Home Depot PROspective Event Highlights

A couple weeks ago, we attended the first all tools media event put on by The Home Depot. Whenever we go to one of these events we feverishly post to our various social media feeds so that you all can follow in near realtime. If you were unable to follow, here’s a summary article of all of our postings from the event.

What was great about The Home Depot PROspective event over some of the others we’ve been to is The Home Depot brought in all of their major tool vendors together under one roof. Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, Diablo, Ridgid, Ryobi, Dewalt, Paslode, Dremel, Husky, and some automotive product brands were all there. Some highlights were the new abrasives from Diablo, new modules for Ryobi GDO, Dewalt’s Flexvolt, updated nailers from Paslode, and the cordless rear handled circular saw from Makita. Many other cool tools were there too, check them out below.

Of course the event was about the tools but one of our greatest takeaways is how passionate Home Depot employees are about their work and enabling others to build and fix their homes. No question those guys all bleed orange. This fervor doesn’t end at their customers though. The Home Depot is very passionate and active in local communities. At the event we got to help out a the local furniture bank assembling and building furniture for those with little or no furniture in their homes. It was probably my favorite part of the whole event.

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Home Depot PROspective Event Highlights is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Dremel MICRO 8050 Rotary Tool Kit Review

About a month ago I picked up the Dremel MICRO at The Home Depot. I already own a Dremel 400 XRP that I’ve had for a number of years. It’s a workhorse used on every trim job I take on but it’s set up exclusively for fine tuning coped joints. I needed something smaller and cordless, something I could slip into my pocket. The Dremel MICRO fit the bill perfectly.

Features and Specifications

Dremel MICRO 8050 Rotary Tool Kit

4/5

Manufacturer: Dremel
Model number: 8050-N/18
Price: $89
Power source: 8V Li-ion internal battery

• Variable speed from 5,000 to 28,000 rpm to match the proper speed required
• High capacity 8V lithium-ion battery for longer run times
• Compact size for portability and light in weight for comfort
• 360º grip zone with soft grip for comfort and control
• Quick collet lock for fast accessory changes
• 4 light LED ring around collet for excellent visibility in low light conditions
• Kit includes 19 accessories and charge cradle
• BATTERY: Lithium-Ion Battery
• BATTERY VOLTAGE: 8
• CHARGE TIME: 3 Hours, 45 Minutes
• WARRANTY: Limited 2 Years
• LENGTH: 9.5 in.
• WIDTH: 1.65 in.
• CHUCK CAPACITY: .125 in.

Dremel MICRO in Use

There were two main things I really wanted the Dremel MICRO for. The first was engraving. Here at Tool Box Buzz we get in a ton of cordless tools and batteries. Whenever a new battery rolls in I like to date it so that I know its age. I use to scratch it in with a clay-shaping tool. Yeah, like the kind you used in high school art class. It didn’t work well and the markings were hard to read. One of the 18 accessories included is a small engraving cutter that’s the perfect size for marking batteries. Couple it with the pencil grip of the MICRO and it is perfect for this operation.

18 total accessories included

The second task I wanted it for was tuning coped joints. I usually cut a 45 on the miter saw and then get close to the profile with the coping saw. I’ve never had a lot of skill with the coping saw so I use a sanding drum to sneak up to the profile. This way I can fine tune the joint through sanding instead of butchering the joint with the saw. In the past the Dremel 400 XRP has filled this role with aplomb.

My 400 XRP has a flex shaft and sanding drum attached and it’s mounted permanently above my miter saw station in the shop. It’s the perfect setup… until I need to take it to a job site. Out on site there usually isn’t a way to mount the XRP up high, it just has to sit on the bench and makes the flex shaft harder to use. That doesn’t happen with the MICRO. Another huge boon to the cordless Dremel is that I can stick it in my pocket and take it to where I’m fitting the trim piece. I can tune the joint without having to walk back outside to the saw bench.

Final Thoughts

The Dremel MICRO has some really nice features which turn it from just another rotary tool to one that will always be in my kit. It is so small, portable, and yet powerful. It is really straight forward to use and comfortable in the hand. The accessories are easy to change and the 18 piece kit includes an abundance for a multitude of tasks. Sure there are other cheaper rotary tools but I can assure you that none of them match the ergonomics and portability of the Dremel Micro.

