weight out of the box is only 52lbs, so that also helped make it easier to lug around. Also either set of rails can also be locked if you don’t need all that travel. Each rail features 6 linier ball bearing and while I’m not sure what other saws have I can tell you the sliding motion on the Makita is exceptional smooth and very sturdy. 

Working the Angles

The one touch miter locking system is very clever and easy to use. There are the standard set positions but it is also incredibly easy to lock the saw into any other measurement simply by letting up on the trigger once you have it in position. It does a real nice job of holding the angle, even before you tighten it down. The scale has also been moved to the front, where it should be. The bevel angle is also very easy to adjust using the large rear handle which is very accessible from either side of the saw. The 4-3/4” dual sliding fence features a top and bottom adjustment on either side to really get the perfect support when making beveled cuts.

Making the Cut

This is a of course a 10” saw but is has some features that make it work as good as or even better than a 12” in some cases. The clearance height allows for 4-3/4” vertical clearance or 6-5/8” nested, for crown moldings. The powerful 15 amp motor is angled and out of the way for a clear line of sight on the work surface. The slide action allows for the LS1016L to cut a full 12” wide cross cut at 90 degrees. The electronic speed control maintains the 3,200 RPM speed under load and the Soft Start feature made it very smooth to operate.

Added Touches

Some additional features that make the Makita saw easy to operate are the little extras like the vertical clamp. This clamp can easily be moved around to several fixed locations on the saw and you do not need to secure it to the saw in anyway. As you tighten the clamp to the material it automatically tightens itself to the saw. I could lift the whole saw by the clamp but the second you loosen the material, the clamp is again free to move to another location on the saw. Also I thought it was pretty cool that they made the work surface 4.5”, the exact height of 3 stacked 2”x4”. So for about $2 you can make yourself an extended work supports in a pinch.

Conclusion

Overall the Makita DXT 10" Miter Saw LS1016L lived up to my high hopes. I was really impressed by the quality of production with the heavy base and just an all around solidly built tool. This has got to be one of the best 10” miter saws on the market today and could hold its own against many 12” saws. Priced at $589 on OhioPowerTool.com, which is very reasonable for a professional quality miter saw like this.

Posted by Jay A. at 06:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The new SawStop 10" Professional Table Saw is the saw you might have seen on TV or around the internet which has an electronic sensor that can detect if one of your beloved body parts should make contact. The blade will instantly stop, saving your finger, arm, leg or hotdog (see video below). If you are interested in taking home this $2899 amazing piece of technologically advanced equipment for say nothing, you might want to spend a few minutes and register for the Popular Woodworking & Woodworking Magazine Contest. 

Continue reading "Win a SawStop Table Saw from Popular Woodworking" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Mount Prospect, Ill., July 14, 2009 – Bosch Power Tools & Accessories made a stir earlier this year when the company entered the pneumatic fastening category and introduced Full Force Technology, one of the most significant innovations in the category in 30 years. This month, finish carpenters, remodelers, woodworkers, cabinet makers and other users will get their first chance to test drive the new product lineup when three Bosch finish nailers and an 18-gauge stapler begin hitting retail shelves nationwide. Each of Bosch’s new finish tools also includes a tool-less selectable trigger, to enable users to switch between bump and sequential modes of operation. The convenient tool-less Quick Clear jam removal system is also standard. All of the tools come complete with a sturdy carrying case, safety glasses and the no-mar tip.

Bosch’s new finish tools are currently available through authorized Bosch retailers nationwide. Additional Bosch pneumatic fastening products are slated to become available in the next few weeks.

Posted by Jay A. at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Continue reading "Work Sharp WS2000 Tool Sharpening Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Milwaukee 2410-22 have been shipped and those that pre-ordered from Ohio Power Tool should be receiving their orders starting today. I thought it would be a good opportunity to take a few pictures and compare the sizes and some of the features verse the 12V Bosch PS30-2A, currently the most popular compact drill/driver.

The Milwaukee is only slightly smaller than the Bosch which I had actually thought it would be even smaller yet, side-by-side. I do like the feel of the metal chuck on the Milwaukee and it has a battery gauge, which the Bosch does not. Also I like the fact that the Milwaukee stands up on the base; for some reason the Bosch is just unbalanced enough that it can’t. The Milwaukee case is the traditional red hard plastic case while the Bosch uses a smaller soft case.  The batteries for these two lines are almost identical but obviously not compatible and the LED lights on the tools are about the same. The full spec comparison is on the previous 2410-22 vs PS30-2A post, I just though it would be nice to get some photo side-by-sides out there as well.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I recently had the pleasure to visit Eric at his home and see where some of the Milwaukee Tools from Ohio Power Tool end up. By day a mild-mannered CPA, after hour a man of many talents equipped with the latest Heavy Duty gear. Some of his Milwaukee tools include: Right Angle Drill, Super Sawzall, Jig Saw, 7-1/4” Circular Saw, ½” Drill, Orbital Sander, M12 Drill/Driver, V28 Hammer Drill, 2-1/4” Router Kit, Radio, M12 M-Spector, M12 Hackzall, M18 Compact Drill, M18 Impact Driver, most of the accessory kits and currently waiting on some of the new 9” Diamond Grit Sawzall Blades. While his setup was cleaned up for the visit, he does keep all the tool kits and accessory kits on the wall as you see here. Eric said it keeps everything out of the way, maximizing space and when he needs a couple tools for a project everything is right at his fingers to grab and go. He has had many tools over the years but fell in love with the Milwaukee 7-1/4” circular saw he received as a gift several years ago, really impressed with how well it stood up he bought another Milwaukee and another. Now he doesn’t even consider buying another brand if Milwaukee makes a similar tool.    

