By Holly Lang
ATLANTA, Aug. 31, 2006 – More than 1,400 exhibitors displayed wares and services for professional and hobbyist woodworkers at the bi-yearly International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair. An array of new belt sanders, routers and tablesaws were introduced at the convention, most geared towards the professional woodworker and some for the home user. Here are some highlights:
Porter-Cable unveiled its Compact Belt Sander. With its belt measuring just 2-1/2 inches wide, this new sander can reach overhead spots and tackle small jobs like edges, and stairs. Its recessed power switch eliminates accidental shutdowns, a problem with some compact sanders. The sander is one of three new Porter-Cable products unveiled at IWF. The Jackson, Tenn., manufacturer also showed a new version of its orbit sander, as well as a sheet palm-grip finishing sander.
Tool giant Bosch introduced several new items and showcased a few routers and table saws brought to market since the 2004 IWF. One such item was the 10-inch Worksite Table Saw, which features a mounting system on its Gravity-Rise stand that allows a woodworker to raise and lower the saw. The mounting system also allows the user to pull the stand into a wheeled position for easier transport and storage. Bosch spokesman Jason Felder said this product was ideal for a home woodworker who doesn't have a dedicated workspace and would need to keep the saw in a corner of the garage when he wasn't using it. The saw – featuring a 10-inch blade powered by 15 amps, or 4.4 horsepower – weighs about 55 pounds and can be pulled easily into a standing position.
