Tool News
July 2009
Dowelmax soon to be available through Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
In a recent conversation with Mike Lindsay, CWN&R learned that the Dowelmax Precision Joinery System will soon be available through Lee Valley Tools Ltd. The product had already shipped to the Lee Valley Tools distribution center in Ottawa and the new DVD's were packaged and awating pick-up. At this time we do not have a defininte time that the Dowelmax jig will be available online as well as in stores.
Hitachi Introduces the Next Compact Pro Series Tools Including an Impact Driver & Combo Kit
Hitachi Power Tools today announced the newest additions to its 18-Volt Lithium Ion Compact Pro cordless line, the WH18DSAL Impact Driver & KC18DHL 3-Piece Combo Kit. Hitachi announced the first tool in this series, the DS18DSAL Driver Drill in November of last year which comprises one of the three tools in the combo kit (along with the Impact driver and flashlight, UB18DAL). These impressive Compact Pro tools are powered by long-lasting 1.5Ah Lithium Ion slide batteries that deliver professional power in the most compact, lightweight, and ergonomically designed tool bodies on the market. They are covered by Hitachi’s 10-Year Lithium Ion Tool warranty and 2-Year Lithium Ion battery warranty for even more value and peace of mind.
Tools in this series feature responsive variable speed triggers to always reach the right speed and power for the job. Designed without the vertical cell chamber of a post-style battery, the new slide battery glides easily into place and allows the Compact Pro tools to have the most ergonomically shaped handles yet. At half the weight of NiCd or NiMH batteries, these batteries combined with the balanced tool bodies minimize user fatigue and maximize control and accuracy.
As with all of Hitachi’s Lithium Ion technologies, the Lithium Ion slide-type batteries receive a steady stream of power for the duration of every battery charge, from the moment the trigger is pulled until the charge cycle is exhausted. And with up to three times the number of charge cycles of traditional batteries and accompanied by a patented battery charger with unique circuitry to prevent overheating or power loss, costly battery replacements are avoided. Metal belt hooks keep the tools conveniently in reach at all times and LED job lights illuminate the work surface for accurate bit alignment in dim environments.
The WH18DSAL 18V Lithium Ion Compact Pro Impact Driver is compact at less than 7” in length and lightweight at 3.3 lbs. With unmatched turning torque in its class- 1,280 in/lbs, the WH18DSAL tackles heavy applications like tightening and loosening carriage bolts, driving lags and sinking deck screws. Additionally it can drill into wood, metal and concrete. The WH18DSAL delivers a no-load speed from 0 to 2,600RPM and an impact rate of anywhere from 0-3,200 BPM. The ¼” hex chuck saves time as bits can be changed quickly and easily by simply grabbing, pulling, inserting, and releasing the chuck. Bits are secure and won’t slip or fall out. It is balanced for proper wrist alignment which reduces fatigue during continuous operation.
This Compact Pro Impact Driver comes complete with two 18V 1.5Ah Lithium Ion slide batteries, a 40-minute quick charger and a Phillips driver bit- all packaged in a durable carrying case.
The KC18DHL 18V Compact Pro 3-Piece Combo Kit combines the DS18DSAL 18V Lithium Ion Compact Pro Driver Drill (released in November 2008) and the WH18DSAL 18V Lithium Ion Compact Pro Impact Driver described above along with the convenient UB18DAL 18V Lithium Ion Compact Pro Flashlight for a complete Compact Pro cordless solution conveniently packaged together. Hitachi’s UB18DAL Lithium Ion flashlight conveniently adjusts to five lighting positions so that light can be aimed accurately and stands alone while you work. A shoulder carrying strap and battery indicator light are useful features also included in the UB18DAL. Because it runs on the same 18-volt slide batteries as the driver drill and impact driver, the flashlight shares the same Lithium Ion benefits of long battery life, lasting power per charge and lightweight convenience.
This Compact Pro Combo Kit comes complete with two 18V 1.5Ah Lithium Ion slide batteries, a 40-minute quick charger and a Phillips head double sided driver bit- all packaged in a durable carrying case.
The DOMINO Joiner has evolved.
Beginning August 1st, the Domino will be available with several improvements including a new fence and a new Base Support Bracket. The Domino will also see the addition of a 4mm cutter and tenons which are sold separately (see details below).
The new included Domino fence, which can be purchased separately (495 348), is backward compatible with existing Domino joiners and features square stop flaps which offer improvements over the previous round pins. The square stop flaps are less likely to get caught unintentionally in adjacent mortises and are less likely to be affected by glue residue. The new fence incorporates an improved clear plastic cursor which is now extended further to improve mark alignment.
The new included Base Support Bracket, which can be purchased separately (495 666), is backward compatible with existing Domino joiners and offers additional support across the face of the fence. The new Base Support Bracket now includes integrated flip stops which allow mortises to be plunged closer to the edge of the material. This is particularly useful for narrow workpieces. When using the flip stops, the center of the cut is 20mm (25/32") from the edge versus 37mm (1-15/32") without. The flip stops offer optimal flexibility when using the new 4mm Domino cutter and tenons.
The Domino now offers five (5) cutter sizes and seven (7) tenon sizes to suit a variety of applications depending on material thickness. The Domino Assortment Systainer (493 301) includes 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm cutters and over 1,100 Domino tenons in assorted lengths and thicknesses. This kit offers the most value when purchasing the Domino and provides convenient storage for your Domino tenons. 4mm cutter and tenons sold separately.
The newest addition to the Domino family is the new 4mm cutter and tenons. You will notice that the new 4mm cutter is shorter than other Domino cutters. This is required to accommodate the shallow plunge depth. This new cutter and tenon size expand on the versatility and functionality of the Domino joiner.