What sets the QuikJig apart is its ability to to auto-adjust depending on the thickness of the material you are using. This feature takes all of the calculations and/or guess work out of changing the tool to accommodate different material thicknesses. This auto adjust feature also calculates the the correct length of screw needed depending on the material thickness. Also you have the added plus of not having to worry about changing the tool back and forth. The QuikJig was built to be a heavy duty tool for heavy users. As such, Porter-Cable has equipped the QuikJig with some features you would appreciate while working in a shop, such as a rear-dust collection port, easy mounting holes, adjustable hole spacing, and even on-board storage. See the Woodcraft video after the Read More for an up close look and demonstration.

The Quick Jig is out now and can be found at specialty woodworking and tool stores at a suggested price of $230. Like I said, this tool is for the hardcore pocket screw users.

Craftsman has just entered the laser measuring market, which would normally be good news, but in this case, Craftsman has me wondering why they even bothered. It is not as though the new laser measurer is a bad tool, it is just a tool that has too little to offer for its price in today's market. A mispriced tool, as it were. At a price just shy of $100, the Craftsman Accutrac laser measurer can measure distances of up to 100 feet, calculates length, area, volume, does Pythagorean measuring and even has a backlit LCD screen. Sounds great right? Well the down side is the accuracy of +/- 1/8-inch. Like I said, it is not a bad tool, it just doesn't offer the same amount of features and accuracy that are currently being offered by their competitors at the same price.

Drop the price down to $50 or so, and I would say that the tool fits the price. But at $100 it seems as though Craftsman is just gunning for a wider profit margin. If anything this article reminds us of the importance of researching before you buy, or at least before the end of your stores return date.

Sears

The first thing you notice about their new JS470E and JS470EB(Barrel-Grip) jigsaws are the looks. Bosch had your comfort in mind and added a black soft-grip to all the areas they figure your hands will be, which is why it almost completely covers the entire tool. The biggest upgrade is of coarse, the added power. With each new model Bosch has added a little more power, and this brings the current models up to 7.0 amps. The added power will allow you to cut through even thicker materials, like 5+ inches of wood, at even faster speeds. To make sure the power stays true even if you hit a hard spot, is the "Constant Response" electric speed control.

Another nice change over my old Bosch, is the location movement of the variable speed dial from the switch, to the back of the tool. It is nice to get the dial out of the way, because it is very rare that I find myself using it. Other features to take notice if are: four orbital settings, an adjustable dust blower, a 45 degree bevel range, a tool-less blade changing system, and a 1-inch stroke length.

Both the JS470E and the JS470EB are in stores now with a price of around $160. A great price for a tool that is still made in Switzerland.

Bosch Tools

It is time for another ToolRank giveaway, and this time we have teamed up with Nail Jack to giveaway their newest product, the Staple Jack valued at $24.99. If you are not familiar with Nail Jack products, they are uniquely designed tools that make removing staples and nails a breeze. The shape of the tool gives users extra leverage and at the same time keeps their knuckles away from the work surface. For those deep staples or nails, the tool is designed with an area that can be hit with a hammer so you can dig underneath it.

Entering the giveaway is simple and we give you three options, here is how.

• Leave a comment anywhere on the Tool-Rank Blog. Any comment will do, but if you want to say thanks to the sponsor, that would be nice.
• Facebook users can enter by leaving a comment on the ToolRank Facebook page. Also check out Nail Jack on Facebook
• Twitter users may also enter by following ToolRank and tweeting the following message (as shown):
RT @ToolRank Enter to Win a Staple Jack from @nailjack http://su.pr/21Yg8b #giveaway
• You may enter this specific giveaway up to three times (once per method). Additional entries will not be counted.
• Contest is open to anyone in the 48 Contiguous United States (including the District of Columbia), 18 or older.
• One (1) Winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will receive one (1) of the prizes listed above.
• If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Use a valid email address.
• Prizes may look different then those pictured above.
• Entries can be submitted until Thursday September 30 2010, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
• Complete giveaway rules can be found here.

Thanks again to the prize sponsor, Nail Jack.

The Bench Cookie Plus takes all that is good from the Bench Cookie one step further with the addition of a threaded insert in the face of the cookie. Attaching one of the optional risers into the insert lets users elevate their material higher off of the work surface to offer greater clearance for jigsaw blades, drilling, etc. The raisers can also be used in any 3/4" bench dog hole, or your own 3/4" holes for even greater stability. I like the idea of a slip free saw horse.

One of the problems with the bench cookies it that they are too handy, so much so that they were being used outside of the workshop and in the home. For this, Rockler has created the Bench Cookie Home Edition. It is similar to the original BC, except that the labeling has been moved from the sides to the top. This gives them a much sleeker look that will fit in with you A/V equipment, and other areas in your house.

The BC Plus is priced at $13.99 (4 pack) with risers selling for $3.99 or $7.99 for a 2 pack. BC Home is priced at $11.99 which is the same as the Original BC.

Bench Cookies Rockler - Amazon

Let me start out by saying this saw is not available in the United States and if it ever does make it to the US, it will probably be many years from now. The Makita LF10000 10-inch saw uses a rather unique design to accomplish its dual purpose abilities. When you first see the saw, it looks like a typical miter saw, but hidden is the saw's ability to completely flip upside down to be used as a table saw. It takes around 60 seconds to change the saw back and forth between modes, so it is probably not going to work for everyone. But as with all dual function tools, there is always a tradeoff. Think about how much extra room you would have in your garage or truck verses having two saws. Video after Read More.

