After returning from the Craftsman Experience in Chicago, I compiled a list of 5 things I learned from my very brief time there:

1. There’s no super-huge cache of new Craftsman tools as I imagined there might be. There were still a lot of great tools there to check out and use, but no enormous stockpile.

2. Everyone loves to rapidly bump-fire a brad nailer even if you have to nudge and encourage them a little at first. Afterwards they’ll smile like me at a candy store or new tool launch!

3. “Mommy & Parent Bloggers” and men’s-interest writers are totally awesome and extremely eager to get their hands dirty. I LOVED instructing them on how to build a desktop organizer/bookshelf/spice rack/Barbie closet. Hopefully they had as much fun as I did.

4. If something can go wrong, it will. I’m mostly talking about insane travel delays, and missing router bits. But, luckily, most issues are easily resolved with time or determination, and frustration can be easily numbed with pleasant company.

5. Last, but not least, Ethan from OneProjectCloser and Dan and Eric from ToolsinAction are a LOT of fun to chat with. And one of them has a thing for redheads!

There’s a LOT more that will be said about my day over there. For the time being, do you guys have any questions about the Craftsman Experience studio?

Craftsman Experience via Craftsman, and via Facebook

This was a fun opportunity that I really enjoyed. Somehow in the past few years I went from a 6-tool toolbox to 6 filled tool cabinets. This of course did not happen overnight – most of my tools were purchased with specific projects and tasks in mind, although I also developed a habit of finding tool deals too good to pass up.

Although only a fraction of my “shop” area is featured in the article, I’m working to make it presentable enough to show everyone a full 360° view.

Charles & Hudson are looking for more “winning workshops” to feature in the series, so if you’ve got an interesting work space, unique tools or both, give them a holler.

My Winning Workshop via Charles & Hudson

I just came back from the Somerset NJ Woodworking Show, and had as great a time as I did at last year’s Reading, PA show. There will be a few more shows in several cities this year until the cycle begins again next fall. If there’s a show near you, and you have an interest in woodworking, be sure to check it out!

• 2/27/2011 Somerset, NJ (last day)
• 3/4-3/6/2011 Atlanta, GA
• 3/11-3/13/2011 Chantilly, VA
• 3/18-3/20/2011 Tampa, FL
• 3/25-3/27/2011 Charlotte, NC
• 4/1-4/3/2011 Houston, TX

ToolGuyd Woodworking Show Coverage (this year’s coverage will be added to last year’s)
Woodworking Show Info

Dremel’s Pinewood Derby Days at Lowes has once again returned. Around the country, every Lowes stores will be hosting in-store Pinewood Derby car clinics choc-full of tips, tricks, and 10%-off Dremel tool coupons.

Clinics will be held on select Saturdays, Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 19, March 5, from 11am thru 1pm. Everyone’s invited – parents and children alike, and all are advised to check in with their local Lowes prior to attending.

More Info & Pinewood Derby Design Tips via Dremel Derby

This is just a reminder – for those of you that signed up for Lowe’s Shop Class, you should have received a $10 off $50 Lowes coupon delivered to your inbox on October 1st. For those of you not signed up, we’ll try to give you a heads-up so you can sign up next time.

The below image is only meant as an example. Lowe’s coupons are one-time use only and I didn’t use it yet, so I had to blur out the barcode. Sorry. And no, I don’t have any extras, so please don’t email me begging for coupons (this actually happens VERY frequently).

We’re always on the lookout for new tool & home imporvement coupon sources to share with others, so if you find one, please let us know!

Lowes Shop Class – check back every now and then to sign up for new project emails and coupons.

I recently heard about Volvo’s Naughty Tour which will be previewing their all-new 2011 S60 sport sedan around the country. There will be a few public driving events this month and next where prospective buyers and enthusiasts can have some hands-on-wheel fun with the S60.

I’m told that there will be performance activities such as a slalom demo, suspension bumps, “S” cornering exercise, extreme skid pad corner, drag race and timed autocross.

The S60′s pedestrian detection technology will also be showcased, where its radar and camera-based system can detect when there are predestrians in front of the car. The system will warn drivers and even stop the car in time should the driver fail to respond.

Drive events near major cities:

• New York: New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, September 25-26, 2010
• Miami: Gulfstream Park Race Track, October 2-3, 2010
• Philadelphia: King of Prussia Mall, October 9-10, 2010
• Chicago: Arlington Park Race Track, October 16-17, 2010
• Los Angeles: Santa Anita Racetrack, October 23-24, 2010

I’m not looking to buy a Volvo S60, but this does sound like a bit of fun. I just can’t say no to the opportunity to test-drive the new S60 with its 300HP T6 engine, but I’m also pretty intrigued in the new sensor technology.

I’ll be heading over to the New York/New Jersey event this weekend. There really isn’t anything tool-related about this event, so follow-up photos and a log of my experience will be posted to OhMyGuyd instead. Don’t worry, I won’t make a habit out of going off-topic like this, I just figured some of you might be as interested about this type of thing as I am.

