Thursday, 31 May 2012

Panasonic Power Tools continue to reign supreme with professionals and amateurs alike


Panasonic Power Tools continue to reign supreme

 Construction professionals have long known the secret held by the Panasonic, in their power tool range, a secret now being discovered by DIY enthusiasts as well. As you would expect from a market leader like Panasonic, they offer a full range of high quality power tools, with hand held drills, jig saws, screw drivers, and paint stripers to name few. For the more adventurous, tools like circular saws, angle grinders are available, as you would expect.

As with all the Panasonic Power Tools durability and reliability are synonymous with this premium brand. Construction professionals look for these as a prerequisite in the tools of their trade and have come to rely on Panasonic power tools to provide this.
As DIY enthusiast are discovering they can use a professional range of tools that have been tried and tested by the professionals.

Panasonic Power Tools
Another find within the Panasonic power tool range is the cordless range of tools. These include an extensive range of cordless power drills, cordless power saws, and cordless power screwdrivers.

Panasonic have applied their battery technology to these tools, to offer a range of cordless power tools, with what can only be described a legendary battery life. Professionals have said’ the batteries simply go on for ever’. This is reassuring for the amateur DIY enthusiast, and trade specialists who do not want to be charging the batteries after minimal use, and therefore gives the user of these great tools, genuine freedom to work in the tightest of spaces with ease.

The reliability and durability of the Panasonic Power tools range is not restricted to the tools themselves.
The consumable components such as twist drill bits, high tensile steel saw blades and screwdriver bits whether crosshead or flat head must be considered as part of the equation. Panasonic have again excelled at this and have produced a range of high quality consumables that deliver under extreme use.
Professionals simply love the fact that drill bits are sharp and stay sharp, saw blades saw with ease and do not shatter or bend, as they heat up. 

For the home user why reinvent the wheel? Take a leaf out of the professional’s book. Panasonic power tools give the DIY user a head start into getting professional results.

Nothing can substitute for preparation and planning. As part of that process, the old saying ‘having the right tools for the right job’ has never been more relevant than in DIY. 

So whatever the job you have staring you in the face, whether you need a paint stripper, an 18volt drill with hammer function, or a multi-function cordless screw driver remember that Panasonic power tools will help get you started on the right path. 

In summary we have already said the right tools for the right job is imperative, whether a professional tradesman, or a DIY enthusiast, you are guaranteed that with Panasonic Power Tools to have the right tools for the right job.

Sunday, 27 May 2012

Bosch vs Makita Who Will Win?

We know that our new Bosch GSB 18 V-LI Professional Dynamic Series Combi is the king of powertools. But you don’t have to take our word for it.

We’re looking for 80 professional tradesmen in the South East to swap their current Makita combi for a brand new state-of-the-art Bosch Professional.

We know you love your Makita, but why not put Bosch to the test?

You decide which is:

  • Faster?
  • More powerful?
  • Longer lasting?
  • More compact?
  • More flexible?

Keep it for 2 weeks. If you agree it’s better you can keep it full stop. For free.
We’ll even swap 3 more of your Makita System tools for a brand new Bosch equivalent.

As for your old tools? They’ll be crushed. Literally…

If you would like to take part, all we ask is that you’re free on the 17th July 2012 to attend a special event that we will be hosting in London near Battersea Bridge.

And the catch? You have to give us your Makita combi. You can get it back at the end of the 2 week trial if you don’t want to keep the Bosch.

So get involved. Take the survey now.

Terms and conditions

Looks like Bosch are fighting back against Makita.
Could be an interesting battle to keep an eye on.

What if Makita win?

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Interesting use of Makita Power Tools

The Grayhound is a replica of an 18th century Cornish sailing lugger, a 63ft ship that will become a floating home and a traditional-sail training vessel working across the world's oceans which has been built with the help of Makita power tools.

Over the past 18 months nearly 200 tonnes of local timber have been crafted into the traditional structures of the beautiful hull by Cornish shipwrights. When the Grayhound is launched this autumn there will be a further year's fitting out to complete it before the ship sets out on her maiden voyage.

The project has been conceived and managed by Marcus Rowden and Freya Hart who have sold their home to fund the construction. The team of traditional boat builders is headed by Chris Rees.

