Dewalt’s newish DWS780 12″ double bevel sliding compound miter saw is a very nice machine. I gushed about its XPS work light, and mentioned the saw as part of my top-5 woodworking tools of 2011 list. It may be overkill for less demanding crosscutting tasks, but there’s not much that the saw can’t do.

Pros:

• huge cutting capacity, up to 16″ width boards with use of back-fence
• XPS work light is amazingly precise and effective
• dust collection, while not perfect, is better than for other saws in this class
• starter blade is quite good for general purpose cuts
• saw was perfectly aligned right out of the box
• rails glide smoothly
• knobs and controls are all easy to access and comfortable to toggle

Cons:

• saw is a bit too heavy to carry from top handle, side handles are slightly uncomfortable
• dust collection still isn’t that good without an attached vac
• small dust bag
• requires more rear clearance than the Bosch Axial Glide saw

Overall, I am quite impressed with the sliding miter saw, and it was difficult to find much to complain about it. It comes with a fairly robust and nicely constructed workpiece clamp, which surprised me a bit, and optional extension rails are available for users that don’t plan to use the saw with a miter saw stand.

The DWS780 saw is priced at $600, which is on-par with other 12″ sliding miter saws in its class.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

I posted a more photo-rich and detailed review of the miter saw over at Make: Online - check it out!

Thank you to Dewalt for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or comparison purposes.

Craftsman has recently introduced a new multi-material miter saw that can cut through steel, aluminum, wood with nails, and plastic with its special 8-1/4″ blade. We’ve seen similar technology before in Evolution’s Rage saws, and for the most part such saws work reasonably well.

The saw is powered with a 10A 4,000 RPM motor. Fence height is 1-3/4″, and the base features 17 positive miter and 2 bevel angle stops.

This multi-saw is priced at $100, and its release date is 5/31/12. We just checked, and it appears that the saw’s already on sale.

Buy Now(via Sears)

Craftsman says that an optional diamond-tipped blade can be used to transform their new multi-cutting miter saw into a tile cutter. (Even so, we wouldn’t recommend anything but a wet tile saw for cutting tile. It doesn’t make sense that Craftsman would recommend using this saw for cutting tile, even with a diamond blade.)

Overall, the new saw seems like a good buy, but its cut-performance will heavily depend on the quality of the blade. We’re a bit concerned about the availability of replacement blades. While Evolution also makes multi-material cutting blades in an 8-1/4″ size, their blades might not be designed to be run at the same speed as the new Craftsman saw. Never buy a power saw unless you know replacement blades are affordable and readily available.

There are quite a few 12V compact reciprocating saws on the market today, such as the Bosch PS60, Dewalt pivot saw, Makita pistol-grip saw, Porter Cable ClampSaw, and Milwaukee M12 Hackzall. These saws work best with 4-inch blades, but these smaller blades can be hard to find.

Bosch recently announced a new line of short 4″ pocket reciprocating saw blades that are designed for maximum performance. Blade categories include:

• metal-cutting
• all-purpose for wood with nails
• all-purpose for wood, plastic, light metal, and sandwiched materials.

The all-purpose blades feature a thinner kerf for faster cutting, and the metal blade features Bosch’s 2×2 tooth geometry for enhanced heavy-use performance.

These blades are said to be available at distributors and home centers.

We recently discovered another new Bosch power tool, the GTS 10 XC Professional table saw, and we’re afraid that this too will be a EU-only tool.

Just looking at the saw, we could tell it was different. A crosscut sled, or at least a mechanism that resembles one, is built right into the table. Bosch calls this an integrated slide carriage. It can accommodate a maximum board width of 350mm, or about 13-3/4″.

Other features include:

• 2100 watt motor with electric brake, soft-start control, overload protection, constant speed delivery
• table widener and extension
• cast aluminum tabletop
• tool-free riving knife lowering
• self-adjusting parallel rip fence
• auxiliary rip fence
• cut capacity of 79mm (3.11″)
• rip cut capacity of 635mm (25″) at right of blade, 250mm (10″) at left of blade
• on-board storage of additional saw blade, push stick, stops, dist extraction adapter
• dust extraction port build-into protective blade guard and at rear of tool
• pre-cut locator
• carrying handles
• 24-tooth 10″ TC saw blade
• 47° tilt left, 1° right
• 35kg (77lbs) weight
• compatible with Bosch’s wheeled gravity stand

MSRP is GBP 669, or about $1073, and retail pricing should be a bit lower. Right now there’s no word as to whether the GTS 10 XC Professional will be released in the USA.

More Info via Bosch UK

Stanley Black & Decker is launching a new line of power tools – corded and cordless lithium ion – under the Stanley FatMax label. Right now we have no idea how/where it places in the Stanley B&D brand families (Dewalt, Porter Cable, Black & Decker), but we think they’ll be marketed as premium DIY or value-priced pro tools.

