Tools-Plus Tool Talker Blog

When professionals were asked what the biggest drawback to using a cordless tool on the job was, they said runtime. With corded tools being impractical due to a lack of power source options, professionals needed a solution that gave them extreme runtime. Professionals needed something that outperforms the cordless status quo and with that, Dewalt developed their line of 20V XR™ (Extreme Runtime) Lithium-Ion Tools.

Dewalt’s XR™ line provides you with cordless options that feature a brushless motor and run off Dewalt’s XR Lithium Ion batteries for up to 57% more runtime versus brushed motor options with standard lithium ion batteries.

Dewalt’s XR Lithium Ion batteries offer 33% more capacity than standard lithium ion batteries of the same size. These XR batteries come in two sizes. The full size battery (DCB204) is a 4.0Ah and includes a fuel gauge on the back so that you can keep track of your current battery life. The compact size battery (DCB203) is a 2.0Ah and includes a convenient fuel gauge indicator as well. The Brushless motor controls energy transfer more efficiently within the tool versus brushed and allows the tool to run longer between charges so you can get those extra fasteners in.

Curious about the current XR Line Up?

Dewalt has currently released three tools with more tools expected in the Fall of 2013.

The first is the Dewalt DCD790 20V MAX* XR Lithium Ion Brushless ½” Compact Drill Driver. Compact at just 7.2” front-to-back, this convenient cordless solution delivers 2-speed settings (0-600/0-2,000RPM) that improving speed and torque control across a range of fastening and drilling applications compared to past Dewalt ½” Drill Driver models. This XR™ is currently sold as: a bare tool (DCD790B), as kit including two compact XR batteries (DCD790D2) or in a combo kit with the DCF886 (DCK281D2).

The second in the XR line up is the Dewalt DCF886 20V MAX* XR Lithium-Ion Brushless ¼” Impact Driver. Compact at only 5.55” (front-to-back) this lean and mean cordless solution kicks out a no load speed 0 -2,800rpm (0-3,200ipm) with a max torque of 1,500 in-lbs (125 ft-lbs). At a weight of just 2.9lbs (with a battery), this XR tool greatly reduces user fatigue over the course of a rigorous work day. This XR™ is currently sold as: a bare tool (DCF886B), as a kit including two full-size batteries (DCF886M2), as a kit including two compact XR batteries (DCF886D2) and in a combo kit with either the DCD790 or the DCD795 tool.

The third tool is the Dewalt DCD795 20V MAX* XR Lithium Ion Brushless Compact Hammerdrill Kit. Compact at just 7.8” front-to-back, this powerful cordless solution delivers 2-speed settings (0-600/0-2,000 RPM) and 0-34,000 BPM for fast drilling in masonry materials. This XR tool features a metal ½” ratcheting chuck for superior bit gripping ability. This XR™ is currently sold as: a kit including two compact XR batteries (DCD795D2) or in a combo kit with the DCF886 (DCK286D2).

Check out the full line of Dewalt’s 20V Line here.

A lot of the U.S has seen record snowfall totals this year. At this time, some of you probably still have snow piles scattered across your lawn refusing to melt underneath the April sun. As this leftover snow melts you begin to notice the damage winter has done to your property. Your once beautiful walkway and driveway have layers of dirt or mud across them. One swipe of your pointer finger shows everything that splattered on your vehicle for the last two months. Although it’s early for healthy grass growth, your white vinyl siding is looking a lot greener than your lawn is.

But relax. Take a breather. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be an end of the world notion. There are great tools that can help speed up this process, get your property looking great, and still save you a lot of $$$.

Think about power washers (also known as pressure washers). These tools are excellent because they can speed of the cleaning process and do a far better job than any chemical or manual alternative. Power washers are on the same level of solutions as say a lawn mower would be. Although you could cut a lawn with a pair of scissors, the time and level of difficulty would far outweigh the benefit. So you would be better off using a lawn mower.

Power washers come in various different sizes and offer various features but the main things to consider are GPM (gallons per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch). With a higher value of each, the more power and water your pressure washer can deliver.  Keep in mind though, that every pressure washer isn’t designed for every application. You wouldn’t use a residentially rated power washer on a commercial building in downtown New York City and expect the same results.

Generac, a leading provider in power systems has simplified the equation. They offer residential, commercial and industrial power washing solutions. They offer solutions that range from 2500 PSI to 4000 PSI. They offer options that can clean cars, driveways, homes, industrial vehicles and even commercial buildings. Not sure what PSI rating you need? Generac has a great power washer sizing guide (see image below) that breaks down the major applications (represented by icons) and which type of washer fits each application.

