January 22nd, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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It’s been an interesting few days here at the International Builder’s Show. Despite the slow economy, I’m happy to see more attendees than last year, a slew of added booths filling the floorspace again and some signs of optimism among all. Although IBS isn’t woodworking-focused, we were still able to have a look at some products that are close to your shop and DIY needs. And, many tool vendors are promising great new products in the pipeline for 2010. So, again, reason for brighter days to come—and downright excitement for our next woodworking show this summer!
Well, the show is clearing out, winding down and soon to end. Time to double-check those airline times—especially given all the rain and cold we’ve had here—and head to the airport. Thanks for clicking through and viewing our video and text blogs. Be on the lookout for more IBS product coverage to come in the regular eZine and future print issues of the Journal!
Catch you back in the shop,
Chris Marshall, Field Editor
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January 22nd, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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I stopped by to see Bob Cummings at Prazi USA and, although he wasn’t showing brand-new product at IBS, there are a couple of current Prazi items worthy of note. Recently, Prazi expanded the joinery options for its ChestMate Dovetail Jig—a product I really like. Now, the same ChestMate jig is capable of cutting mortises of any length and width, as well as four sizes of box joints (3/8, 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 in.) and even dowel joints with any spacing on any length board. The expanded capability is possible because Prazi includes several more inserts with the standard jig. The ChestMate and all of the new inserts sell for $129. Try getting that degree of versatility out of any other dovetail jig!
Another unsual Prazi product that could come in real handy for timber framing or cutting other oversized stock is the Beam Cutter. It uses a bolt on chainsaw-style bar and integral splitter to convert your worm drive or 7 1/4-in. circular saw into a tool capable of cutting 12-in.-thick material. Although the Beam Cutter looks a little intimidating, Bob says the chain cuts on the upstroke, which pulls the saw tight to the workpiece and eliminates kickback hazards. The Beam Cutter has a street price of around $159.
You can learn more about both products, or even place an on-line order, by visiting the company’s website: www.praziusa.com
Tags: Beam Cutter, ChestMate, Dovetail Jig
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January 22nd, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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I’ve been a fan of RIDGID’s compact trim router for years, but its depth adjustment feature and finicky motor release were two aspects that left room for improvement for me. But, my little gripes have been nicely remedied in RIDGID’s new R2401 Trim Router. This 3.8-lb. tool offers a micro-adjust dial for precise depth-of-cut control, and a quick-release latch disengages the motor for easy removal from the base.
The R2401 develops 5.5 amps, with a variable speed range of 20,000 to 30,000 rpm. A spindle lock makes bit changing a one-wrench operation, and soft start eliminates torque-twisting at start-up.
RIDGID builds other creature comforts into this pint-sized router, such as a flat top that will make bit swapping more stable, overmolds on the gripping surface and an LED light to brighten the cutting area. An edge guide, clear round or square subbases, a 1/4-in.-shank laminate-trimming bit and heavy-duty contractor’s carry case round out this package, for $99.97.
The R2401 Trim Router is available in Home Depot stores now.
Tags: Power Tool, Router
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January 22nd, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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While this item certainly isn’t a woodworking power tool, Ryobi’s Power Usage Meter, released late in 2009, can help you become a wiser electricity consumer in your home or shop. The meter simply plugs into an outlet, and its onboard grounded plug will then accept the plug of most 15-amp home appliances, including televisions, stereos, computers, microwaves, cell phone chargers and other household or consumer electronics. It can evaluate the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly power usage and cost of whatever you have plugged into it. Ryobi estimates the meter to be accurate to within +/- 3%.
Finally, here’s a way to know exactly where your utility dollars are being spent—quickly and easily. The Ryobi Power Usage Meter has a street price of $24.97, and you can purchase it at your local Home Depot store.
Tags: Power Meter
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January 22nd, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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The category of multi-tools, which accept a variety of cutting and sanding attachments, continues to grow. Now RIDGID is joining this versatile tool group with a twist: its new 12-volt multi-tool consists of a power base that accepts two different quick-connect heads. One is an oscillating head, which resembles a more typical multi-tool. RIDGID says this head will accept most multi-tool attachments for plunge-cutting, sanding, scraping and more. A second AutoHammer Head, which also installs without tools, enables the same power base to drive nails at 3600 beats per minute. Its right-angle configuration will be helpful for tight-quarter nailing applications.
