We first got our hands on the new Bosch ROS65VC-6 6" Random Orbit Sander with Vibration Control at their 2011 Media Event. Since then, we pretty much have been unable to take our hands off it. What fascinated us about the tool is that, when used side-by-side with other sanders, it truly did significantly reduce vibration. This yielded better control and, perhaps more importantly, less fatigue on the hands during use. We've used a lot of orbital sanders in our day and having a product that cuts out the vibration to this extent is worth its weight in gold - which is good, because this new sander from Bosch will cost you nearly that much.
This week Porter-Cable announced a couple of new products due out in October of this year (next month), including their new PC60TPAG 7-amp 4-1/2" Small Angle Grinder and Cut-off Tool. The new Angle Grinder really seems to benefit form some of the advances the company has made with its cordless tools. In particular, the tool is lighter and more agile than its predecessors and it delivers excellent performance while still maintaining an ergonomic form factor.
The Porter Cable PC60TCTAG 4-1/2 Inch Cut-Off Tool and Angle Grinder Kit comes equipped to tackle just about any grinding or metal cutting project you can throw at it. Given that two different blade guards are included, one that is optimized for grinding and the other one for cutting, you can be sure that not only can to complete the task at hand but also do it safely. Just to sweetened the deal and get you started on your projects they threw in 5 general purpose grinding wheels and 5 cut off wheels in the box! With 6 amps of power, a compact size and a rock bottom price, we are pretty sure that this is angle grinder combo pack is a winner.
Ever wish your electric planer had a longer stance and better dust collection? Porter-Cable is attempting to meet those needs with its new 6 amp Hand Planer (model #PC60THPK). The brand new planer is actually rather sleek, with a raked back profile and 3 chamfer grooves. The new motor, which is reasonably powerful for those looking to do significant hand planing for finish applications, comes up with 16,500 RPMs. At first glance this planer seems perfect for planing wood planks, shortening doors and joists, and also chamfering and profiling the corners and edges of various hardwoods. The part we liked, however, was that it could chunk out up to 5/64" per pass. For those who have trouble with fractions, that's a little over 1/16 of an inch - not terribly deep by planing standards, but this is an instrument meant for finer work, not something with which to replace your circular saw. The planer comes with two blades and you can use either high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide blades. HSS blades are perfect for more aggressive planing - where nails might be encountered, and carbide blades are your tools for finish carpenters or craftsman who don't risk jamming them up on anything except wood.
Makita announced the new GA4534, engineered with non-protruding brush holders and an innovative motor housing that reduce the barrel diameter to a scant 2-3/16". In addition, the GA4534 has an ergonomic grip for added comfort, and weighs only 4.2 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue. The side handle is positioned at an increased 20-degree angle for added comfort and control, and the paddle switch has a no lock-on mode for added user preference.
Skil Power Tools recently launched its new 7302 Octo Multi-Finishing Sander. The novel thing about this particular sander is the presence and inclusion of eight assorted attachments. The options make it uniquely suited to sand hard-to-reach areas and multi-task by hitting multiple surfaces at once, or more effectively sanding particular, or hard-to-reach places. Skil also added something it calls Pressure Control Technology to the 7302. The technology involves a series of pressure control lights that indicate when the user is pressing too hard, too light or just right. It's a neat idea that is meant to help keep scars and marks off the wood and ensures optimal surface smoothness.
The Makita model BO5041K 5" Random Orbit Sander is engineered for cabinetry, furniture, wood boats, decks, and general carpentry, and is ideal for carpenters and general contractors seeking a best in class random orbit sander. Model BO5041K includes abrasive paper, dust bag, and tool case (Makita offers a variety of hoses and adapters – sold separately – for attachment to vacuum systems).
When building fine wood work, one of the most critical aspects of the project is the sanding and finishing. Without that perfect finish, the whole project loses its polish. To achieve that ideal finish there are several key factors and one of these has to do with the way it was sanded. To help woodworkers of all levels of craftsmanship achieve a better final product, Porter Cable has come out with a new 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander.
Skil has upped the technology of their new 5-inch Random Orbit(al) Sander by adding a microfiltration dust collector and a pressure sensor that tells you when you're bogging down the motor for too long. It's a decent machine that seems to borrow a few things from its more expensive cousin, the Bosch ROS10 Palm-Grip Sander while providing most of those features at a much lower cost to the consumer.
The new Porter Cable PC750AG 7.5 Amp Small Angle Grinder comes in at a low price point, but with many pro features like an all metal gear case, a tough 7.5 amp motor and a comfortable handle design. This angle grinder is part of a new line of tradesmen tools from Porter Cable that aim at bringing quality and features at a sensible price.
Most seasoned woodworkers know that random orbit sanders beat the socks off of any vibrating or palm sander and Delta just released their new 5” and 6” random orbit sanders!
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