Cooking with Power Tools

You be surprised what powertools can do in your kitchen. Check out this video here...

Bosch Powertool Road Show 8th-10th October 2013: Preview #1 Bosch GWS 7-100 Angle Grinder $64.55

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Bosch GSB 10RE Impact Drill 500W Promotion Pack offer (with 100pc acessories)

Bosch Powertool RoadShow 8th-10th October 2013

JIGSAW - THE VERSATILE ONE

If you can have just one saw for all of your wood working and home improvement projects, which saw would you choose? 

Jigsaw is arguably the most versatile saw among all the other saws such as the miter saw, table saw and circular saw. The grand master of cutting shapes, capable of doing straight cuts, curve cuts and even intricate ones on a variety of materials like lumber, plywood, metal, plastics, tile and even leather!

 Why is it so versatile?

The reason lies with the variety of blades to complement the jigsaw. You can almost find the one perfect blade that fits what you want to cut and how you want it to be cut. Every blade has labels which state the material choice and the type of finish depending on certain factors like the thickness of material, efficiency, blade component and its suitability for types of cut (straight, curve, etc.).

Click the image below to find out more and catch Bill from Skil Power Tools in action, gain some valuable knowledge and tips in using the jigsaw. You don't want to miss this!!

Jigsaw is definitely my choice... what's yours!

Safety 101 - Safety Starts From Me and You

June Issue: General Safety When Using Power Tools

In this month's issue, let's talk about using power tools safely and professionally. All power tools can be dangerous if both general and tool specific safety instructions are not followed carefully. General safety instructions apply to all power tools, both corded and cordless. Let's us now look at a breakdown of the main points:

Once the work area is safe, Personal Safety is next. Following good safety practices when using all power tools is a must. Make a habit to practice safety in all of your activities.

Up next is the main dish, doing the job safely.

Nobody wants a tool that serves to do just a single job, therefore, regular maintenance can keep tools working in a safe, effective and lasting condition.

Once the job is done, the tool should be quickly stored out of harm's way.

All power tool accidents can be prevented if everyone around and the one using play their part in ensuring that the right measures and precautions are taken.


Always remember that SAFETY is the number one priority!

Now let's get started!:)

Following links have contributed in making this post successful:
Image credit: http://bit.ly/11uTrE0, http://bit.ly/1anOjs1, http://bit.ly/19LSTlf, http://bit.ly/11I5zRb

Content credit: http://www.powertoolinstitute.com/

Unveil the POWER of Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries and their Counterparts

Did you know?

For many years, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries had been the only suitable choice for portable equipment from wireless communications to mobile computing. Lithium Ion and nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries only emerged in the early 1990s, fighting nose-to-nose to gain consumers' acceptance. Today, lithium-ion is the fastest growing and most promising battery chemistry!

Paying for what it's worth

During the last decade, cordless tools have expanded in voltage and applications to become the primary tools used in residential and commercial job sites. The introduction of cordless power tools saw the demand for stronger batteries able to deliver the punch comparable to a corded one. Li-ion battery technology then sought its breakthrough as the solution to this idea. Li-Ion batteries are therefore generally more expensive than their counterparts made up of Nickel-Metal Hydride or Nickel Cadmium. But why? - Let us find out.

Complexities in manufacturing process

Li-ion batteries have a special in-built circuitry to manage and protect the battery from damage caused due to overcharging or undercharging. It is akin to putting your cell to charge overnight and over doing it or continual usage despite charging when battery is low.

Smaller production

Li-ion batteries are manufactured and produced in much smaller quantity than Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries. Higher production costs lead to smaller quantity produced.

Exclusiveness of chargers for Li-ion batteries

Chargers are sophistically designed to suit the different shapes and sizes of Li-ion batteries in order to facilitate and monitor the charge process. This also means that there is no 'one-size fit all' universal charger that could perhaps ease the cost of these batteries.

Knowing the Differences

Li-ion, Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries each have their own advantages, knowing their strength and understanding what they have to offer can influence your choice of batteries in getting the job done. Li-ion batteries typically comes in three formats - pouch, cylindrical and prismatic, of which cylindrical forms lend themselves to powering medium-sized portable devices, such as power tools. Let us now look at the advantages independently.

Sample image (Li-ion) - Makita 18V/1.5Ah Li-Ion Battery

(Image credit: http://bit.ly/174aIvD)

Advantages of Li-ion batteries

• High energy density - potential for yet higher capacities.
• Does not need prolonged priming when new - One regular charge is all that's needed.
• Relatively low self-discharge - self-discharge is less than half that of nickel-based batteries.
• Low Maintenance - no periodic discharge is needed; there is no memory.
• Specialty cells can provide very high current to applications such as power tools.

