Porter-Cable (PC), held a press conference in New York Tuesday. This event was intended to unveil new cordless and corded tools. After the release, we were invited to attend a Yankees baseball game. (It is a hard job but I don’t mind doing it for the team.
Let’s talk about tools. PC introduced a line of tools that will be sold at many regular dealers, but the only home center where these tools will be found is Lowes. The majority of the line, due out in November 2008, focuses on 18V cordless tools in nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad), with one using lithium ion (Li-ion).
The company has created a four-pack of tools in this category. It includes a drill/driver and a sandpaperer.
PC has a drill/driver set for those who prefer lithium power. The drill features a
The kit prices look pretty good for PC tools and each of these tools will be available individually. I had the tools in my hands at the event, but didnt have time to get a good look at each. My question is this: Why continue to use Ni-cad technology when most others are using, and consumers are knowledgeable about, Li-ion? I believe that Lowes is attracted to older technology because it allows them to reach certain price points. There is no other reason for Ni-cad to be used when the public accepts Li-ion-powered tools.
When PC Vice-President Dan Gregory said DeWalt tools were their professional-line tools, I was astounded, as were others. He explained that PC is attempting to position these tools for tradesman , an area of the market that PC feels is full of value-conscientious, value-driven buyers. Black & Decker (at one end) and DeWalt at the other. My Porter-Cable routers, and my PC sanders have always been better than their DeWalt counterparts.
What will happen to the Porter-Cable tools we know? As for the existing tools PC has produced for years (the routers and random orbit sanders), Ive been told the company doesnt plan to change them at all. I hope we see packaging that differentiates between the new line and the companys current tools.
In addition to the new tools mentioned above, Porter-Cable introduced a battery-powered, 6-
