Construction isn't always fun, especially during the dog days of summer. When the sun is blazing down or the storm clouds are coming up, workers on the jobsite sometimes have trouble working up a smile. But when they get a chance to use a new tool--one that not only performs well but also looks pretty slick-well they often get as excited as children do on Christmas morning.
RIGID Inc., a division of St. Louis-based Emerson Tool Co., has been turning out new tools like elves churn out toys in Santa's workshop. With a host of new designs and introductions aimed at making construction work easier, faster, more productive, more convenient and more comfortable, many are sure to make onto workers' wish lists.
Perhaps the niftiest of the new tools is the TS2400 10" portable table saw. When combined with the AC9930 Work-N-Haul It work stand, it makes for a powerful and portable precision jobsite saw. The 15-amp motor powers the blade through hardwoods up to 3-1/8" thick, and sealed ball bearings keep jobsite dust out of the motor, eliminating the need for lubrication and minimizing maintenance.
An elevation/bevel knob allows for both quick and micro adjustments, and a simple markable area built into the table surface area (called the Ind-I-Cut) shows the blade location on the workpiece before the blade ever touches the wood, reducing the need for test cuts. Heavy-gauge extensions create a large surface area, providing a rip capacity of 24" to the right and 13" to the left of the blade.
The easiest and most convenient way to transport the table saw is by using the extremely light and durable Work-N-Haul It. This knockdown stand has 8" diameter by 2" wide wheels that easily roll over rough jobsite terrain. Mounted with four carriage bolts and wing nuts (provided), a simple pull on the two spring pins transforms the cart into a mobile platform. The stand will also accept RIGID compound miter saws and can be adapted to fit most other brands of table saws, miter saws and benchtop tools.
For those times when just two hands up high just won't do, RIGID has introduced the Series R-3030 twin front fiberglass stepladders. The type IA extra heavy-duty ladders are rated at 300 lbs. for each side to provide for simultaneous climbing for two people. With three-inch wide steps on both sides, back-up plates at spreader attachment points and oversized rivets to reduce pull-through, the ladders are designed to provide years of double-duty. The ladders are available in 4', 5', 6', 8', 12' and 14' heights to complement RIGID's full line of stepladders and extension ladders.
At the end of the day, or near the end of the job, wet/dry vacs can be a useful tool. But they are often too bulky to fit in the back of a pickup or van with the rest of the tools and material. RIGID addresses this by unveiling two new compact, lightweight and powerful wet/dry vacs. The six-gallon unit (WD0600) sports a 2.0 peak horsepower double-insulated motor while the eight-gallon machine (WD0800) carries a 3.25 peak horsepower motor. Both machines come with a complete line of wands, nozzles and accessories.
Standard features on the complete line of wet/dry vacs include a pleated paper filter that can be washed and reused. These clog less easily, can be used for both wet and dry pickups, and the pleats increase the filtering surface area tenfold. An automatic suction shut-off prevents overflow and a smooth drum interior does not retain debris and empties easily.
RIGID has unveiled a host of new tools since re-launching under a new name in 1998 (the company was formerly known as Ridge Tool Co.). With an inventory of 70 SKUs then and over 200 SKUs now, RIGID is attacking the market with complete lines of hand tools, power tools and accessories-some for do-it-yourselfers and some for the professional.