For those of you who have some home property maintenance to attend to after the winter, Generac has just released the Generac OneWash 2000-3000 PSI Power Washer (2.8 GPM). This new power washer gives you the benefits of four power washers in one and the most powerful engine in its class (Generac 212cc OHV Engine). The OneWash has a PowerDial™ with four easy settings that allow you to adjust the pressure to fit the application. The four applications are (Vehicle, House, Fence/Deck and Bricks).

You’ve probably heard that a lot of power washers can be hard to move around and maneuver. Although that may be true for some, the Generac OneWash was designed for mobility and compact storage. For your convenience all of the controls for the OneWash washer are consolidated into a control panel, eliminating the need for having to search for every switch on the machine.

If you’re interested in investing in this great product, click here for more information.

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Note: Power washers release pressurized water and can cause severe personal injury or property damage if not used properly. Never point a power washer at another person. When using a power washer make sure to be on level ground. Carbon monoxide produced during use CAN KILL IN MINUTES. NEVER use indoors or in other sheltered areas, EVEN IF doors and windows are open. Only use OUTSIDE, and far away from windows, doors and vents. READ MANUAL BEFORE USE for important details on safe operation.

Been looking to upgrade your older metalworking machinery? There’s no better time than now. Starting March 25^th, ALL JET Metalworking will be 10% off. What does that mean for you? That means you can revamp your whole metalworking and metal forming collection for less. See great savings on: Drill Presses, Metal forming Machines, Grinders, Metalworking Lathes, Metal Cutting Saws, Milling Machines, and Metal Dust Collection Systems. Best of all, ALL JET metalworking machinery comes with best-in-class two year warranties, and the industry’s best service and support program: JET Red Assurance.

With Red Assurance, you get a 9 out of 10 customer rated service and technical support. The Red Assurance Stamp gives you the peace of mind with 40,000+ unique parts in stock and 750 authorized service centers in 50 states to make sure you’re taken care of. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in equipment that’s built around decades of reliability, expertise and dependability. Don’t miss out on this HUGE chance to save! Click Here to start planning out your shopping list before the sale hits on March 25^th, 2013.

(This JET metalworking sale runs from March 25^th – April 7^th, 2013. The JET GH-1640ZX CNC Lathe is not included in the sale.)

Conquer all your mortising needs with the groundbreaking Powermatic 701 Benchtop Mortiser. Built by a company with over 90 years of woodworking knowledge and expertise, this bench top deluxe mortiser is the complete package. Wood Magazine even named the Powermatic 701 PM the top tool of 2012. More proof that Powermatic has been setting the Gold Standard since 1921.

Powermatic sets the gold standard on power with the 701 Benchtop Deluxe Mortiser, which runs on a true ¾ HP (1725 rpm) motor to drive through toughest woods without hesitation (Most mortisers run on just a ½ HP motor as the norm). Together with easily reversible material hold-down clamp, this bench top mortiser is design to work with stock thicknesses of 0” to 5” and has a 5” total plunge capacity. To mortise very large stock the entire column and head can be turned 90-degrees.

Designed for accuracy, durability and user-friendly operation, the Powermatic 701 Benchtop Mortiser addresses frequent issues and concerns that woodworkers have. For example the Powermatic 701 features an in-line depth stop which allows the user to stop at preset depths without racking the mortiser bit to the base. This is great because most mortisers have their depth stop located to the side or ahead of the line where bit deflection and racking of the head can occur.

Want your mortiser to be both left and right hand compatible? That’s not a problem. The 701 has a spline located on either side that allows you to remove the lever arm assembly easily with your hands from one side to the other. Each spline rod features ten slots for ten comfortable positions when using the heavy-duty reversible handle.

This Benchtop Deluxe Mortiser has some great features to improve accuracy. It includes a double lock system for stock hold-down to eliminate the worries of work piece slippage and a quick action cam lock that securely locks the fence in position with one 90 degree movement. The Powermatic 701 features large work space on both the table and fence that also increases accuracy and improves stability.

Together with many other knockout features, the Powermatic 701 Benchtop Deluxe Mortiser is a best in-class machine that features many groundbreaking achievements in mortising. Consider nothing less than the Gold Standard.

Interested purchasing this bench top mortiser? There’s no better time than now!

Now through March 11^th, All JET and Powermatic woodworking machines will be 15% off! That’s 15% off: table saws, planers, band saws, mortisers, dust collection systems, jointers, sanders and much more! These sale prices are available at tool-plus.com/Powermatic.html and tools-plus.com/jet.html.

(Offer is available March 1^st – March 11^th, 2013. Sale excludes: Powermatic PM1500 Bandsaw, Powermatic 4224B Lathe, Powermatic PM2800B and the NEW JET 1221VS Lathe. Other exclusions may apply.)

