DeWalt Bluetooth Batteries launched in 2015 with Tool Connect App functionality. We saw them up close and personal at the DeWalt manufacturing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. These premium 20V 2.0 Ah (DCB203BT) and 5.0 Ah (DCB205BT) lithium-ion batteries include Bluetooth connectivity to pair with the Tool Connect App. If you haven’t already, you can download the free app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.

The tool innovation of a smart battery lets DeWalt users control their compatible batteries remotely using a smartphone or tablet. Users can turn a compatible DeWalt Bluetooth battery on or off, monitor battery charge level, view Bluetooth signal strength, and connect or pair additional batteries.

“Connected batteries offer some really tangible benefits out of the gate. DeWalt users can communicate with tools—via the battery—using a smartphone or tablet. We’ve also interviewed engineers and product managers who will be exploring ways to further maximize this feature as technology continues to fill the jobsite. The new DeWalt Bluetooth Battery and Tool Connect App present a big step forward in smart jobsite development.”

Kenny Koehler, managing editor, Pro Tool Reviews

The pairing of a DeWalt Bluetooth battery with the DeWalt Tool Connect app definitely has some real benefits on the jobsite.

DeWalt Bluetooth Batteries with Tool Connect Key Features

• Battery Charge Level: See the charge remaining on a battery in use or charge status while on a charger
• Temperature: See if the battery is too hot or cold to use/charge properly
• Security: Set an alert or disable the battery if it extends beyond the Bluetooth range of your phone
• Lend: Disable the battery after a predetermined time if you need to lend your battery to someone else

DeWalt 20V 2.0 Ah (DCB203BT) Specifications

• Capacity: 2.0 Ah
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Bluetooth Enabled
• Works with ToolConnect App
• Connectivity requirement: Bluetooth 4.0 (iOS or Android)
• Warranty: 3-year limited + 2-year free service
• Price: $109.99 (2-pack $159)

DeWalt 20V 5.0 Ah (DCB205BT) Specifications

• Capacity: 5.0 Ah
• Weight: 1.4 lbs.
• Bluetooth Enabled
• Works with ToolConnect App
• Connectivity requirement: Bluetooth 4.0 (iOS or Android)
• Warranty: 3-year limited + 2-year free service
• Price: $159 (2-pack $199)

Note: From what we can tell, the DeWalt DCB204BT 4.0Ah pack has been discontinued. As these batteries seem to be a stopgap to Tool Connect cordless tools, we expect the rest might disappear soon as well.

The post DeWalt Bluetooth Batteries appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Rolling solidly into the category of “Life-Changing Tools” is the K 940 S Felder sliding table saw. In case the Felder name is new to you, it’s an Austrian brand under the Felder Group that also includes Format 4 (high-end CNC), Hammer (more affordability for smaller shops), Nr.1 Machine Market (used machinery marketplace), and Silent-Power (carbide spiral cutterblocks).

Felder specializes in combining excellent ease of use with “perfect results” for Pro-level woodworking.

If you’re looking at a Felder sliding table saw, it’s likely in part due to their promise of incredible precision and ease of use. While the full feature set that backs up those claims are much greater than the scope of this article, you’ll notice things like a remote start for cutting or scoring on the end of the table so you don’t have to walk back to the saw to start it. The height and bevel of the blade have digital adjustments so there’s no guesswork on your part. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg – there are plenty of upgrades to increase its usefulness and value in your shop.

Moving into the sliding table saw sector from a cabinet saw with add-on rollers give you an additional layer of safety to go along with the easier use. Since your material is completely supported by the table, a one-man team can easily slide the workpiece across without having to figure out how to catch it on the other side of the cut.

