Two Tools In One

Next time you need to round or chamfer a banded edge, take a look at the new flexClick cutter from Leuco. The diamond-tipped cutter has an automatic adjustment option that switches it between two profiles, saving a lot of set-up time. The mechanism works much the same way that a ballpoint pen does - switching between profiles is done by just pressing the tool at standstill on a copy wheel (there's a video on the company's website). No complicated motor controllers are required. The new cutter is available for machines from Homag, among others. The tooling is ideal for small edge banding machines, and for companies that want to produce small lot sizes with low set-up requirements. The flexClick edge rounding cutters are available now, and other profile combinations are available upon request.

W&H Introduces New Knives

Amherst, N.Y. based Williams & Hussey Machine Co., Inc. has been manufacturing molders and profile knives for over 60 years, and constantly updates it's catalog. Among a dozen or so new profiles are those shown at left. The one in the center, 3304-EP, is a cabinet door frame with a 9/32" bead and 3/8" relief. And 3305 (on the bottom in the photo) is also a cabinet door frame that measures 3/4" x 3" wide, and has the standard 3/8" relief. Profile knives are made in sets of two to ensure molding profiles have a crisp clean finish. Precision bolt hole alignment, proper knife clearance and angle back off are all signs of the high quality the company has delivered for decades. If a shop can't find the right profile in the catalog, custom knives are shipped within 1-2 business days, and sharpening services are completed within the same timeframe.

Cordless Screwdriver With A Few Twists

The new Dremel GO was introduced in October and so far the reviews have been very favorable. It's a cordless screwdriver, but with a few updates. There's a dial-up torque/speed control at the back with six setting, so it can be clutched for soft materials such as brass. The tool is activated by just pushing the driver into a screw, which the company calls "push-and-go activation". It has a rechargeable 4-Volt lithium-ion battery and a USB port for convenient and fast charging, and at just seven inches it's more convenient than a drill/driver, especially in tight spots. Dremel says the GO can drive screws at twice the speed of its competitors, and that it's "surprisingly" powerful. And by setting the switch in neutral, a woodworker can turn the tool like a manual screwdriver if that's what is needed. The GO comes with a seven-piece precision screwdriver bit set for the most common screws. MSRP is $39.98.

French Cleats In Long Lengths

A new aluminum cleat from Picture Hang Solutions may solve a few other problems for woodworkers beyong hanging framed canvas. Rated at 100 pounds per linear inch, the cleat comes in lengths up to 90" (7-1/2 feet, and it can be cut to length), and the profile is just 0.22" from the wall. That means it should work well for lighter wall cabinets with a 1/4" deep recessed back. The holes are one inch on center and alternate from large to small. This makes it easier to level the cleat and use larger screws in studs. The small screw hole accommodates up to a #8 screw, and the larger one handles up to a #12 screw. Made in the USA, the interlocked halves (they're identical) combine for a height of 1-7/8" tall. The aluminum is aircraft grade and 3/32" thick, and the minimum order is just three pairs (6 cleats)

Track Saw with Plunge Action

The new Bosch GKT13-225 plunging track saw can make table-saw quality cuts in a portable format - you bring the tool to the wood, rather than the other way around. That makes it ideal for small shops and on-site work. The optional tracks (sold separately) deliver straight, fast, finish cuts. The saw has constant electronics to help maintain speed under load, a spindle lock, a swiveling hose port, a lock-off mechanism, and overload protection. It has a single pivot point for both bevel and non-bevel cuts from minus 1 to plus 47 degrees. It includes a 48-tooth blade, wrench and case. Bosch offers a full range of optional attachments, including four different track lengths, connector for connecting multiple tracks, an angle guide and a rip fence.

Coming Soon - A Compact, Cordless Router

DeWALT will soon be releasing the new 20-Volt MAX* XR cordless compact router. The tool provides power that is comparable to a corded compact router, but with the jobsite and workbench convenience of a cordless tool. The clear plastic fixed base (with both round and square edges) and dual LED lights help to illuminate the work surface and provide superior bit visibility. This cordless router is equipped with variable speed control for optimal bit speed in each application. The release clamp allows for quick and easy bit and base change. A depth adjustment ring allows for fast and easy height adjustments, and the soft start motor - with full-time electronic feedback - allows the motor to maintain speed during cuts. An electronic brake slows the motor down faster after the unit is shut off.