RIDGID packages the multi-tool with a two-speed drill, featuring a 3/8-in. single-sleeve chuck. An overmolded grip and LED light should make this a handy little cordless drill to keep around the shop or home. A charger and single Lithium-ion battery power either of the R92234 JobMax Combo Kit tools.
Unveiled for the first time at IBS, RIDGID anticipates that this all-new kit should reach Home Depot stores this March, with a suggested retail price of $199.
Tags: Drill/Driver, Lithium-Ion, Multi-tool
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January 21st, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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If you’re tired of accumulating another battery charger for every new cordless tool you buy, Ryobi’s P125 Super Charger could offer a better solution. It can charge up to six of the company’s 18-volt ONE+ batteries at a time on demand, and it responds to each battery’s individual charging state.
The charger can replenish batteries in one hour or less, then it monitors charge levels and tops them up as necessary. Separate indicator lights show battery and port status as batteries are charged or maintained. An Energy Save Mode activates when all of the batteries are fully charged, and it shuts the charger down until it’s needed again. That protects the batteries’ cells and maximizes their overall service lives.
The Ryobi Super Charger includes a 6-ft. power cord and a quick-release wall-mount bracket to help conserve workbench space. Tool batteries are not included.
You can see the Super Charger now at your local Home Depot store, along with other ONE+ Ryobi tools. It sells for $79.
Tags: Battery, Charger, Cordless Tool
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January 21st, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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Rockwell is rolling out a handy little RK1002K2 Combo Kit at IBS, featuring two 12-volt Lithium-ion tools: a drill/driver and an oscillating multitool for $199.99.
The drill/driver is a compact little tool with a two-speed gearbox that develops no-load speeds of 0-350 and 0-1300 rpm. The drill/driver has 230 in. lbs. of torque, which should be plenty of power for drilling or driving screws in a variety of materials. Drilling capacity is 1-1/8 in. in wood and 3/8 in. in steel. The drill/driver has a 3/8 in. keyless chuck, 15-torque settings plus a drill mode. An automatic spindle lock allows rapid bit changes. The tool’s comfortable soft-grip handle and variable-speed trigger and brake make it handy to use for a variety of projects. An LED light helps illuminate the work area.
On the heels of Rockwell’s corded SoniCrafter multi-tool, the new 12-volt lithium-ion model provides the versatility of cutting, sawing, scraping and sanding and the convenience of cord-free operation. Its oscillation speed is 2000 to 5000 rpm with an oscillating angle of 3.2 degrees. The elongated, angle grinder-like body of the SoniCrafter has a soft grip handle, variable-speed trigger and an easy access on/off switch. A built-in LED light helps illuminate the work area. The tool is also compatible with a broad range of other Rockwell SoniCrafter blades and accessories.
Rockwell’s two-piece 12-volt Lithium Combo with drill/driver and SoniCrafter are available online at rockwelltoolsdirect.com and other websites, including amazon.com. These products also are expected to be available through local retailers, such as Menards and independent hardware stores and lumber yards in early spring 2010.
Tags: Combo Kit, Drill/Driver, Multi-tool
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January 19th, 2010 by Chris Marshall
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Sure, it’s still January—cold, dark and snowy. Followed by more cold, dark and snowy. Nobody knows that better than us here in the Northland. But this week, editor-in-chief Rob Johnstone and I are shedding the parkas and mukluks and heading to sunny Las Vegas for the 2010 International Builder’s Show (IBS).
IBS is the largest annual building industry tradeshow in the country! That’s where we’ll find all the big names in home improvement—and plenty of woodworking suppliers, too—showing their latest and greatest goodies for the new year. But, even though you probably won’t be there thawing out with us, you can grab hold of our cyber press passes and come along anyway!
Just as we did last year, we’ll hit Sin City’s convention center hard, with plenty of video interviews in the booths plus other blog coverage from the tradeshow floor.
Follow our IBS escapades on Twitter, Facebook and, of course, this blog! Check back often, as we’ll be uploading new content throughout each day.
Let’s take a break from winter and let IBS get us thinking about warmer weather and all of the woodworking that goes with it.
Time to get packed and get outta Dodge!
Catch you from IBS,
Chris Marshall, Field Editor
Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
It’s been an interesting few days here at the International Builder’s Show. Despite the slow economy, I’m happy to see more attendees than last year, a slew of added booths filling the floorspace again and some signs of optimism among all. Although IBS isn’t woodworking-focused, we were still able to have a look at some products that are close to your shop and DIY needs. And, many tool vendors are promising great new products in the pipeline for 2010. So, again, reason for brighter days to come—and downright excitement for our next woodworking show this summer!