Shop Now

Dremel MICRO 8050 Rotary Tool Kit Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Compact Cordless Rotary Tool

MT. PROSPECT, Ill. – September 2, 2014 — The introduction of the Dremel® Micro 8050 marks a new milestone for the brand. Hailed as the most powerful and precise compact cordless rotary tool Dremel has yet to produce, its size, ergonomics and first-to-market integrated LED front-end lighting make it the ideal choice for everything from detailed crafts to DIY tasks.

“The Micro 8050 represents a new evolution in the rotary tool category that offers precise control with surprising power,” said Ed Pchola, product director for Dremel. “It fills a need for a multifunctional tool for people who engage in hands-on, detailed activities.”

With LED features such as unparalleled front-end lighting, variable-speed indicator and battery fuel gauge, as well as a docking station charger that automatically stops charging when the batteries have reached capacity, the Micro 8050 is always prepared to tackle detailed work and tight spaces.

“Portable and versatile, this is the most brilliantly powerful and ergonomically-friendly tool on the market,” said Pchola. “It’s going to prove highly popular with hobbyists and crafters.”

Dremel Micro 8050 Product Strengths:

• Sleek ergonomic design makes it light and easy to handle for detailed projects and tight spaces
• New LED smart features such as front-end lighting, variable speed indicator and fuel gauge allow for optimal use
• New, compact, lightweight 8V Max Lithium-ion battery for power in a smaller size, always ready and no memory effects
• Docking Station continually charges so the tool is always fully charged and ready to use
• 360° Grip Zone with soft grip for comfort and control
• Quick Collet Lock for fast accessory changes
• Speed indicator to select optimal speed for each application (5,000 – 28,000 RPM)
• Fully compatible with all Dremel rotary tool accessories

Catalog Number: 8050-N/18

“Perhaps the most exciting part of this national launch will be the brilliant projects this revolutionary tool will help inspire and complete,” said Pchola. “Dremel users are a part of the ‘maker movement’ sweeping the country, and we are consistently driven by their loyalty to design better products.”

The Dremel Micro 8050 is available nationwide at Home Depot and Lowe’s and online at Amazon.com for an MSRP of $89 USD. For more information on Dremel products, project ideas and problem-solving tips, visit www.dremel.com or call Dremel at 1-800-437-3635.

Dremel® Micro™ 8050 Preview is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Sneak Peek at the Dremel Ultra-Saw US40

The Do-It-Yourselfers I know are always looking for that panacea to their DIY projects, such as a tool that can handle multiple tasks, or a faster, more efficient way to accomplish this task. Oh yea, and don’t forget that they expect all this at a reasonable price.

Well, the folks at Dremel were listening and recently upgraded their Saw Max to create the Dremel Ultra-Saw.

The Dremel Ultra-Saw, is a multi-saw that outperforms the Saw-Max in everyway, and even performs paint removal, tile cutting, grinding and concrete surfacing applications.

Saw-Max vs Ultra-Saw:

The Saw-Max has a plastic foot guard, 6 amp motor and a 3 inch blade. We found when testing the Saw-Max that it’s 3-inch blade wore away fairly when cutting ¾ material.   The Saw-Max can cut and flush-cut various materials, but there are no surface-prep accessories for tasks like removing rust, thinset or paint or diamond abrasive wheels for grinding.

The Ultra-Max weighs 6.5 pounds, has a metal foot guard, 7 amp motor and a 3.5 and 4 inch blade for faster cutting. An included side handle offers the user additional stability and control.

Dremel Ultra-Saw, a 3 in 1 tool:

The Ultra-Saw is a 3 in 1 tool for jobs like grinding and cutting metal in addition to wood-cutting and flush-cutting.   Add a few of Dremel’s accessories, and the Dremel Ultra-Saw offers the added ability to perform surface preparation tasks like removing paint, rust and thin-set mortar.

The result is the Dremel Ultra-Saw which is a heavier duty and more functional upgrade to the Saw-Max, in a more durable and functional package.

