Today Bosch released four “kits” — a drill/driver and hammer drill/driver with various combinations of batteries — that make use of their new flexible power system (FPS).  The FPS lets you select between a “SlimPack” 1.3 Ah battery to lighten the tool for shorter jobs or a 2.0 Ah “FatPack” for the longest possible runtime.  Bosch says that thanks to li-ion power, even the SlimPack offers 15% longer runtime over other NiCd 18V tools.

Both drill/drivers bring 600 in-lb of torque to the table.

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Today Bosch announced a new series of angle grinders — an upgrade of the existing 1700-series grinders, mostly adding features designed to increase durability and lifespan.  Specifically, the new grinders feature a re-designed motor commutator and brush system to minimize heat buildup and relocated air intakes and exhausts for better cooling.

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As you’ve likely already read here on Toolmonger, we’re pretty big fans of Bosch’s foray into “small” lithium-ion applications — specifically the PS10 and PS20.  Today they announced another slick application of the “less is more” concept: the Flexible Power System, featuring the 36V “SlimPak.”

The “SlimPak” is a smaller, lighter version of their standard 36V.  The idea is that if you need the long runtime, you can use the big battery.  If you’re working one-handed or overhead — or just don’t want to carry around excess weight — you can ditch the extra runtime in favor of a smaller “SlimPak” battery.

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With a digital display, temperature settings from 120 degrees F to 1200 degrees F in 10-degree increments, and 10 airflow settings (from 8.8 to 17.6 CFM), this is the perfect heat gun for the truly anal user.  

Seriously, though, the wide range of temperature settings would make this pretty handy for delicate jobs.  The new gun will initially ship with a hard case, and a number of optional nozzle attachments (such as a spreader, concentrator, deflector, and reflector) are available.

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Bosch announced today that they’re adding 78 new router bits to their already-extensive 550 bit product line.  The new bits will fall into the following classifications: cabinetry/joinery, straight mortising, surface forming, edge forming, slotting/arbors, trimming/cutout, and solid surface bits.  In short: There are no new bit shapes.  Instead, almost every part of their line gets a new bit or two to fill in size gaps.

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In response to our recent LOX screw test, some readers commented that they appreciate Phillips-head screws because they “cam out” before driving too deep into drywall.  Bosch has a better answer than depending on screw failure: their “dimpler” screw setters.

These cool little bits not only automatically countersink screws to the appropriate depth, they also include a built-in clutch to release before you tear up the drywall.  Simple and effective.

You can find these at your local big-box retailer starting at around $10.  They’re also available in slightly-discounted 5 and 20 packs.

“Dimpler” Drywall Screw Setters [Bosch]
Street Pricing [Froogle]

A few weeks ago we gave you our (very positive) hands-on impressions regarding the Bosch I-Driver, and this week we’re following up with a look at the other tool currently in Bosch’s 10.8V Litheon line: the PS20 Pocket Driver.

Like the I-Driver, it sports a motor and drivetrain capable of 80 in-lbs of torque as well as a compact 10.8V lithium-ion battery — which means it also shares the I-Driver’s impressively long runtime. Its more classic pistol-grip design, however, makes it more comfortable for drilling, as does its 0-400 RPM speed.

Bosch designed the Pocket Driver to perform 80% of the tasks for which you currently use your large 3/8″ or 1/2″ drill while weighing in at just 1.8 lbs — lighter than your 1/2″ cordless drill/driver’s battery alone — and fitting inside one of your tool belt pockets. Sure, we’re all familiar with the “bigger is better” concept, but is this really true when you’re talking about something you have to lug around all day? Lots more after the jump. (more…)

There’s a great article in the current issue of Woodworker’s Journal (the August issue) about bargain priced miter saws.  They review the gamut and select eight that they recommend.  Most of them were less than $300, and the list includes the:

• Bosch Model 3912
• Craftsman Model 21235 Professional
• Delta Machinery Model 36-322L
• DeWalt Model DW715
• Hitachi Model C12FCH
• Makita Model LS1221
• Ridgid Model MS1250LZ
• and the Ryobi Model TS1551

Of course, you’ll want to read the article for the details.  They point out numerous feature differences between the eight they selected, and it’s quite informative.

And if you don’t have a miter saw in the shop, go get one.  They’re incredibly useful even in a small home shop or garage as they take most of the pain out of wood projects!

[Via Woodworker's Journal]

We ran across this bit of kit on a trip to the store this morning.  It’s a spring-loaded, ammo-style clip loaded with 15 of Bosch’s titanium-coated Phillips driver bits.  When you pull one out, another one pops right into place.

If you’re a weekend fastener warrior, you’re probably wondering right now why anyone would want to carry around 15 bits with them.  Trust us: pros can go through bits like water on a hot day.  Imagine screwing together a 20′x46′ deck.  That’s a lot of screws.

Bosch says their “Titanium Tough Grip Coating” combines a slightly rough surface to better grip the fastener with a thin titanium coating to harden the gripping points, preventing them from deforming after massive repetitve use.  These titanium bits are also sold in smaller quantities for those who’d like the quality but don’t need the Rambo-action accessory as well.

We found this one at Lowe’s, though we imagine they’re available elsewhere as well.  Sorry, we couldn’t find you a direct link, so you’ll have to hoof it to pick one up.  We did, however, include a link to some information on Bosch’s titanium bits below.

Titanium Tough Grip Screwdriver Bits [Bosch]

Most of the new lithium-ion power tools to hit the market this year have focused on high-voltage applications — utilizing Li-ion’s ability to provide higher amp loads for longer periods to create some incredibly powerful tools.  Though no one can accuse Bosch of shorting the market on power — see our post on the release of their 36V Li-ion 1″ cordless rotary hammer —  they’ve also applied Li-ion technology to the low-voltage end of their Litheon line to create some truly unique task-specific tools — such as the recently-released PS20 pocket driver, and the PS10 I-Driver which should hit store shelves in August.

