—ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu
Advances in battery technology has made the use of cordless tools on jobsite obiquitous. The NiCad and NiMH batteries are still the most prominent due to costs, but the new Li-ion batteries are quickly taking over. Despite their greater costs, they can generally provide more power with lighter weight batteries. (Be sure to dispose of failed batteries properly. Most manufacturers have recycling programs allowing the return of batteries that no longer work for recycling. Cadmium can have a detrimental effect on the environment if not handled properly.)
Along with the advances in the batteries there have been advances in how the tools and chargers manage the batteries. Sensors in the tools track the draw-down of the battery’s stored power and better manage it. Chargers optimize the charging time, run refresh cycles to even out battery cell usage reducing the memory effect and some include fans to reduce heat in the charging process.
All these things are improving the use of cordless tools on our jobsites. Cordless tools will continue to improve and are the wave of the future for construction workers.
Kreg Tool Company makes The Kreg Deck Jig™ that acts as a guide for installing deck screws at a controlled angle on the edge of the deck boards rather than on the surface. There are several systems on the market that accomplish this using special fasteners or clips, but this tool lets you accomplish the same thing with standard materials.
There are several advantages to concealed fastener systems:
This month is National Landscape Architecture Month. April is also African American Women’s Fitness Month, International Cesarean Awareness Month, Emotional Overeaters Awareness Month, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Month & Nationally Sexually Transmitted Diseases Month just to name a few. (From the site here.) I’m promoting Landscape Architecture since I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Landscape Architecture (B.S.L.A.) from Purdue University. I am a Registered Landscape Architect with the State of Indiana. I am a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
ECO is a new countertop by Cosentino. It’s not one that I have seen personally, but I have read several articles about it. It is made of 75% recycled materials. According to their website, this includes:
These items are bound together by an environmentally friendly resin that comes in part from corn oil.
One of the articles I have read on this was from the December 2009 issue of Multifamily Executive where it is touted for its durability. It is apparently comparable to granite for durability. It is also in the same price range.