Key Safety Considerations

• Sliding table handles the support and movement of material instead of you
• Your hands are further away from the blade
• You stand to the side of the material rather than behind it where kickback is a risk
• Slider and outrigger support material better to reduce the chance of kickback
• The blade is protected by the overhead guard at all times

Our team over at Shop Tool Reviews went over to visit Jon Bucklew at his shop where he’s using the Felder K 940 S for furniture building. Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup:

• 3-phase, 7.5 HP motor
• 12′ sliding table
• XL outrigger table
• 16″ blade

Felder K 940 S Sliding Table Saw Video Review

Felder Sliding Table Saw Key Features

Felder Sliding Table Saw Standard Specifications Without Upgrades

• Model: Felder K 940 S
• Volage: 3 phase 400 V Standard equipment
• Hertz: 50Hz Standard equipment
• Horsepower: 5.5 HP (4.0 kW)* Standard equipment
• Speed: Electronic speed display (only with 3 speeds)
• Cutting height:  133 mm, 3 speeds (3500/4500/5500 rpm)
• Saw blade tilt: by hand wheel and display by clock
• Rip capacity with full table length: 800 mm per min. transport width 1000 mm
• Overhead saw guard: for 800/1250 mm cutting width, swings away from the working area
• Dimension sliding table F, cutting length 2500 mm(98″), anodized** with edging shoe
• Dimension sliding table: anodized
• Outrigger table: 1300 mm Outrigger table for 1300–2500 mm sliding tables
• Crosscut fence: 2600 mm for outrigger table (#159/160)
• Working height: 890mm
• Min. transport width (without option 012): 1000 mm
• Extractor connection port diameter on overhead saw guard: 120/80mm
• Weight (with standard configuration) 885 kg

The post Felder Sliding Table Saw K 940 S: Production Woodworking Made Easy appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

When you need big air, you make the switch to gas on the job site or 230V in a shop. Available from Northern Tool, the Northstar Compressor line offers the power you’ll need to cover your stationery shop needs.

Check out our Best Air Compressors article for our top picks across a variety of applications and uses.

Is it Right for Your Shop?

Whether or not this Northstar compressor is right for your shop mainly boils down to your air delivery needs. The 230V, 7.5 horsepower motor fills an 80-gallon tank to a maximum 175 PSI.

If that sounds like a win for you, durability is the next key. Northstar goes with a full cast iron pump that is the standard for heavy-use compressors that’s rated for 20,000 hours of use. There’s V-twin cylinder design that helps it cool more efficiently.

That’s great, but what does it translate to?

The Northstar 80-gallon compressor has a 100% duty rating – meaning it’s designed to be able to run all day.

Northstar Compressor Key Features

• Baldor 7.5 HP single-phase 230V electric motor
• Requires 40 Amp circuit
• Full cast iron pump for long service life
• V-style cylinder design for superior cooling
• Pump head made of FC35 Grade cast iron
• Features a durable steel belt guard, pressure gauge and remote tank drain
• Aftercooler provides dry, high-quality air at the pressure you need, ensuring less wear on your tools

Hands-On Experience

Our team at Shop Tool Reviews installed this compressor in their shop and piped in multiple workspaces to use along with it. Head over there to check out their experience so far.

Northstar Compressor Specifications

• Model/Item: 459242
• Volts: 230
• HP: 7.5
• Amps: 40
• Pump Life (hrs.): 20,000
• Working Pressure: (PSI) 145–175
• Stage: 2
• Motor Phase(s): Single
• Air Tank Size (gal.): 80
• CFM at 90 PSI: 24.4
• Air Outlet Size (in.): 1/2 NPT
• Duty Cycle: 100%
• Oil Required: Yes
• Drain System: Remote
• Pump Material: Cast iron
• Dimensions: L x W x H (in.) 31 x 25 x 68
• Warranty: 4 years Consumer; 2 years Commercial
• Price: $1899.99

The post Northstar 80-Gallon 7.5 HP 230V Compressor appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Lithium-ion technology is reaching the point where nearly every major brand has a battery-powered lawn mower to offer with varying levels of features to choose from. Some of the traditional Pro brands have taken a little longer to brings their models to market, but they’re here. Let’s take a look at what the Husqvarna 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower has to offer.

