“Even though the housing and construction market is slowing down, power tools still represent a $9 billion industry in North America,” said Dale Haines, senior director of the real estate and construction practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “According to The Freedonia Group, demand for power tools in North America is projected to increase over the next several years, totaling $10.2 billion by 2011. With this growth on the horizon, both consumers and manufacturers of power tools can benefit from understanding what is particularly satisfying to customers.”

Among the ten brands ranked in the study, Ridgid ranks highest in customer satisfaction with a score of 784 on a 1,000-point scale, demonstrating strong performance in all factors that drive customer satisfaction, and performing particularly well in the warranty and price dimensions.

“Ridgid performs consistently well across all aspects of the study and truly differentiates itself in the highly competitive cordless drill/driver market through warranty and price,” said Haines.

DeWalt and Hitachi follow Ridgid in the rankings with scores of 779 and 774, respectively. DeWalt performs particularly well in drill performance and versatility of the battery platform, as well as in ease of use. Hitachi performs particularly well in battery performance.

Milwaukee introduces their new TRUE 12v Lithium Sub-Compact Tools.

Milwaukee is coming out with a true 12v Sub-compact tool series. The series includes a Driver/Drill, Impact Driver, a handy little mini-Recip saw, Flashlight (Incandescent ugh, c’mon guys go LED), Inspection Camera, and probably the coolest new item the Copper Tubing Cutter. I got a hands on with all of these yesterday and I was pretty impressed. Assisted by a 4-pole frameless motor they have plenty of power, these are contractor grade tools. We put these to work and they do a good job. Now this new series uses the new M12 batteries and they are not compatible with the V12 series, this has something to do with the new motors. Not dealing with a can motor is a good enough reason to upgrade batteries to me so it is what it is. The Milwaukee M12 Batteries also feature a “fuel gauge”, since lithium batteries die so fast at the end of their cycle its good to know how much charge you have left before you strap on the stilts or climb the ladder. The best part is that most of these tools come with the red Milwaukee case, of course its plastic but the price point is low enough that I’m surprised they don’t give you a bag.

The lineup includes: (Compiled information from Milwaukee, put in one spot for our loyal blog readers.)

The M12 HACKZALL™ Reciprocating Saw, (Milwaukee 2420-22)

“Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces a new industry first – the M12 HACKZALL™ Reciprocating Saw, a compact, lightweight saw designed for powerful, versatile cutting in tight spaces for virtually all tradesman as they tackle plumbing, electrical, remodeling and HVAC applications. Featuring a 12V LITHIUM-ION battery, the HACKZALL™ cuts over 80 pieces of 1½” PVC on a single charge. The 2420 delivers a ½” stroke 3,000 times per minute for a smooth yet aggressive cut, and utilizes a keyless QUIK-LOK™ blade clamp to ensure quick and easy blade changes. The lightweight design offers less user fatigue as well as one-handed operation. Compact design makes it easier for users to access tight spaces or awkward angles. The HACKZALL™ features a variable speed trigger that provides increased user control and all-metal gear case and gears that live up to Milwaukee?s legendary durability. Additional features include a Built-in LED Light and Battery Fuel Gauge that displays the remaining run- time. Backed by Milwaukee’s 5-Year tool warranty and 2-Year battery warranty, the 2420-22 comes with two 12V LITHIUM-ION batteries, 30-Minute charger, 2 Hackzall™ blades and carrying case.”

M12 ¼” Hex Impact Driver, (Milwaukee 2450-22)

“Delivering a best-in-class 850-in/lbs. of torque in a compact, lightweight package and weighing less than two and a half pounds, the 2450-22 is powerful enough to drive fasteners up to 75 percent faster and offers up to 2X longer run-time. The quick bit-loading ¼” hex chuck enables bit insertion and release to be done with one hand. Weighing only 2.3 pounds, the compact size and weight allows access to tighter areas and reduces user fatigue. A 12V LITHIUM-ION battery and 0-3,000 IPM provide longer run time and more impacts per minute for optimum performance. Additional features include an battery fuel gauge that displays the remaining run time and a built-in LED light illuminates the work surface for added visibility.”

M12 Copper Tubing Cutter, (Milwaukee 2471-22)

“Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces the industry’s first M12 Copper Tubing Cutter, specifically designed for cutting copper with the speed and versatility that plumbers, mechanical contractors and remodelers require. With a 12V LITHIUM-ION battery and ultra efficient gearing, the 2471-22 performs over 200 cuts on a single charge. A close quarter rotating head cuts installed copper tubing with as little as 1 1/2″ of clearance. At 500 RPM, the patent pending cutting mechanism cuts copper tubing up to 10X faster than conventional cutters and automatically adjusts diameter to cut through 3/8″ – 1″ copper tubing (1/2″ – 1 1/8″ OD, Type K, L, and M). The inline design offers greater reach and reduced wrist strain in confined spaces. The metal cutting head is corrosion and rust resistant and is sealed for protection from water. Electronic overload protection and uni-body construction provide exceptional durability. Additional features include a battery fuel gauge, which displays the remaining run-time, and a built-in LED work light which illuminates the work surface. Backed by Milwaukee’s 5-Year tool warranty and 2-Year battery warranty, the 2471-22 comes with two 12V LITHIUM-ION batteries, one 30-Minute charger, and a carrying case. The 2471 is also available in a single battery kit; model 2471-21.”

