16mm in concrete with 4,800 impacts per minute from 1.1 joules SDS-PLUS with one-touch sliding chuck Weighs just 2.0kg including 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery Makita is expanding the increasingly popular 10.8v range of power tools where the superb machine power performance is coupled with the compact physical size of the machines.
MAKITA CONTINUE TO EXPAND BRUSHLESS 18V POWER TOOL RANGE Increased power from Brushless motors Metal transmissions throughout for rugged reliability Unique reverse rotation auto stop mode Makita continues to expand, refine and finesse the market leading 18v Lithium-Ion powered power tool range that has driven the brand to market leadership.
Addison Saws, the West Midlands-based cutting and sawing technologies specialist, has been appointed as the sole UK distributor for Simonds International’s bandsaw blades building tools. “Having sold Simonds’ woodworking and metalworking blades for more than thirty years, we are delighted to have been appointed as their official UK agent,” comments
2017 will mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the UK sales, training and distribution centre for global power tool manufacturer Makita Corporation. An unbroken record of annual sales growth confirms that today the Makita brand is market leader in the UK’s competitive professional power tool league. Just two
Philips Lighting (Euronext Amsterdam ticker: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting, today announced the launch of the Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0, an even more energy efficient way to extend daylight or interrupt the night growing cycle in greenhouses for growers that cultivate strawberries, cut flowers, bedding plants and cuttings.
Bosch Professional Power Tools have been used for the construction of the Tough Mudder course, which will see more than 120,000 men and women turn up at events They will climb, swing and crawl over and through each one of up to 25 obstacles together throughout the 2016 Tough Mudder
The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series is established worldwide as the major league of lumberjack sports, with a massive global fan-base following competitive events live and on TV. Lumberjack sport’s origins go back to 19th century Australia, where foresters would compete with each other outside work, testing their technique and speed of
Finding a tool that not only works well for you, but helps you to produce your best work is not an easy task. Every professional and DIY enthusiast has their favourite tool, and when it’s time to replace that piece of equipment, nothing seems to work quite as well. So
Making impressive inroads into the UK workwear and PPE market is Danish company F. Engel, one of Europe’s leading workwear manufacturers; UK workforces are now recognising Engel for its high quality, long lasting and superbly fitting clothing ranges and their suitability for almost any kind of work situation or outdoor
Redbacks Cushioning Limited, the manufacturers of the World’s only patented, ‘leaf-spring’, non-foam or gel kneepads, has introduced a new strapped version as an addition to its original, big-selling product for pocketed work trousers. Designed, overseen and approved by a senior Ergonomist, Clinical Scientist and Biomedical Engineer, the new product retains
16mm in concrete with 4,800 impacts per minute from 1.1 joules SDS-PLUS with one-touch sliding chuck Weighs just 2.0kg including 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery Makita is expanding the increasingly popular 10.8v range of power tools where the superb machine power performance is coupled with the compact physical size of the machines. This valuable combination of power and features, integrated into the smallest possible machine profile, makes this range attractive to any professional tradesman working in confined spaces or for prolonged periods of use where a full size machine would prove cumbersome. The new Makita HR166D 10.8v BL rotary hammer drill, which features the sophisticated Makita Brushless motor technology, has the appearance and features of its 18v ‘big brother’ version but is a third smaller in overall dimensions. This new rotary hammer will run up to 680rpm and generate up to 4,800 impacts per minute. With 1.1 joules of energy the new HR166D will punch a 16mm hole into concrete; 13mm in wood and 10mm in steel. The overall body design delivers excellent machine balance with the Brushless motor and driveline positioned directly above the battery, with the rear anti-vibration handle and side-handle providing ideal working control of this powerful but tiny machine. Weighing just 2.0kg with a 4.0Ah battery fitted, this compact and lightweight machine has electric brake, variable speed trigger and a constant speed control, and LED job light. The SDS-PLUS chuck features the proven Makita one-touch sliding operation. It has two operating modes selected by the rotary switch on the body. It can operate in rotary-only mode for drilling wood or metal and rotary hammer mode bringing the powerful hammer action into play. This ‘mighty mini’ 10.8v BL rotary hammer CXT will quickly become a popular selection for compact power together with Makita’s proven and robust reliability. It is supplied complete with two 4.0Ah batteries and charger in a Makpac case, or as a body only unit for those operators with adequate numbers of 10.8v batteries. Two angle drive tools have also been added to the 10.8v range. The new Makita TL064D Angle Impact Driver CXT runs up to 2,000rpm and can deliver up to 3,000 impacts per minute and generates a powerful 60Nm maximum tightening torque. Weighing just 1.6kg this useful impact driver will drive home an M12 bolt, M8 machine screw, HT bolt and 75mm coarse thread screw. The slimline body with soft-grip handle can accommodate the drive head fitted at 12 different positions for convenient use. The new Makita TL065D 10.8v Angle Impact Wrench CXT with 3/8” square drive will drive an M12 and M8 high tensile bolt. Both machines have aluminium drive heads with phosphorescent protection ring, variable speed trigger, electric brake and forward/reverse selection. Where access is restricted these compact and slim angle tools will prove ideal for many applications. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