Key Features

• Rear wheel drive: The namesake feature on the Husqvarna 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower takes shape in the form of rear wheel drive. That’s a bit more helpful than front wheel if you have to mow up slopes. A possible downside here might be the speed. At 2.8 MPH max, users with longer legs – like me – may find they have to slow down their natural stride.

• 40V power source: There are a ton of voltages to choose from out there, but if you’re looking to handle your general maintenance cuts, 40 volts will get it done pretty easily. The kit comes with 2 batteries and the mower uses one at a time without forcing you to switch from a storage to active position.

• Brushless motor: Given the load you’re asking the motor to maintain in a lawn mower, the Husqvarna 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower has to have a brushless motor and does.

• SavE mode: Most battery-powered lawn mowers already have the ability to electronically boost the power when you mow thick grass. Husqvarna takes it a step further with the SavE mode feature you see on most all their battery OPE. This runs the mower at a lower than normal RPM until it feels the need to kick things up.

• 3-in-1 design: Side discharge, mulch, bag – is it too much to ask for all three options? Husqvarna doesn’t think so.

• 21″ steel deck: 21″ gives you just a little more cutting swath than most. The steel deck makes things interesting. Here in Florida, it’s tough enough to resist the sugar sand that’s everywhere, but it adds weight over plastic decks. Since it’s a self-propelled model, steel is the way to go.

• Single point height adjustment: Almost no one makes you use a 2- or 4-point height adjustment on the wheels anymore. Husqvarna follows the current trend with a 7-position single point adjustment that covers 0.98″ to 2.95″.

Pricing and Placement

The Husqvarna 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower will set you back $399 as a bare tool, but most users will likely need the $599 two-battery kit. That puts it up there with names like EGO that have a solid reputation in the space. The feature set is pretty solid so it seems like a fair price for what you get. The reality of that will depend on the experience of using it – mainly if it has the endurance to get your yard cut on one set of batteries.

Husqvarna makes OPE for both homeowners and commercial Pros and this one looks like it fits mainly in the homeowner category. Though the build looks like it’s solid, there doesn’t seem to be an attempt to take advantage of Husqvarna’s high-capacity backpack batteries that would give it the kind of runtime you need to supplement primary professional mowers.

Want to see how the Husqvarna 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower does on a typical lawn? Head over to OPE Reviews to see what Frank McCaulley discovered in his review!

Husqvarna LE 221R 40-Volt Self Propelled 21-inch Mower Review

Husqvarna 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Key Features

The post Husqvarna 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Greenworks 82V Hedge Trimmer is part of what Greenworks calls their “commercial” line of battery-powered OPE. It’s certainly debatable whether battery power will ever supplant gas engines, regions like Europe and states like California aren’t holding back. While I’d love to have some well-reasoned, open-minded discussion of the future of gas and battery power over a cold Blue Moon garnished with an orange slice, I supposed I’ll focus on the product at hand.

Greenworks 82V Hedge Trimmer Key Features

• 26″ Blade: Greenworks shows some confidence in the power of their 82V platform with a 26″ blade – 2″ more than most brands have settled into.

• Brushless Motor: If we’re ever going to seriously challenge gas engines, we’ll need brushless motors to do it. Greenworks ensures their commercial hedge trimmer has one.

• 180° Rotating Head: If we only needed to trim hedges on the top and at waist height, you’d never need a rotating head. But for those of us that live and work in the real world, adjusting the angle really helps keep hedges looking nice without inducing Carpal Tunnel.

• Less Noise, No Emissions: Whether you’re working in an area with noise ordinances, just keeping the noise down out of respect for your neighbors, or you want to reduce gas emissions, less noise and no emissions are two of the major benefits of any battery-powered OPE.

First Impressions

At first glance, this thing is heavy. My go-to hedge trimmer is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel with a 9.0 Ah battery and it’s nearly 2 pounds lighter than the 13.1 pounds Greenworks comes in with. However, additional weight can mean better build quality and seeing as how this is Greenworks’ commercial line, I expect it to have heavier-duty components. You also have to expect at least some increase in weight with the longer blades.