Staying Safer with CO2 Detection

Using a generator on a jobsite in winter can be dangerous, especially indoors. Last year, Ryobi introduced the model RY907022FI generator, which delivers up to 7000 Watts. It has electronic fuel injection (like an automobile) with CO sensing technology on board. It's UL certified to ANSI/UL2201, a benchmark that includes performance requirements that mitigate the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure. The fuel injection delivers up to 25% fuel savings, plus it simplifies off-season storage and provides optimal performance in a variety of altitudes and temperatures. The 420cc OHV engine can deliver up to about 60 Amps, and the folding handle and large wheels make it easy to transport the unit over rough terrain. The RY907022FI has electric start and an automatic voltage regulator for easy starting and consistent power. It's backed by a 3-year manufacturer's warranty, and as of February 12th (2019) it has received perfect five star reviews. (It's listed at $1,165 at The Home Depot.)

Kitchens, Baths and Builders

Cabinet and furniture builders are traveling to Las Vegas on Feb 19 -21 for two concurrent shows being held at the Convention Center. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is owned by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and is "an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest product innovations and trends from leading kitchen and bath brands". And at the same time, the NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS) presents must-see products and exhibits and the most up-to-date and innovative education the industry has to offer. This year there are more than a hundred sessions taught by renowned building industry experts from across the country, and the topics range from sales and marketing to construction and codes.

New Generation of Shockwave™ Bits Coming

Milwaukee Tool has announced that beginning this spring it will introduce a new line of premium driver bits backed by a lifetime tip warranty. Shockwave™ Matrix Carbide bits have driven up to 2,800 more screws than other premium driver bits in testing, and are designed for extreme driver bit performance and wear resistance. The new generation of bits are optimized with a unique Shockzone™ geometry, and will be available in varying lengths and thicknesses to absorb peak torque and prevent breaking. The line will include a variety of bit lengths and kit configurations in Phillips, Square, and Torx® tips. The #1, #2 and #3 Phillips head versions should be available in April, and the square and Torx versions are slated for an October release. Milwaukee Tool is a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

Hand Plane Packages

Infinity Tools in Oldsmar, Florida has introduced several new beech hand planes that are made in Europe. They are surprisingly affordable, and each tool has a long-wearing hornbeam sole. Three packages are being offered. One is for bench work, another for joinery, and a third for both. The five-piece bench plane set has a scrub plane, a Jack and a smoother, all with Norris style sdjust. It also contains an 8 ounce Delrin-tipped brass mallet. The 7-piece rabbeting set has four double-rabbet planes in 18, 24, 27, and 30mm widths, plus a 20mm wide rabbet plane withan adjustable sole and a 24mm wide skewed rabbet plane with an adjustable sole. This also has the mallet. Then there's a twelve-piece master set that includes both the rabbeting and bench planes, and both a 4 ounce and an 8 ounce mallet.

Changing The Rules For Sanding

Woodworking creates a lot of airborne dust, and ceiling-mounted ambient air cleaners may not be the best solution. They pull the dust upward, past the operator's nose and mouth, where particles remain suspended in the circulating air. The Axiom Stratus is a truly innovative air cleaner. It pulls the dust and debris downward from the work surface toward the floor, where it naturally wants to fall. Once filtered, the clean air is propelled upward into the shop environment, where we breathe. Thoughtfully engineered, this is a portable, rugged, highly effective machine, which addresses all of the shortcomings of the ceiling-mounted design. A wide base, 360 degree handle and long power cord allow it to be effortlessly moved throughout the shop. Filters can be accessed with a simple twist-and-lift. It ships fully assembled, and uses a modern, pleated canister air filter element, with a surface area that is nearly 15 times that of a traditional furnace filter and bag arrangement. Here's a video...

Stairs, Sawmills and Sunshine

The Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA) will hold its 2019 annual conference in Sarasota, Florida in April. The event will kick off on Thursday, April 25th with the annual SMA Golf Event for golfers of all skill levels. A chartered fishing expedition for non-golfers has been added to this year's events. The association's Welcome Reception with SMA exhibitors will also take place on Thursday evening, with an auction being held on Friday night. Late on Saturday, the StairCraft Award Winners will be announced. Among other events, there will be a tour of the Advantage Trim and Lumber Company sawmill, a keynote message from Connor Lokar, ITR Economics presenter, on short and long-term economic forecasts, and Terry Sumerlin will discuss building satisfaction and loyalty among customers and employees.

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