MAKITA CONTINUE TO EXPAND BRUSHLESS 18V POWER TOOL RANGE Increased power from Brushless motors Metal transmissions throughout for rugged reliability Unique reverse rotation auto stop mode Makita continues to expand, refine and finesse the market leading 18v Lithium-Ion powered power tool range that has driven the brand to market leadership. Never satisfied with current performance the new machines are designed to improve and increase performance and delivery in power, speed and impact whilst constantly reducing overall size and weight. Makita’s innovation is highlighted by a special feature in the new Makita DTW285 LXT impact wrench. Reflecting Makita’s intention to meet the demands of operators across the world, this latest machine includes the reverse rotation auto stop mode. If, for example, an operator needs to undo a substantial fixing, such as a scaffold clamp or steel structure fastening several floors above street level, simply switching the DTW285 to reverse mode and pulling the trigger fully home, will achieve the function. This intelligent tool will run the nut or bolt until it is loose and then cut the impact and rotation within 0.2 seconds. This allows for the safe removal of fixings by hand, helping to prevent fixings accidentally falling off when working at height. Equally sensational is the tightening performance, and weighing just 1.7kgs, the new Makita DTW285 Brushless impact wrench will deliver 280Nm of fastening torque and a massive 400Nm of nut busting blitz. This tool will run from 1,600rpm up to 2,800rpm, and with three gears the impacts range from 1,800ipm to 3,500imp in a machine that measures just 147mm overall body length. This impact wrench is available with two 4.0Ah Li-ion batteries or as body only. Two new versions of the 18v LXT Brushless motor drill driver have been introduced: the Makita body only DDF083Z, a direct drive model, whilst the Makita DDF484 features a keyless chuck. Both models have two-speed, all metal drive systems; variable speed trigger; electric brake; ergonomic soft grip; LED job light and belt clip. The direct drive model, with ¼” hex drive, will run up to 1,700rpm in high mode and 500rpm in low mode; will generate 40Nm of tightening torque with 20 settings, plus drill mode, and weighs just 1.3kg with a compact overall body length of 124mm. The Makita DDF484 will run up to 2,000rpm in high mode; generates 54Nm max torque with 21 settings, plus drill mode, and weighs 1.8kg measuring 172mm from chuck to body back. This model comes complete with two 5.0Ah Li-ion batteries, and a Makpac case, and replaces the DDF480 model. The new Makita DHP484 combi drill with Brushless motor has improved performance over the previous model, the DHP480. It will run up to 2,000rpm in high mode, 500rpm in low mode, with a major increase of impact performance to 30,000ipm in high and 7,500ipm in low modes; a maximum torque of 54Nm with 21 settings and drill mode. This new combi drill will punch a 13mm hole in masonry, and with all-metal gear train and aluminium gear housing is ideal for rugged site operations. The new Makita DHP484 is available with two 5.0Ah Li-ion batteries and charger, in a Makpac case, or as a body only model for those users with existing stocks of Makita batteries. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
Addison Saws, the West Midlands-based cutting and sawing technologies specialist, has been appointed as the sole UK distributor for Simonds International’s bandsaw blades building tools. “Having sold Simonds’ woodworking and metalworking blades for more than thirty years, we are delighted to have been appointed as their official UK agent,” comments Addison Saws’ managing director, Gary Knight. “As the oldest cutting tool manufacturer in North America, Simonds enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its products,” continues Gary Knight. “Thanks to our many years spent working with the brand, we have an unrivalled knowledge of the Simonds product range – including its Bi-Metal, TCT, Carbon and ‘Red Streak’ wood-cutting blades.” The appointment of Addison Saws by Simonds occurred after the bandsaw blade manufacturer’s previous UK distributor ceased trading. We are proud to be working with Simonds Building Tools. “We are proud to be working with Simonds building tools to ensure that UK woodworking and metalworking companies can continue to buy their superior quality bandsaw blades which are manufactured to the most stringent quality standards,” adds Gary Knight. “We have invested in significant levels of stock to ensure continuity of supply.” Contact details for bandsaw blade suppliers and users Saw blade suppliers wishing to stock Simonds blades – and bandsaw blade users wanting details of their nearest Simonds stockist – are asked to call Addison Saws on 01384 264 950 or email sales@addisonsaws.co.uk
