Milwaukee Fuel M18 Power Tools

There is a new bad-ass line of power tools on the way from Milwaukee Tool. The M18 FUEL line is an extreme-performance cordless power tool line that we had a chance to test this summer at the Milwaukee symposium.

We were impressed as we saw them put the drill through some tests that no other cordless drill available today could match. Here's why this new lineup of power tools will be something special.

The new features include the POWERSTATE brushless motor, REDLITHIUM battery technology, and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence. This is what Milwaukee Tool has to say about these new features.

The new POWERSTATE brushless motor works harder and lives longer than all leading competitors, while reducing noise and cooling more rapidly to deliver years of maintenance-free performance. Milwaukee POWERSTATE brushless motors convert energy into power and torque more efficiently resulting in superior application performance.

Milwaukee REDLITHIUM batteries provide significantly more run-time, power and recharges than any other Lithium product on the market. REDLITHIUM also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions. With Milwaukee durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM battery operates cooler and performs in climates as low as 0°F/-18°C with fade free power.

REDLINK PLUS Intelligence hardware and software is the world's most advanced system of cordless power tool electronics that will maximize performance and protect the user's investment. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence is a best-in-class system that integrates full-circle communication between tool, battery and charger, and constantly monitors this internal network to maintain ideal conditions.

These tools will be available in Spring 2012.

Pumpkin Carving with Power Tools

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.