Dewalt just announced the launch of a new compact router designed to combine power, ease of use and ergonomics to provide high visibility, control, and performance. These new routers are said to merge the ergonomic features and size of trim routers with the power of full-size routers to deliver both performance and jobsite versatility.
Starrett sent us a heads-up a little while back introducing their new full line catalog (#32). The new 550+ page catalog features more than 5,000 Starrett products including precision measuring tools, metrology equipment, saw blades, granite surface plates and tools.
In response to our post about Jeff’s new DIY red oak hex bit holder, Scott emailed in a few tips about which types of wood are best for similar steel-bit holder projects.
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Red Toolbox’s T010-F workbench is a fold-away tool center meant for use by children, and yet it incorporates many well though out features that I can see being very handy for adult use. It has a 24″ x 17.5″ work surface, built-in tool storage, an integrated vise, and what appears to be a somewhat sturdy steel frame.
Over at Amazon, there is an insane router bit sale going on. Milwaukee-branded bits, both 1/4″ and 1/2″ shanked, are selling for just $5 each. A handful of select styles are $10 each. These router bits are made for Milwaukee in Italy by Freud.
Orders of $25 and up are eligible for free super saver shipping.
Milwaukee Router Bit Blowout Sale via Amazon
When working on some small parts the other day, I pulled out my trusty Bausch & Lomb watchmaker’s loupe. With a 4x magnification, this loupe provides an ample field of view and depth of focus. For greater magnification needs, I head on over to a 10-40x opical inspection microscope, although I’m considering a digital USB microscope for future work.
The best thing about these glass-lens and plastic-bodied loupes is that they’re fairly cheap for the great level of performance they provide. I did accidentally pop the lens out of a loupe once or twice, but they snap right back in. For the most part these loupes are very securely constructed.
Bausch & Lomb Loupes via Amazon
Product Info via Bausch & Lomb
We have been having a bit of discussion lately as to what constitutes a “normal” adjustable wrench. In my mind, a normal wrench may not necessari;y be a good one. You know the kind, those 3-for-$15 sets you find at the bargain bin at the local home improvement store during peak winter holiday and Father’s Day shopping seasons.
Official word just came out that Ideal Industries has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase certain assets of SK Hand Tools.
The headline of the press release is also very reassuring: Ideal expands its commitment to its Made in America mission by keeping manufacuring of iconic tool brand in the United States.
This may be a reach, but if this isn’t indication that Ideal has ambitious growth plans, I don’t what is. Pretty soon we might be seeing increased marketing efforts and distribution of Ideal and their subsidiary brands’ tools. If not, then someone needs to make this happen. These days we NEED more companies to be steadfast in their USA manufacturing ideals.
A few months ago, I won a mobile tool cabinet from a Western Dovetail Drawers on Wheels contest. I opted to receive the ready-to-assemble kit rather than the pre-assembled version, and recently put the entire thing together. A full review is in the works, but I’m too excited to wait until then to share a few first impressions.
Over at Amazon, their “deal of the day” is Makita’s compact cordless tool combo kit. This kit includes a 10.8V 1/4″ hex driver and an impact driver, for $125 (normally $160 and up). The combo also includes a charger (of course), 2 batteries, and hard shell storage case.
The drill/driver features 2-speed settings (0-350, 0-1300 rpm), and a 200 in-lb maximum torque rating. The impact driver has a 0-2400 rpm and 800 in-lb torque rating. By no means are these the best specs on the market right now, but the tools do offer quite decent features in a compact and very affordable package.
Makita Cordless Tool Combo Set (LCT203W) via Amazon
Product Info via Makita
We’ve received a few emails over the past few months asking about where to buy the new cordless Rockwell Sonicrafter oscillating multi-tool (RK2514K2). The cordless tool kit is now available via Woodcraft and Amazon, for $170.
This cordless Sonicrafter is Rockwell’s first foray into the compact 12-volt lithium ion power tool market, but other tools such as their interestingly designed H3 rotary hammer drill are also on the way.
Rockwell Cordless Sonicrafter via Woodcraft
Rockwell Cordless Sonicrafter via Amazon
A few people have asked about where to find the new Rockwell JawStand. It looks like it was just added to Woodcraft’s catalog, which is great because their $15 off $75 and free shipping promo is still ongoing.
The JawStand is priced at $70, so you’ll need $5 of “fillers” to take advantage of the $15 discount. Take a look at their screws, knobs, or jig hardware selection, and I’m sure you can find something you need to raise the order total above $75.
Use coupon code 82010 at checkout.
Porter Cable just announced a new lineup of compact 12V Max lithium ion cordless power tools. Hot on the heels of Dewalt’s own unveilings, the new line of tools are intended to offer durability and great performance in compact and lightweight packages. The tools are designed for contractors, trade professionals, woodworkers, and hobbyists.
As part of my shop rebuild, I have been researching and buying several new hand tools for quick use, like my go-to screwdrivers. These tools are intended to be hung on a pegboard for easy access and will be used to perform a variety of tasks, quickly and efficiently. My latest tool acquisition is a Beta shop hammer.
I was looking for a general purpose hammer that could drive a quick nail, perform light metal work, and be easy to hold for metal punch and cold chisel work. After a bit of research I ultimately decided on a Beta #1370/400 engineer’s hammer. Keep reading for my full hands-on review.
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