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Executive Report: Carve out a niche Phil Mist, EHN’s power tools specialist, suggests that more hirers should consider adding woodworking tools, such as DeWalt’s latest models, to their fleets. When
DeWalt
and
Black
&
Decker
joined
forces,
they
created
a
major
corporation
that
could
design
and
manufacture
a
huge
range
of
power
tools
for
both
professional
and
DIY
users.
It
also
had
the
ability
to
target
niche
markets
with
specially
developed
equipment
beyond
its
traditional
power
tool
offerings.
As
a
result,
DeWalt
began
to
offer
a
wider
range
of
machines
for
woodworking
tasks,
amongst
other
markets,
and
has
continued
to
develop
its
portfolio.
Indeed,
the
company
has
recently
launched
several
new
models
that
are
designed
for
ease
of
use,
light
weight
and
considerable
power.
The
new
DW745
table
saw
has
a
1,700watt
input
power
motor
that
supplies
output
power
of
1,300watts
and
which
incorporates
overload
protection.
With
a
blade
diameter
of
250mm,
it
operates
at
a
speed
of
3,800rpm
and
has
a
maximum
cutting
depth
of
77mm
at
90°.
The
machine
is
capable
of
mitre
cutting
to
both
left
and
right
and
has
a
bevel
capacity
ranging
from
2-48°.
The
tool,
which
is
supplied
as
standard
with
a
24-tooth
TCT
(tungsten
carbide
toothed)
blade
and
a
strong
steel
roll
cage,
certainly
looks
to
be
robust
enough
for
on-site
work
and
for
rip-cutting
large
sheets
of
timber-based
materials.
Weighing
an
impressively
light
22kg,
the
tool
has
a
cast
top
for
precision,
as
well
as
a
rack
and
pinion
fence
system.
To
make
it
even
more
suitable
for
on-site
work,
the
saw
can
be
fitted
to
a
heavy-duty
stand
(model
DE7450)
which
has
detachable
leg
extensions
for
working
at
a
variety
of
heights. Accuracy of cut Also
available
is
a
new
sliding
table
top
mitre
saw,
model
D27112,
which
is
powered
by
a
1,600watt
Universal
motor,
as
well
as
a
second
model,
the
D27111
which
has
a
1,500watt
induction
motor.
Both
of
these
machines
are
fitted
with
a
305mm-diameter
blade,
and
have
a
maximum
cutting
capacity
of
51mm,
and
a
ripping
capacity
ranging
from
200mm
from
the
right
and
220mm
from
the
left.
In addition to these new specialist woodworking machines, which reinforce DeWalt’s commitment to this particular market segment, the company has just unveiled several new hand-held tools to increase its already wide range. The cordless nailer line-up has been enhanced by two further models, the DC608KB and DC602KB. The former weighs in at 3kg, is powered by a 12V NiMH battery, and has a nail capacity of 16-50mm long. The DC602KB weighs 3.4kg, has an 18V NiMH battery and also has a nail capacity of 16-50mm. Indicators are provided to show when the level of nails is low and when the battery requires recharging. DeWalt’s mechanical flywheel firing system removes the need for a gas cylinder which, it is claimed, reduces the need for routine maintenance. This also enables the tools to fire 4-5 nails/second, and both models can be set for either bump or sequential firing. New cordless introductions To go alongside its 36V Lithium-Ion tool line-up, DeWalt has now launched a 28V range of machines that initially includes the DC228KL SDS rotary hammer drill. While obviously not being appropriate for woodworking applications, the machine will also be part of a combo kit that will include a circular saw (the DC310KL) and a reciprocating saw (DC315KL), as well as a flashlight (DC519KL). The battery is designed in the same way as the 36V system and incorporates DeWalt’s ‘nano-phosphate’ technology, which is said to provide more power and reliability. It is also claimed to give two to three times the running time per charge, and to allow more than 2,000 charge/discharge cycles. The DC228KL incorporates DeWalt’s Active Vibration Control (AVC) system and the company reports that the HAV level is only 8m/s2. Fitted with rotation stop for light chiselling work and weighing only 3.4kg, the DC228KL is said to provide 40% more run time than that obtained from a traditional 24V NiCad battery. While
power
tools
have
traditionally
been
the
mainstay
of
many
a
hire
fleet,
woodworking
machinery
and
related
fixing
equipment
have
never
been
widely
offered,
with
the
exception
of
items
such
as
T
0700
4
339258 Executive Hire News › Archives › November 2007 › Executive Report › Carve out a niche
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