Today DeWALT tools has introduced an expanded lineup of tools including a revolutionary new technology for power tools, brushless motors. The brushless motor will be introduced with DeWALT's new cordless impact driver and will ship in April. There are a couple of other manufacturers that sell tools with brushless motors but none that have the market size of DeWALT and assuming these will be available in the big box home centers a lot of people will be introduced to these tools.
DeWALT showed a select group of us these new tools and started with the DeWALT 20V Max impact driver. The brushless motor works more efficiently compared to brushed motors and provides significantly more runtime in a smaller, cooler running cordless power tool.
Here's a video showing the improved runtime of the brushless impact driver.
The DeWALT brushless impact drivers feature 3-Speed selections for enhanced application control. The Electro-Mechanical speed selector is easily seen at all times and can be used with little effort. The selector allows for the ability to see what speed the tool is in without turning it on.
Noticeably different is the Push Button Chuck which allows users to change accessories and is preferred when compared to traditional 1/4 Chucks. It features a One Handed loading design along with accepting 1 bit tips.
Finally DeWALT has introduced Fuel Gauge Battery Packs. The batteries have three green LED lights that indicate charge level. A recessed push button design allows for durability and ease of use. By pushing this button, you will be able to check the amount of charge left in the battery before and after an application. These fuel gauge packs are fully interchangeable with existing 20V MAX* tools.
Here's a video showing the features of the new brushless impact driver.
Pumpkin carving can be less of a chore by tackling it with your power tools. Nothing can replace the finesse needed to carve pumpkins but for some of the tougher jobs or larger pumpkins, a little 12 or 18 volt power can make the job go much faster.
Here are five power tools that can help you with your pumpkin carving.
1. Jigsaw
The jigsaw (shown above) is the perfect tool for cutting the tops off a pumpkin. Just plunge the blade straight into the pumpkin and go for it. We found that turning the pumpkin around the saw instead of moving the saw, works much better.
2. Oscillating Tool
There is a reason this is the fastest growing power tool category. Oscillating tools can do everything and that's no exception when it comes to pumpkin carving. Place a cutting blade on it and you can trim a stem or cut out eyes. Use a circular blade and cut tops out or carve eyebrows. The scraper is perfect for removing the pumpkin guts from the top giving you a smooth surface. You could even use the sander attachment and create some interesting textures on the pumpkin surface. You're only limited by your imagination with this tool.
3. Mini-recip Saw
Our Milwaukee Hackzall is a down-sized version of the popular Sawzall recip-saw which makes it ideal for slicing up a pumpkin. It's grip and size will dice up a pumpkin like butter.
Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling to Baltimore for DeWALT's new product launch. I had a basic familiarity of the brand, but it was fascinating to dive more into the company's history, methodology and what they're doing to produce functional, innovative tools that help people work better and faster. Plus, I got to indulge my inner DIY freak in the company's testing area (mitre saw, anyone?)
We saw lots of great new products during the two-day event, so I thought I'd pick out a few of my favorites. I'd say the biggest news from DeWALT is the launch of their new 20 volt MAX cordless line, which will be available later this summer. The new line was created from several trends, including a continued growth in the 10.8 and 12 volt categories, as well as the ongoing evolution of lithium ion technology.
DeWALT has made a sizable commitment to investing in the company's cordless line and, over the last three years, has doubled their engineering resources for cordless development.
Benefits of the 20 volt MAX line include unprecedented performance, ergonomic design and innovative features, according to a DeWALT presentation.
My personal favorite? The 20 volt MAX lithium ion compact drill/driver, which has been completely redesigned from the ground up. Features include an ergonomic handle, LED work light, compact size, high-speed transmission and a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck. I love the compact size, but also think the line's impact driver is a must-have for your collection.
We've been invited again this year to the DeWALT tools media event, and like last year when we were the first to see the DeWALT 12V MAX cordless tool system, we've been told they are introducing another new cordless lineup that ups the voltage with the DeWALT 20V MAX cordless tool system.
The 12V MAX line has proven to be extremely successful and with the introduction of the 20V MAX they have taken a logical step to having a complete lineup of cordless tools to fit a variety of users, applications and budgets.
