Manchester industrial equipment supplier Wilkinson Star has launched Plasma Cut 26i, a single phase 50/60Hz, 3.7kVA, IGBT based inverter plasma cutting machine with an integrated industrial compressor for use where compressed air is not available.

The Plasma Cut 26i, which is generate compatible, has a clean cutting capacity up to 6mm and severance cutting up to 8mm, cutting any metal or perforated laminated sheet.

Features of the equipment include an in-built air compressor, digital electronic control, a pilot arc on the torch with a safety switch, over/under voltage protection, and a control panel that is protected against accidental impacts.

It weighs 18.5kgs, measures 540mm by 220mm by 425mm, and meets EN60974-1, IEC60974-10, and EN60974-7 standards.

Providing three cutting edges rather than the traditional two, the new Makita Deltagon SDS+ drill bits offer a more accurate hole, the company claim. A traditional two edge bit has poor directional stability, leading to an oversized hole and potentially a triangular rather than round shape.

The Deltagon three edge drill bits have tri-axial cutting which leads to a more round hole. Solid tungsten tips, with the tungsten brazed onto the carbon steel bit, are finished by rotary grinder. A Deltagon bit will drill into brick, block, concrete, reinforced concrete, mortar or stone, and through steel cladding up to 1mm thick.

In order to improve and consolidate its portfolio of plumbing products, Irwin has updated and expanded its Record and Hilmor ranges.

Probably the most significant part of the rebranding is the launch of the Irwin/Record pipe cutters. The new additions include the 3-45mm Pipe Cutter with a telescopic action, and the zinc die cast body INOX tube cutter for cutting thin walled metal tubes.

In regards to the rest of the product range, a focus on packaging conformity and improved icons for ease of understanding constitute the major change.

Working position can be a sore point for plumbers, but not now that Irwin has released its I-Gel Professional Kneepads.

Designed to give protection where it is needed the most across the knee area, the embedded I-Gel insert also provides impact resistance. Notched for ease of wear when standing, the pads had adjustable fitting straps and sizing pads to further improve comfort.

Suitable for use on laminated or tiled flooring, the product has non-skid materials to avoid slipping, while the non-marking cap has been designed to provide a durable barrier on uneven surfaces.

Sawing on a variety of different materials and at a range of different speeds is possible with the new Hole Saw Kits by Irwin.

The new products have a high speed cutting edge made from tool steel RC 65-66; 4/6 variable TPI for reduced harmonic vibration; thick backing plate; and variable gullet depths to provide more efficient chip clearance.

A reinforced nylon bag keeps the tools clean and undamaged.

Extending its line of Bolt-Grip extractors, Irwin has launched two new sets to market.

The additions include a bulkier five piece version of the original design, and are designed to make light work of wheel nuts, especially hard to remove ones on four wheel drive vehicles. A seven piece power grip set has also be introduced; intended for use in conjunction with power tools - to get out those difficult to remove screws.

Bolt-Grip's reverse-spiral flute design offers a good grip as well as fitting both metric and imperial sizes. Made of high carbon steel, the product has long-life durability.

By combining a 3/8 inch fitting and a hex base, Bolt-Grips will function with most tools.

For use with SDS drills, the new range of Speedhammer drill bits from Irwin have a greater flute capacity and reduce drilling time.

The Speedhammer Plus has a 28% greater flute capacity, removing dust and debris at high speed. It is particularly efficient when used in uncured concrete.

On the other hand, the Speedhammer Max provides a drill bit which is 30% faster than traditional drill designs, the company claims. Its new four cutter carbide head design increases durability and allows for a shortened head, which assists in shifting dust directly into the single flute.

Improving levels of safety to the user, Makita has launched an updated version of its Solutions programme, which aims to provide a comprehensive package of data, regulation explanations, and training opportunities, assisting power tool owners and operators control risks and meet safety standards.

The programme offers information on the HAV debate and prevention/protection from noise and dust pollution in the work place. Recommendations for protective action, tool selection, and operating limits are also to be found in the programme. Toolminder software allows for the creation of accurate tool tagging, showing ownership inventory, records usage, and service history.

The company's Anti Vibration Technology power tools reduce vibration by reciprocating dampers that cut machine generated vibration. Dust extraction systems designed into Makita tools - coupled to vacuum extractors - provide a cleaner working environment. A DPC6410 petrol disc cutter has a built-in water manifold, and, when coupled to a pressurised water container, will spray water mist onto the cutting wheel to damp down stone or concrete dust.

Designed specifically to remove dust, the BHE 20 IDR runs off the 450W BHE 20 Compact, providing a lightweight hole shooter for up to 16mm. Due to its low weight, it is particularly suited for overhead work such as alarms or air conditioning fixings.

It comes with an aluminium gear housing as well as a Metabo S-automatic safety clutch. The housing is visible through the ventilation slots on the top side of the machine. A rubber-coated handle is also provided for user comfort.

Recently introduced by Metabo is the SBE 610 600 watt impact drill. The 610 has an aluminium gear housing with a new cup housing design to increase strength. Internally, the drill has a high speed motor & gearbox.