Applications:

We have not tested the Ultra-Saw yet but it was designed to make the following cuts:

• Metal cutting in materials, such as metal pipe, tubing and rebar.
• Material removal or surface grinding, such as thin-set and mortar.
• Wood cutting and flush cutting with an off set blade

The saw is also set up similar to the Saw-Max which has a great line of sight and the ability to make precise, straight, and controlled cuts. Changing the blade and accessories is quick and easy.

Dust Collection Attachment

One accessory that appeals to us is the vacuum adapter, sold separately. This attachment allows the user to connect a dust extractor to the Ultra-Saw and collect dust right at the source.

What’s In The Kit?

The US40 Ultra-Saw comes with:

• 3.5″ metal-cutting wheel                          (US510-01)
• 4″ carbide wood cutting wheel                (US500-01)
• 4″ wood flush cutting blade                      (US600-01)
• 4″ diamond abrasive surface prep wheel (US410-01)
• side handle
• kit bag

Accessories

• 4″ paint and rust surface pre wheel,      US400, $14.97
• 4″ diamond surface prep wheel,            US410, $19.97
• 4″ carbide wood-cutting wheel,              US500, $14.97
• 3.5″ metal-cutting wheel,                        US510, $1.99
• 3.5″ masonry cutting wheel,                  US520, $1.99
• 3.5″ diamond tile-cutting blade,            US540,  $14.97
• 4″ wood flush-cutting wheel,                  US600, $19.97
• 6-piece cutting wheel set,                      US700, $39.97

Price

The Dremel Ultra- Saw is an obvious upgrade and improvement over Dremel’s Saw-Max. It is going to be sold at Home Depot stores for $129.00.

Overall Impression

The Ultra-Saw clearly combines the compact versatility of the Saw-Max allowing one handed operation in tight compact spaces and offers a well-rounded set of accessories to allow users to tackle a wide variety of projects that involve quick but precise cutting, material removal, and grinding.

Dremel Ultra-Saw US40 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

The Dremel 8220 Cordless 12V High-Performance Rotary Tool

The more I see from Dremel the more impressed I am.  With their recent release of their cordless Dremel 8220 12VMax Cordless Rotary Tool  do-it-yourself enthusiasts and hobbyists will have more flexibility in rotary applications.   The Dremel 8220 replaces the Dremel 8200.

The Dremel 8220 12VMax Cordless Rotary Tool  features a 360º soft grip nose cap for easier grip  and balance.   A separate on/off switch retains speed settings and is out of the way of the grip.

Compatible with all standard and high-performance Dremel attachments (PL400, MS400) the Dremel 8220 12VMax Rotary Tool is designed to drive the full range of Dremel EZ Lock accessories.   A new EZ Twist nose cap with an integrated wrench allows for easy and fast accessory changes.

TheDremel 8220 12VMax Cordless Rotary Tool  has a powerful motor designed for all of the rotary applications a corded tool provides.

A removable, next generation 12V Max Lithium-Ion Battery charged in one hour runs 33 percent longer when cutting screws, in comparison to the Dremel 8200.

Look for the Dremel 8220 this  September at most hardware stores and online  for approximately  $99.99

Dremel MM430 Multi-Knife Accessory

The Dremel MM430 provides an ideal solution for cutting flexible materials such as carpet, vinyl, boxes, roof shingles, foam, insulation and plastic.   The dual push/pull blades allow users to cut in either direction or one-handed.

The Dremel MM430 Multi-Knife will be available starting June 1, 2012 at home improvement centers for approximately $14.99 online here: Dremel-MM430-Multi-Oscillating-Accessory

Dremel MM435 Drywall Jab Saw Accessory

The Dremel MM435 provides a solution for cutting drywall  with straight and curved cuts.  A perfect solution for cutting out   electrical boxes and recessed lighting.  An offset hole pattern provides an optimal angle for cutting and the sharpened tip allows users to make easy plunge cuts.

