SHOW NEWS
January TOOLFAIR Alexandra Palace beckons
IMPRESSIVE as it is, as a landmark and an exhibition space, I think Alexandra Palace (‘Ally Pally’) is a mixed blessing for TOOLFAIR. Parking for punters involves a walk up a very steep hill and its distance from the show hall creates doubts about vehicle security – particularly for white vans that may have tools onboard. Rail, bus and Tube travellers face the restrictions on what they can carry back with them, which could be a factor in determining what they spend.
I had a brief chat with one of the organisers who assured me that attendances are equal or better than previous shows and that this show serves the trades who provide the construction needs of a part of London that is becoming increasingly popular and gentrified. Show dates fell on a Wednesday and Thursday this year, but despite these being working days, it was clear that a steady stream of largely trade visitors still wanted to explore the deals, look at new products and listen to the speakers on Professional Builder Live.
As ever, I was keen to catch up on the news, 24
look at new products and get a feeling for trends in the tool trade. What struck me most was that only a select few of the power tool companies attended. But those that did were offering bargains galore – at some stands, visitors could literally pick body-only tools from a box and be assured of a price tag that was wallet-relievingly painless. Good on you if you managed to get one of those.
Shining a light
We are slowly getting to the end of peak work light season as the days lengthen, but worklights are still needed. I can’t do without them. A new range of lights from JCB certainly looks the part with their tough- looking designs and hi-vis yellow frames and black bodies. The range includes personal lighting pods that can be carried in a pocket for localised use, to four-LED monsters that could light up a whole room. I didn’t get too much detail on run times and charge time, but the range has IP and IK ratings (wet and impact standards) and dimmable LEDs so that they can run longer.
Accessories like tripods and bags complete the system. On first inspection, they seemed
By PETER BRETT
to be a flexible and versatile system that could easily be tailored to individual’s needs.
Power to the hand(tools)?
Milwaukee has recently introduced a wide range of hand tools to complement its excellent power tools. The quality of these tools was paramount, requiring careful sourcing and product development. They have gone down well with Milwaukee power tool users, so it is not really a surprise to see Makita adding to its collection by offering a new range of hand tools. The range is definitely core, and, from what I could see, were of good quality. I am sure that loyal Makita users will buy them on their merits.
Keeping a shirt on your back
Work clothing is almost universally adopted nowadays, so there would seem to be room for yet another supplier in the market. Axinite can suit you whether you are a one-man- band or a corporate. They will supply a range of ‘premium head-to-toe workwear’ that is ‘reliable and robust’ and will fit well.
As a largely online company, Axinite offers a streamlined approach to adding logos and
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