Other features of the product include an all metal keyless chuck, lightweight design, and front end air ducts to direct dust and exhaust air away from the users eyes during use.

Designed around the same blue-print as the BSZ Drill/Driver, Metabo has launched two new lithium-ion cordless impact drills.

Keeping the distinctive 'Z' shape from the range, the SBZ machines - 14.4V & 18V - have a torque adjusting sleeve and an all metal-quick action keyless chuck. They also come with an impuls mode that extracts damaged screws with rounded or rusted heads as well as drilling into highly polished surfaces such as ceramic or steel pipe.

Working alongside the University of Northumbria, Irwin has developed a saw that provides a new design in teeth geometry and configuration, with a geometrical 1mm thick blade for stability during cutting.

The Xpert saw has a large handling for a reduced gripping force, a soft grip for comfort during elongated use, soft grip finger rests for left and right handed cutting, and 45 or 90 degree markings for mitre cuts. It's triple ground teeth have three cutting faces, allowing the saw to cut on the push, pull, and downward strokes. Most saws in the Xpert range are available with low friction PTFE coating for efficiency and wear resistance.

The saws available in the Xpert range provide the end user with a product for all materials: Fine - for cutting hardwood and finishing cuts; Coarse - suitable for cutting laminated boards; plasterboard and fast ripping cuts; Universal - for cutting softwoods and board materials; and the Speciality range, which includes Light Concrete saws, Tenon saws, and Veneer saws.

There are some products that just seem like a gimmick but there are others which do appear to be genuinely useful to the end user. The Bricky tool is one such example. If it catches on, it could revolutionise the way that we build with brick & mortar, such is the apparent convenience of using the tool. View it for yourself at the product's website, and decide if you think it is white hot or a white elephant.

Offering accurate fastening, as quickly and efficiently as you would expect, DeWalt has recently launched a new range of pneumatic finish/brad nailers and framing nailers that provide the 'DIY'-style convenience of being cordless and lightweight, but with professional quality.

Four products are available for purchase: the 18V bare unit; a 18V Heavy Duty 16 Gauge unit; the 18V Heavy Duty 15 Gauge unit; and a 18V Heavy Duty 16 Gauge Straight cordless nailer.

Check out the products in action, and the light guidance tool, through the video link below:

DeWalt Cordless Nailers Video

Dry-drilling 'perfect' holes without the need for water coolant is now possible with Marcrist's diamond drill cores, the company claims. They cut through most building materials and, when combined with the DDM2 diamond drilling machine, can be used by builders, plumbers and electricians, eliminating the need to employ a diamond drill contractor.

The new diamond drilling system allows for holes of 22 to 200mm to be created, with a cutting tip consisting of a bond of natural and artificial diamonds that will perform at very high temperatures. Standard materials such as concrete, breeze blocks, bricks, engineering bricks, and stone, can all be drilled dry.

Developed and manufactured for Marcrist, the 1500W DDM2 drill has a two-speed operation, an integral clutch, a built-in RCD protector, and an oil-filled gearbox. When being used on demanding jobs such as creating service openings or anchor points, an integral water swivel for use with a wet-grade drill core is also provided.

Just in case you want to make sure of the levels for yourself, DeWalt offer a manual rotary laser level with a manual levelling system which is operated by adjustment screws. It has a sensor to indicate if the unit has been moved after setting, a side-impact roll cage, and a protected rotary head for durability.

There are two side by side laser diodes in the unit, creating a bright, consistent light.

See the laser level in action below:

DeWalt Manual Rotary Laser Video

Heavy duty hammerdrilling and screwdriving can be achieved with the 36V Hammer Drill from DeWalt.

While the three speed settings provide quality performance in high torque, normal use and high speed applications, a 22 position adjustable torque control gives uniformity and precision when screwdriving.

The 13mm self-tightening keyless chuck tightens throughout operation, in order to provide bit gripping strength, and all metal gearing offers efficient power transmission and a longer tool life.

Check out the product in action, through the video link below:

DeWalt 36 Volt Drill Video

Maybe it isn't space age technology, but line lasers are a useful piece of kit which allow you to have a consistent, highly visible line across a work surface. It sure beats fiddling around with pencils and little floating bubbles.

DeWalt provide a range of lasers, including their line laser product. It has a self-levelling cross line which is accurate to within 0.3mm, and at a maximum 4 degree angle, along with a built in magnetic pivot bracket for easy mounting to metal surfaces.

See the product in action through the video link below:

DeWalt Line Laser Video

Producing fully automatic horizontal and vertical rotary lasers, the self-levelling rotary laser product from DeWalt has a range of features which enhance its usability: A wireless remote control operated scan mode generates a line between two points for a beam over long distance; remote control allows for singular operation; and a built-in beam splitting prism offers 90 degree lay out and plumb up applications.

See it in action below:

DeWalt Self-levelling Rotary Laser Video

With 26 times magnification for a range over 100m, DeWalt's Optics product also has a magnetically dampened compensator, 2mm accuracy, 360 degree horizontal circle for measuring horizontal angles, and a vial set-up with final one degree self-levelling capability.