When it comes to price, $189 for the bare tool, it’s in the middle of brands like EGO, Milwaukee, and Makita. According to OPE Reviews, the kit with a battery and charger will set you back $417 – right up there with Stihl (who purchased a minority share of Greenworks’ parent company in 2016) and Husqvarna.

Interestingly, those prices are difficult to verify online. Only one retailer pops up and it’s not one I’ve ever used. Considering the quality of the grammar on that site, it’s doubtful I ever would. However, go to Greenworks’ commercial website and they’re happy to show you hundreds of dealers across the country. It looks like that along with the commercial name, they’re also going for a commercial buying experience where you work with your local dealer rather than making your transactions online. If the quality, performance, and customer service are there, they could make a run for a Stihl-esque business model for the cordless OPE sector.

This is where I leave you to the firmer foundation of what the OPE Reviews team has experienced with this model. They put it through its paces in a head to head shootout and break it down in more detail in their standalone review.

Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer Shootout

Greenworks 82V Hedge Trimmer Key Features

• 26″ blade with a jam release feature reverses blade at the push of a button to safely free jams
• A brushless motor delivers more torque and longer life for your investment
• 180° rotating handle allows easy trimming at multiple angles
• 50% less noise allows you to start jobs earlier in the day without disrupting clients
• 1.5-hour runtime with fully charged 2.5Ah battery

Greenworks 82V Hedge Trimmer Specifications

• Model: Greenworks GH260
• Weight: 13.1 lbs
• Dimensions: 46″ x 8″ x 10″
• MSRP: $189 for bare tool

The post Greenworks 82V Hedge Trimmer GH260 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

3D printing may be the sexiest technology when it comes to producing prototype and custom parts, but CNC machines have been in the business decades longer. With types ranging from routing and milling to grinding and lathes, CNC machines start around a few hundred dollars and can move way beyond the $100,000 mark. The APSX Spyder CNC Machine is a milling style that currently retails for $3500. Whether or not it’s a good investment for your shop or business boils down to whether it can do what you need it to.

As a milling machine, the APSX Spyder does the majority of its work in metal. It features an auto-misting, water-cooled, 800-watt spindle with a range of 2,000 to 20,000 RPM. While running at low RPM’s, it pumps up the torque to cut in those tougher materials. In the event that spindle coolant runs low (you can adjust the amount in the software), the machine will stop before overheating occurs to the machine, spindle, or bit and remember its XYZ coordinates so you can get it back to work without stopping to home in again.

The overall footprint of the CNC Machine is 30″ x 23″, which would take up a little less than half of the desk that I’m currently working on. The actual X/Y travel is 20″ x 13″, covering a pretty reasonable distance for most machine shops. Within that space, you can cover up to 144″ per minute.

Translating the accuracy that a computer can calculate to the motors and the workpiece is directly related to how rigid the machine is. Any wobble during the process can move the bit slightly. APSX promises a rigid build and also offers an optional concrete base to increase that rigidity.

Where it Fits

On the low end of the CNC machine spectrum, you have routers for woodworking products. The APSX Spyder was specifically designed to cover wood and plastic projects but move into the metal milling space. That capability comes at a higher price.

As a completely integrated system, the APSX Spyder comes with everything you need to get started and doesn’t require a separate installation. The computer, keyboard, pendant, and monitor are all part of the package, including a 1-year subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360. It runs on a preconfigured LinuxCNC software package.

A Quick Note About APSX

APSX was conceived in 2002 as the brainchild of two engineers in Xavier University’s MBA program – Rick Cevik and Kubi Kara. Based near Cincinnati, OH, their business model focuses on designing portable smart machines that provide businesses the ability to move from concept to finished product in one day.

This level of prototyping is often only accessible to major manufacturers. But with smaller, simpler, and less expensive machines that still offer intelligence and precision, even small manufacturers and machine shops can bring their products to life quickly. In fact, ASPX claims to offer their tools at 1/3 the price of their closest competitors. Not bad for a couple of really smart guys operating right here in the US.

