Click on the image to download product press release.

Porter-Cable expands its cordless and corded tool line with just-announced tools made up of a new 12 volt Max* lithium cordless line, 18-volt cordless/corded jobsite radio and corded heat gun. The new tools offer durability, compact size light weight and great value, Porter-Cable sources report.

The 1.3 amp-hour 12 Volt MAX* line is built for frequent light to medium-duty applications and includes a 3/8” drill/driver kit (PCL120DDC-2/$89.97 MSRP), 1/4” impact driver kit (PCL120IDC-2/$119 MSRP), a two-tool kit (PCL212IDC-2/$$139 MSPR) and a ClampSaw kit (PCL120CRC-2/$129). The cordless clamp saw’s three-position handle adjusts to reach tight spaces has a 5/8” stroke and up to 3000 spm. It easily adjusts to minimize vibration while cutting up to 2”-diameter material.

The 18-volt radio (PC18JR/$99.99 MSRP) can run off of Porter-Cable Li-ion or Ni-Cd batteries, has 10 AM/10 FM station presents, a clock, 3.5 mm auxiliary input and a rollcage design that protects its premium, weather-resistant speakers. When plugged into a wall outlet, outlets on the front of the unit provide additional power for corded tools.

The 1500 watt corded heat gun (model PC1500HG/$34.95 MSRP) offers the best-in-class performance and ergonimcis, sources report. It offers a high/low fan setting, variable temperature setting and an integrated hands-free support stand.

The tools will be available in November, 2010 and come with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

*Li-ion voltage rating is with a fully charged battery; battery has 10.8 volts nominal voltage.

Perhaps the old adage, “If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger,” aptly applies to contractors working through this economic downturn. Contractor’s Tool Source editors visited with leading construction economists and asked them for advice on weathering the icy and dreary 2011 economic forecast:

They suggest you:
• Compare your work and profitability to 2003
• Rethink how you work
• Be careful in the business you chase
• Pitch remodeling jobs
• Build your business relationship
• Reevaluate your payroll
• Consider mergers, acquisitions or alliances
• Leverage technology and trends

The Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida has partnered with a coalition of Southeastern construction associations to spend more than $1.6 million in the next two years to cut diesel emissions from off–road construction equipment.

The EPA has awarded a National Funding Assistance Program grant to the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association to support voluntary diesel retrofit efforts by AGC of Greater Florida contractors and other diesel users across Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Members are offered on a first-come, first-served basis rebates and education support to facilitate equipment upgrades and cleaner operations. Read more

Following three months of increases, construction supply prices in June fell 0.9 percent, according to the July 15 producer price index (PPI) report by the U.S. Labor Department. However, prices are up 0.8 percent for the second quarter of the year and up 4.2 percent higher from June 2009

“Typically, economists and others look to the producer price statistics to determine whether inflationary forces are mounting,” says Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chief economist Anirban Basu. “But, there is another aspect of economic life to which these data pertain, namely the demand for finished goods.

“There is at least some indication of prospective construction slowing in the months ahead. However, this is subject to a separate interpretation,” says Basu. “Construction materials prices relate neatly to the direction of commodity prices, and therefore the decline in these prices may be more of a reflection of investor sentiment than an actual foreshadowing of lost construction momentum.

“One can take heart in the notion that inflationary forces remain in check and that materials prices remain reasonably well behaved,” Basu says. “All things being equal, falling materials prices would be consistent with a more rapid rebound in construction spending as purchasers of construction services are induced to move forward with their respective projects, thanks to a lower price point.

“It should also be noted that while materials prices fell last month, they were still higher for the quarter. Therefore, it is far too soon to tell whether June represented an anomaly or is the signal of a new trend,” said Basu.

Read more