Some of his recent projects include finishing the basement I was in, a real nice job by the way, adding a deck out back, finishing the garage and currently working on an IPE Wood deck at his father’s house.  He is also a bit of a mechanic and did some nice work on a 1991 Mustang 5.0 which he sold earlier this year. Another thing that really impressed me was his Ingersoll Rand compressor set up which can be used in the basement next to the workbench but he also ran a line and hookup in the garage, it is a nice system, I’m jealous.

Thanks again Eric, for letting me come over and checkout the digs. For all your Milwaukee Tool needs visit www.OhioPowerTool.com. Currently there are some amazing deals for Free Tools with the M12 & M18 lines but they end June 30^th so get your orders in this weekend!      

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

Continue reading "Sharpening Your Tools & Accessories, Just Got Easier" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 

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.         

Continue reading "Bosch Mid-Range Litheon Cordless Impactors" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I know you probably have not been waiting on the edge of your seats in anticipation for new driver bit technology to hit the street but the new Bosch P2R2 bit is a pretty nice addition. It works extremely well on both Phillips P2 and Robertson R2 (square drive) screws, saving the time and frustration of switching bits, loosing bits and/or digging in the tool box for the other bit. We have already put these bits to the test and the shop guys said they pass the test, which doesn’t always happen. The bits are a few pennies more but for the convenience and time savings very much worth it.  

We continue to be impressed with Bosch's constant innovation to simple accessories were you couldn't imagine seeing anything new. The P2R2 bits will be available around Mid June; you will be able to order them shortly on Ohio Power Tool in packs of 15, 1” bits for $4.43.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You may have read about the new Campbell Hausfeld nailers in a recent post on http://www.toolsnob.com but I though we might touch on it as well because there are some interesting features with these new nailers. Here are some of the high points:

- Low Nail Indicator Light – A light on the gun turns yellow when there are less than 10 nails and red when there are less than 5 nails.
- Quick Clean Latch – An easy tool-free way to clear out gun jams.
- Bubble Level – Horizontal & vertical to eliminate blow-out and increase fastening strength and stability.
- Laser Pointer Placement – A laser dot indicates exactly where the nail is going to go.
- Built-in Stud Finder – The finish nailer (15 gauge) has a build in light that indicates when the gun is over a stud.

Some other features include oil-free operation, swivel air inlets, tethered no-mar tips and Anti-dry fire to keep from damaging wood. These all sound great and I know the CH pricing is going to be targeting the economically minded. How important are some of these “new technology” features to many professionals? My guess would be not a fraction as important as strait up durability and some of these features might be looked at as just another thing that’s going to break and take the gun out of commission for several days/weeks while its getting repaired. In general features like lasers and built-in stud finders, I think sometimes can actually hurt a product in the pro market.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check out the latest contest from Skil Power Tools. One thing I really like about this contest is that there are lots of prizes to win if by chance you don’t get to drive off with the grand prize Big Dog Chopper. If you have a pretty good story and picture about using your Skil saw you stand a pretty decent shot at walking away with at least a $50 visa card or New Worm Drive SKILSAW, 35 total 2nd and 3rd place prizes. If you don’t have a good story, you still have until August 1st to come up with something. Also the website looks great, defiantly worth checking out even if you don’t have a Skil saw.   

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.

Posted by Jay A. at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 
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.   
        

Continue reading "Bosch Multi-Construction Hammer Drill Bits Go through Everything!" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Renting vs Buying

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.    

Posted by Jay A. at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Milwaukee M12 Tools – Mail-in Rebate (until 4/30/09)
M-Spector w/free MicroDriver - $249
M12 Micro Driver - $116
M12 Impact Driver - $179
M12 Copper Tube Cutter - $219
M12 Hackzall - $179

Bosch 12V Max Tools – Instant Rebate (While Supplies Last)
PS10 i-Driver - $139
PS20 Pocket Driver - $114
PS30 Drill/Driver - $147
PS40 Impactor - $159
PS50-2A Multi-X - $179
PS50-2B Multi-X - $199

Milwaukee V28 Tools: - Instant Rebate (While Supplies Last)
V28 4 Tool Combo Kit - $699
V28 3 Tool Combo Kit - $576
V28 Hammer Drill - $419
V28 Right Angle Drill - $389
V28 SDS Rotary Hammer - $728
V28 ½” Impact Wrench – 473
V28 Bandsaw - $451
V28 Sawzall - $419
V28 Circular Saw - $419
V28 Metal Circular Saw - $496
V28 Grinder – 348

Bosch 36V Litheon Tools - Instant Rebate (While Supplies Last)
4 Tool Combo Kit CPK42-36 - $549

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.   

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

The Bosch PS50-2A and Bosch PS50-2B have been available for several months now but for if you haven’t picked one up yet for a limited time these include a FREE 3^RD Battery. The FREE battery is actually included with any of the Bosch 12V Max Tools and exclusively from Ohio Power Tool while supplies last. Certain applications of these multi-purpose tools are more battery intensive such as grout removal or sanding and the 3^rd battery will definitely come in handy.

For those of you that are lucky enough to already own a Bosch Multi-X or are looking for some cheaper accessories for your Fein Multi-Master here is a list of all the available Accessories:

Wood Cutting Blades – Perfect for cutting molding, trim, sub floor, cabinets & more.
     
OSC38 – 3/8” Strait Cut - $7.69
OSC34 – ¾” Strait Cut - $8.39
OSC112 – 1-1/2” Strait Cut - $18.89

Bi-Metal Cutting Blades – Great for cutting wood, aluminum, copper, PVC, drywall & more.

OSC38F – 3/8” Strait Cut - $8.39
OSC34F – ¾” Strait Cut - $9.10
OSC312F – 3-1/2” Round Cut - $36.69

Grout Removal Blades – Replace a cracked tile very easily with this accessory. Simply cut out the grout around it and it becomes much easier to remove all at once.
 