APSX Spyder CNC Machine Key Features

• Auto-mist & water cooled spindle to keep the temperature down
• High Torque at low RPMs
• Overload protection
• Rigidly built dual shaft/motor to increase precision
• Optional concrete base accessories for greater rigidity
• Complete integrated system, no installation required
• Includes a 1-year commercial subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360

APSX Spyder CNC Machine Specifications

• Model: APSX Spyder CNC
• Motor: Dual on each axis
• RPM Water-Cooled 800W Spindle: 2,000 – 20,000 RPM
• IPM (inch per minute): Up to 144 IPM
• X, Y Travel: 20″ x 12″
• Footprint: 30″ by 23″
• Standard outlet: 120V
• Software: Configured LinuxCNC
• Construction: Steel shaft, hard anodized aluminum
• Overload Protection with Auto-Stop: Yes
• Auto homing: Yes
• Closed loop coolant: Yes
• Includes: Monitor, keyboard and pendant, 1/4″ and 1/8″ endmills
• Price: $3,500 through September 1, 2018

Check out more details about the APSX Spyder CNC Machine here.

The post APSX Spyder CNC Machine: CNC Milling for Less appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The cordless impact wrench sector spans a pretty wide breadth from compact models all the way to high-torque that make you question the need for pneumatics. Don’t worry, we’re not giving up our pneumatics just yet. If you’re shopping at Lowe’s, you’ll notice a couple different 1/2″ options from Kobalt. There’s the high-torque beast and then today’s muse – the more compact Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench, model KCW 5024B-03.

Where Does it Fit?

Cordless impact wrenches run across four major styles: stubby, compact, mid-torque, and high-torque. This Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench is in the compact category – relatively low power, but with a smaller footprint.

How small?

Bare, it weighs in at 2 pounds, 8 ounces. With a compact battery, it’s 3 pounds, 8 ounces and you bump up another 10 ounces for the 4 Ah pack. It’s just 6-1/8″ long and has identical housing to the 3/8″ model. Overall, it’s just a little heavier and bigger than many of the impact drivers we use.

Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench Key Features

• Brushless motor
• Variable-speed trigger
• LED work light
• 24V system – 6 cells instead of 5
• 3 speed modes plus finish mode

What About Performance?

It’s no surprise that as you go down in size, you go down in power as well. You’ll get 200 ft. lbs. of max torque at 2500 RPM with 3300 impacts per minute. If you convert that into in. lbs., you get 2400 – higher than any current impact driver on the market.

On the construction side of things, it’s a great fit for driving lag screws and long timber screws along with tightening up nuts and bolts. For mechanics, a true mid-torque impact wrench might be a better bet as your 80% tool, but you’ll have to give up size and weight to get it. The Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench will cover your light-duty work and you won’t need to buy a 3/8″ socket set to use it.

Price and Value

Before you move on and go for a mid-torque impact, consider the price point. At $109.99 bare with a brushless motor, you really can afford to have a low-torque impact wrench handy. Keep in mind that’s a bare tool. However, Kobalt has some of the best battery prices available – $10 (1.5 Ah), $20 (2.0 Ah), and $50 (4.0 Ah). A standalone charger is $40.

Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench Specifications

• Model: Kobalt KCW 5024B-03
• Battery Voltage: 24V
• Maximum Torque: 200 ft-lbs
• No Load Speed: 2,500 RPM
• Impact Wrench Size: 0.5″
• Impacts Per Minute: 3,300
• Drive Size: 1/2″
• Forward/Reverse Rocker Switch: Yes
• Length: 6.1″
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• Warranty:5 years limited
• Price: $109.99

Shop Amazon

The post Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench: KCW 5024B-03 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

It’s amazing how much power a lithium-ion battery is capable of producing, especially in the 18V/20V class. Ingersoll Rand – a brand well-known for its automotive tools – is able to produce an impressive 780 foot-pounds of torque with their Ingersoll Rand 20V Max High-Torque Impact Wrench. When it comes to nut-busting torque, they blast beyond the 1000 foot-pound mark and hit 1100 foot-pounds.

