Tools of the Trade Online delivers hands-on tool test results and reviews of professional power tools, pneumatic tools, hand tools, and construction equipment, plus continuous coverage of the tool industry, tool technology, and tool design trends.
I was glad to get the chance earlier this year to test two portable saws that are smaller and lighter than what I'm used to. The DeWalt DW745 has been on the market for several years, and the Bosch GTS1031 came out this summer. I tested them together because they're the only two saws in their class – 10-inch pro-grade models that max out at a 16-inch or 18-inch rip.
Every June thousands of students from high school and college vo-tech programs travel to Kansas City, Mo., to compete in the SkillsUSA championships. Most compete in a single trade such as cabinetmaking, sheet-metal work, or welding, but some participate in the multi-trade TeamWorks event.
"Last summer at Milwaukee headquarters I was shown a tool and told that if I talked about it before it was released, they would find me and kill me. Well, not exactly -- but I did sign a nondisclosure agreement that covered a number of things I saw on the tour. The embargo has just been lifted so I can now tell you about an interesting tool that most of us will never own. But someone will, and it will probably save that person a lot of money..."
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I was glad to get the chance earlier this year to test two portable saws that are smaller and lighter than what I'm used to. The DeWalt DW745 has been on the market for several years, and the Bosch GTS1031 came out this summer. I tested them together because they're the only two saws in their class – 10-inch pro-grade models that max out at a 16-inch or 18-inch rip.
Every June thousands of students from high school and college vo-tech programs travel to Kansas City, Mo., to compete in the SkillsUSA championships. Most compete in a single trade such as cabinetmaking, sheet-metal work, or welding, but some participate in the multi-trade TeamWorks event. 