M12 Work light, (Milwaukee 49-24-0145)

“Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces a new M12 Flashlight designed to provide hands-free light in a compact and lightweight package. Featuring a 90-degree rotating head, the M12 Flashlight allows light to be projected in any direction. The 49-24-0145 utilizes a 12V LITHIUM-ION battery to provide longer run time and features a Xenon incandescent bulb that maximizes brightness of the beam over a specific work area. An integrated magnet provides hands-free use and a lightweight, compact design provides superior durability and portability. The 49-24-0145 is backed by Milwaukee?s five-year tool warranty.”

M12 Digital Inspection Camera, (Milwaukee 2310-21)

“With advanced digital imaging technology and a 2.4″ high-resolution color LCD display, the Digital Inspection Camera provides a crystal clear picture of tough to reach places such as inside pipes, drains and equipment and behind walls. Optimal image quality and control is achieved via an exclusive Image Zoom (2x) feature and LED brightness control. Equipped with a durable, detachable, 3′ water-tight flexible cable and a small camera head, the Digital Inspection Camera fits through holes as small a 3/4″ and gets into, under and around tight spaces. An ergonomic handle, comfortable in any orientation, features up-front power and image controls for true one-handed operation. A power saving, auto shut-off feature preserves battery life.”

M12 Screwdriver, (Milwaukee 2401-22)

“The new Milwaukee Sub-Compact Driver has the power to drive the majority of common small fasteners, and the run-time of full day screw driving without recharging. The compact size allows the users to work in tight places for increased convenience.”

And coming soon a Grinder and Jig Saw.

And since you read all of this I’ll tell you a secret. Starting in October while supplies last, look for sweet rebates and limited edition combo packs with free impact drivers, batteries and more.

Porter Cables new Brushless ROS...A green tool?

A while back when I was at Black and Decker University for a Delta Woodworking class we got to tour the R&D areas. I asked them about brushless motors on tools, they told us something was in the works. And after they cleared it with the higher ups and made us all sign non-disclosure agreements they showed us a prototype sander with a yellow body and a brushless motor. (Since the item is now available I think its okay to talk about it, if its not I’m sure I’ll be getting a letter from their lawyers.) Now here it is a little more than a year later and I see that sander again. This time with a grey body, the Porter Cable 390 Series of 5″ Random Orbit Sanders. Now I wanted to verify that this was that same brushless sander that I had previously seen so I started reading through the marketing literature and they do not reference it as a brushless motor, they reference it as a Duratech Motor. A search of the schematic revealed that there were not brushes on the parts list or shown in the breakdown. So I called up our rep and asked him point blank. And he was able to verify that yes that tool in fact does have a brushless motor! Eureka I’d discovered the truth. Now my next question is, since brushless motors are so efficient can we expect an 18v cordless sander to come from DeWalt soon?

The 390 series low profile sanders are available in 4 options:

*   The Model 390  -  5″ Low Profile Random Orbit Sander w/ Dust Collection and a Hook and Loop Pad
*   The Model 390K  -  5″ Low Profile Random Orbit Sander w/ Dust Collection and a Hook and Loop Pad and a blow molded Kit Box
*   The Model 392  -  5″ Low Profile Random Orbit Sander w/ PSA Pad and a Dust Collection Port.
*   The Model 394  -  5″ Low Profile Random Orbit Sander w/ Dust Collection and a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Pad

But here are some of the specs and features on that tool culled from various sources: The 5″ Low Profile Random Orbit Sander from Porter Cable (390) provides the high quality performance you expect from Porter Cable. The new developments and technologies used in the 3.5 Amp EnduraTech Motor provide increased performance and durability including 42% faster removal of material and a 5-10x longer motor life. The low profile design couples with ergonomic grips gives you better control on your projects. The integral dust port accepts 1″ and 1-1/2″ vacuum hoses and allows you to collect dust as you work keeping your workpiece clean.

*      5″ Low Profile Random Orbit Sander with Hook & Loop Pad
*      3.5 Amp EnduraTech Motor for increased performance and durability
*      The motor is brushless which extends tool life by as much as 10 times
*      Electronic Load Control for 42% faster material removal
*      EnduraTech motor technology has 71% fewer wear components for 5-10x longer motor life
*      Electronic motor brake reduces spin-down time by 73% for increased productivity
*      Mechanical pad brake reduces free-spin to virtually eliminate gouging
*      Low profile design reduces sander height by 31% for better control and finish
*      Variable-speed, 7,000 – 12,000 OPM for optimal removal rate on a variety of materials
*      Optimized ergonomics with rubber grip for comfort and control
*      Integral dust port accepts 1″ and 1-1/2″ vacuum hoses for optimal dust collection
*      Amps: 3.5 Amps
*      Orbits/Min: 7,000-12,000 opm
*      Tool Height: 4 inches
*      Abrasive Type: Hook & Loop or PSA

More information may be available at the Porter Cable site. I must say it is about time they updated sander technology to utilize brushless motor technology, I think that the efficiency of brushless motors are important in this THINK GREEN society that we are becoming. Coupled with the amazing run times of Lithium Ion Batteries this could be the beginning of the next generation of power tools. Update: I guess I should have just watched the video. They go into nice detail about the motor, they even show a cut away, damn that thing is sexy.