2017 will mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the UK sales, training and distribution centre for global power tool manufacturer Makita Corporation. An unbroken record of annual sales growth confirms that today the Makita brand is market leader in the UK’s competitive professional power tool league. Just two years ago Makita worldwide celebrated a century of growth since the Company’s foundation in 1915 at Anjo, Japan. Since 1972 Makita UK has delivered a consistently successful and ever expanding range of power tools for the professional tradesman. Today, there are more than 600 tools in the Makita UK range and unrivalled innovation has become the hallmark of the brand, constantly improving performance and capability to make many tasks in the construction world more productive, safer for operators, achieving faster, more efficient, completion. Exceptional product innovations such as the valuable AVT™ – Advanced Vibration Technology – which dramatically reduces HAV risks for operators; Brushless motors for cordless tools that increases motor power output, expands run time and lengthens tool and battery life; and the brilliant MM4 mini 4-stroke petrol engine that produces more power, consumes less fuel, cuts noise and emissions of grounds maintenance machines, are just three examples of the constant flow of product science and technology that makes Makita the market leader. Today’s Makita range includes cordless machines which now rival some mains powered variants for impact power and torque. The popular 18v Lithium-Ion battery platform, introduced in 2005, has expanded to more than 110 different products and recently the Twin 18v (36v) machines, powered by two of the ever popular existing 18v batteries, along with a range of domestic and professional cordless garden tools that further expands the powerful cordless range. Pneumatic tools include nailers and staplers whilst there are ever more petrol engine machines for construction and outdoor equipment, and horticultural machines for grounds maintenance and landscape professionals. An equally broad inventory of high quality accessories, such as drill bits, blades, abrasives and diamond cutting wheels, further enhances the ultimate performance of Makita tools. The Makita philosophy has always been ‘customer service first and foremost. “The Makita philosophy has always been ‘customer service first and foremost’ and to meet the aspirations of the end user first, then our dealers and then finally us as the manufacturer,” explains Barry Smart, National Sales Manager, Makita UK. “Our market has evolved since 1972 when it was 100% mains until today where it is 60/40 in favour of cordless machines. Our forecasts are for continued growth in cordless; our Twin battery 36v machines meet end user requirements for power and performance and this is expanding quickly in our horticultural range. Opening our new training and customer service centre in Glasgow is further illustration of our commitment to giving our customers the very best possible backup to make their business successful.” Makita is Britain’s number 1 professional power tool manufacturer, and their ISO accredited facility at Telford in Shropshire is one of 18 worldwide production plants. Here more than 1.25 million individual power tools are manufactured annually, of which 80% are exported to the worlds markets. Two further factors are the cornerstones of Makita’s market success in the UK. The establishment and continuous development of the strongest national network of professional distributors, backed by a skilled sales and demonstration force, is coupled with the ethos of correct training. This enables the selection of the most efficient tool for the job and the correct and safe use of the tools in active conditions. This belief is borne out by the major investment in the established training course facility at the Milton Keynes HQ and the new centre in Scotland. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk MAKITA UK MARKS 45 YEARS IN UK WITH POWER TOOL MARKET LEADERSHIP “Customer service first and foremost” New training and service centre to open in Scotland
Philips Lighting (Euronext Amsterdam ticker: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting, today announced the launch of the Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0, an even more energy efficient way to extend daylight or interrupt the night growing cycle in greenhouses for growers that cultivate strawberries, cut flowers, bedding plants and cuttings. The new Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0 builds on the first generation of Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp and comes in two different spectral versions with light recipes for growing cut flowers and soft fruit. The new highly energy-efficient lamp is designed to increase the yield, quality and consistency of crops and accelerate flowering. Its design draws upon over twenty years’ experience that Philips Lighting has in horticultural lighting to serve the needs of growers. The first generation of the Philips GreenPower flowering lamp provided an important benchmark for energy efficiency following trials in 2014 and 2015 at the Research Centre Hoogstraten in Belgium, an independent horticultural research center. The next generation lamp provides an optimum spectrum and high light output and allows growers to save electricity costs by being 90% more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lamps. The lamps have a standard E27 or E26 fitting allowing them to be used in existing installations, avoiding unnecessary modifications and reducing set-up costs. To help growers achieve the best results for their crops, Philips Lighting has invented light recipes which combine the following elements: light spectrum, intensity, uniformity, timing and positioning. The Philips GreenPower LED flowering lamp 2.0 is available with two different spectral versions: one offers a combination of deep red and white (DR/W) and the other a combination of deep red/white/ far red (DR/W/FR). The DR/W light version inhibits flowering of short-day plants, and has for example been very effective with chrysanthemums. The DR/W/FR light version is ideal for photoperiodic lighting of bedding and perennials. It can extend the day or interrupt the night cycle to promote elongation of the stems of strawberries and stimulate flowering.
