Sawdust on the Floor

Ok, Let’s get a couple of things straight before we start this. Yes, I will admit that I am a tool snob. When a company with names like Porter Cable, Delta, DeWalt, or Milwaukee introduce anything new, I have to stop and pay attention. The other thing is that I love new tools. Sorry, but that is just the way I am. But if you’re a fellow woodworker, then I am sure you will understand.

As their advertisements so proudly state, Porter Cable has been making quality tools since 1906. Recently, Porter Cable has introduced a new product line of 18 volt cordless tools. For years there has been some controversy about which battery style, Lithium or NiCad is better. While the NiCad offers some what more torque, the Lithium offers faster charging times. Which is better, well that’s really an individual choice. Most manufacturers will choose one or the other and you’re stuck with that option. Porter Cable has decided to try and satisfy both camps. They have released their 18 Volt Cordless tools with both the Lithium and the NiCad batteries and chargers.

The product line includes 18 Volt cordless drill/drivers with either the Lithium Ion or NiCad, The only difference that I can see is the NiCad has a higher torque, while the Lithium recharges quicker. Both units feature an LED for work in darker areas. They also are offering a 18 volt Impact Driver with either battery option. In the drill driver family you will also find a 18 Volt Hammer drill, that promises to deliver 490 in/lbs of torque, with a hammer action of 24,000 BPM ( Beats per Min.) The hammer drill is available with the NiCad option only.

The family of saws offered include a 18 Volt Reciprocating Saw that features a tool free blade change. A Circular saw with the standard 6 1/2 ” blade that is common on cordless saws. This saw does offer one neat feature, it has a laser that projects out in front of the blade, to help make a straighter free hand cut. The laser is powered by two AAA batteries. For those who prefer a jig saw, Porter Cable offers an 18 Volt jig saw that is powered by either of the battery options. Both Jig saw options have a dust collection port and feature tool free blade change. The last tool option in this family is the rotary saw. Like the Jig Saw the Rotary saw is available for either battery. Both the Rotary saw and the Jig saw are sold as bare tools, which means that they are not sold with chargers.

Not to be out done by some of there competitors, Porter Cable also offers Cordless “Dust management” tool, also known as a cordless vacuum. An 18 Volt Sander Polisher and two cordless lights, one with an adjustable spot light and the other a cordless fluorescent light. I have to admit I have never seen a cordless fluorescent light before, this is a new one for me. With the exception of the pivoting head( adjustable spot), all of these tools are sold as bare items.

If you’re curious, am I going out the buy these new tools? No, and only because I already have a considerable investment in another venders’ cordless tools. But if I were just starting my collection of cordless tools, then these would rank very high on my list. I have several other Porter Cable tools in my shop, and as there ad’s claim, they have always been a quality tool.

All of these tools are available from CPO Outlet.