I really love the new line of Bosch 18v cordless tools, tons of power, built solid, great warranty, electronic cell & motor protection and growing list of cool new tools coming. At the same time I can’t figure out why keep the 14.4v line of tools? With the 12v Max tools & SlimPack & FatPack battery options for the 18V added to the fact that the 14.4v tools are basically the same size & weight as the 18v why keep both?  The higher powers at www.OhioPowerTool.com had even priced the 18v Litheon Tools less expensive and eventually stop listing/stocking the 14.4v tools all together. With less power, priced higher, same weight and less tools in the line-up it’s a tough sell to make to someone. Wouldn’t it make more sense to focus all the effort on new 18v tools, instead of trying to make both a 14.4v & 18v tool for every application?  We want more tools, less battery platforms.  

HAVE A HAPPY 4^th of JULY WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!  

Check out the CHcompressors micro-site for the new Campbell Hausfeld compressors, looks like a great option for the garage and around the house. Some very cool features including on-board tool storage and no tilt rolling for the larger model. The smaller unit is perfect for wall mounting out of the way and also works with the take-away 8 gallon unit perfect for small jobs such as inflating car tires. Both units feature nice large knobs and gauges. Read the full Press Release information below.

The Milwaukee 2410-22 have been shipped and those that pre-ordered from Ohio Power Tool should be receiving their orders starting today. I thought it would be a good opportunity to take a few pictures and compare the sizes and some of the features verse the 12V Bosch PS30-2A, currently the most popular compact drill/driver.

The Milwaukee is only slightly smaller than the Bosch which I had actually thought it would be even smaller yet, side-by-side. I do like the feel of the metal chuck on the Milwaukee and it has a battery gauge, which the Bosch does not. Also I like the fact that the Milwaukee stands up on the base; for some reason the Bosch is just unbalanced enough that it can’t. The Milwaukee case is the traditional red hard plastic case while the Bosch uses a smaller soft case.  The batteries for these two lines are almost identical but obviously not compatible and the LED lights on the tools are about the same. The full spec comparison is on the previous 2410-22 vs PS30-2A post, I just though it would be nice to get some photo side-by-sides out there as well.

I recently had the pleasure to visit Eric at his home and see where some of the Milwaukee Tools from Ohio Power Tool end up. By day a mild-mannered CPA, after hour a man of many talents equipped with the latest Heavy Duty gear. Some of his Milwaukee tools include: Right Angle Drill, Super Sawzall, Jig Saw, 7-1/4” Circular Saw, ½” Drill, Orbital Sander, M12 Drill/Driver, V28 Hammer Drill, 2-1/4” Router Kit, Radio, M12 M-Spector, M12 Hackzall, M18 Compact Drill, M18 Impact Driver, most of the accessory kits and currently waiting on some of the new 9” Diamond Grit Sawzall Blades. While his setup was cleaned up for the visit, he does keep all the tool kits and accessory kits on the wall as you see here. Eric said it keeps everything out of the way, maximizing space and when he needs a couple tools for a project everything is right at his fingers to grab and go. He has had many tools over the years but fell in love with the Milwaukee 7-1/4” circular saw he received as a gift several years ago, really impressed with how well it stood up he bought another Milwaukee and another. Now he doesn’t even consider buying another brand if Milwaukee makes a similar tool.    

Some of his recent projects include finishing the basement I was in, a real nice job by the way, adding a deck out back, finishing the garage and currently working on an IPE Wood deck at his father’s house.  He is also a bit of a mechanic and did some nice work on a 1991 Mustang 5.0 which he sold earlier this year. Another thing that really impressed me was his Ingersoll Rand compressor set up which can be used in the basement next to the workbench but he also ran a line and hookup in the garage, it is a nice system, I’m jealous.

Thanks again Eric, for letting me come over and checkout the digs. For all your Milwaukee Tool needs visit www.OhioPowerTool.com. Currently there are some amazing deals for Free Tools with the M12 & M18 lines but they end June 30^th so get your orders in this weekend!      