There’s more to an impact wrench than just muscle, though. You need a blend of ergonomics and features that make the job easier if you’re really going to get the attention of Pros. Check out the features IR says you can expect to come along with this model.

Ingersoll Rand 20V Max High-Torque Impact Wrench – What IR Says

• 780 ft-lbs of maximum forward/reverse torque & 1100 ft-lb of nut-busting torque – from cordless impact wrench that weighs only 6.8 lbs.
• High-power rare earth magnet (neodymium) motor — offers a long life and high power
• Steel-lined aluminum hammer case — designed to be strong and light-weight for maximum protection of the internal components
• All-metal drive train and hammer mechanism — robust, durable, and optimized for maximum power and efficiency
• Variable speed switch with electronic brake — provides maximum control of the tool
• Patent-pending metal reinforced housing — ready to work even after repeated drops
• Patent-pending soft touch over-molded grip — minimizes vibration, reduces fatigue, and enhances user comfort during extended use
• Best-in-class short length — 9.4″ from tip to tail

20V tools are more powerful than 18V tools, right? Not so fast – check out this article.

20V Max Vs 18V: Setting the Record Straight

Looking at it from the construction standpoint, a lot of that list looks pretty standard for a high-end cordless impact wrench. A couple of things stand out, though. First, notice they’re using a rare earth neodymium motor. This sounds cool, but in a nutshell, neodymium is a more powerful magnet than has been used in the past.

The other attention getter is the metal reinforced housing. This has the potential to increase the durability pretty significantly. Tools of this general design shape tend to have the handles break on impact. While the plastic outer housing may still crack, the metal lining gives it a better chance to stay in one piece.

If you’d like to know more about the Ingersoll Rand 20V Max High-Torque Impact Wrench, there are a couple of great opportunities. You can check out the standalone review from Shop Tool Reviews…

Ingersoll Rand W7150-K22 Impact Wrench

… or see how it did in the shootout against other popular brands!

Best Cordless Impact Wrench Shootout – High Torque 2017

Ingersoll Rand 20V Max High-Torque Impact Wrench Specifications

• Model: Ingersoll Rand W7150-K22
• Battery Volts: 20
• Battery Amp Hours: 5.0 Ah
• Anvil: 1/2″
• RPM: 0-1,900 RPM
• Impacts Per Minute: 2,300 IPM
• Max Tightening Torque: 780 ft-lbs
• Max Loosening Torque: 1,100 ft-lbs
• Weight: 6.8 lbs
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $399.99

Shop Amazon

The post Ingersoll Rand 20V Max High-Torque Impact Wrench appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hitachi has announced two new tools, adding to its growing concrete rotary hammers. The Hitachi DH28PFY SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer and its DH26PF brother are said to deliver higher durability thanks to three specific improvements. One is a hammering mechanism featuring an air channel system that reduces wear and damage inside the cylinder.

The second improvement is a ball bearing that supports the front end of the second shaft to prevent a shortage of grease and reduce the generation of heat that could damage the gear cover. The last is a new internal pressure control mechanism that provides smoother airflow.

Both the Hitachi DH28PFY SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer and DH26PF claim to deliver faster drilling speed due to the combination of Hitachi’s motor selection and enhanced hammering mechanisms.

The Hitachi DH26PF SDS Plus-Rotary Hammer features a 1-inch capacity with its 7.5-amp motor that produces 2.4 ft-lbs of impact energy while the Hitachi  DH28PFY SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer is a 1-1/8-inch model using an 8-amp motor that produces a little better impact energy at 2.5 ft-lbs.

Both tools offer no-load impact speeds of 0-1,100 RPM and impact rates of 0-4,300 IPM. The Hitachi DH28PFY SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer also features Hitachi’s patented User Vibration Protection (UVP) technology, which reduces vibration transfer to the user and can reduce the risk of developing a vibration-related injury due to prolonged exposure.