It seems that this shouldn’t make sense, but it does. Dewalt launched their hand tool lineup in 2011, and they seem to have been doing well. So why not launch a Stanley FatMax power tool lineup. If we had to guess, we’d think that the brand was created to steal market share from Craftsman, Ryobi, and Kobalt, but maybe it will go up against more pro-oriented brands as well.

Remember when we said there were tools we knew about but wouldn’t talk about yet? This is what we were referring to. Luckily we just now came across a wealth of new information, so we’re moving forward with the preview. We’re still in need of product details and specs, and will share updates as they come in.

Stanley FatMax Cordless Power Tools (Lithium Ion)

• FMC010LB – 12V 3/8″ drill driver kit
• FMC040LB – 12V 1/4″ impact driver kit
• FMC620LB – 20V compact 1/2″ hammerdrill kit
• FMC640LB – 20V 1/4″ impact driver kit
• There are MORE 20V tools in development

Based on some of the designs of upcoming tools that we’ve seen, we don’t think these are relabeled “lick and stick” tools. Plus, if they were, we would expect a much larger launch. It seems that some of the new designs may be heavily inspired by current Dewalt/Porter Cable/Black & Decker models, but we’re hoping the FatMax tools will offer some distinction.

Stanley FatMax Corded Power Tools

• FME305K – 7-1/4″ circular saw
• FME600 – 2.5A oscillating tool kit

Additional FatMax Power Tools

FatMax air compressors and power tool accessories are also a part of the initial launch. There will also be “FatMax screwdriver sets” in the power tool category, but we’re not sure what that means yet.

Our Thoughts

Stanley Black & Decker has a very clean and clear plan for their brands. While there is cross-over in some cases, many of their parallel offerings are distinct enough to justify their existence under the separate child brands. It may seem a little ridiculous for them to introduce another power tool lineup when they already have three. But whereas Porter Cable and Dewalt are aimed at professional users, only Black & Decker tools are strictly aimed at DIYers and home users.

Enthusiasts and advanced DIYers typically turn towards professional brands for their better features, higher specs, and typically more robust and durable construction. Maybe Stanley B&D is hoping for the FatMax lineup to appeal to this market. With Dewalt hand tools seemingly designed and be marketed as a slight upgrade over Stanley FatMax hand tools, perhaps the FatMax power tools will take a similar position slightly below Dewalt or Porter Cable tools, but on the consumer side of the fence.

What are your thoughts, and what would you like to see emerge under the new Stanley FatMax power tool branding?

Update: We’ve been told that this may be a Canada-specific launch. Still, we spied a couple of new tool designs that seem to be based off of the Dewalt 20V Max lithium ion battery platform. Even if the Stanley FatMax tools are in fact “lick and stick” Dewalt relabels, we now know additional 20V Max tools are in final stages of development. And maybe we’ll finally see a Dewalt oscillating multi-tool. We’re still waiting for additional details and product specs.

It’s an unfortunate reality that some tools are only available outside the USA. Some of the EU-only tools we’ve previewed before include an Irwin tool box, Dremel Fortiflex flex-shaft tool, and Bosch track saw. Bosch’s new GTM 12 Professional miter and table saw combo is one more tool we’ll probably never see here in the states.

Miter Saw Mode

The GTM 12 Professional is essentially a miter saw with a table saw fence attached at the top of the blade. What’s the point of something like this if the table size is so small? The miter saw can be used for cross-cutting operations and the table saw part for rip-cutting.

Table Saw Mode

Miter-cutting depth is 95mm (3-3/4″), and table-cutting depth is 51mm (a hair over 2.0″).  The 12″ blade is powered by an 1800W and 4300 no-load RPM motor for fast-cutting. There’s also a built-in worklight and a laser cut-line indicator. The tool weighs in at 22.5 kg (49.6 lbs).

While it can be argued that such a narrow table size may be impractical, remember that track saws are hugely popular in Europe. We can imagine that works will use a track saw to break down sheet goods, the miter part of this combo saw for almost all cross-cutting operations, and the table saw part to rip-cut narrower workpieces too small to lay a track on.

MSRP pricing is GBP 490, or about $785. The saw is available in 240V and 110V versions, so maybe it will one day find its way to the North American market.

More Info via Bosch UK
Buy Now (via Amazon UK, UK customers only)

Teaser: there’s a new 10″ table saw coming out in the UK as well, with a good chance of there being a USA model working its way down the pipeline. Stay tuned for details later this week.

We discovered a new Bosch jig saw, the JS572EL (and JS572EBL with barrel grip), that is said to be the new standard in precision. Over in Europe, the new jig saw model will be known as the GST 140 BCE Professional.