Bosch Professional Power Tools have been used for the construction of the Tough Mudder course, which will see more than 120,000 men and women turn up at events They will climb, swing and crawl over and through each one of up to 25 obstacles together throughout the 2016 Tough Mudder UK season. The obstacle course challenge spans 10 to 12 miles and tests teamwork, mental grit and physical strength and the team has relied on Bosch Professional Power Tools to construct the durable and unforgettable course for its participants. Tough Mudder Senior Construction Manager, David Solan, and his eight course building team have been given the task of turning the greenfield event sites into the energy-sapping tests of courage, strength and teamwork a that are Tough Mudders The team’s tools of choice are Bosch Professional Power Tools, where 18 volt cordless screwdrivers will power through at least 2,000 screws each day and five articulated truckloads of wood, as the crew will have only four weeks to finish the building of the course. As well as the screwdrivers, the team will also use the complete Bosch 18 volt range of rotary hammers, circular saws, brush cutters, angle drills and angle grinders. Solan commented: “Having the same battery system across all of the tools we use and amongst our team really helps to maximise productivity out in the field. “We are often in the middle of nowhere when we begin construction for our events, and so the combination of cordless and super-long battery life is essential. “It means that our tools are always ready to go to build these best-in-class obstacles.” All of Bosch’s Professional 18 volt tools can run on the complete range of Bosch 18 volt batteries and are future-proofed for any new power packs that may be launched. Senior Product Manager of Bosch Professional Cordless Power Tools, Martin Sibley, said: “We’re delighted that the 18-Volt range has had a chance to really prove its credentials with the Tough Mudder construction crew. “I think if it stands up to their rigorous demands, it earns the right to be in anyone’s toolbox!”
The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series is established worldwide as the major league of lumberjack sports, with a massive global fan-base following competitive events live and on TV. Lumberjack sport’s origins go back to 19th century Australia, where foresters would compete with each other outside work, testing their technique and speed of felling and cutting up trees. Over time these tests of strength and skill evolved to a professional level and in 1985 the official STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series was launched in the USA, with a standard set of rules and training structures. Europe joined the Series in 2001, and competitions are held on four continents with some 2,000 athletes from 23 nations taking part. STIHL TIMBERSPORTS comprises six disciplines: three with an axe and three with a saw; each testing athletes’ strength, endurance and technical ability. The disciplines replicate lumberjack skills, simulating the practice of felling or managing felled trees. It’s fast, it’s fascinating and it’s thrilling to watch! 2016 marks Great Britain’s forth National Championship, encouraging athletes at all levels to compete in this top lumberjack sport. 2016 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® British Championships Countryfile Live, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August. STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Roadshow Treefest, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Forestry Commission, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS Saturday 27th – Monday 29th August STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Roadshow Autumn Woodfest, RHS Gardens Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championships Porsche-Arena, Mercedesstraße 50, 70372 Stuttgart, Germany ® Tickets available now Friday 11th November Team Championship Saturday 12th November Individual Championship
Finding a tool that not only works well for you, but helps you to produce your best work is not an easy task. Every professional and DIY enthusiast has their favourite tool, and when it’s time to replace that piece of equipment, nothing seems to work quite as well. So if there is a chance that you can prolong the life of your tools, then you can put off that fateful day when you have to replace your favourite piece of equipment. Sharpening your tools is one known way to increase the lifespan of your tool and is a process that is quick and easy, once you have had a few tries. You may think that an expert is needed as there are always fears of doing it wrong your first time, but with the right information and equipment, sharpening your tools yourself could save you both time, money and tool replacement in the long-run. Why is it Important to Sharpen Your Tools? You probably already know that blunt tools make for much harder work and results in a lower quality finish – but this isn’t the only reason you should look to sharpen them. When using your tools, the action of grinding them against another material results in swarfs being transferred to your tool. For example, when you use a chisel, excess material from the surface you are chiselling sticks to your tool; making it look blunt and your life a lot harder. Removing the excess swarf when sharpening your tools makes for healthier tools and an easier DIY experience. Sharpening your Tools with Stones