OSC312RF – 3-1/2” RIFF Grit - $34.99

Wood & Paint Sanding Paper

There are a wide range of different sand paper grit options please visit the Bosch Multi-X Accessory page to select what you need. Each pack includes either 5 or 6 sheets and range from $2.09 - $2.40.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.     

Posted by Jay A. at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Dremel Multi-Max has received plenty of positive press from tool blogs, forums and national news sources and for good reason. This tool has been a huge success for Dremel, possibly bigger than they expected. It has been eating into Fein sales of the MutiMaster, I haven’t even seen the infomercials recently. One problem for the Dremel however is that it is not yet really compatible with Fein accessories. The Dremel tool does have a good selection of accessories at very affordable prices however they need to add many more and until these are released over the next year, Fein still has some nice specialty attachments not available from Dremel.

The Bosch PS50 Multi-X was smart enough to include an adaptor with every tool which allows them to work with Dremel & Fein accessories. The Bosch PS50, a very well built tool, has been less popular than the Dremel Multi-Max simply because the cordless oscillating market is much smaller than the corded version. Run times for sanding and scraping are pretty low however nothing beats the convenience of cordless for certain jobs. Bosch may also come out with its own corded version within the next year but I have not heard anything official yet.     

If you don’t want to wait until Dremel comes out with an official adaptor, which I’m sure is on the way, you can always make one. Recently I saw a post from a fellow Power Tool Blog on Tool-Rank.com where they make an adaptor from an old Dremel blade. From the pictures you can see the Fein blades fits perfectly over the Dremel mounts but with nothing to hold it in place it just won’t work. An additional washer of the right size could do the job but this keeps everything much more secure and what else are you going to do with a used Multi-Max blade?

Posted by Jay A. at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

We received an interesting product in the mail which I was skeptical of initially but recently became a believer. The product is the Final Cut Saw Sanding Disks. These are sanding disks that can be attached to your saw blades ranging in size from 7.25”-12”. My concern was that the pads might come off or tear and flap around but so far I have not had that problem, the pad really is stuck on there, even after some use. This is a great idea for a table saw but I might be hesitant to put it on my circular saw. I don’t think these would handle PVC or an occasional nail very well, but you may be much easier on your tools than myself. I am a big fan of saving time and making things easier.

The sanding discs fit most standard saw blades from Bosch, Irwin, Milwaukee as well as others. To purchase the final cut sanding disc to attach yourself or their 10” saw blade which already has the sanding disc attached checkout their website at www.finalcutblade.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How unfair… the Germans get all the cool toys before we do. I have no information on this as a US product yet and I’ve already seen everything from Bosch coming out for the first quarter. Hopefully we’ll see this gem at some point in 2009. I translated the stats below with BabelFish, which hopefully is pretty accurate. The blade is 12” (305mm) and at first glance it looks a little odd but the design is ingenious. The blade and motor can easily handle either job and with a few quick adjustments the tool transforms from miter saw to table saw.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

48-32-1500 Milwaukee 38 Piece Quik-Loc Kit - $30.94
This Milwaukee Bit Set is critical to get the most out of your hex shank driver. Many of the new 10.8V-12V compact tools use the hex bit system which can limit the tools use without the right accessories. This kit not only has a wide range of driver bits but also several sizes of drills and impact bits.   

At Ohio Power Tool you can now get great deals on all Dremel tools in-stock. Supplies are limited, so when they are gone that’s it. Dremel tools make perfect gifts for woodworkers, craftsmen or any tool lover. Some of these units are currently at the absolute lowest prices on Google Shopping.

The Dremel Multi-Max 6300-01 (avoid the Big Box 6300-02L) has been a huge seller over the past few month and it will continue through the holidays and beyond. This tool is very handy, has a great price and has been very popular with the tool press along with the other new oscillating tools.

While the oscillating tools have many possibilities obviously you need the right accessories to take full advantage of all that potential. Below is a quick reference for all the Dremel Multi-Max Accessories currently available, hopefully this will help you get the most of your new tool.

MM450 - 3” Wood & Drywall Saw Blade - $8.75
The round saw blade is really great for precise cuts in drywall, plaster and plywood. The MM450 is ideal for cutting openings in walls or floors for venting, repairing damaged floors or installing electrical boxes. Depth of cut is ¾”. One of the most popular blades so far this is included in the 6300-01 kit but not the 6300-02L sold at your local big box store.

MM440 – ¾” Wood Flush Cut Blade - $10.94
This blade is ideal for soft materials such as wood, drywall and plastic. Typical applications for this blade would be cutting doorjams, windowsill or trim work while installing flooring. Depth of cut is 1-1/4” giving it a full ½” over the MM450 or MM422. This is included in the 6300-01 kit.

MM422 – ¾” Wood & Metal Flush Cut Blade - $12.63
Very similar to the MM440 however this blade is also rated to cut non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass or copper. The blade also does a great job of cutting wood, drywall, etc however the depth of cut is only ¾”.

MM411 – 3/8” Wood Flush Cut Blade - $10.10
This blade is identical to the MM440 with a smaller width. Still a good choice for cutting doorjams, windowsill or trim work while installing flooring, this blade is better for the more detailed cuts. Best as a secondary blade.

MM500 – 1/8” Grout Removal Blade - $30.65
Oscillating tools in general have made the task of grout removal so much easier than this has ever been in the past. This blade makes it very easy to cut out and replace a broken tile in minutes. Watch Grout Removal Video. 

MM501 – 1/16” Grout Removal Blade - $30.65
Identical to the MM501 blade except it has a thinner cutting surface. Ideal for smaller grout lines common with smaller tiles or wall applications.       