A wide variety of Makita power tools have been used to create Grayhound. The main workhorse has been the Makita KP0810CK 82mm heavy duty planer. This 1050watt planer will remove 4mm of timber on every pass and has proved invaluable for the many shaped timbers used in this beautiful nautical creation. The KP0810CK has a constant speed control and with twin cutting blades on the drum, capable of rotating at up to 16,000rpm, enormous amounts of timber can be removed quickly and a fine finish results. As the ship's construction rapidly heads towards the August launch date Marcus comments: "We have worked these tools very hard to push the build along but the KP0810CK planer has proved its worth for Grayhound."

The original Grayhound was built locally as a real privateer and had an illustrious record having been built for speed and fighting. Grayhound was built by a celebrated builder of fast coastal craft, John Parkin, who started boatbuilding at Cawsand Bay and then expanded to Cremyll, Cornwall.

The lug rig design provides a vast 3,000 square feet of sail area which drives the boat through the ocean and also makes a very striking picture in every port. The timber construction is using more than 4,000 handmade treenails, wooden pegs that fasten the planking to the wooden frames. They do not rust and last for 100 years whereas a metal fastening will only survive a quarter of a century.

Grayhound will be open to the public at the launch event on the 4th August at Southdown Quay, Millbrook, Cornwall from 2pm with the launching ceremony at 7.30pm. As well as Makita being present there will be live music and refreshments throughout the day plus the opportunity to book your first voyage.

For more information on this fascinating project click here or visit the Makita website for specification details of all products in the vast Makita inventory of innovative power tools.

DETAILS:

Contact: Makita

Tel: 01908 211 678

Website

Makita Power Tools put to good use!

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

New Makita 18V LXT Tools Released

Logo

Brushless tools continue to hit the market as Makita releases their new 18V impact driver and cordless hammer drill, the latest additions to their 18V LXT Brushless line. The ToolSelect community is quick to discuss these new tools.

Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) May 22, 2012

Makita continues to expand its 18V LXT Brushless line with the introduction of a new 18V impact driver and cordless hammer drill. Brushless technology has been a frequent topic of discussion on ToolSelect.com for a while, and these new tools are sure to keep that going.

The 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver (LXDT08) uses a brushless motor with variable speed to give users 1,420 in.lbs. of max torque, 0-3,200 impacts per minute and 0-2,500 RPM to let users perform all types of fastening applications.

The 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver (LXPH05) uses the same brushless technology to give users 400 in.lbs. of max torque. With 16 clutch settings and a variable two-speed all-metal transmission, the tool gives users 0-400 impacts per minute and 0-1,500 RPM for multiple applications.

“Makita continues to be the undisputed market leader in 18-volt lithium-ion and in brushless-motor technology,” said Ethan Haughawout, product manager of cordless tools with Makita. “These two new LXT Brushless tools are the latest options for contractors who demand more performance out of their cordless tools. All of the other power-tool companies are still playing catch-up.”

Makita’s new 18V impact driver features a ¼” hex chuck to allow quick bit changes, a built-in LED light and a tool-belt clip. The new rubberized grip was designed to make day-long use easier and more comfortable.

The cordless hammer drill includes all those features, except it uses a ½” keyless chuck for quick bit changes.

“Our members seem to be having a lot of fun talking about all the new brushless tools coming out,” says Gerry Barnaby, Director of Excitement with ToolSelect. “Makita obviously wants to be the industry leader in brushless, and we’re excited to see how our community reacts to these new tools.”

About ToolSelect

ToolSelect is an unbiased community powered by its members that covers all aspects, types and brands of tools, but does not actually sell any tools. ToolSelect’s members include everyone from experienced tradesmen to complete novices. Users trade tips, compare notes, debate their favorite tools and work together to help each other make intelligent purchasing decisions.

Like ToolSelect on Facebook (ToolSelect)

Subscribe to ToolSelect on YouTube (toolselecttv)

Follow ToolSelect on Twitter (toolselectmedia)

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb18v-impact-driver/cordless-hammer-drill/prweb9529818.htm PRWeb logo

Monday, 21 May 2012

WIN THE CHANCE OF A HOTLAP WITH PRO RIDERS AT SNETTERTON COURTESY OF STIHL

STIHL are proud sponsors of the 2012 British Superbikes Championships for the fifth consecutive year.