Bosch came out with several new jig saws back in October 2010, but it doesn’t look the JS572 is replacing the JS470 – it looks to be a more precise higher-end model. Nevermind that in the Europe the JS470 is the GST 150 and the new higher-priced model is the GST 140.

The new JS572/GST 140 saw is very similar to the JS470 saw, but features a new Precision Control II double-roller system that is said to virtually eliminate blade wandering. A switchable LED light helps illuminate the blade area for greater visibility. And a tool-free die-cast aluminum footplate can be easily adjusted for fast and easy bevel cutting.

There are a number of differences between USA and EU models. Most notably, the EU version features a magnesium base plate instead of aluminum. The USA version is rated at 7.2A, and the EU version 720 W.

Additional features include tool-free blade change, compact and lightweight design, low vibration due to mass balance system, and constant power regulation.

Both USA and EU models come with an L-Boxx, non-marring glide shoe, anti-splinter guard, several jig saw blades, dust hood, vacuum hose adapter, and suction nozzle. The EU version is compatible with Bosch’s guide rails.

Going by UK pricing, we expect the JS572E to be priced around $200.

While a new jig saw may not seem like big news, we’re huge fans of Bosch’s models. Our 1587 saw is still going strong, but we’re growing tired of its older and slower blade-change design.

About a week ago, Parke emailed in, describing problems with a February order for a Bosch 1590 jig saw kit. His distributor recently told him that the 1590 has been discontinued and is being replaced with a new model. As such, Parke’s order is in limbo and he asked for our input about what to do. To help him out, we started digging for info.

So a big thanks to Parke for the email that led us to find out about the new Bosch jig saw!

We just found out that Milwaukee is coming out with a new cordless band saw. They released a new deep-cut band saw back in January, and Bosch came out with a new cordless model last summer. It has become trendy to make portable band saws smaller and lighter.

What is most surprising is that the model is a compact 12V band saw, the first of its class. Actually, Milwaukee is calling the new M12 band saw a sub-compact model, which actually seems appropriate given its 12″ length and 6-3/4 lb weight.

Here are a couple of notable product details and specs:

• Ideal for one-handed cutting
• Fully integrated lower guard that covers the blade outside the cutting area
• Meets OSHA guard requirements for one-handed use
• Cuts through 3/4″ EMT conduit in 3-seconds
• Delivers over 150 cuts per charge with M12 XC battery
• 1-5/8″ x 1-5/8″ cutting capacity
• Variable speed trigger

Due to the band saw’s size, you can only use Milwaukee’s 18 TPI replacement blades, model 48-39-0572.

There will be two configurations: 2429-21XC, which includes the saw, 1 blade, 1 Red Lithium M12 XC battery, 30-minute charger, and hard carrying case; 2429-20, which includes the band saw and 1 blade.

Pricing and release date are not yet available.

Amazon Dewalt Tool and $25 GC Promo

Deal ends March 31st, 2012.

Kreg is releasing a new circular saw guide, the Rip-Cut, that they describe as a faster and easier way to rip plywood and other sheet goods. The Rip-Cut can be used on materials 1/8″ to 24″ wide, and is reversible for right-hand or left-hand use.

The Rip-Cut is said to connect with “most” circular saws. It is priced at $35 and will be available in April 2012. While the Rip-Cut looks neat, it’s basically a near-universal rip-fence. We’re more fans of guide rails and edge-clamps.

Circular saw cutting guides, via Amazon

Craftsman recently announced a new Nextec 12V compact palm-grip jig saw, which boasts an ergonomic shape and low center of gravity for superior control. The design is strikingly different from the new Milwaukee M12 jig saw and Ridgid JobMax jig saw introduced late last year.

The Craftsman Nextec jig saw features a variable speed motor that delivers 1400-2500 strokes per minute, and stroke length is 5/8″. It also features a smooth steel shoe, integrated LED worklight, and LED battery power gauge. There appears to be a tool-free blade change, but the product details we dug up doesn’t mention it.

One downside to this design is the power switch position, which looks to be too far down on the side of the tool for comfortable one-hand thumb access. Typical full-size top-grip and barrel-grip jig saws usually have easier to reach controls. And although the shoe is described as “smooth steel,” we’d like to see a non-mar shoe or attachable accessory.

MSRP is $40 for the add-on tool, and ETA is Q2 2012.

Dewalt’s DW788 20-inch variable-speed scroll saw looks to be the most popular model on the market. At a recent Woodworking Show, I took notice of the 3-4 scroll saw demo stations and woodworking club booths, and all of them featured this Dewalt scroll saw.

For a moment I considered that perhaps Dewalt sponsored these booths, but the saws all looked very well used. That, and if the scroll saws were provided by Dewalt, I would at least expect them to have a demo model at their own booth as well.