The Dremel MM435 Drywall Jab Saw will be available starting June 1, 2012 at most hardware stores for approximately $9.99 online here: Dremel-MM435-Drywall-Oscillating-Accessory

Dremel MM388 Variety Multi-Max Accessory Kit

• The kit will work with every oscillating tool on the market.
• The reusable storage case is included for storing additional oscillating accessories.
• The kit includes each of the following accessories:
• MM482 Wood & Metal Flush Cut Blade
• MM450 Wood & Drywall Saw Blade (2)
• MM610 Flexible Scraper Blade
• Wood Sandpaper Sheets (3 of each grit)
• MM300 Universal Adapter

The Dremel MM388 Variety Multi-Max Accessory Kit will sell for approximately $39.99 USD

Dremel 8220 12VMax Cordless Rotary Tool is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Dremel Cordless Multi-Max (Model 8300)

The folks at Dremel recently sent us the all new Cordless Multi-Max to test. The Cordless Multi-Max follows after their popular corded Multi-Max and keeps up with the industry wide addition of several cordless multi-tools.

The Dremel 8300 variable-speed cordless Multi-Max oscillating tool offers the power and freedom to take your Multi-Max anywhere. With fast side-to-side motion, the Multi-Max can take on a variety of projects that involve repair, remodeling, or restoration. Powered by 12VMAX Lithium-ion battery technology.

Multi-Max Cordless Features

• Variable speed from 3,000 to 21,000 opm provides maximum control and precision
• High-performance motor for maximum performance at all speeds
• Separate on/off switch – maintains speed setting after tool is shut off
• Quick Fit feature – for faster accessory change
• Soft-start and electric brake for smooth operation and safe stop
• Battery fuel gauge lets you know when it’s time to recharge
• High-capacity 12V ^MAX Lithium-ion battery for longer run times
• Two-year warranty

• Oscillating Angle L / R 1.5 °
• Speed Variable (3,000 – 21,000 OPM)
• Warranty 2 years
• Weight (lbs.) 1.8

Multi-Max Cordless Review

I’ve been using multi-tools for several years now and wondered how I ever made do without them before. Needless to say I was eager to test out this new version from Dremel and see how it compared to the others I’ve used in the past.

The Cordless Multi-Max comes with a plastic case including a battery charger and 2 battery packs. In addition to the case and batteries it comes with a wood cutting blade, multi-purpose wood/drywall blade and several sanding pads. I personally think these type of kits should also come with some type of grinding and scraping attachments to give you a sense of all the different types available.

Battery Packs

The cordless Multi-Max comes with two 12 volt lithium battery packs. I was very pleased with the battery system including the quick charging time (around 30 mins) and the length of charge that the batteries hold. It’s not surprising as the quality of 12 volt lithium batteries has improved so much the last few years.

Power

I found the cordless Multi-Max to be quite powerful and able to handle the type of tasks that I typically do with a tool like this. I was able to easily cut 1/2″ plywood with the wood blade and some 1/2″ drywall with the hybrid blade (circular wood/drywall blade). The speed adjustment switch really helps with efficient cutting in the different material types.

Operation

The cordless Multi-Max was really easy to operate. Changing blades is very easy to do with the enclosed Allen Wrench. As you can see above there is a single screw that holds the blades in place. I would prefer to see some sort of attachment built into the tool that would hold the Allen Wrench so that it’s available and not lost.

Overall Impression

The Dremel Multi-Max (Cordless) worked very well and is comparable to most of the corded versions of the tool that I’ve used. The tool is well balanced, easy to use and powerful enough to handle most of the tasks that I typically use a tool like this for. This is a perfect tool for homeowners, DIY’ers and contractors that want a light-weight cordless version for working in hard to reach areas. If you don’t own a multi-tool yet then check this one out. You can buy the cordless Multi-Max online at Amazon.

Dremel Cordless Multi-Max Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DREMEL-TRIO MULTI-PURPOSE TOOL

Recently the folks at Dremel sent me their new Dremel-Trio to evaluate. I’ve used the Dremel rotary tool before and liked it so I was super excited to see what the Dremel-Trio was all about.

The Dremel Trio is a multi-purpose tool that can be used to cut, sand and rout materials such as wood, plastic, drywall, sheet metal, wall tile.

The tool’s unique, 360-degree cutting technology and plunge-cut ability allows users to make quick and controlled cuts, while its unique, 90-degree pivoting handle facilitates added control, comfort and accuracy.