British Superbikes is one of the countrys most popular and exciting motor sports, with top-class riders reaching speeds of around 200mph on the countrys best known race tracks.

Much of the appeal of Superbikes is the bikes themselves, which are factory-backed versions of ordinary road bikes, enabling fans to really appreciate the skills of riders and technologies alike.

Riders are competing in 12 hotly contested races around the country this year. Spectators at Snetterton can expect a full days racing action, and the two Superbikes events will form the highlights of the day.

STIHL, the outdoor power tool company, is now an established brand among builders, foresters, landscapers and groundsmen for its robust and high quality outdoor power tools. STIHL is also fast becoming a household name with gardeners and home owners with a growing range of petrol and electric products suitable for their use.

High performance products and great results the synergy between STIHL and Superbikes is clear.

For your chance to win this prize and one pair of tickets, answer this question:

Which rider won the 2011 British Superbikes Championship?

Send your answer, name, address and daytime phone number to exsport@express.co.uk with STIHL in the subject line. Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received by 4pm today (Tuesday).


Usual Express rules apply.

For information, visit www.stihl.co.uk. To buy tickets for Snetterton please call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.tickets.motorsportvision.co.uk/calendar.


Best Price For Makita DK1894 18v 4 piece kit

Makita DK1894

Best Price For Makita DK1894 18V Cordless Li-ion LXT Combi  4 Piece Kit

We have researched the current prices for the Makita DK1894 on Google Products feed and bring you the results.

The DK1894 18V cordless Combi Kit is a great buy featuring the new BHP456Z - 18V Li-ion  LXT Combi Drill. Which is the new upgrade to the popular BHP452 Combi Drill.

This is what you get in the kit

  • 1 x BGA452Z - 18V Li-ion LXT Angle Grinder 115mm
  • 1 x BHP456Z - 18V Li-ion LXT Combi Drill
  • 1 x BJV180Z - 18V Li-ion LXT Jigsaw
  • 1 x BML185 - 18V Li-ion LXT Torch
  • 3 x BL1830 18V Li-ion Batteries
  • 1 x DC18RA or DC18RC 18V Li-ion Charger
  • Large Carry Case
  • 1 x Pair of Makita Knee Pads
  • Manufacturers instruction manual

One year manufacturer’s warranty

The DK1894 has an unbelievable RRP of £1,074 which is enough to put anyone off buying! However, WAIT, the best price we found was £448.92 including VAT and UK delivery!!!

Supplier Price
ToolStop £539.95
Power Tools Direct £525.54
Sitebox Online £597.59
Toolsonline £648.64
My Mate Mark £448.92

All prices correct as of 21st May 2012

Saturday, 19 May 2012

Hitachi DH18DSL/JF 18V Li-ion Cordless SDS-Plus Hammer Drill

Manufacturer’s Description

Hitachi DH18DSL/JF 18V Li-ion Cordless SDS-Plus Hammer Drill

Hitachi DH18DSL/JF Cordless 18V Li-ion 2 mode SDS Plus hammer drill has a Save Power Mode, variable speed and reverse action.

In Power mode, the DH18DSL/JF will drill up to 16mm in concrete. You can switch to Save Mode to reduce the speed and impact rate for lighter duty work thus reducing the risk of damage to smaller drill bits.

An innovative feature is the idle striking prevention mechanism; this ensures that the hammer impact is only transmitted when the drill bit is applied to the work piece thus reducing wear and tear & maximising the life of the machine.

A five step adjustable belt hook with integral LED work light ensures that the DH18DSL/JF is always to hand and can work in low light areas.

The drill has external brush caps to make the replacement of carbon brushes quick and simple.

 A battery level indicator also shows how much charge is left in the battery, two lights means the battery is charged, one light means half charge and no lights means you should recharge the battery.

The Hitachi DH18DSL/JF also has an electric brake, a belt hook plus LED spotlight and comes complete with a fan cooled charger, 1 x 18V Li-ion battery & carry case.