MM610 – Flexible Scraper Blade - $10.10

MM600 – Rigid Scraper Blades - $10.94
Similar to the MM610 but this blade has an even larger scraping area and as the name would indicate is much more rigid. This blade is a great option for removing vinyl flooring, carpet or tile adhesives which can be particularly difficult to remove.

MM11 – Hook & Loop Pad - $8.75
This pad is included in the 6300-01 kit so you will probably not need a replacement for a little while unless you accidentally loose it of course. It is an important item because it’s required for all sanding and grinding.

MM70W – 60, 120 & 240 Grit Sanding Paper for Wood - $5.24
This sand paper is for direct contact of bare wood, nothing stained or painted. Each pack includes 3 different grit sanding paper to take your raw wood from rough to very fine. One of each of these pads is included in the 6300-01 kits.

MM70P – 80, 120 & 240 Grit Sanding Paper for Paint - $5.24
Each pack includes three levels of sanding paper. The 80 grit is ideal for removing paint. The 120 grit is for sanding primer, removing brush strokes and paint runs or drips. The 240 grit paper is best for final sanding of primers before coating.

MM900 – 60 Grit Diamond Paper for Grinding - $38.52
The Diamond Paper is for rough grinding, shaping and smoothing of masonry, stone, cement, plaster and thin-set mortar. This pad is also good for preparing surfaces for tile replacement and other installations.  

I have been in contact with the nice people at Dremel and it looks like this list will possibly double by the first quarter next year. We can’t wait to see more accessories come out for the Dremel Multi-Max and make this tool even more multi purpose.    

Posted by Jay A. at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

1.      PS50 Bosch Multi-X
Oscillating tools are the most popular tool gift for 2008 holidays. Fein owned the market for several years with their MultiMaster but at $300-400 outside of most people’s budget. Bosch’s new cordless Multi-X expands nicely on their 12v Max line up and is available in 2 models :PS50-2A ($179) & PS50-2B ($199).

2. 2420-22 Milwaukee M12 Hackzall
The new Hackzall is a very cool new tool. Basically a mini version of the popular Sawzall reciprocating saw this tool is great for pros and DIY guys alike. The Milwaukee M12 tool line up has been expanded tremendously and there are combo kits and free tool promotions that make the Hackzall very attractive. Price is $179 on Ohio Power Tool.  

3. 30063 Seesanke MicroExplorer
Probably outside more people’s gift giving price range at $690 the MicroExplorer is an investment. For pros it’s probably one of the best gifts you could give yourself. The inspection camera can record images and videos along with many other features including digital self-leveling.   

4. T308B Bosch Jigsaw
At under $10 per 5 pack these saw blades might make a great stocking stuffer for any woodworker or handyman. Unlike typical jigsaw blades these extra clean cut saw blades leave you wood cuts burr free and practically a finished edge. At only a few cents more per blade who wouldn’t get the T308B jigsaw blades?  

5. 2611-24 M18 2 Tool Combo Kit (free battery)
Milwaukee has long been known for some of the best cordless tools in the market. The new M18 hammer drill puts them well above the competition with 650 lb. torque. For a limited time the hammer drill includes the M18 Impact tool for free ($179 value)! To make the deal even better until Dec 31 Milwaukee is giving a free 3^rd battery (mail-in rebate) with many of the M18 tools, this kit included. Sale price $349.

6. IQv144K IR Cordless Impact, drill, light (free socket set)
Ingersoll Rand, one of the top brands among mechanics, has been known for their air impact tools for quite some time. IR has proven they can also be one of the top brands for cordless tools. The new 14.4v IQv kit includes 2 batteries, 3/8” impact, drill, charger and LED flash light which will run for hours. Price on the kit is $398, for a limited time that also includes a free 3/8” socket set.  

7. 36614-02 Bosch 14.4v Drill (free battery)
Recently Bosch introduced all new 18v and 14.4v lithium tools. These have all been really great performers but the 14.4v Compact Tough drill for $199 has been a real standout light weight drill/driver. These new tools are high quality, made in Switzerland and come with a free 3^rd battery (mail-in rebate) until December 31^st. If you are looking at light weight compact drills it would be hard to look past this one.

Most people are aware the new Dremel Multi-Max tool is out and that you can buy it online but why bother everyone is selling it for around $100 might as well go to the local big box store and pick it up there for about the same price right? Ah but if you read the fine print the 6300-01 model which everyone else on the planet is selling is not the same as the box's 6300-02L (Wonder which store the L could indicate).

The regular 6300-01 kit is pretty lean on accessories in the first place, it comes with the MM610 Scraper, MM440 ¾” wood blade, MM450 3” round wood & drywall blade, MM11 sanding pad with several kinds of sand paper. This is just enough to get started and do a few projects. The 6300-02L looks identical in almost everyway to the 6300-01 except the different model number in the lower left corner. What’s the difference? The difference is the 6300-02L in missing the MM450 3” round blade, the most useful of the accessory in the original kit. The cost for this blade at a big box store $9.95 ($8.75 on OPT) that would make the kit 10% over everyone else price for the Multi-Max tool. I have no problem with the big box stores marking up their products and making bigger margins. They are convenient and you can go there for all sorts of junk and will pay a little more for things but don't lie to us. This is misleading and just plain old fashion shady. The intent from the start was to misrepresent this product as the same as everyone else and most people have no idea just as the box stores planed. If I went into all our 6300-01 kits and stole the MM450 blade then sold them as normal people would call me a thief right.

