Late last month, I wrote an article called "Yo Tool Companies-Why No LED Flashlights". Just a few weeks later, Bosch told us about their new 12vMAX LED Flashlight.  Now, DeWalt has gotten into the game with not one, but EIGHT new LED Flashlights! Ask and ye shall receive...

Here's a picture of one of the new models. Keep reading to see a breakdown of all eight.

Dremel^®, the trusted name in high-speed rotary tool technology, is expanding its portfolio of workbench essentials with the introduction of the Dremel Multi-Max^™ Oscillating Tool System. A compact, yet full-featured multi-tasking tool, the Multi-Max moves from side to side at high speeds in 3-degree arcs to undertake a wide variety of tasks from sanding and cutting to scraping and grinding. It offers 12 different accessories to help both do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professionals repair, remodel and restore with ease.

"The Multi-Max oscillating tool represents an exciting new category for the Dremel brand," said Gavin Jerome, Dremel Multi-Max product manager. "It gives consumers maximum versatility to accomplish a wide variety of projects from removing stuck vinyl flooring and flush-cutting drywall to install a light switch to removing grout and sanding wood to restore a worn surface, while still providing the same high quality standards that Dremel is known for."

The Multi-Max's compact design provides access in tight areas while the ergonomic grip allows for comfort and balanced control. The separate on/off switch lets users maintain a previously selected speed setting upon restarting the tool after it has been turned off. A soft-start feature minimizes abrupt starts and provides a feeling of control as the tool ramps up to the desired speed. Electronic feedback provides consistent speed through even the toughest applications.

I had the opportunity to check out the Porter-Cable FCN200 flooring nailer last week when I installed 5/8" hardwood flooring in my home. As backbreaking of a job as the flooring install was, the PorterCable flooring nailer made it easier. Constructed of die-cast aluminum, the FCN200 was lightweight and easy to move around, even after 8 hours of bent-over work. It was well-balanced and with a low center of gravity, stood upright nicely on the floor in between use without any extra work to keep it standing.

The handle on the Porter Cable FCN200 was nice and long, and had a soft grip that helped to absorb the shock while hammering. It was easy to reload the cleats with a rear load, gravity-fed Magazine. The flooring nailer also had a no-mar base which was nice because by the end of the day, I was dragging the nailer across the floor due to being so tired. I applaud the folks who install flooring for a living - this is not an easy job, it's backbreaking, tiring work.

ThePorter Cable FCN200 drives L–shaped 1.5 to 2-inch flooring cleats and can also install ½ inch to ¾ inch hardwood floors. The flooring cleat nailer uses L–shaped cleats for fastening, which allow the floor to expand and contract naturally while being held in position - an advantage over using the traditional staples as fasteners.

The FCN200 has excellent and accurate driving action. I went through almost 4 boxes of cleats (1000 each box) and had only a handful of misfires. I would recommend this nailer for the professional and the homeowner alike. By the time you rent a flooring nailer at $50/day, you could almost pay for the purchase of a new or reconditioned one. Installing a floor takes more time than you think it will.

The Porter-Cable FCN200 flooring cleat nailer includes a mallet, oil, Wrenches, and 1/4" air fitting with dust cover. The reconditioned PorterCable FCN200 is available at Toolking.com for $349.

I just happened to be looking at some older articles and noticed something interesting: today marks the one year anniversary of when Toologics first broke the story (and first pictures) of the DeWalt 18v Lithium Ion NANO battery.

In the year since, we've seen not only the release of the DeWalt 18v NANO battery system, but also a few new tools to go with it, like the DC927KL Hammerdrill and DC827KL Impact Driver. Recently, two Combo Kits, the DCK475L and DCK675L were also added to DeWalt's NANO offerings. Heck, even Matt Kenseth's #17 DeWalt NASCAR race car was given a flashy new NANO-themed paint job. 

I was visiting my family back in Buffalo a few weeks back and made some garage shelves for my sister using my dad's Ridgid R3200 Circular saw. My dad has been a general contractor for about 50 years and I was curious to check out why he chose the Ridgid R3200 over the other brands of circular saws. This was my first chance to test it out.

First thing I liked about the Ridgid R3200 was the carrying case. It came in a heavy-duty molded plastic case - not just a canvas bag with a zipper that breaks. The Ridgid circular saw felt comfortable when I picked it up. It wasn't too heavy and felt well-balanced when I picked it up by the handle with one hand. This made it easy to carry around the garage. I also liked the Soft-Grip handle which absorbed some of the vibration when I was cutting.

The Ridgid 3200 has a magnesium upper and lower blade guard which makes it lightweight and durable. The miter and bevel adjustments are made with sturdy levers, not knobs, which have a tendency to vibrate loose or break. The Rigid circular saw also has a positive bevel stop at 45 degrees and a quick release at 51.5 degrees for quicker adjustments while you're working.

Another thing that I liked about the Ridgid Circular Saw was that the dust chute was adjustable so I could aim it away from where I was using it. The saw also has externally replaceable brushes for minimum downtime when your saw needs servicing. Blades changes are easy and it has on-board storage for the hex wrench so you're less inclined to lose it. Oh and I almost forgot, the R3200 comes with an easy-to-install rip Fence.

All in all, I liked the Ridgid R3200 circular saw. It seemed durable, was comfortable and easy to use, accurate and had a durable carrying case to tote it around it.

The Ridgid R3200 is available at Toolking.com.

Hey Folks ~
Tomorrow I'm headed off to Milwaukee Electric Tools to check out their new fall lineup. Let's call it a "Tool Fashion Show". Milwaukee is going to throw down the runway and show off 10 new power tools that they are releasing this fall. The party is going to be held at their brand spankin' new, state of the art Training Center in Brookfield, Wisconsin which we will also get a tour of. I can't wait!!

They are even showing us media folks some tools that are entirely new to the industry as well - and highlights about recent changes that are enabling the Milwaukee team to product 40 new products in 2008!

Stay tuned and I'll be updating you on the happenings from my Palm Treo ~ ~ Maybe I'll get to see something fun like in the video below...

Toolsnob.com has the scoop today on Dremel's new Multi-Max Oscillating Tool System ~

Similar to the Fein Multimaster and the Bosch PMF180E Oscillating Tool (only available in Europe currently), Dremel's new multi-tool will sand, flush-cut, grind and polish. Will it be similarly priced to the Fein? They will likely be less expensive than the Fein Multimaster, but will they be of as high a quality as the Fein? Does Bosch have their own USA version up their sleeves? Stay tuned for more news soon!

The Dremel Multi-Max is due at your favorite tool stores in October!