Powermatic sets the Gold Standard. From a family operated corn mill to a world class leader in industrial woodworking machinery, Powermatic has been developing woodworking solutions for the professional since 1921. Along the way they have remained at the forefront of woodworking technology and developed best-in-class machinery. The legacy continues on with the Powermatic PM1500 Bandsaw. The PM1500 (1791500) offers features that you can only find on some of the larger band saws, making it a category redefining machine. Its runs on a heavy-duty 3HP 1PH 230V motor that provides the power you need to complete all of your woodworking projects.

Better than a traditional 14” band saw, the PM1500 features 14-1/2 inches of throat and 14 inches of resaw for more capacity. The PM1500 also comes with an exclusive Powermatic T-square style Accu-Fence that maximizes your accuracy and safety with every cut. Not to mention that the Accu-Fence has full adjustability for aligning to blade and squaring to the table. The Powermatic PM1500 also features an integrated foot brake that stops a coasting blade.

Powermatic is fully invested in the quality and performance of their products. That’s why the PM1500 comes with a Powermatic five year warranty. If you’re interested in taking your workshop to the next level, visit our product page for the Powermatic PM1500 and order yours today!

Interested in other band saws or woodworking machinery? Now through March 11^th, All JET and Powermatic woodworking machines will be 15% off! That’s 15% off: table saws, planers, band saws, dust collection systems, jointers, sanders and much more! These sale prices are available at tool-plus.com/Powermatic.html and tools-plus.com/jet.html.

(Offer is available March 1^st – March 11^th, 2013. Sale excludes: Powermatic PM1500 Bandsaw, Powermatic 4224B Lathe, Powermatic PM2800B and the NEW JET 1221VS Lathe. Other exclusions may apply.)

It’s hard to think that JET Tools used to be a small manual chain hoists and trolley dealer out of Tacoma, Washington just a little over 50 years ago. Especially with what they are today, a leading manufacturer of industrial tools and machinery. Jet takes pride on delivering new and innovative products that solve the common issues professional users’ experience. Jet’s quality engineering and manufacturing gives you the reliability you need on each and every JET machine. JET machines are rigorously tested to insure consistent quality and precision operations.

However, JET has more than just products with superior quality. They have the knowledge and back up you need with an industry leading warranty. JET has one of the most comprehensive warranties and they are willing to stand behind the quality of their designs and workmanship. JET has 750 authorized service centers ready to assist you across the USA; giving you a qualified local technician that can help you troubleshoot any issues you may have with your equipment should a problem ever arise.

Looking to invest into JET products? There is no better time than now.  Starting March 1^st, JET Woodworking will be 15% off. That’s 15% off JET table saws, sanders, dust collectors, lathes, planers, jointers, and much more. This discount even applies to their Vortex Cone Dust Collectors that feature Jet’s Vortex Cone Technology. Vortex Cone Technology delivers two stage dust collection performance into a single stage unit, which allows you to keep your lungs clear of harmful dust.

Are You Ready to Switch to JET?

(Offer is available March 1^st – March 11^th, 2013. Sale excludes: Powermatic PM1500 Bandsaw, Powermatic 4224B Lathe, Powermatic PM2800B and the NEW JET 1221VS Lathe. Other exclusions may apply.)

Makita HRH01ZX2: An 18V Solution for Corded Rotary Hammers

With nearly 100 years of advanced motor design, Makita has been able to put unmatched power and performance into their power tool development. A great example of this is their new Makita HRH01ZX2 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1” Rotary Hammer. Powered by two 18V LXT batteries, this cordless rotary hammer gives you the drilling performance of a corded hammer. It features a Makita-built motor that delivers 0-1,200 RPM, 0-4,800 BPM and 3.0 Joules of impact for enhanced drilling. The HRH01ZX2 also has 3-mode operation and a torque-limiting clutch that’s engineered to prevent damage to the gears by disengaging if the bit binds.

Not only does the Makita HRH01ZX2 offer excellent performance but it also has excellent user convenient features. It includes a great ergonomic soft-grip handle and 2 finger trigger that provides increased comfort on the job. This rotary hammer also features a built-in LED light that gives you the extra light you need to complete a job in a poor lit environment. The HRH01ZX2 accepts SDS-PLUS bits and with the SDS-PLUS shank you get 360 degree rotation with 40 different positions. Harness the power of corded rotary hammer without the restrictions that a cord provides. Invest in the Makita HRH01ZX2 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1” Rotary Hammer and start maximizing your results. Also check our full line of Makita Tools and Accessories at our Makita page.

WANT TO WIN SOME GREAT MAKITA PRIZES?

“Like” Makita on Facebook and be entered in to win. Makita will pick 2 winners weekly for a chance at some great stuff. Upon liking Makita on Facebook, you will also unlock an exclusive Miss Makita video featuring the HRH01ZX2 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Rotary Hammer.

Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Teams Up with RAM Truck Brand

I’ve got BIG NEWS for those of you who love the Bosch power tool brand. On February 4^th, Bosch Power Tools announced they are launching a strategic partnership with RAM truck. This partnership will include cross-promotional sweepstakes, co-branded programs across the country and joint product development opportunities. Here’s what the President and CEO of Robert Bosch Tool Corporation had to say:

“At Bosch, we’re committed to developing power tools and accessories that deliver uncompromising quality and reliability to our customers,” said Terry Horan, President and CEO, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, North America. “The Bosch team is truly excited to be working with a partner the caliber of Ram Truck. One thing that we’ve learned through the planning process is that our companies align well and complement one another.”

Could we see a 2014 Dodge RAM Bulldog Edition? A truck that features a Bosch blue paint job, black leather seating and a Bosch utility box installed into the bed? Who knows? Anything is possible when you have the toughest truck brand in the world working alongside the world’s leading manufacturer of professional power tools.

Let’s not forget that Bosch also announced their strategic alliance with Simpson Strong-Tie back in October 2012. The alliance seeks to bring a complete Bosch/Simpson Strong-Tie installation system to market. This system would include: adhesive and mechanical anchors, demolition and rotary hammers as well as accessories. All of which together would help improve user efficiency and productivity.

With so many partnerships forming, Bosch can further innovate and develop new products that will not only serve the Bosch user but the RAM and Simpson-Strong-Tie user as well. To see what Bosch has brewed up lately, check out our Bosch Power Tools page.

WOULD YOU LIKE A NEW TRUCK?

Kicking off the alliance between Bosch and RAM is the Bosch DRILLNDRIVE Sweepstakes. One randomly selected winner will receive a RAM truck of their choice (valued up to $50,000). This contest runs now through February 28^th, 2013. For more information visit Bosch’s DRILLNDRIVE Sweepstakes page: http://www.boschtools.com/Latest/PromotionsOffers/Pages/woc2013.aspx.

The JET brand is known for working with new technologies and developing innovative solutions that exceed the high standards set by industry professionals who depend on their equipment to get the job done right. Speed, precision and durability all become equally important in the pursuit of superior results and user control.  With that in mind, JET has developed the NEW JWL-1221VS 12” x 20-1/2” Variable Speed Wood Lathe.

Unlike any other product on the market today, the JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe features a superior design, superior features, and overall improved turning experience. This lathe focuses on one concept, and that’s giving the user complete control over their work. This variable speed wood lathe features a unique 60 to 3,600 RPM range. That’s right! This lathe can go down to as low as 60 RPM. This gives you the ability to accomplish threading, detail and intricate work as well as slow sanding operations.

The NEW 12” x 20-1/2” Wood Lathe also runs off of an excellent 1 HP motor and features a digital RPM Readout so that you can keep track of what speed you’re operating at. With this wood lathe you have forward/reverse operation and it features a patent-pending belt tension system. It features 24 integrated indexing positions and an acme thread on tailstock quill. With many more features, the JET JWL-1221VS is an all-round woodworking force of nature. This wood lathe will be available for shipment starting February 15, 2013. If you’re looking to maximize your turning experience, look no further than the JET JWL-1221VS 12” x 20-1/2” Variable Speed Wood Lathe.

Introducing the NEW Dewalt DCB203 and DCB204 XR Lithium-Ion Battery Packs

Dewalt will soon be releasing some excellent power upgrades to their popular 20V Max* cordless system that was released in the U.S just about two years ago. Dewalt is rolling out with 20 Max* XR (Extended Run Time) Lithium-Ion Batteries. These batteries have improved Ah (amp-hour) ratings to give you the extended run time that you need on the job. The new Dewalt DCB204 20V MAX* XR Premium battery will feature 4.0 Ah (compared to the DCB200 3.0Ah). They will also be releasing the new Dewalt DCB203 20V* MAX XR Compact battery that features 2.0 Ah (compared to the DCB200 1.5Ah).

These new 20V Max* Batteries won’t be available as an accessory until mid-March 2013, but you’d like to get a taste of this new battery power the DCB204 Premium Battery will be included in the new Dewalt 20V Max* DCS373M2 Metal Cutting Circular Saw Kit. This Metal Cutting Saw features a powerful 460 MWO, 3700 rpm motor that delivers power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with the greatest of ease. The Dewalt DCS373 uses a 5-1/2” 30T Carbide Tipped Metal Cutting blade that can cut right through metallic construction materials. The DCS373M2 also has an excellent SIGHT-LINE Window that provides for a clear view of the material when cutting. Just like the rest of the 20V* Max system, this metal cutting saw delivers ideal balance, a lightweight design and added features that make this a total package cordless tool. Dewalt power tools are guaranteed tough. If you’d like to pre-order your Dewalt DCS373M2 Metal Cutting Saw Kit, visit our website. The DCS373M2 should be available for shipment within 2 weeks.