Sample image (Ni-Cd) - Makita 14.4V/2.0Ah Ni-Cd Battery

Advantages of Ni-Cd batteries

• Charging with very high currents does little or no damage to the battery allowing very fast charging (15 minutes)
• Can provide very high currents, suitable for high-drain application such as power tools.
•  Capable of working in extreme weather conditions - work well in cold weather.
•  Longer shelf life.
• Can withstand 400-1000 cycles with minimum capacity loss.
• Relatively safe. 

Sample image (Ni-MH) - Makita 14.4V/3.0Ah Ni-MH Battery

Advantages of Ni-MH batteries

•  High energy density compared to Ni-Cd - up to 3600 mAh (milliamps hour) or 3.6Ah per cell compared to 2400 mAh or 2.4Ah in Ni-Cd.
• Cheaper than Li-Ion batteries.
• High shelf life.
• Can withstand 500 cycles with minimum capacity loss.

Techies Technical Data

For those who want to know more about lithium-ion battery and how to prolong its lifespan, check out - http://bit.ly/11gIo1S and http://bit.ly/buKY9n

Making the right choice!

Now that you have a better idea of these batteries, remember when you are choosing a power tool battery, you should be looking at a battery's run time, life cycle, volts and amp-hour rating.

Run time quite simply means the amount of work a tool can do before its charge runs out.

Life cycle is how many times the battery can be recharged during its life time.

Volts (Power) will determine work output of the tool, the higher the volts, the higher the power. That means more torque for driving screws or mitre sawing, more speed for jigsawing and sanding, more hammer action for impact driving.

Amp-Hour Rating: The higher the Amp-Hour rating the longer the battery lasts - note that power tool batteries of the same voltage will often have different Amp-Hour ratings.

As we can see, clearly there are many different options to choosing the right battery type. Therefore, it is imperative that you come prepared with knowledge that will help you make the right decision to suit your situation should a purchase need arise. Be sure to choose one that does not under or over perform what is required.

Check it out as Andrew from KMS Tools explains why Lithium Ion batteries in power tools are better than Ni-Cad batteries - http://bit.ly/ZKOWrs

My Super Dad Photo Contest 2013

Know that Father's Day 2013 is near? 

Clueless on how to make that special day even better? 

Well, now you can with "MY SUPER DAD" Photo Contest!

Join this really simple contest now and win yourself and your dad movie passes and a Hitachi DS 18DSL, 18v Li-Ion cordless Driver Drill with adjustable clutches power tool worth S$400.00!

Check it out here: http://on.fb.me/113aPj8

Brought to you by: Estore Singapore 

Proudly sponsored by: Hitachi Singapore 

Scan QR Code to know more about our sponsor now!

GET STARTED NOW! :)

In case you missed it

 http://on.fb.me/113aPj8

Bosch Power Tool Insider Guide: Decoding Bosch Power Tools Names/Model

Decoding Bosch Power Tools Names/Models

Ever wonder what GBH 2-23 RE or GSB 21-2 RCT stands for?

Did you know that Bosch product codes each have their meaning and interpretation?

Knowing them will aid you in your Bosch product selection process catered to your specific needs!

All Bosch power tools have their own unique model code devised by an alphanumerical system, understanding them can save you lots of time and money in getting the right tool that will deliver and do the job.

Let us now learn more about the names and models; the focus is on professional tools.

Example Model: G BH 2-23 RE

                        1

The alphabet above 1 categorizes the tool according to the functional area.

G represents that this product is a professional tool meant for industrial tradesmen and end consumer use.

All professional Bosch power tools are predominantly dark blue in colour.

2 other alphabets to denote the functional area are

P: DIY tools for DIYers, dark green in colour; and A: Outdoor tools or Garden tools, light green in colour.

DIY tools are more commonly used in the Europe and US markets where the materials dealt with are generally softer in nature.

Example Model: G BH 2-23 RE

                            2

The alphabets above 2 always consist of 2 letters. It defines the type of tools.

BH represents that this product is a Rotary Hammer.

Below is a list of types of tools:

BM = Drill

SH = Demolition Hammer

DM = Diamond Wheel Cutter

SB = Impact Drill

GS = Straight Grinder

ST = Jigsaw

SR = Screwdriver

WS = Angle Grinder

SA = Sabre Saw

DS = Impact Wrench

RW = Paint Stirrer

KS = Circular Saw

DR = Impact Driver

SM = Bench Grinder

CO = Cut Off Saw

OP = Multi-Cutter

SC = Shear

CM = Mitre Saw

BH = Rotary Hammer

NA = Nibbler

TM = Combination Saw

SG = Foam Cutter

SS = Orbital Sander

BS = Belt Sander

MR = Mini Router

KP = Glue Gun

HO = Planer

EX = Eccentric Sander

BL = Blower

HG = Hot Air Gun

AS = Vacuum Cleaner

-

-

For more information about their purpose and usage visit: http://www.bosch-pt.com.sg/sg/en/professional/startpage/power-tools.html

Example Model: G BH 2-23 RE

                                    3

The numbers above 3 represents the crucial technical data partly abbreviated.

