Power Tools
Earlier this year we visited Husqvarna and they were working on some top secret battery powered chainsaws. Well it looks like Stihl has beat them to the punch and launched the first real entry into the battery powered chainsaw market.
There are other battery powered chainsaws available but the Stihl MSA-160 is the first to offer the lithium-ion battery power and life and coming from a company that specializes in chainsaws this is the model to get if you are concerned about environmental issues and want a clean burning chainsaw.
Here are some of the stand out features:
Environmentally responsible chain saw powered by a high performance, advanced STIHL Lithium-Ion battery
Toolless Quick Chain Adjuster for fast and easy chain adjustment
Lightweight and easy to use - no fuel, no filters, no power cords
Low noise for quiet applications
Run time up to 60 minutes w/AP 160 and up to 35 minutes w/AP 80
Check out the chainsaw here
This past weekend we had the absolute joy of attending the Third Annual Ohio Tool Racing Championships in Columbus, Ohio, and we could not have been more impressed. Run out of the Columbus Idea Foundry, the concept is that people race modified power tools down a wooden track for the chance to win a bevy of new, unmodified power tools.
Along with the races, which are done tournament style, there was also the debut of a brand new gourmet food truck (which was AMAZING), Jeni's Ice Cream (listed recently as one of the top ten ice creameries in the nation) and a great deal of local vendors selling everything from art and baked goods to novelty items and handmade creations.
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Porter-Cable is now offering a small angle metal grinder that also functions as a metal cutter. Other applications include cleaning and finishing surfaces and tuckpointing.
Features
The grinder has a powerful 6 amp motor that specs at 11,000 RPM. It comes with grinding and cutting discs as well as two types of guards for both functions that can be adjusted without a tool.
We're super fans of oscillating tools and when we had the opportunity to review the Dremel Multi-Max we jumped at the chance.
Hits: Variable speed and power
Misses: Not enough attachments included
Uses: Cutting, Sanding, Grinding
As with the previous oscillating tools we've reviewed, the Multi-Max performs in a similar way. You bolt on various attachments according to your needs and away you go. These are great for cutting in, grinding, and sanding.
Features
We liked the variable speed trigger that is similar to the Dremel Trio and the battery life indicator is also a nice touch. The unit feels solid and if you've got other Dremel tools you can swap in the batteries and keep on going.
It comes in a hard case and the tool is offered in a cord and cordless version. We only tested the cordless and they both max out at 21,000 opm but the cordless variable speed starts at 3,000 where the corded starts at 10,000. The cordless gives you a bit more flexibility on the low-end but if you're seeking all-day performance you should consider the corded version.
The set of included attachments was not very extensive and just like most Dremel tools they really shine once you realize their versatility. Fortunately we had a set of Bosch oscillating tool attachments to test which we'll share in the next article.