This may sound a bit caveman-esque but when it comes to sharpening your tools, stones can be used again and again to provide a cost-effective and productive way to extend the lifespan. If you are considering using sharpening stones then you will need to choose between oil, water and diamond stones. It’s important to choose the best stone to suit your needs; water stones tend to wear quickly so may not be suitable within certain industries. For more information on how to sharpen knives with these stones, please see this guide. This applies to both household, industrial and gardening tools and by using the correct stone you will get a sharp edge with minimum fuss. Sharpening your Tools with Sandpaper Using sandpaper is another option for sharpening your tools; it’s quick, it’s effective and it doesn’t break the bank. Sandpaper comes in a range of grits so you can choose the best material to meet your needs – it is also extremely accessible, with a range of options available on eBay. Clean Tools are Effective Tools Sharpening your tools without cleaning them can make things significantly more difficult for you as it means that your stones have to sift through layers of grime and rust before getting to your tool. This will mean continual and prolonged effort on your part instead of taking a few simple steps to clean them and make the whole process a lot easier. After you have finished the cleaning process it is important to use a good quality oil which will help prevent any rusting. Keeping well maintained tools means that you will be able to use them again and again, while regularly cleaning your tools with reduce the need to sharpen then so often. So fear not when taking your first steps to sharpening your tools. Perhaps begin with sandpaper as this is easy to source and is relatively cheap, before branching out into other sources once you begin to feel more confident. Editorial originally features on the Trend Direct UK blog.
Making impressive inroads into the UK workwear and PPE market is Danish company F. Engel, one of Europe’s leading workwear manufacturers; UK workforces are now recognising Engel for its high quality, long lasting and superbly fitting clothing ranges and their suitability for almost any kind of work situation or outdoor use. Heading up the wide choice of brands under the Engel banner is the COMBAT collection which includes the Engel COMBAT ‘Tradesman’ work trousers with hanging tool pockets (2761-630) and the COMBAT Pilot jacket (232-107). Designed for action to give maximum comfort and flexibility, both items have the brand’s instantly recognisable contrast stitching and reflective piping and are offered in a choice of colours. The work trousers have been designed to be as practical and useful as possible with many functional and easily accessible pockets including a Cordura hanging tool pocket either side and thigh pockets with flaps. In addition there are two flapped back pockets, a reinforced ruler pocket with extra sections, an adjustable hammer strap and Cordura reinforced knee pockets with two knee pad positions. The trousers have an extra deep hem so the length can be increased if required. Made from 65% polyester, 35% cotton, 280 g/m2 and available in a wide range of sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Often sold alongside matching trousers, is the COMBAT pilot jacket. Made from 100% Oxford Polyester with PU coating 260g/m2 with a quilted nylon lining and soft fleece collar, the jacket has pockets for almost every purpose throughout the working day so that everything is kept both safe and to hand when needed. It has adjustable cuffs with Velcro, a storm placket and a detachable hood with zipper. All Engel garments are available from The Workwear Trade Centre, Milton Keynes; Telephone: 01908 561569; email: sales@wtc-workwear.co.uk and Anchor Safety, Ipswich; Telephone: 0800 328 5028; email: sales@anchorsafety.co.uk For more information visit: http://www.fe.dk/en/ email: Mark McBrayne at mmc@f-engel.com or telephone: +44 (0) 7933 150197
Redbacks Cushioning Limited, the manufacturers of the World’s only patented, ‘leaf-spring’, non-foam or gel kneepads, has introduced a new strapped version as an addition to its original, big-selling product for pocketed work trousers. Designed, overseen and approved by a senior Ergonomist, Clinical Scientist and Biomedical Engineer, the new product retains the company’s award winning cushioning technology which incorporates a flexible TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) leaf-spring set within a unique honeycomb matrix. Elasticated, soft Neoprene straps which have dust and particle resistant fastenings, allow the kneepads to be worn on bare skin without chafing, or over trousers, and ensure that they stay in the correct position when kneeling, walking or sitting. The pads have a water-resistant covering and a soft breathable, inner fabric that wicks away sweat whilst providing thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces. Scientifically proven to reduce point pressure and distribute weight evenly, the impact forces associated with kneeling are absorbed giving added protection against back and neck pain. Durable and hardwearing, Redbacks strapped kneepads give the user unrivalled, all-day comfort and long-term protection even in the most harsh environments. For more information and to order visit www.redbackscushioning.com email: or info@redbackscushioning.com or telephone: + 44 (0) 1327 702104