Via ToolStop Blog

Back in March of 2009 I broke news about the possibility of a cordless Dremel Multi-Max after coming across a concept rendering of said tool. In May of this year my local tool store let the cat out of the bag about the 12-volt Dremel Multi-Max, with a release date of October. This news pretty much guaranteed that the Multi-Max was indeed true. Now I have the press release from Dremel that makes the whole thing a reality. It is official.

The cordless Multi-Max runs off of a 12-volt lithium-ion battery, with a variable speed range from 3,000 – 21,000 oscillations per minute. It takes many of its styling and functions from the corded version, including separate variable speed and on/off controls. The cordless Dremel Multi-Max is compatible with all Dremel oscillating accessories and attachments.

The 8300-01 cordless Multi-Max kit features two 12-volt lithium-lon batteries, a one hour charger, deluxe storage case and seven Dremel oscillating tool accessories, at starting price of $149.99.

Pre-order Amazon

In the past few years we have seen great advancements in the area of ultra compact cordless tools. Now, Dewalt is trying their hand, and pushing the market in the direction of compact routers with features you would only expect in a full size router.

So what sets the new DeWalt routers apart from compact (trim) routers of the past? Well, just about everything. Dewalt has taken all the features you would want in a router, sized them down, and put them in a more compact body. The 1-1/4 peak HP motor offers more power then the other trim routers on the market today, allowing users to do more load intensive tasks. It is not up to full-sized router par, but we wouldn't expect it to be. A variable speed control also puts it in a class with the big boys, as most routers in its class only offer a single speed. A variable speed control lets you customize your speed to fit the type of bit you are using and the type of material you are cutting.

Other features that should make your routing experience even better include: dual LED lights that provide illumination for your work surface, an extended 1/4-inch router collet that provides greater holding strength and less vibration. My favorite feature has to be the 12-point spindle lock, that eliminates the need for using two wrenches for changing or adjusting bits.

You can pick up the new DeWalt compact router in the form of a 4 lb fixed base unit, or a 6 lb plunge & fixed base unit. The fixed base unit (DWP611) is expected to retail for approximately $139.00, and the fixed/plunge base combination kit (DW611PK) is expected to retail for approximately $199.00. Look for these in stores starting October 2010

DeWalt - DeWalt Tools - Amazon

We all love music, and a great soundtrack can really set the mood of the day, so it is not surprising to learn that Porter-Cable has decided to come out with cordless radio of their own. Not that everybody uses them, but cordless radios are now pretty much a standard in any cordless line. The new PC18JR radio runs off of both 18-volt NiCd and Lithium-ion PC batteries for when you want to go free range. When you need your batteries for actual work, the radio saves the day with a 120-volt power cord. The PC18JR even has two 120-volt AC outlets, so you don't have to worry about taking up one of your precious outlets. Sorry, the radio will not charger your batteries.

The radio keeps you digitally tuned in with 10 FM and 10 AM presets for your Favs, and good old Seek as a stand by. The backlit display keeps all your station information illuminated and a built-in clock will help prevent you from accidentally working overtime. For those of you that accept advancements in technology, a 3.5mm aux port will allow you to hook up your mp3 player or sat radio. The PC18JR wouldn't be any good if it couldn't withstand typical jobsite abuse. Thus is the reason behind a full roll cage and the use of premium weather resistant speakers.

Porter-Cable is also bring us a brand new variable temperature and 2-speed fan heat gun. If you are lucky, a typical heat gun offers you a high and low heat setting, with 2 speed adjustments. The PC1500HG Heat Gun from Porter-Cable takes it a step further and gives you a variable temperature range of 120-1,250 degrees.

“PORTER-CABLE is pleased to bring a quality heat gun to the painters, plumbers, remodelers and woodworkers who prefer features that make their jobs efficient and hassle-free,” said Rachel Lombardo, product manager, PORTER-CABLE. “We focused on the needs of our customers to deliver a durable, user-friendly product for the jobsite.”

One thing Porter-Cable forgot to mention in their press release is the ability to heat up your lunch, or keep your morning coffee warm. These are features you simply cannot pass up.

The Heat Gun will be available this November at Lowe's at an MSRP of only $34.97. The Radio has an MSRP of $99.97 and will be available this October at Lowe's.

Porter-Cable

-- IDEAL expands its commitment to "Made In America" mission by keeping manufacturing of iconic tool brand in the United States --

08.23.2010 – SYCAMORE, IL -- IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase certain assets of SK Hand Tools Corporation, one of America's leading manufacturers of tools for the professional mechanic.

Doug Spitler, Vice President and General Manager of IDEAL's Retail and Industrial Divisions, has been named to run the new company which will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IDEAL: "Acquiring SK Hand Tools will expand our focus on American-made quality, service and value. Loyal customers can count on the SK brand being re-energized under IDEAL ownership as the premier 'Made in USA' line of professional tools."

This latest move follows IDEAL's acquisition of American tool makers Western Forge and Pratt Read earlier this year, and further demonstrates the company's ongoing dedication to manufacturing in the United States. Although IDEAL is still formalizing plans, the company is committed to manufacturing SK tools in the United States, either by integrating production into its existing plants or building a new, state-of-the-art facility. IDEAL will publish its comprehensive manufacturing plans for SK within 30 days after the sale closes.

Founded in 1921, Chicago-based SK Hand Tools is considered an icon by generations of mechanics. Its broad line of quality-made tools, including sockets, ratchets, hammers, and wrenches, have evolved over time to make them among the most precise and reliable on the market. IDEAL intends to sell SK Hand Tools' portfolio of nearly 4000 tools under the SK® brand throughout the automotive and industrial channels of distribution.

The asset sale is expected to be finalized on August 25, 2010 with IDEAL assuming no liabilities. SK had filed for bankruptcy protection on June 29, 2010.