In the last newsletter, we wrote about the new machinery at the IWF, or International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair that was held in Atlanta in August. This time, we will talk about some exciting new power and hand tools from the show. While not all of these tools made their debut at the IWF, for many showgoers, this was the first chance to get a hands-on look at the tools.

DeWalt's booth was abuzz with their newest saws. Their portable table saw models both got a welcome upgrade in the form of the new guard system that will become the industry standard by the end of the decade. (More on this in our November/December issue with our portable table saw test). The latest 10-inch sliding miter saw was there too, but the biggest attention-getter was the TrackSaw. This precision-cutting circ saw plunge cuts and rides on a track for straight cuts, and is available in corded and cordless models. This is an example of a European-market tool being crossed over into the US market by a major brand. It was released overseas first where these types of saws are more common.

Makita has been busy introducing tools into their 18-volt lithium-ion cordless line-there are now 31 different tools. Less common and trade-specific tools are being added such as a blower, sheet metal shear, and a right angle drill. The standard and self-feeding cordless drywall screwguns were there too. For new corded woodworking tools, Makita showed off their new random-orbit sander that is noticeably taller than older units for grip comfort and control as well as a new trim router. An improved portable planer with a beefier motor and dual direction chip exhaust also made its debut at the show.

Festool premiered a new portable planer that is a size smaller than their current model. Dubbed a "one-handed planer", this more compact tool still boasts a spiral cutting knife and directional exhaust like its big brother. Festool's largest capacity vac was also new for the show. We also got a back room peek at a few of the interesting next generation tools from Festool-check the November/December issue for the first look at them.

Freud has been expanding their Quadra-Cut router bit line to almost 60 profiles. They are replacing their line of standard bits with these newer technology cutters which provide a smoother cut by shearing both up and down with alternating bit faces angles. A new double doweling machine that looks like a biscuit joiner with two boring bits was at the booth too. This tool is to make it easier to drill dowel holes that will line up joints more precisely than laying out and boring two separate holes. Also new was Freud's glue line ripping blade that is now available in a thin kerf model.

Lee Valley always impresses with their new takes on classic hand tools and this show was no exception. Skew rabbet planes in both right and left models just begged to be tried out as they sat gleaming in their display case and LeeValley's supply of wood and workbenches allowed such test drives. And their modern take on side rabbet planes allows rabbet or dado sides to be shaved with just one tool, instead of having right and left models which was traditionally required to work properly with the grain. A convertible handle and cutters on both sides of the plane allow this versatility in one tool.

Bessey showcased the new Revo parallel-jaw clamp that is replacing the venerable K-Body clamp. Messing with a beloved classic like the K-Body could be risky, but the improved features of the Revo should gain it its own loyal following and convert the rest. And Bessey's new mini bar clamp with a u-shaped head was ingeniously designed both for more head clearance, and to keep consumer prices down in light of rising zinc costs-who knew?

Tormek introduced a new sharpening wet grinder with a more affordable price. Folks who don't need all of the capacities of their flagship model can now own a legendary Tormek at less than two-thirds the price. The smaller model takes the same sharpening jigs as previous models except for the largest planer and jointer knife holder.

Veto Pro Pak, the company synonymous with high-quality fabric tool bags had their latest open top bags at the show. These tote bags come in three sizes and the easy tool identification and access of such a system will make you reconsider all of your piles of tools tumbling around in tool boxes.

Rockler presented an easy answer for those folks who have dust collection systems but still drag around a portable vacuum for cleaning up their shops: four-inch vac attachments. From blast gates and extension tubes to brush nozzles and handles, they had parts to customize a system for your shop.

Carter may be best known for their premium bearing guides for bandsaws, but who knew that they are a leader in laser accessories? A large variety of lasers that can be attached to cutting machinery of all sorts were at the show. Basically anything that needs lined up with a blade can be sighted with a laser and they offer productive solutions from butchers to sawmills. It really makes you wonder what you could apply lasers to in your own shop.

Michael Springer