In last month's issue of Woodezine we reported that Hitachi Power Tools had launched their new DMR series of cordless impact drivers and wrenches. This month, they have added cordless hammer drills to the line. The 18-Volt DV18DMR (shown at right) delivers 550 in/lbs of torque (class leading). It comes with two high-capacity 3.0Ah NiMH batteries that offer 50% longer run time between charges. The DV14DMR (14-Volt) cordless hammer drill delivers 460 in/lbs of torque (also class leading), and comes with two high-capacity 2.0Ah NiCD batteries. Both offer 2-speed transmissions and they can be set in drill mode to tackle drilling applications, driving mode for fastening applications or hammer mode to hammer drill into concrete and stone. A two-piece rare-earth magnet motor guarantees reliable power. An optimally designed cool air flow increases the cooling efficiency around the motor, protecting the hammer drills from overload during continuous operation. Tool life is greatly extended with replaceable armatures and externally accessible carbon brushes.

They have industrial grade keyless chucks and a 22-stage slip clutch, and both come equipped with Hitachi's patented 5-position belt hook (mountable on either side) with an integrated LED work light to conveniently illuminate dark workspaces. A non-slip elastomer grip provides more control, comfort and absorbs vibration. These hammer drills are also some of the most compact and lightweight in their class and they reflect the aggressive new Inspire design being implemented by Hitachi Power Tools.

For more information call 800-829-4752 or visit www.hitachipowertools.com.

Due to the success of CMT's 7-1/4" diamond blades for Hardi(R) products and other brands of fiber cement board (shown), the company has decided to make these top European blades available in 10" and 12" sizes. Featuring 6 and 8 polycrystalline diamond teeth, the new CMT blades feature a 5/8" arbor on the 10" blade and a 1" arbor with a diamond knockout on the 12" version. CMT's unique molded blade case is included. The company is a global manufacturer of high end woodworking cutting tools and is based in Pesaro, Italy.

For more information, visit them online at www.cmtusa.com or call 888-268-2487.

If it's time for your shop to move up to a pro air compressor, Kaeser is now offering a complete and compact air system that they say delivers 20% more air per horsepower. The system comes complete with a Kaeser Sigma rotary screw compressor, refrigerated air dryer and optional filter, all mounted compactly on a horizontal receiver tank. Simply connect the power and air-line, and you have a fully operational compressed air system. Compressor size ranges from 3 to 40 hp, with maximum working pressures available from 80 to 205 psig. The compressors are complete with starters, aftercooler and sound attenuating enclosure. The CFC-free refrigerated dryer delivers a consistent pressure dew point as low as 38¡F for the dry air you need. The package can be customized with filters that remove particles as small as .01 micron, oil aerosols and even oily smell or taste from the compressed air. Models with two mounted compressors are also available.

The 9th Annual Furniture Society Conference in San Diego officially came to a close Saturday evening, June 11th, 2005. The Annual Live Benefit Auction earned more than $32,000 for the Society. Then Furniture Society Trustee Ronald Abramson, Friday's keynote speaker, presented the Society with a donation of $10,000 to be used for the FS Educational Grants program. During the Conference, the crew of the Hot & Hard Working Studio treated attendees to a nearly round-the-clock demonstration of concrete and metal casting, forge work, and other examples of the Sweaty Arts. Amazing stuff. A bus tour to the Greene & Greene-designed Blacker House and then the home and studio of Sam Maloof was an experience not to be forgotten for all involved. Featured presenters, panelists, and participants thought the 3-day event included makers and educators such as John Cederquist, Marc D'Estout, Michael Fortune, Jill Henrietta Davis, Rosanne Somerson, David Marks, Michael Hosaluk, Heather Cline, Bill Keyser, Jonathan Benson, and Maria Palazzolo.

For more info, visit the Society online.