Volvo Get Naughty S60 Tour Info

I came back just a few hours ago from Black & Decker University, a facility that is largely used for the training of Dewalt employees and business partners. Along with nearly 3 dozen other bloggers, writers, and magazine editors, I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of Dewalt’s new 12V MAX lithium ion cordless power tool product line. 

The 12V MAX unveiling event consisted of two parts, an informal evening session in a Baltimore Orioles party suite, and a morning session at Black & Decker University. 

I have to say this early on to emphasize its importance. I truly enjoyed my time at the event, and especially the many conversations I had with Dewalt’s development team members. It was just an absolute pleasure chatting with all of them. Not only did these guys and gals have detailed intimate knowledge of the 12V MAX tools’ designs and features, they were very energetic and seemed to be genuinely proud of the new products. 

Day 1 – Evening at Camden Yards

Of course the food at the ballpark was good, but the company was absolutely phenomenal. In addition to the product development crew, there were quite a number of other hosts and attendees, including the incredible PR team that represents Dewalt and a VP Brand Manager. 

There was of course an impressive turnout of bloggers and writers, and I had a nice time meeting and chatting with many of them. It was definitely a worthwhile experience to talk with other enthusiasts from both comparable and completely different fields of expertise. 

Dewalt 12V MAX Li-Ion Cordless Drill, Driver, & Flashlight with Miller Genuine Draft for Scale

Although I definitely don’t regret it, chatting with the great folks at Dewalt and checking out the new tools at the ballpark really wired me up. Once I got back to the hotel, I found that I wasn’t tired at all. Unable to sleep, I tried to bleed off some of my excitement with a brief preview/teaser post of the 12V MAX launch. I still had a bit of trouble falling asleep, but I suppose that could be considered a good thing. 

Day 2 – Official 12V Max Unveiling at BDU

It happened that some of the Dewalt development team and PR reps saw my preview post. They especially liked the Miller Genuine Draft scale marker. When setting up the tools for a quick pic, one of the Dewalt team leaders suggested I insert something for size comparison, so I used a beer can. What’s more recognizable in size than a 12 oz can?! I’m glad to have been able give them a quick and easy smile! 

Dewalt 12V MAX Cordless Tool Display

After enjoying a few breakfast treats, we were given a brief tour of the Black & Decker University facility. Much of the building is devoted to training use, and so in addition to many tool demo stations, there were real world mock-ups and sets. 

We then sat though a few presentations that discussed the new 12V MAX tools, their development, and lessons learned from field testing. A great deal of information about Dewalt, its ideals, and its mantra were shared directly and also through their team members’ actions, explanations, and overall attitude. 

Testing Out the New 3/8" Drill/Driver

The hands-on segment began next, and we finally had a chance to test out the tools’ performance. Before being let loose to try out the new tools, we were briefed on the tools’ designs, features, and competitive advantages, and witnessed quick real-time comparative demos. 

Most of the seasoned professionals and long-time writers and editors in the room were obviously used to this sort of unveiling event, but some of us were not. Still, you could almost see everyone’s childlike glee as they picked up one of the new power tools for the first time. 

In the pic above, I’m testing out the new 12V MAX 3/8″ drill/driver. Before you ask, I know the safety specs are useless when they’re not on my eyes. I left my favorite Dewalt/Radians goggles at home, and so my options were to wear safety glasses instead of my corrective ones, or see clearly. I figured that it would be safer to see clearly. 

Also notice the tension in my hand and arm, I am pushing the tool to its limits! Equipped with a 1/2″ spade bit, I was told to lean in and go at it. Other tools (I won’t name names just yet) stalled out while the Dewalt just plowed through. 

Tool Tests

The testing scenarios were well setup, and seemed to perfectly exemplify the typical situation the tools would be used in. A wide range of competitors’ product offerings were available for comparison purposes, and this really helped highlight some of the 12V MAX tools’ advantages. 

Dewalt 12V MAX Li-Ion Flashlight vs. Competing Models

Despite how awesome it was to check out and test the tools firsthand, I am itching to try out the new tools in an uncontrolled environment. I want to slap a hex-shanked spade bit into the screwdriver. I want to use the 3/8″ drill/driver to drive large lag bolts. I want to see how well the 12V impact driver compares to a compact 18V one. 

A Few More Words About the Event & Disclosure

All in all, I had a blast of a great time. I truly enjoyed the many interactions the event made possible, and I just loved the level of energy that everyone was just oozing out. [Oh, goodness, I know that's just going to be quoted somewhere.] 

In addition to various tchotchkes (including some tasty Old Bay seasoning!), Dewalt sent everyone home with a 12V MAX cordless screwdriver and a Dewalt Magnetic ToughCase with bit kit. Dewalt also covered our meals (the barbecue lunch was quite tasty!), and handled overnight accommodations. 

ToolGuyd always discloses this type of information, but it is always a pleasure to see companies proactively encourage such transparency. Dewalt also made it clear that they value our honesty (again, ToolGuyd maintains a strict policy to be as sincere as possible). 