Bosch’s small 10.8V Litheon battery system enables the I-Driver to incorporate a 0-600 RPM motor delivering 80 in-lbs. of torque — plenty to disabuse you of the plastic toy visions that fill your head when you hear the words “cordless screwdriver.”  And, as you’ll see from our hands-on experiences after the jump, the I-Driver’s run-time is nothing short of astonishing.

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We love music in the shop.  When you’re doing something you have to do, it makes the job go more quickly.  And when you’re doing something you want to do, it makes the day that much more sweet.

There are some problems, however, with having a radio on the worksite, not the least of which are powering the unit for more than a couple of hours and protecting it from the harsh environment.  If you’ve ever knocked a portable radio off a counter or smacked your CD player with a wandering two-by-four — don’t ask — then you realize that the jobsite is not very boombox-friendly. And that’s assuming that you found a place not currently powering a saw or battery charger to plug it in.

In comes Bosch with the PB10-CD “Power Box.”  With sealed buttons, speakers, battery chamber, and CD player and an aluminum roll cage complete with padding that can protect the unit from a 10-foot drop (!), this is one badass boombox.  You can power it off line power — it includes a 4-way GFCI-protected power splitter so you’re not hogging the plugs — or with any of Bosch’s 12V, 14.4V, 18V, or 24V power tool batteries.  And when it’s plugged in, it’ll charge any of those batteries as well.

Aside from all that cool durability and power, it’s an AM/FM  digital radio with 30 preset buttons (20 FM/10 AM) and a front-load CD player with anti-skip technology and CD-R/CD-RW compatability.  Not to leave out the high-tech among the tool crowd, Bosch included a standard 3.5mm aux jack for MP3 player compatibility.  (A specific iPod dock is available separately, though we question the concept of bringing your iPod to the jobsite.  It won’t take a drop from 10′.)

Street pricing starts around $180, and you can find the PB10 — the same unit, but minus the CD player) for around $130.  Rock on.

PB10-CD Power Box [Bosch]
Price search [Froogle]

Heat guns are extremely useful for both high-end industrial work and lesser tasks as well, such as urging heat shrink tubing to do its thing.  But truly powerful units like the Bosch Model 1942 can also strip paint, heat liquids, loosen stubborn fittings, soften caulk, and thaw frozen pipes.

The 1942 is not new; it’s been a solid performer in the Bosch lineup for a long time.  This is probably due to its high output blower that can produce 750°-1000°F degree blasts of heat and its rugged design, but the holder on top that allows the unit to be used in a stationary position at multiple angles caught our eye.

While you can use it like a normal pistol-grip head gun, you can also invert it and sit it on the workbench to use as a stationary blower.  Or, you can set it on the stand when you’re done using it to allow it to cool down without burining the bench. 

Bosch also offers a line of heat reflectors, concentrators, and spreaders for the 1942 to help with specific tasks.  Street pricing starts around $80.

Model 1942 Heat Gun [Bosch]
Heat Gun Attachements and Accessories [Bosch]
Street Pricing [Froogle]

Each year the INPEX new invention trade show offers inventors the opportunity to pitch their inventions to businesses seeking the “next big thing” in their respective industries.  This year’s INPEX show — June 7th -10th, 2006 in Pittsburgh, PA. – will include Bosch, Dremel, Skil, and RotoZip, as well as a number of non-tool manufacturers. 

Bosch specifically seeks new products that fall into these catagories: 

• Rotary tool attachments and accessories for hobby/craft/DIY, and also for professionals
• Application ideas for power tools and rotary tools
• Power tool products and accessories
• Power tool gift giving ideas and concepts (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, etc.)
• Yard care, gardening and cleaning tools

If you have a tool invention to show or if you’d just like to get a preview of what’s to come in the tool industry, the Inpex website still has an entry form available for exhibitors and attendees.

And since we can’t make it, if you see something exciting there don’t forget to drop us a line and tell us about it.

INPEX: The Invention Show [inventionshow.com]
June 2006 Tradeshow Entry/Info form [INPEX]

Firing their next volley in the ever-increasing-voltage wars, Bosch recently released their 36v 1″ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer.  This is a serious drill, with 1″ solid bit capacity and 2.5″ (!) core bit capacity capable of delivering 2.2 ft-lbs. (not in-lbs.) of impact force.

Other standard features include:

• a 3-mode selector for rotation only, rotary hammer, or hammer only
• a variable speed reversing trigger
• tool-free bit changes with automatic bit locking, dust protection, and maximum impact energy transfer rate
• and an integral clutch to help minimize torque reaction

It also ships with a 360-degree auxiliary handle, a carrying case, a depth gauge, two Litheon batteries, and a 1-hour charger.

Along with all those hefty features comes a hefty price tag: Pricing online starts around $700.

Litheon 36V 1″ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer [Bosch]

Online Pricing [Amazon]

Today Bosch announced the launch of the PS20 LITHEON 10.8-volt Pocket Driver, which it claims is the “World’s Smallest, Most Powerful Ultra-Compact Drill/Driver.”  Measuring 6″x6.5″, the Pocket Driver is said to fit into a tool belt pouch or back pocket while its Lithium Ion battery system enables it to drive 100 3″ screws on a single charge.  Bosch says its trigger-controlled 0-400 RPM variable speed motor is torquey enough (at over 80 in./lbs.) to drill holes up to 1/2″ in diameter. 

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