Benefits of using the Dremel-Trio are:

1. Start your cut wherever you want because Dremel Trio cutting bits let you make quick and easy plunge cuts anywhere in the workpiece.
2. The pivoting handle on the Dremel Trio can be positioned  straight-up or at a 90-degree angle for superior tool control and maximum comfort.
3. The multi-purpose cutting bit included with the Dremel Trio lets you cut a variety of materials using only one bit.

Note: The Dremel Trio uses only Trio accessories. Dremel rotary tool accessories are not compatible with the Trio tool.

First Impression

My first impression was that this was a very cool looking tool!

I was impressed with the vertical to 90 handle adjustment feature was a good idea. The tool felt good in my hand, was light-weight and had a nice comfortable feel.

Tools these days come with longer cords and I felt that a foot or two longer cord would be nice. The tool fit well in it’s storage case, the guide and bits fit well with the tool. The tool was light in the case very easy to carry – a plus!

The Dremel-Trio sets up well with the chuck wrench and collar as did the depth adjustment and rip guide. The rip guide thumb screw seemed to hold the guide in place securely.

Using The Tool

I tested the Dremel-Trio with all of the included accessories; a dado bit, spiral cutter, sanding disk and rubber polisher. It is important to note that this tool performed as designed but was slow in all of it’s functions. I’m used to using larger, commercial grade, single functioning tools such as routers, sanders and jig saws. This tool was designed to be able to perform these multi-functions tasks but is no way comparable to commercial grade tools.

The Dremel-Trio is perfect solution for the DIYer looking for one tool to cut drywall, round over edges, cut scroll work, shallow wood carving, or perform intricate sanding such as in hobby and craft activities.

Overall Impression

For $99.00 this tool gets a hobbyist or homeowner a multi-functioning tool that can cut, sand and rout materials such as wood, plastic, drywall, sheet metal, wall tile. It’s designed to be marketed to the DIYer and hobbyist and is not a tool for the professional.

Where To Buy:

The Dremel-Trio is available for $99.00 online or at home Depot or at amazon.com.

Dremel 6800-01 Trio Rotary Tool Kit is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Dremel Multi-Max Universal Adapter Facilitates Faster Accessory Changes, Limits Accessory Sliding on All Brands of Oscillating Tools

MT. PROSPECT, Ill. – November 1, 2010 — Using an oscillating tool just got easier. Thanks to the new Dremel Multi-Max Universal Adapter, users of any type of oscillating tool can now utilize the Dremel brand’s patented Quick Fit oscillating accessories. With faster accessory changes and a first-of-its-kind pin design that keeps accessories in place during use, the Universal Adapter allows oscillating users to spend less time setting up their tool and more time repairing, remodeling and restoring.

“Consumers are continually demanding increased functionality from their power tools,” said Andrea Ash, vice president of marketing, Dremel. “As a brand built on versatility, we’re happy to introduce an accessory that will allow users of all oscillating brands to utilize our unique Quick Fit accessories for fast and easy changes and quality results.”

The Dremel Multi-Max Universal Adapter allows all Dremel Multi-Max accessories to be used with all of the current oscillating tools on the market including brands from Fein, Rockwell, Bosch, Craftsman, Rigid and Masterforce. As the first pin fit adapter in the market, the Universal Adapter prevents accessories from sliding or loosening during use, resulting in a more efficient and precise project.

Dremel currently offers a wide variety of oscillating accessories, including cutting, scraping and grout removal blades, as well as sanding and grinding pads. All accessories, except for sanding pads, utilize the Dremel brand’s innovative Quick Fit accessory system, which allows users to change accessories in less than half the time competitive systems require. The Quick Fit system features slotted accessory connections, instead of an enclosed blade, enabling users to swap out accessories without removing the clamping screw and blade washer.

Beginning in October, the Dremel Multi-Max Universal Adapter will be available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers nationwide. It will retail for the suggested price of $4.99 USD and (insert Canada MSRP) CSD.

DREMEL Introduces Universal Oscillating Accesory Adapter is a post from Tool Box Buzz