An update on the Ridgid Roadshow stop for Columbus, Ohio on Friday, August 14^th. Possibly the most important detail for some… Who is the Ridgid Calendar Girl that will be there? It has been confirmed CJ Perry (January/February 2009) will be at Ohio Power Tool signing free Ridgid calendars. I googled her and found her Model Mayhem profile. Apparently she is also very accomplished in all types of dance and being insanely hot is just a way to pay the bills. Below is a little about her and a youtube video of her “Reel”. We look forward to having her out to visit.

In support of the recent Power Tool Drag Races (I promise no more mentions again until next year) Skil Power Tools donated a 4 Tool Lithium Ion Combo Kit which was the Grand Prize for the event. We are grateful for the support and hope they will be involved again in the future. I couldn’t help myself I had to crack the box open and give these tools a once over, just to see how well they perform.

I put them to the test building a few of the first sections of the race track. Originally the track was build for outdoor use and looked like this (below left), later we moved it indoors and took the base supports off for a more level surface on the concrete. To keep things simple we built the track in 8’ sections so all that was required was to rip the plywood and stager the 2x4 rails which were later screwed together for the race. This way after the race we could break the track back down to the 8’ sections and store it for next year.

The first annual Columbus Power Tool Drag Races went off without anyone losing major limbs… Success! We also managed to have a ton of fun doing it. Typical of a first year event there was some kinks to work out and attendance wasn’t huge but overall the event went very smoothly. In total there were 10 racers and 50+ spectators but with the enthusiasm after the event you know the event is only going to grow by leaps and bounds next year and beyond. 

I taught a workshop before the race on how to build one of these racers and the design I came up with was simple but actually worked very well. In just 3 hours even the most inexperienced builder had put together a racer that was able to zip down the track and even look good doing it (stock cars 1 2 3 4).

My creation “The Flying Toaster” was heavy but fast, powered by a Bosch 9” grinder motor (see video). It was 90% welded together but as build time ran out (I also helped build the track, create a stock car design & teach a class) I had to use some zip ties to hold the side guide wheels on. After the one run the ties broke and the toaster never ran the same again. Unfortunately I was unable to beat TJ’s pig and his taunting fans… I shall have my revenge next year!     

There were high hopes for a few other racers including Mike’s “Little Cranky” which was definitely the most complicated design, almost 100% custom fabricated including gears and frame. The chain drive racer ended up being underpowered with the high RPM, low torque router motor.

One of the fan favorites was Alex’s “Bratzmobile Cruiser”; it actually fell apart during the first run but managed to drag its pieces parts across the finish line anyway and go on to make several more runs as is. It was a toss up weather that was the funnies run or when the Pig got Decapitated. It was a clean cut, who knew cardboard could do that.  

There will be more pictures and videos coming in, check http://www.powertooldragracescolumbus.com/results.html for all the links. The local Channel 10 news was there as well and had some good coverage on TV that night, I am working to get online. Thanks you again to everyone who helped put this together from the Idea Foundry, Fuse Factory and especially to our event sponsors who donated all the fabulous prizes Ohio Power Tool, Skil Power Tools and CH Hanson.

Last Call: http://www.powertooldragracescolumbus.com/

Have you ever wondered what that Pine Wood Derby Car you built when you were 8 would look like if you feed it steroids and powered it with a circular saw...

If you will be anywhere near Columbus Ohio THIS SATURDAY I would encourage anyone and everyone to come out for the 1^st Annual Power Tool Drag Races. The event will be held rain or shine and there will be plenty of food and delicious BBQ but also feel free to bring your own food and beverages of your choice. If you want to build your own racer here are The Rules and you will need to register by Friday 4:00pm. If you don’t feel comfortable building one of these awesome machines on your own but would like to give it a shot, for just a few more bucks you can sign up for The Workshop ($30). All the needed parts and instruction will be provided but you are also encouraged to bring your own parts and stylistic design elements. The Workshop includes the $15 race fee so it’s really a great deal. The deadline for the workshop is also Friday 4:00pm but space is limited so don’t wait as we will stop taking registrations when it is full.