This happens all the time at the big box stores and nobody really says anything. I couldn’t sleep at night if I mislead and ripped off my customers like this. However that is probably why we have a single location in Columbus, Ohio and the Big Boxes are scouting new store locations on the moon.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We previously reviewed these two tools and even did some comparisons in a YouTube video. My initial though was that they would probably sell pretty evenly as each tool has its advantages. So far however the Dremel has proven to be the favorite of the two selling out almost as quick as they are coming in. The accessories have also been hard to keep in stock. This will be one of the hottest guy gifts for the 2008 holiday season, no question.

The Dremel Multi-Max 6300-01 is the cheaper of the two by almost half at $99. I think that might be the ideal price for most people to make an impulse purchase even if they know little about these oscillating tools.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Until the end of the year you can get free tools from Bosch simply by ordering the accessories you would need anyway. Each $250 increment gets you to the next level of free tools. With a $1000 order you can even get a 4 tool 18v Combo Kit. Yea, a grand is a lot to spend on new Bosch DareDevil Spade Bits or T308B super clean jigsaw blades which have been very popular items recently. However there are lots of accessories that will get you at least to the $250 free grinder pretty quickly. Many of the concrete products such as the SDS Max attachments and Brute hex point chisels add up pretty quickly with any quantity. The Bosch Speedwave Diamond Abrasive Saw Blades are another product which range in price from $59-$114 for the larger 9” blade. These blades work on a worm drive saw or grinders and they do a terrific job of cutting cinder blocks and other hard materials. Bosch batteries of every variety are also included in this offer so if you need to pick up a few extra batteries it can all add up pretty quick.

Ohio Power Tool carries a wide range of Bosch Tools and Accessories. If you have any questions about what Bosch accessories are right for you or if they will work on other models etc, feel free to give us a call 800-242-4424.

Download the PDF Mail-in rebate form here: Bosch Zone Tool Bonus

Posted by Jay A. at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We continued to be amazed at the incredible amount of product development coming from Bosch Accessories. These guys are systematically reinventing all the basic accessories we use everyday and coming out with some really cool new products.

Recently the Bosch Big Blue Team spent the day at Ohio Power Tool and one of the new products that really impressed a lot of people were the DareDevil Spade Bits. Most people don’t think about their spade bits that much and just buy whatever is cheapest at the local big box. The new Bosch spade bits however are almost like a different tool. The DareDevil bit pulls itself through wood without any effort at all which really makes repetitive drilling significantly easier especially at an angle or overhead.

Another patented feature of the DareDevil is the contoured paddle.  This wave-like shape speeds up chip removal, adding to the speed of the bit.  The combination of these two features creates astonishing results.  In independent testing, the DareDevil was 2.4x faster and required 53% less force than the Irwin Blue Groove*. 

It doesn’t end there. While spade bits are not expected to produce anything beyond average hole quality, the DareDevil is not your average spade bit.  The patented spur and reamer design is unique in that it not only scores the wood for a clean entry hole, but also has angled cutting edges that ream the hole for reduced breakout, leaving a cleaner exit hole than any competitive bit.

Ohio Power Tool has the individual DareDevil Bits in-stock with full kits coming in the next few weeks. Watch the YouTube video below and see how much easier the DareDevil goes through wood than the Irwin Blue Groove, the most popular spade bit prior to the Bosch DareDevil launch.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Typically I wouldn’t get that excited about a new jigsaw blade however the T308B is worth a little notoriety. Why? Basically it makes a really nice clean cut in wood. After you use them once it will seem so simple and you will wonder why all the jigsaw blades wouldn’t be made like the Bosch. For only a few cents per blade extra it’s far and away the obvious choice over any other jigsaw blade I’ve ever used on wood.  

Here is a quick YouTube video we had a chance to shoot when we got our hands on the new Bosch and Dremel multi purpose tools. Unfortunately we did not have a lot of time to go through all the features or test the grout remover which I had hoped to try. It will give you a pretty good idea of the size and what it can do. Obviously you can get the Dremel Multi-Max or the Bosch Multi-X (PS50-2A or PS50-2B) at Ohio Power Tool. Let us know if you have any questions about either tool.     

Posted by Jay A. at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We are continuing to be happily surprised with some of Milwaukee’s decisions for launching the new M12 & M18 tools. After launching several Pre-Launch kits which were really great deals and they have committed to start shipping these units next week, although none of us are going to have these in hand tomorrow waiting an extra few days still beats my initial expectations.

The whole deal has just been sweetened greatly, both the M12 & M18 tools receive extra bonus mail-in rebate for free stuff which is also good on all pre-orders that haven’t shipped yet.

Milwaukee M18 – Free XC Battery

View the M18 Mail-in Rebate for full details but basically any single tool kit or combo kit gets a free XC battery (48-11-1828). Models include Hammer Drill 2611-24 (already includes a free impact), ¼” Hex Impact 2650-22, Sawzall 2620-22, Circular Saw 2630-22, 2 Tool Combo 2690-22, 4 Tool Combo 2690-24 & 2691-20. These batteries are selling currently for $119 so it is a really good bonus.

Milwaukee M12 – Free Impact Driver

View the M12 Mail-in Rebate for full details. This deal is if you purchase 2 M12 tool kits you will get a free Impact driver 2450-20 (tool only) for free. These units currently sell for $99. You can mix and match any of the tools listed however the multiple tool combo kits are not apart of the deal. Tools include: Micro Driver 2401-22, M-Spector 2310-21, Hackzall 2420-22, Tube Cutter 2471-22 (or 2471-21) and Impact Driver 2450-22.

Again if you have pre-ordered any of these tools you will be automatically eligible to complete the Mail-in rebates and get your free stuff. If you need to make any adjustments to your order with Ohio Power Tool simply email them and they will be happy to make any adjustments.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Recently we have had some questions about the release of the Bosch 18V Litheon Drills and when the saws and other tools would be available. The answer is they will be available at the same time as the Drills in early October… sort of. The 4 tool combo kit with the hammer drill 17618, circular saw CCS180, reciprocating saw CRS180 and flashlight CFL180 will be here in October. The individual units will however not be available for sale until sometime later, probably next year. Below is the basic info on each tool:  

Hammer Drill 17618

• High torque mode produces over 650 in.-lbs.
  
