Woodworker's Journal 1994-18-5, страница 29

sory yet because it adds about S25 to the router's price lag.

Metabo's technical service manager. Rob Riley, thinks we'll sec "talking tools" by the year 2000. Says Riley. "We already have talking clocks, cars, and computers. It would not take much to apply this technology to power tools. So equipped, a tool could tell you if it's overloaded or electrically starved the two biggest destroyers of power tools—or when the motor brushes need to be replaced. Our parent company in Germany has been hinting at this (technology)."

Laser technology will likely appear on more benchtop and stationary tools such as radial arm saws, compound miter saws, and drill presses. Porter-Cable led the way in 1992. introducing a power miter box with a built-in laser beam that shows the exact location of the cut on the stock.

Tools To Get More Powerful, More Mobile

Expect to see more powerful tools in smaller packages. More widespread use of electronics, smaller and more powerful motors, better bearings and components, tighter tolerances, and lighter-weight components will put more punch in smaller packages both portable and stationary tools. Metabo's Riley notes that today's portable power tool motors have shrunk 20 percent in the past five years without any power loss. Bob Milliard at Fein Power Tools sums it up neatly: "We'll sec tools with more output in relation to input." In other words, expect tools in the year 2000 to draw fewer amps to do the same amount of work.

Along the same lines. Terry Tracy at Skil sees a trend toward more benchtop tools in home vvoodshops: "Many woodworkers have shops in a garage or limited space, and their appetite for additional tools usually decreases when they don't have a place to put them. To help, we aim to develop benchtop tools with stationary tool performance in a compact package."

Based on recent bench-top tool reviews that I've done for Woodworker's Journal, manufacturers appear to be succeeding. I've seen respectable improvement in power, sophistication. and overall quality in the benchtop machines I've tested. Size reduction appears to be the trend in all power tools—portable, benchtop. and stationary.

Putting Meaning In The Term "User-Friendly"

Most of the tool manufacturers I spoke with agree that the major advances in tool technology w ill be ergonomic reducing noise and vibration and generally making tools more "user-friendly". In this ease, ergonomics means more than user comfort: it extends into the areas of health and safety-, as well.

Several 1'uropean countries have already established noise-level standards for specific tools. By the year 2000. expect OSHA to have similar standards. In response, tool manufacturers already are making tools quieter, primarily by reducing air noise (by means of quieter fans) and tool vibration.

Lowering vibration levels (especially in power sanding tools) also reduces user fatigue and associated maladies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Tool companies will continue to improve vibration dampening in moving components. Also, look for more toots with soft rubber or plastic grips incorporated into their handles.

Another up-and-coming ergonomic feature: easier tool and accessory changing. You won't need chuck keys and similar tools to change bits, blades, and cutters on your power tools. Keyless drill chucks have been around for years. Recently, Bosch introduced a jigsaw with a click-in blade—you simply push a couple of buttons to replace blades. Metabo angle grinders feature quick-change grinding wheels that don't require wrenches or other tools lo change them. Metabo's system relics on the rotation of the grinding wheel to loosen and tighten the locking nut. making it easy to remove by hand.

Battery Technology Still Limiting Cordless Tools

The same technology that we'll see on corded tools will also be applied to battery-operated tools, including more efficient electronics, smaller motors, and more sophisticated ergonomic features. The batteries themselves will also be more efficient

by the year 2000, but to what extent is anyone's guess.

Many users consider the more powerful battery drills currently available still too bulky and heavy to use comfortably, Leslie Banduch at Porter-Cable points out that current NiCad battery technology prevents tool companies from making the next size reduction breakthrough, He says. "We hope that current NiCad technology would be surpassed. We've been stuck there for years. New and better battery technology will enable tool companies to expand their cordless line of tools, such as a battery-powered circular saw to rival the power of corded models."

Although the future of battery-tool technology remains uncertain, you and your fellow woodworkers will undoubtedly buy more cord-free tools. Let's face it. we're a bit lazy—who wants to be tied to a cord'.'

On the ecological front, many tool manufacturers have established, or will establish, recycling programs for spent NiCad batteries. In most cases, you'll return the dead battery to the dealer or manufacturer, and they'll take care of recycling or disposal. Metabo has a buy-back program: you return a spent

Woodworker" < Journal

September/October 1904 29