Different products have different crucial technical data, more commonly used ones are, weight of hammer (for rotary hammers), maximum concrete drilling (for most drills), power input in Watts, W; and battery voltage in Volts, V and Amperes, A.

As this is a rotary hammer, 2 represent a 2KG hammer. 23 represent 23mm maximum concrete drilling diameter. Note that the maximum drilling diameter differs between materials such as concrete, wood and steel.

Example Model: G BH 2-23 RE

                                        4

Last but not least, the letters above 4 designate specific characteristics, special feature and function of the tool.

The letters are meant to be interpreted separately.

R represents the function of Reverse Rotation. Reverse rotation meant that the tool is capable of rotating in a reverse direction ideal for screw driving.

E represents the feature of Electronic Control. Electronic control allows for a 2 speed control of the rotary hammer, High and Low. The variable speed control is essential for the purpose of screw driving; lower speed will give users better control of the tool for screw driving. The letters can have different meanings depending on the type of tool. Below is a list of letters and their meanings:

A = Dust Collection

B = Bow Handle

C = Constant Electronic

D = Rotation Stop

E = Electronic Control

F = Quick Change Chuck, Finder

I = Intelligent Tool

L = Long Shaft

P = Pendulum Action

R = Reverse Rotation

S = SDS System

T = Torque Control

V= Voltage, Vertical, View

X = Hexagonal Shank

In totality, GBH 2-23 RE can be interpreted as “Professional rotary hammer, 2kg, 23mm maximum drilling diameter capable to doing reverse rotation with variable speed control”

Another example, Model: GSB 21-2 RCT

• G: Professional tool
• SB: Impact Drill
• 21: Maximum concrete diameter i.e. 21mm
• -2: 2 Speed control (high & low)
• R: Reverse Rotation
• C: Constant electronic booster (help boost the speed of drilling despite strong pressure against the wall which will slow down drilling)
• T: Torque control system function

Try it and know your tool better today! Visit www.estore.com.sg

Finishing Versus Orbital Sander (from Amateur Woodworker)

Approximate Cost

Finishing Sanders: from S$44
Random Orbit Sanders: from S$119.90

Description

Finishing sanders come in two main types: block sanders and random orbit. Although either tools can be used as a finishing sander, they excel at different applications. Random orbit sanders are better for sanding large areas quickly. However, finishing/block sanders provide a better finish while also have the obvious advantage of being able to get closer into the corner as they do not have a circular base like orbital sanders.
Further, block sanders can use standard sandpaper that you cut down to shape, while random orbit sanders need specific circular sheets and this can make the running cost higher. If you only have the money for one of these sanders, we recommend a block/finishing sander. While it will take longer to get a good finish, the end result will be far better.
When purchasing a sander consider the following:

• How rapidly does the sander vibrate. This measurement is often in orbits per minute (OPM). The faster it vibrates, the quicker it will sand.
  
• Some sanders offer a variable speed option and this is worth considering as long as the price differential is low.
  
• Do not be overly concerned about the dust collection system. Many of these do not work very well anyway.
  
• If you do want a dust collection system, ensure that your sander comes with a hole punch system so that you can easily punch dust holes in standard sandpaper, rather than having to buy special paper (this only applies to block sanders -- orbital sanders require special paper anyway).
  

Using the sander

The normal weight of the sander is sufficient to sand and there is no need to exert extra pressure. Contrary to popular belief, additional pressure is detrimental to efficient sanding as it slows the speed of the pad.
Finishing sanders cause thousands of small abrasive grits to move in circular obits against the wood at a high speed. Each grain moves in the same direction, ensuring that the cutting action is uniform over the whole area. You should try to cover each part of the wood from many different directions to ensure that you get an even finish that does not have a bias towards movement in one particular direction.
Begin the sanding process with a relatively coarse paper (the coarseness will depend on how much sanding there is to do) and then move down to finer paper. Do not go from a coarse paper straight to a fine one, but step through the various grades. Too great a step will mean that you cannot sand out the "swirls" caused by the coarser paper.
Successful sanding is a result of patience and perseverance. The more time you spend on this step, the happier you will be with the final result.