• High speed mode produces 2,050 RPM, up to 30,750 BPM
  
• Durashield™ Housing & unibody powertrain provide optimum reinforcement to withstand real world conditions
  
• Bosch Litheon™ Batteries - State-of-art Lithium-ion battery technology coupled with Bosch's proprietary ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) system guarantees the optimal performance of tool and batteries even for tough work conditions.
  
• Bosch Litheon™ Batteries - Designed for maximum cyclelife, minimum self-discharge and no memory effect
  
• 1/2" Metal Chuck for increased durability
  
• High Strength Metal Collar enhances tool durability and protection when dropped on the chuck
  
• Newly Designed Powertrain and Gears increases tool life and durability
  
• LED Light is great for dark or enclosed areas
  
• Ergonomic two-tone soft grip handle - For extended comfort and control
  
• 25 Position Clutch
  
• Variable speed trigger for complete control
  

6-1/2” Circular Saw CCS180

• 6 1/2" Saw Blade can completely cut through 2x material even at full depth of cut
  
• Exclusive anti-snag lower guard for easing into the work piece
  
• Easy to read depth of cut gauge maximizes cutting performance
  
• 50 degree bevel gives you a wider range of applications
  
• Heavy-Duty Aluminum foot and upper guard for enhanced durability on the toughest jobsites
  
• Spindle Lock allows for faster and easier blade change
  
• No Load RPM: 3,900
  

Reciprocating Saw CRS180

• Compact size makes it easier to get into tight spaces
  
• Lightweight tool equals less fatigue
  
• 2-speed allows you to adjust to the material your up against
  
• Lock-Jaw™ blade holder is the easiest blade change system
  
• 1 1/8" stroke allows for more material to be removed per stroke
  
• Variable Speed Trigger helps you ease into the material without an kickback
  
• No Load RPM: 0-2,400/0-2,700
  

Flashlight CFL180

• Easy to fit into tight spaces with this compact flashlight
  
• Handle has 2 screw holes for mounting/positioning light from above - Easy to position to light your work space
  
• The wide angle beam allows you to cover more area
  
• Litheon technology enables up to 4 hours of continuous run time
  
• With 7 detents and 360° handle rotation you are able to place the light anywhere you want it
  
• Tool-less bulb change
  

The CLPK40-180 4 tool combo kit is $549, priced exactly the same as the new Milwaukee M18 kit 2690-24 which also has a hammer drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw and flashlight. The tools are very evenly matched in performance and both tool systems feature the 2 different size batteries (both kits have 2 larger batteries). We will do an in-depth head to head once the tools come in but from the numbers it looks like the decision would be some what based on brand loyalty. You can pre-order the CLPK40-180 from Ohio Power Tool as well as any of the other new Bosch 14.4V or 18V Litheon Drills. 

Posted by Jay A. at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Milwaukee has now shipped the 2691-22 M18 Compact Combo Kit ($299) which includes the compact drill 2601 and the ¼” hex impact 2650. The kit also comes with 2 compact batteries, hard case and the M18 charger. The new M18 impact is a real winner for Milwaukee, it has the most power, longest run time, while still being one of the lightest in its class. The M18 tools are the second generation Lithium Ion from Milwaukee Tool and improve upon what was already one of the most popular 18 volt lithium tool lines in the business with the V18 tools. We can be pretty confident at this point the rest of the M18 Tools and Combo kits will be shipping by the October 1^st launch.  

Posted by Jay A. at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I’m sure most people are fully aware of the new compact tools being launched by both Milwaukee and Bosch, and possibly tired of hearing about them. Apparently I can’t shut about it but there is a lot happening all at once after what seems like a long drought of no new tools. Obviously these tools have a huge potential for gifts around the holidays so it’s no wonder they delayed the launch until October just in time to get the word out and all the products on the shelves for holiday shopping season.

Finally I think we have the full picture of what tools are available for each of these lines at least until first quarter 2009. At this point I think it’s probably more important to look at the full lines vs. simply comparing tool for tool as we did previously with Bosch Pocket Driver vs. Milwaukee Micro Driver. When it comes down to it most people are probably going to assume the drivers, impacts and flashlights will work fairly similar with both lines. These will probably not drive the buying decisions but the two lines do have some different tools available that are very unique.

They match up fairly evenly with 6 tools each but some big differences in what they do. In just looking at the unique tools Milwaukee has the M-Spector, Pipe Cutter & Hackzall while Bosch has the i-Drive, 3/8” Drill & Multi-X. My first reaction is that the Bosch products have more broad appeal, if we are talking about the regular user or DIY guy I think these might make more sense. The Milwaukee products however are focused on professionals and do a good job of using the small size to create great new supplemental tools for someone who already has an 18 volt drill and other tools. The ace in the hole for Bosch is really the Multi-X PS50, there has been a lot of buzz about this one. The tool has so many uses and really can do jobs no other tool can. If you are already committed to the Milwaukee M12 line you can always pick up the Dremel Multi-Max for $99 which can tackle the same basic jobs but it has also got a cord.     

Milwaukee has some nice multiple tool kits which make a lot of sense as the tool only versions of most of these new tools will not be available until later (I am assuming after the end of the year) and how many batteries and chargers do you really need. Also I hate to discredit the Hackzall, I think this thing has a ton of use for everyone; it’s very powerful, incredibly easy to use, part jigsaw, part Rotozip, part Sawzall and very small. The 2490-22 kit with Micro Driver and Hackzall for $249 will be extremely popular for Pros and DIY guys alike.   

