A couple of weeks back I was in Providence, RI, for one of my favorite events of the year – the JLC LIVE trade show and conference. I spent the entire time on the exhibition hall floor looking at new tools and talking to product managers from Bosch, Festool, RotoZip, and a number of other companies. Here are a few of the tools that were on display.
I tag-teamed the interviews with Andy Wormer and Greg DiBernardo; Andy and I worked together when I was with JLC and Greg is a regular contributor to Tools of the Trade. You'll be seeing them in some of these videos.
Festool was demonstrating most of their product line, including the Domino XL, a new larger version of the Domino joiner. Like the previous model, this tool cuts mortises for pre-fabricated wood tenons – that can be used to secure the joints in items such as doors, cabinets, furniture, gates, and architectural millwork.
The PinPoint Baluster Level was one of the more interesting tools at the show. It was invented by a building contractor and JLC LIVE was the first time anyone got to see it. The tool is designed to quickly create plumb baluster layout and dimple the wood so the bit doesn’t stray when you drill the hole.
RotoZip was showing the RotoSaw, a new entry-level (inexpensive) spiral tool that will be introduced sometime this spring. Notable features include a very effective dust collection accessory.
