BillAMJ
08-21-2003, 08:02 AM
In their most recent e-new letter, Popular Woodworking has a short write up of some of the new tools in the Ridgid power tool line.
RIDGID GOES PORTABLE WITH AN EXPANDED PRODUCT LINE
In a presentation with the feel of someone being thrown to the lions, representatives from Ridgid Inc. recently met with a group of editors in Chicago to unveil an expanded product line aimed at some of the best-known brands in power tools—namely Bosch, Porter-Cable, DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee.
The tools showed to us include corded and cordless drills, hammer drills, reciprocating saws, circular saws, random-orbit sanders, jigsaws and angle grinders. The new line of tools is a result of two years of research and development by Emerson Professional Tools (parent company of Ridgid) and One World Technologies (a subsidiary of TechTronic Industries Co. Ltd., which is the parent company of Ryobi Tools).
But don't think these new tools are just dressed-up Ryobi tools. Ryobi makes a good line of tools for the home and do-it-yourself woodworker, but the products we saw are professional-quality tools (though I know a lot of do-it-yourselfers that will be spending money on them as well). Ridgid's tools will be available at The Home Depot, as well as a variety of other retail locations, beginning Oct. 1. Below are just a couple of the ones we saw. We'll be testing them as they become available and let you know how they perform, so be sure to keep reading the magazine.
Cordless Drills
The new line of drills is available in either a 3/8" or 1/2" chuck with different batteries to help define the lines. The 3/8" line will be available in 12-, 14.4- and 18-volt models and will include single-sleeve locking chucks, die-cast clutch rings and two slide-on, self-ejecting batteries with a 20-minute charger. These are variable-speed models with high- and low-torque settings and range from 350-in./lbs. to 460-in./lbs. in torque. The 12-volt model should be priced at about $139.
The X2, 1/2" line will include two high-capacity batteries with a twin 30-minute charger capable of charging two batteries at once. The 12-, 14.4- and 18-volt drills will include single-sleeve locking carbide chucks and auto spindle locks. The X2 drills are also variable-speed with high- and low- torque settings, ranging from 365-in./lbs. to 485-in./lbs. In torque. The 12-volt model should be priced at about $169.
Random Orbit Sander
Ridgid is introducing a 5" variable-speed random orbit palm sander powered by a 3-rpm, permanent magnet motor with soft-start and a pad brake, as well as an onboard vacuum adapter. The new sander also sports Micro Fiber hook and loop pads with amazing holding power (you can still use standard sanding discs) or you can use PSA paper. The 5" sander will retail for about $89.
RIDGID GOES PORTABLE WITH AN EXPANDED PRODUCT LINE
In a presentation with the feel of someone being thrown to the lions, representatives from Ridgid Inc. recently met with a group of editors in Chicago to unveil an expanded product line aimed at some of the best-known brands in power tools—namely Bosch, Porter-Cable, DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee.
The tools showed to us include corded and cordless drills, hammer drills, reciprocating saws, circular saws, random-orbit sanders, jigsaws and angle grinders. The new line of tools is a result of two years of research and development by Emerson Professional Tools (parent company of Ridgid) and One World Technologies (a subsidiary of TechTronic Industries Co. Ltd., which is the parent company of Ryobi Tools).
But don't think these new tools are just dressed-up Ryobi tools. Ryobi makes a good line of tools for the home and do-it-yourself woodworker, but the products we saw are professional-quality tools (though I know a lot of do-it-yourselfers that will be spending money on them as well). Ridgid's tools will be available at The Home Depot, as well as a variety of other retail locations, beginning Oct. 1. Below are just a couple of the ones we saw. We'll be testing them as they become available and let you know how they perform, so be sure to keep reading the magazine.
Cordless Drills
The new line of drills is available in either a 3/8" or 1/2" chuck with different batteries to help define the lines. The 3/8" line will be available in 12-, 14.4- and 18-volt models and will include single-sleeve locking chucks, die-cast clutch rings and two slide-on, self-ejecting batteries with a 20-minute charger. These are variable-speed models with high- and low-torque settings and range from 350-in./lbs. to 460-in./lbs. in torque. The 12-volt model should be priced at about $139.
The X2, 1/2" line will include two high-capacity batteries with a twin 30-minute charger capable of charging two batteries at once. The 12-, 14.4- and 18-volt drills will include single-sleeve locking carbide chucks and auto spindle locks. The X2 drills are also variable-speed with high- and low- torque settings, ranging from 365-in./lbs. to 485-in./lbs. In torque. The 12-volt model should be priced at about $169.
Random Orbit Sander
Ridgid is introducing a 5" variable-speed random orbit palm sander powered by a 3-rpm, permanent magnet motor with soft-start and a pad brake, as well as an onboard vacuum adapter. The new sander also sports Micro Fiber hook and loop pads with amazing holding power (you can still use standard sanding discs) or you can use PSA paper. The 5" sander will retail for about $89.