It’s a very tough call. I don’t think the decision would be that easy for anyone. For plumbers, HVAC, electricians and other tradesman I would have to give an advantage to the Milwaukee M12 line for some of their specialty tools. For everyone else I think it’s going to be hard to pass up the PS50 Multi-X tool. This thing is going to be all over those “Top 10 Gifts for a Guy” lists this holiday.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now where have we seen tools that look like these before? It’s no secret that many companies have been waiting for the day they can legally bring products to market that can compete directly with the Fein MultiMaster. Fein has been unbelievably successful with these tools and if you have ever used one you will know exactly why. I even saw a MultiMaster Tool infomercial. Fein makes great professional quality tools however they are definitely on the pricier side which may keep these tools out of many people’s hands.

There are two new models that will compete directly with the Fein MultiMaster. Both Bosch & Dremel have new tools that will be significantly cheaper but do the same basic multi tool jobs. The Bosch will work with the existing cordless 12V max batteries while the Dremel Multi-Max will be a corded model.

Dremel Multi-Max vs. Fein MultiMaster

The Dremel Multi-Max will start at $99 vs. Fein MultiMaster Start at $245. Both are similar in size and have the same max oscillation per minute at 21,000 OPM. They both can use either brands attachments but the Dremel attachments will cost about half as much. Both feature quick change options. At 40% of the price I think the Dremel might be the choice for many people who have not picked up a Fein yet.

Bosch Multi-X PS50 vs. Fein MultiMaster ACCU Cordless

On Power rating the Fein is 9.6V vs. Bosch at 12V. On Speed the Fein has a Max 14,500 OPM vs. Bosch Max 20,000 OPM. On price the Fein Cordless in $481.50 and the Bosch PS50-2A is $179. The Bosch also works with a wide range of other great 12V Max tools, with more to come. The Bosch Accessories are about half the price of the Fein but work interchangably with Fein 636 model's accessories. I think we may have a new player in the field when the PS50 is actually available.  

Posted by Jay A. at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

In October Milwaukee Power Tool will launch its largest release of new products ever. The 2 lines of products currently exist but this will greatly expand on both of these lines and truly give them a foothold into several new markets. The new products will be part of the new M12 (12 volt) & M18 (18 volt) tool lines.

The Milwaukee M12 tool line currently features the Micro Driver 2401-22 and M-Spector Camera 2310-21. Soon to be released (October 1st - target date) are an Impact Driver 2450-22, Copper Cutter 2471-22, Flashlight & Hackzall 2420-22. These new tools will be very popular among plumbing and HVAC contractors. The copper tube cutter especially will be a huge time saver and can handle 3/8” to 1” copper tube. The Hackzall is ideal for cutting pvc tubes or putting boxes in drywall and plywood. It will be a handy tool to have but will not replace your Sawzall for all jobs. You can find a few extremely well priced M12 combo kits available on Ohio Power Tool which will be available in very limited quantities to promote the new tool launch.

The Milwaukee M18 line expands on the current battery system used by the compact 18 volt model 2601-22. The 2601 however has a slim battery which is light weight but not powerful enough to use with the new hammer drill 2611-24, Sawzall 2620-22 or circular saws 2630-22. A new larger M18 battery will work with all the tools and will be called the XC battery. The new M18 line features a light weight hex impact that outperforms the competition in speed, torque and run time available with compact batteries 2650-21 or XC batteries 2650-22. The new line will also add additional tools in the following months such as a grinder, jigsaw as well as other new tools. The new M18 will eventually replace the current line of V18 tools as the only Milwaukee 18 volt tools but that will not happen until some time in 2009 and the batteries and accessories will of course be available for at least 5-10 more years.

All the new M12 & M18 tools are available now for Pre-Sale from Ohio Power Tool. The Pre-Sales will be fulfilled in the order they are received so if you want to be the first kid on the block with the new tools you should probably make a pre-order ASAP. On the other hand if you are looking for a great deal on great tools you can get a V18 4 tool combo 0920-29 for $426.36 or a V18 Hammer Drill & Hex Impact 0824-24 for $299.

Look for several in-depth tool reviews and more information on the M12 & M18 tools over the next week.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

It has been rumored Bosch was going to change from 10.8V to 12V for some time. Yesterday Bosch officially announced the launch the second generation of the PS20 which is a 12V Max tool, the new model number is PS20-2A. The upgrade for the originator of the ultra compact tool market features a 25% increase in power and speed to 100 inch-pound of torque and 500 RPM operating speed. Below is the explanation of the name switch from Bosch’s recent press release:

Posted by Jay A. at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Popular Mechanic conducted the comparison below a few months ago which I though did a pretty good job creating real testing subjects with multiple materials. The two tests were named the “Nail Biter” and “PM House Sandwich”

PM House Sandwich – Smashed together 1/2-in. drywall, 2 x 6 lumber, 1 x 4 lumber, 1 1/4-in. PVC pipe, steel conduit, two 12-ga. cables, two pieces steel strapping, insulation.

Milwaukee 15 Amp Super Sawzall | $187.50, OhioPowerTool.com
Blade Damage: A /// Smoothness: A- /// Power: A- /// Overall: A-

Posted by Jay A. at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It’s no secret there has been some very big success in the Pocket/Micro tool market. It started with the Bosch 10.8v tools, then the Milwaukee 12v (newly named the M12 tools) and now almost every tools company has some form of these compact lithium ion tools. One of the common complaints for most of these tools is that they don’t have a standard chuck but instead a ¼” hex. This means you can’t use standard drill bits for pilots or any other form of drilling and if you need to carry two tools around that pretty much defeats the purpose. Obviously if you are going to do some serious drilling you may want to look at a slightly larger tool. Perhaps something like the new Milwaukee compact 18V Lithium 2601-22 ($199), still lightweight just over 3.5 lbs but it is built for heavy use. That being said you should still be able to do some occasional drilling and detail work with the 10.8v and 12v tool.
  