Although the Dewalt saw is quite a bit more expensive than the very many entry-level models on the market, it looks to have earned top-dog status among woodworkers and crafters.

One of the reasons I was eyeing the scroll saw stations was because several readers have emailed-in recently, asking for scroll saw recommendations. I usually point to the Dewalt and Delta models as being higher-end options, and tell them to flip a coin when choosing sub-$200 models. But if there’s greater demand, I might look into possibly reviewing one or two units – please let me know if this is something you would be interested in.

Dewalt Scroll Saw via Amazon

But Gass isn’t happy with some users buying his SawStop saws – he wants to force all other  table saw manufacturers to license his technology. Since manufacturers chose not to pay Gass for his SawStop tech, he began lobbying government officials to force manufacturers into licensing agreements.

This whole situation is a mess. If manufacturers are forced to license and implement SawStop technology into all saws, forget about the entire <$250 table saw category. $300+ saws will increase in price, weight, and complexity. In addition to the licensing fees and actual SawStop components, manufacturers would be forced to spend a ton of money on R&D, which would raise product costs even further.

In all the example videos we have seen, blade guards are removed and saw blades extend well beyond their recommended safe operating heights. To us that seems like a dirty trick.

Worth mentioning, here’s an update that PTI, the Power Tool Institute, sent us regarding their work to oppose Gass’s campaign to force manufacturers to license his technology:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a 30 day extension of the comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on table saw safety.

The new deadline for comments is March 16, 2012.

To date, hundreds of comments have been submitted to CPSC via the Power Tool Institute’s comments website, www.powertoolinstitute.info.  PTI continues to encourage woodworkers, consumers and interested parties to submit comments to the ANPR using the website.

Additional information on PTI’s position on the ANPR can be found at: http://www.powertoolinstitute.com/pti_pages/pdf/FactsAtAGlance.pdf.  The Federal Register Notice announcing the extension can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/frnotices/fr12/tablesaw.pdf.

If Gass was lobbying that brands be forced to implement automatic saw-stopping safety measures of their own, okay, that would seem reasonable. But no, he wants them to license his technology. Maybe that’s why Colbert jokes that Gass is destroying America.

Right now you can purchase the highly regarded Porter Cable 12V ClampSaw for $110 via Amazon. This kit includes 2 12V battery packs, a 30-minute charger, starter reciprocating saw blades, and a carrying case.

OR you can spend $5 more and buy the the above-pictured reciprocating saw and 3/8″ drill driver combo kit. $115 for the two tools, 2 batteries, a charger, and kit bag is a pretty good deal.

Buy Now(via Lowes)

We briefly reviewed Porter Cable’s 12V drill/driver, and were pretty pleased with it. It’s not the lightest, shortest, most feature-rich, or most powerful 12V drill on the market, but it’s solidly built and delivers great performance.

This combo doesn’t appear to be listed anywhere else, so we assume it was a special Lowes-specific holiday combo that they’re now trying to clear off the shelves.

If you’re more a fan of Dewalt’s 12V Max platform, you’ll be interested to know that the Pivot Saw is currently in production.

Dewalt 20V Metal Cutting Circular Saw

The new saw has a cutting capacity of 1-11/16″, meaning that it can easily cut steel materials such as uni-strut, threaded rod, conduit, cold rolled pipe, and sheet metal and plates in a single pass.

The saw features a 460 UWO and 3700 RPM motor, and comes with a 30T 5-1/2″ carbide-tipped metal-cutting blade. An LED provides cut-line illumination, with a 20-second delay providing added convenience. Dewalt’s Multi-Coated Sight-Line window is abrasive-resistant and provides a clear view of the cut. A high-strength steel shoe is resistant to chip build-up, and a magnesium upper guard offers durable protection.

The saw will be available in July 2012 as part of a kit that includes two 20V Max 3.0Ah batteries with fuel gauges, a charger, and kit box, for $359. A bare-tool add-on (DCS373B) will be priced at $199.

Dewalt 20V Cut-Off Tool

Dewalt also announced a new cut-off tool, designed for construction, maintenance, and automotive applications. It features a 4-1/2″ disc size, 6500 RPM motor, quick-change wrench-free wheel release, tool-free adjustable guard, and 2-position side handle. It also has a low-profile gear case that allows for access in tight spaces.

The new cut-off wheel will be available in May 2012 as part of a kit that includes two 20V 3.0Ah batteries with fuel gauges, a charger, wrench, Type 1 cutting guard, side handle, and contractor bag, for $299. A bare-tool version, DCG412B, will be available for $119.

Follow all of our Dewalt 20V Max cordless tool reviews, previews, and related coverage.