Thank you to Skil Power Tool for donating a 4 Tool Lithium Ion Combo Kit prize ($250), CH Hanson for a variety of prizes and Ohio Power Tool for various prizes and lumber for the track. I’m thinking most everyone could easily win more than the price of admission, thanks to all our generous sponsors this year.

If you just want to enjoy the BBQ, see something totally different and possibly witness some actual bodily injuries simply show up for the actual race around 3:30-4:00pm and pay $5.    

What:    POWER TOOL DRAG RACING
When:   Saturday June 20^th, 2009
Where:  Idea Foundry - 2038 Leonard Ave (directions)
Times:   1:00pm - 4:00pm Workshop & 4:00pm - 6:00pm Races
Cost:     $5 watch - $15 race - $30 workshop & race
Who:     The event is open to anyone and everyone.
Web:     http://www.powertooldragracescolumbus.com/   

M12 line
- M12 AC/DC Charger: charges Milwaukee M12 batteries in the car or through a traditional outlet
- M12 M-Spector AV: the next generation of the m-spector records video, photo and audio on a 2BG memory card
- M12 Tool Holster: tool belt portability for your M12 tools
- M12 High Capacity Battery: fits all M12 tools to increase runtime and power
- M12 Radio: exclusive digital processor and weather sealed MP3 compartment
- M12 Right Angle Drill: 3.75" head for drilling and fastening in tight spaces
- M12 PVC Shear: cuts 2" schedule 40 PVC in 3 seconds
- Digital Contractor Radio: powered by 120VAC, M12, M18, V18, V28, and slide pack Ni-CAd batteries 

M18 line
- M18 AC/DC charger: charges Milwaukee M18 batteries in the car or through a traditional outlet
- M18 Compact Band Saw: only 9.5lbs and 16" long, compact and light weight design for cutting overhead and in tight spaces
- M18 Flex Light: convenient hands free use 

The new 65S stainless steel tubing cutter from Ridgid can handle from ¼ - 2 5/8” stainless tube. This cutter has been designed specifically for stainless so it’s built to do the tough cutting.  Available now from Ohio Power Tool the 65S (Ridgid 31803) is on sale for $62.92. This is a great addition to the hand tubing cutters, featuring similar improvements as the very popular 35S (Ridgid 29963) stainless steel tubing cutter that can handle ¼ - 1 3/8” tubing. Official Ridgid release info below.    

RIDGID is proud to continue its tradition of delivering the most innovative products in the market by introducing the 65S Quick-Acting Tubing Cutter. The 65S has been designed to optimize cutting performance on Stainless Steel Tube and build on our successful line of cutters for a wide variety of pipe, tube types and sizes.

The 65S features six individual bearings that replace traditional rollers and a specially-designed heavy duty cutter wheel with bearings to create a smoother, faster cut. The oversized, easy-to-grip, X-CEL® knob is especially helpful for easier and quicker adjustments while cutting tube. This tool works for you as it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, while rotating the cutter around the tube, making a more precise cut. Lastly, the X-CEL wheel pin means a quick and easy, no-tools-required wheel change on the job site.

Please do not put your links directly in the comment field or try and use the comment field as a way to promote your business, that is spam. People are smart enough if your name/link is Beachy Barns & Sheds or Chesrown Cadillac GMC everyone is going to have an idea of what you do. If you don’t have a website, you could also link to a Facebook or Twitter page if you have one. Over time it should help get your name out there and build links without taking much extra time from what you are already doing, given you are already reading this blog. We really want to see your business be successful, mostly so you can buy more tools from Ohio Power Tool but none the less we will do whatever we can to help.

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