There’s so much about the new product line to write about! As you can tell, I am extremely optimistic about Dewalt’s 12V MAX tool designs, and cannot wait to get the whole lot in my possession for some real-world testing. In some of the quick hands-on tests I performed, I witnessed a few of the 12V MAX tools absolutely shaming one or more other of their competitors’ tools. 

To those of you at Dewalt that may be reading this, thank you for a very nice show, and it was great talking with all of you! Unfortunately but understandably, there were quite a few unfinished conversations – one about interesting new motor winding configurations, another about the alarming absense of clock radios in Europe (get it? alarming?!), and a few others. I would love to be able to pick all your brains again in the future! 

Check back soon for additional updates and info on Dewalt’s 12V MAX cordless tool line. 

Collective Dewalt 12V MAX Li-ion Cordless Tool Coverage on ToolGuyd 

Enjoy the following gallery of a few pics I took of the facility. Some of the pics (#s 2, 3, 4) were taken by Dewalt during the event. 

As you may recall, I recently took a trip to visit a regional Woodworking Show. Before the actual show, I knew which booths I wanted to visit most, and Woodpeckers was at the very top of that list. If theirs was the only booth I was able to visit at that show, the trip would have still been worth it.

Precision Woodworking T Square

Before I even handled one of these beautiful T squares, I knew I wanted one. After seeing them on both the Woodpeckers site and at Woodcraft under the Pinnacle name, the 24″ version of this square soared to the top of my wish list.

When handling the square, I noticed that it was surprisingly well balanced. This is great news since it means a longer T square will still be manageable when used on shorter stock. At the time my wife saw how much I wanted one and offered to buy one for me, but I actually said no! What was I thinking!!

Drill Press Table

Woodpeckers’ drill press table is another item on my wish list. The table features a nice micro-dot laminated surface that’s designed to do wonders to reduce friction.

I have a 10″ tabletop drill press at home, and know that these tables are meant for 12″ and larger presses, but I may just have to splurge for one anyways. Maybe that will give me enough reason to finally upgrade to the larger sized press!

Clamping Accessories

I actually purchased quite a few sets of Woodpeckers’ clamping tools and accessories ahead of the show, but I unfortunately haven’t had the time to try them out. My initial impressions are very high, and I can already tell that my Woodpeckers clamp assortment will gradually grow over the years. I won’t talk much about them here because reviews are already in the works!

Woodpeckers Saw Gauge

When I asked Kathy, Woodpeckers’ extremely pleasant and knowledgeable VP, what their most popular product was, she showed me their precision saw gauge. Although I wouldn’t have a use for it (I don’t have space for a table saw), I immediately realized how innovative and handy the tool actually was. The gauge rests on pins placed in a saw’s miter slot, and can be used to achieve perfect blade alignment.

Check out this video via Stu’s Shed for a great demonstration about how to setup and use the saw gauge.

I highly recommend that if you plan on attending a Woodworking Show, make the Woodpeckers booth your first stop, and bring some cash with you as it will take an extreme amount of effort to leave the booth empty handed.

The Woodworking Shows is a travelling woodworking show that visits quite a few cities each year. At these shows, you can expect product demonstrations, hands-on learning experiences, and great discounts on new and popular tools.

I took the opportunity to visit a recent Woodworking Show at a nearby city, and had a great time there. There was a lot to see and do, and I of course took many photos to share with you. Since there is much about the show that I’d like to talk about, there will be a series of posts with each one focusing on a different event, vendor, or experience.

To see if there will be a Woodworking Show in your area, you can refer to the schedule on their official homepage, or do as I do and navigate there via a link on the Woodpecker website, which is easier to remember.

Admission to the show is reasonable at $10 per person, but there are $2-off and buy one ticket get your spouse in for free coupons available via The Woodworking Shows’ homepage (coupon tab at the top).

The Woodworking Shows
Woodpecker Precision Woodworking Tools (link to the show is to the left and down the navigation list)

2010 Woodworking Show Coverage, via ToolGuyd

In just two weeks, the International Builders’ Show kicks off in Las Vegas, and it will continue from the 19th thru the 22nd. Unfortuantely, due to budget and timing constraints we won’t be making it to the show, but we’ve been told that it’s going to be quite an exciting event this year.

For full details, check out the IBS homepage. If you’re heading into Vegas for the show, you may want to search for exhibitors of interest ahead of time to better plan out your visit. What we would do is narrow down the list by selecting the “tools” product category and working from there.

International Builders Show

Thanks to CopTool for staying on top of things with their recent upcoming tradeshows post. We knew that IBS was coming up, but it didn’t really hit us that it was only two weeks away until we saw their post.

You can view project videos for the basic construction of the chest immediately, and the videos concerning the finishing steps will split into two videos – one will be available Tuesday, and the conclusion will air next week.

Lowes Shop Class Project: Classic Storage Chest
Lowes Shop Class HomePage

This sounds like a great idea to help get children interested in DIY and similar hobbies in a safe and supervised environment. That, and it sounds like fun for both parents and children as well.

The next kid’s workshop will be on April 4th, and the sheduled project is a window birdhouse.

Kid’s Workshops at Home Depot