The internet is an amazing place to shop, compare and learn about products but I do feel there is something that maybe hasn’t been completely figured out when it comes to recommendations and accessories the way you get when you come into a store, hold the tools and talk to the guys behind the counter. A great instance of this is with the Milwaukee 38 Piece Quik-Lok 48-32-1500 set which sells incredibly well with any brand of the Micro & Pocket Drivers in the store because it just makes sense. The kit comes with 7 different sized ¼” hex drill bits, ¼” & 3/8” square socket adapters, Quik-Loc connectors and all sorts of different size driver bits. This is way more than just another driver bits which you already have but some however that gets lost online. With so much “upselling” going on it’s really hard to tell if this is really a recommendation from someone who know what they are talking about or simple a computer program matching compatible accessories, trying to add a few extra bucks on the sale.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently Bosch Tools added several products to their Dust Extraction line which should make many peoples lives easier and healthier. Working with concrete specifically can create Crystalline Silica or Silica Dust. When this substance enters the lungs it can cause the lung disease Silicosis. Silicosis can be disabling or even fatal as it blocks the lungs from absorbing oxygen when inhaling. There is no cure at this time for Silicosis but there are many ways to prevent breathing in the Silica Dust in the first place. Simply keep it out of the air as much as possible and that is just what Bosch has made much easier and cheaper.

Bosch’s SG-Series (18SG-5E & 18SG-7) attachments are designed for concrete surfacing applications where aggressive dust removal is a must. Optimized for use with Bosch’s AirSweep vacuum system, the SG-Series attachments keep concrete dust out of the air and off of the work surface. A removable nose piece enables up-to-wall surfacing, while a replaceable brush ring maximizes the attachment’s lifespan in grueling environments. The SG-Series attachments are ideal for concrete restoration work and other surfacing applications.

Bosch’s DC-Series (18DC-5E & 18DC-6E) attachments are designed for efficient dust removal in masonry cutting applications and keep worksites dust-free without sacrificing performance. Featuring a large, stable footplate and fast single-screw depth adjustment, the DC-Series attachments allow for a full depth of cut and outstanding line-of-sight in precision concrete cutting applications. Like the SG-Series attachments, the DC-Series attachments are optimized for use with Bosch’s AirSweep system.

The new lines of grinder attachments feature vacuum outlets that are made to work with the Bosch Airsweep Vacuum 3931A. This system previously has worked amazingly well with the Bosch Tuckpointer Grinder 1775E and the 5” Concrete Surfacing Grinder 1773AK. These tools are both great to have on the job site but neither one is cheap or multipurpose. The new grinder attachments simply add function to your existing tools and for relatively little cost. If you don’t currently use Bosch Grinders they start at $75 at Ohio Power Tool.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by Jay A. at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently Ohio Power Tool added the Rotozip tools to its growing number of product lines. The Rotozip tools are extremely well built tools and have great applications with drywall, ceramic tile and many other building materials. The DR1 (or DR01-1100) is one of the most popular models available and currently sells for $73.

For a limited time you can purchase the Bosch Screw Gun SG45M and with it you can also get a Rotozip DR1 for $0.01. This is not a mail in rebate. These items are in-stock and ready to ship out today. With Father’s day a week away you might want to take advantage of this deal and give the Rotozip as a gift and keep the Bosch SG45M. Both of these tools are perfect for any handyman or craftsman.

If you have any questions about this limited time promotion please contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 and they will be happy to help you find the right tool for the job.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 Irwin Industrial Tool is holding the Ultimate Tradesman Competition again for 2008. This is a skill competition which measures your speed and accuracy for measuring, marking and drilling. Irwin is well known for their high quality hand tools and power tool accessories so this competition is a great way to showcases several of their products. The competition is easy to enter, simply attend one of the upcoming events (View Schedules Here) and compete. For complete information, to see standing, see a video of the time trial, information on prizes and more; visit www.irwinchallenge.com.

Prizes include Cash, Irwin & Dickies clothing, Irwin Tools, race tickets & VIP packages, Ultimate Irwin garage, Roush Ford F150 and a chance to win $1.26 million. The top 20 regional winners get to attend the semi finals at the Texas Motor Speedway. The top 4 finalist will then attend the Phoenix International Raceway and compete for the Grand Prize and a chance to win $1.26 million. For more information on Jamie McMurray, Irwin Racing and the Number 26 Car you can visit www.irwinracing.com.

Ohio Power Tool is proud to offer a wide variety of Irwin Tools including their locking tool Vise-Grips, Marathon saw blades, Strait-Line chalk reels, tap & die sets and much more. For more information on Irwin Industrial Tools call 800-242-4424.  

SOLD OUT SORRY  

This is an amazing deal which we promoted in our showroom around Christmas and sold a ton of but then took down the display. There were however a few kits left in the warehouse. This package includes the 1587AVSK jigsaw which we sell for $149 normally. It also comes with a free PR10E palm router which we sell for $99. These are top of the line brand new Bosch woodworking tools, not refurbished, out box or used.

To purchase this kit simply go to the 1587AVSK, you will notice the * which includes the free PR10E even though the picture doesn’t show it. There are only a few left and when they are gone, they are gone.

Check out our entire line of Bosch Tools at Ohio Power Tool. We carry a wide range of Bosch Saws, Routers, Sanders, Litheon Cordless tools as well as a wide range of Bosch bits, blades and accessories.  

Posted by Jay A. at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)