Both Hitachi DH26PF and DH28PFY SDS-Plus Rotary Hammers are equipped with “D” shaped rear handles for better control in overhead applications. Both tools deliver 3 standard modes of operation: drilling only, hammering only and hammer drilling along with an angle adjustment position.

More features include soft double-molded side handles for soft and easy grip and comfortable operation, a large change lever located on the side for easy operation, and one-push action for quick bit mounting. The new Hitachi DH26PF and DH28PFY SDS Plus Rotary Hammers come complete with a depth gauge, side handle and plastic carrying case.

Hitachi DH26PF SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Specifications

• Model: Hitachi DH26PF
• Motor: 120V, 7.5 amps
• Capacity Concrete: 1″
• Core Bit: 2″
• No-Load Speed Forward: 0-1,100
• Full Load Impact Rate IPM: 0-4,300
• Impact Energy: 2.4 ft-lbs
• Weight: 6.7 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $209

Hitachi DH28PFY SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Specifications

• Model: Hitachi DH28PFY
• Motor: 120V, 8 amps
• Capacity Concrete: 1-1/8″
• Core Bit: 2″
• No-Load Speed Forward: 0-1,100
• Full Load Impact Rate IPM: 0-4,300
• Impact Energy: 2.5 ft-lbs
• Weight: 6.9 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $219

The Bottom Line

The big difference between these two hammers is the Hitachi’s User Vibration Protection. You also get a little more muscle in the DH28PFY. The price difference for the additional ergonomic consideration and power is about $60, but worth it for the guy that’s going to be using it. Hitachi has been focusing more on the concrete side of the industry and we expect to see more, including continued expansion of their AC Brushless line of rotary hammers.

The post Hitachi DH28PFY SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Drywall sanding is a messy business at best and hazardous to your health at worst: prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica is responsible for many ailments. But Festool hopes to clean up with the Festool Planex LHS 225 drywall sander. The modular design features three lengths, two-speed gears, and adjustable suction power.

Extensions allow a working height range of 8.25-foot and 11.5-foot which likely eliminates the need for stilts in most cases. An optional harness for holding the sander is available as is a range of abrasives depending on the user’s needs ($260). The Festool Planex LHS 225 Drywall Sander can be coupled with Festool’s CT 36 AutoClean dust extractor ($850) and comes with a three year warranty.

Digging Deeper

Festool is a solutions company and we see the way they incorporate a system-based solution with the Planex. First, it addresses the issue of a stiff sanding head that, while flexible, you often have to fight to keep flat. The design allows much easier head movement allowing you to focus on the quality of your sanding, not how much pressure you have to apply.

Taking that concept another step is with connecting it to a Festool dust extractor which gives you a vacuum assist in keeping the sander engaged on the work surface. It’s actually possible to stick the sander to the ceiling vertically. Simply dial back the suction until you’re able to to easily work the pad around without scuffing the surface. And of course, it collects the dust for you.

If you go with the CT 36 AutoClean dust extractor, you can get an attachment designed to hold the Planex securely while you move around. Even if you don’t, the design breaks down into small enough pieces that it is all organized is the ever popular Systainer.

Festool Planex LHS 225 Drywall Sander Key Features

• Two lengths, one machine – extend or reduce quickly and easily in seconds
• Two-speed gears for efficient, rapid material removal on walls and ceilings
• Robust, reliable drive components and efficient power transfer
• Adjustable suction power decreases the perceived weight of the machine
• Three year warranty

Festool Planex LHS 225 Drywall Sander Specifications

• Model: Festool LHS 225
• Power Source: 120V AC
• Motor: 4.5-amp
• No Load Speed: 910 orbits per minute
• Pad Size: 9 inches
• Weight: 10.1 pounds
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $1,150

For more information about Festool Planex LHS 225 Drywall Sander, visit their website.

The post Festool Planex LHS 225 Drywall Sander appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.