Altogether a very compact and powerful 18V Li-ion Cordless SDS Plus Drill, also compatible with other Hitachi 18V Li-ion Slide batteries and machines in the range.

Features

  • Cordless rotary hammer drill with lightweight Li-Ion battery
  • Slide-on battery fitting
  • Ultra slim handle for extra comfort and ease of use
  • All electronic switch allows greater control at low speeds
  • Battery level indicator shows when the battery needs charging at a glance
  • Two mode action - rotary drilling and hammer drilling
  • Compact & lightweight design
  • Variable speed & reverse
  • 'Save power' mode reduces risk of damage to smaller bits
  • Electric brake
  • Integrated LED spotlight
  • Replaceable carbon brushes for longer motor life

Free pair of MyMateMark safety glasses supplied with every product purchased.

 

Best Price I Can See

Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Bosch Power Tools - Great Online Presence

When it comes to online presence Bosch Power Tools probably wins hands down against all the other main brands.

Bosch have invested a lot of time, money and effort in developing a coherent web presence. They have developed a series of power tools websites that each focus on a different area of the power tools market.
bosch Power Tools

For the home market they have DIY Power Tools and Accessories, Garden Tools;
In the Industry and trade market they have professional power tools.

There are also web sites for the non power tools side of Bosch's business.

All of this really helps to promote and cross-promote the Bosch power tools across all the market sectors.

 All the UK web sites are accessible through several Bosch portals.

The sites themselves are very will supported and very well tuned to the target audience. The DIY web site has lots of useful information, tips and project ideas.
The DIY Power Tools section is subdvided down easy to follow boundaries.

  • New Tools - obvious really but suprising how many new tools there are.
  • Cordless Tools - Everything cordless from drills, screwdrivers to glue guns. But beware products do not overlap the other sections. So the cordless multifunction tool will not show up in the main multifunction tools section - strange!
  •  Impact Drills - The complete range of impact drills with specifications and comparrison charts.
  •  Rotary Hammers - The complete range of rotary hammer drills with full specifications and comparison charts.
  •  Saws - This group is further subdivided into jigsaws, sabre saws and circular saws each with the full product range and specifications.
  •  Benchtop Tools - subsections for Mitre Saws, Table Saws. Saw Stations, Saw Stands and Bench Drills. Each subsection then provides product comparisons and specifications.
  • Planers - The range of Planers with specification sheets and comparisons.
  • Routers - The range of Routers with specification sheets and product comparisons.
  •  Sanders - Subsections for Orbital Sanders, Random Orbit Sanders, Multi-Sanders and Belt sanders. Each with full product listings, specifications and comparisons.
  • Angle Grinders - Product specification for the single Bosch angle grinder.
  • Multifunction Tools - The range of corded multifunction tools with product specifications and comparisons.
  • Decoration Tools - Subsections for Cordless Universal cutters, Tackers, Glue Guns, hot Air Guns and Wallpaper Strippers. Each section contains details of the products within the range (sometimes only one) and comparison charts.
  • Paint Systems - Bosch have two main paint systems one for walls and one for wood. They are basically roller based and spray based respectively. The product options are listed in each section.
  •  Digital Measuring Tools - The range of different Digital Tools are divided in to subsections. Covering Rangefinders, Detectors, Laser Levels, Laser Tape Measures and Tripods. Each subsection list the products and provides useful product information.

There are many Bosch Power Tools aimed at the DIY market. The website provides a good way of seeing what is available and what suits your requirements. The websites do not sell product (which I think is good) which means that the information is more informative rather than sales pitched. Some prices are referenced and there is a dealer locator. But most will just Google the product to see who has the best offer.

Monday, 7 May 2012

Hitachi Power Tools Shame About The Website

I thought it might be useful to take a look at Hitachi Power Tools as a sequel to my recent ramble about Bosch power tools.

I was sort of interested to see how the various big players are handling their on-line presence in view of the current economic situation and in view of the trend towards Internet shopping.

Hitachi Power Tools
Now Hitachi Power Tools are just a small part of a really big multi-national organisation which is undergoing some major changes. But in the UK they are a major player in the power tools market. So one might expect to see an on-line presence to match. Sorry not the case here.