See it in action on DeWalt's website:

DeWalt Optics Video

Designed for laying wooden floors and for professional kitchen, exhibition stands and shop fittings, Metabo's mobile UK 290 flush-mounted circular saw provides 1800 watts and an integrated, folding stand with levelling system for a stable working surface.

A cutting length of 290mm enables laminates and parquet floorings to be cut through in a single operation, even at an angle of 45 degrees. The tungsten-carbide saw blade supplied as standard contributes to a cutting performance with a depth of 60mm. It is matched to the flange and gears, and is equipped with alternately bevel-ground tips.

With a fan cooled motor that delivers 440 Nm of sustained torque, and up to 2500 impacts per minute for heavy duty fastening, the DC800KL Impact Wrench by DeWalt is a formidable tool.

All metal gearing and an aluminium front housing provides durability while the modular component design allows for fast, easy access.

A rocker switch offers quick forward and reverse selection with the 13mm square drive making bit changing equally speedy.

As with most products nowadays, HAV issues are considered, and the DC800KL has a rubber coated grip to reduce surface vibration and user fatigue.

See what it can do below:

DeWalt 36 Volt Impact Wrench Video

Delivering up to 4000 rotations per minute for fast cutting action, and cutting to a 62mm depth, the DeWalt DC300KL cordless circular saw with fan cooled motor and replaceable brushes provides the power necessary for a heavily used saw.

A 184mm, 24 tooth carbide tipped blade allows for efficient run-time and a cast magnesium shoe with full metal guarding provides durability.

Aggresive bevel cuts can be achieved with a 0-50 degree bevel capacity with lever-action dentents at 22.5 and 45 degrees. A handle set at 15 degrees with a diamond patterned grip area offers control and comfort while a spindle lock provides quick and easy blade change alongside the all-metal keyless blade change system.

See the tool in action:

DeWalt 36 Volt Circular Saw Video

Delivering a cutting action up to 3000 strokes per minute, with a 29mm stroke length, the DeWalt DC305KL reciprocating saw has a fan cooled motor with replaceable brushes, a variable speed trigger, lock-off switch, and electronic motor brake for quick, controlled cuts.

DeWalt's video of the product in action can be viewed through the link below:

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Offering a similar style of product to the line laser, DeWalt's tile laser produces two beams of light that cross at 90 degrees for accurate lay out. It has a cast iron body for durability.

The variety of applications that it can be used for are highlighted in a video that can be viewed on DeWalt's website, linked below:

DeWalt Tile Laser Video

Also included in the range of laser instruments available from DeWalt is the company's rotary laser product. The unit provides a fully automatic horizontal only rotary laser with a levelling accurary of 0.1mm/m and a weatherproof design for exterior jobsite use. See how it is used below:

DeWalt Rotary Laser Video

Suitable for working in dark engine environments, Sealey's new SSP900 PowerGlove eradicates the need for a torch by shining a bright beam of LED light where needed.

The Glove has an automatic switch off after eight minutes to prevent accidental battery drain, and is made of Spandex for comfort.

With forward and reverse control integrated into the housing, the 24V cordless impact wrench from Sealey produces torque in excess of 4110kg.ft - which is enough to remove wheel nuts.

Suitable for workshop applications, it has a side handle and vibration reducing grip and comes with a 24 Volt Ni-cd battery pack and one hour mains charger.

In order to buff or polish without the production of hot spots, Sealey provides its 18V cordless random orbital polisher with 230mm five ply foam pad and two polishing bonnets.

The polisher also has an impact resistant ABS housing with twin grips, and is supplied with an 18V Ni-Cd battery pack and battery charger.

Related links: Sealey website

One of a variety of products available from Bosch's saw range is the GST 135 BCE Professional jigsaw that has the company's 'Precision-Control' guide jaw, which adjusts itself automatically to the varying saw blade thicknesses for precise angle cuts and guidance.

Claimed by the company to have 25% more torque than the 'legendary' GST 85 Professional, it has an aluminium sole plate with steel reinforement, making it suitable for metalworking. The sole plate can be adjusted without tools by 45 degrees as well as 15mm forwards or backwards.

Other features of the product include a 4-level pendulum action for a range of cuts from tear-free to aggressive, and a sawdust blower to provide a clear view of work, but can be switched off for dust extraction.

Related internet links: Video of product on Bosch website

In order to improve safety during drilling, and minimise the risk of mistakes, the Bosch Detector Digital Multiple Finder 10 Zoom locates metal and wooden substructures as well as live and non-live cables.

The product is idiot proof as it has a traffic light style red/green LED display to indicate whether drilling is suitable or not. Voltage is indicated by a high-resolution five segment display and marking a drilling position is straightforward with an intregrated marker.

Related links: Bosch detector on manufacturer's website

Providing a manual-level three-beam laser accurate to within 0.3mm/m, DeWalt's Stick Laser has one button operation to make it quick and easy to use.

Other features of the product are a focused laser beam that keeps dots small over long distances, and three precision vials for accuracy on different planes.

It can be seen in action below:

DeWalt Stick Laser Video