So if you visit www.hitachi-powertools.co.uk you might think that you had gone back in time a bit! There site is out of date and does not reflect the products currently on offer in the marketplace.

The brochure is 2010 vintage.

Not really giving the image of a company pushing to retain its market share in the UK.

But you would be wrong to think that Hitachi Power Tools are sitting back and sliding down the chute. Just today there was a news item about Hitachi's new brushless technology.

Hitachi's new 18V Brushless Motor Lithium Ion cordless products

Hitachi Power Tools announced the launch of its new 18V Brushless Motor Lithium Ion cordless products at Lowes. As of early May, Lowes will offer an 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Hammer Drill - model DV18DBL & an 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Impact Driver - model WH18DBDL. Hitachi's brushless motor technology delivers more power to the motor by minimizing unnecessary energy loss through friction and heat. Managed by a micro-processor chip that efficiently delivers current flow to the motor, brushless tools experience up to 50% longer run time between charges, increased power, and extended durability with essentially no maintenance. Hitachi's signature ergonomic design for the tool bodies makes them extremely well-balanced and comfortable for extended use. Covered by Hitachi's Lifetime Lithium Ion tool warranty and 2-year Lithium Ion battery warranty, the brushless tools stand alone against other professional cordless product on the market today........  Source http://home.nestor.minsk.by/build/news/2012/05/0709.html
 This could be a game changer in combination with Hitachi Power Tools battery technology.

So I think that it would be wrong to think that Hitachi are on the slide I took a look at the Hitachi France website and their brochure and products are up to date!!

So I think that Hitachi Power Tools (UK) are not pushing hard on-line at the moment.

Shame because they are good products.


Bosch Power Tools

I have to admit that I did get it totally wrong with regards to Bosch Power Tools.

Based on some experiences probably 20 years ago I had dismissed Bosch as being focussed on the bottom end of the market and not worthy of a second glance.  Was I wrong? ... I will get to that in a moment.

Now you have to remember that in Bob's mind Bob always knows best and he should not be swayed by some marketing or whatnot (the advertisers nightmare). My dad was the same he would never even look at a Ford. Not worth wasting time over (but that's another story).

So back in the day when I was a lot more active in the DIY department; I acquired a Bosch cordless electric screwdriver. A nifty little gadget with loads of torque and nicely sized to fit comfortably in the hand.  It had a handy charger which acted as a base. The purchase had been made because I was fitting my second kitchen and having assembled all the cabinets of the first kitchen (different house) using a conventional screwdriver I knew that an electric screwdriver would save loads of time and effort.

Well It worked like a dream for about half a day then gave up the ghost. The battery just wouldn't keep charge for more than a couple of screws. Leaving me no option but to assemble the cabinets by hand.   
Bad experience No.1

Not long after my wife brought home a Bosch garden strimmer as she thought it would be easy for her to tidy up some of the edges of the lawn near the patio and pathway. It was a total piece of junk that would only cut individual blades of grass if you surprised them! It really was a pointless piece of kit.
Bad experience No.2

Based on these two rather poor experiences I totally ignored Bosch power tools for many years. This was possibly unfair because I was basing everything on the poor performance of what was without a doubt, products at the bottom of the market. However, I say that there is just no point in selling products that do not do what they are designed to do and in my experience Bosch just didn't come close.  So my classification of all Bosch Power Tools did not change.

Now obviously in this time technology has moved on a pace and battery design is much more advanced. But also product design and construction are far more advanced. However so has the marketplace.

Time-was when I would go to the store and look at all the various options and make a judgement based on specification, price, availability and the look/feel of a product. As well as the recommendation of a knowledgeable sales person.

Of course now it is very different. Google 'power tools' and look at what comes up then do a bit of research and look at customer reviews. Pick the model you like and then search again to find the best price. Easy!

So now we look for the on-line presence, we need information rich power tool web sites, with loads of specifications and a manufacturer who can supply power tools to suit our requirements. We also need to see ongoing development and  support for users.

To my surprise guess which power tool manufacturer actually puts ticks in all the boxes...
You guessed it Bosch Power Tools  take a look for yourself  you should be pleasantly surprised.