New product showcase

Towson, Md.-based DeWalt looked to field testing and contractor input when developing its new line of abrasives. The result: six categories of durable products designed to withstand job site rigors. For instance, wearable backing flap discs have a backing that automatically wears down at the same rate as the flaps to increase the life of the product and help reduce waste. (dewalt.com)

St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M launched the Dirt Catcher Super Sticky Mat to aggressively reduce tracking of dirt and debris on job sites or in-home renovations. The product consists of a non-skid durable mat and 15 sticky sheets that peel off one at a time as they fill with debris. “You can actually hear the mat pull dirt off shoes,” said 3M brand manager Tom Dewey. ( 3m.com )

Wilmington, Del-based American Hometec introduced its line of tankless water heaters specifically for the retail channel. Designers point to a sleek, artistic design (think iPod) that introduces fashion to the category in a big way. Inside, the system features American Hometec’s patented coilless technology, which is designed to eliminate lime scale build-up and heats water more efficiently than the coil systems. Because they’re designed to be in plain view, they include an optional shelf skirt. The units come in various sizes appropriate for hot water needs of a single sink to an entire home. ( everuntankless.com )

One of the trends in product development at Stanley Black & Decker can be described as more strength, less weight. Case in point is the Bostitch spring steel demolition bar, 30% lighter than the company’s earlier generation demolition bars. It comes in two lengths—24 in. and 36 in.—each with precision-ground edges on the crown and toe for improved penetration. It comes with a 100-year warranty. Suggested retail price is from $25 to $30. ( bostitch.com )

Made in the USA by Clifton, N.J.-based Forrest Manufacturing, the Signature Line Chop Master series of blades feature 90 teeth. The latest addition to the line is a 12-in. blade with a 5/8-in. center hole. This newest blade fits any 12-in. chop saw, sliding compound miter saw or radial arm saw. The blades feature super-hard, corrosion-resistant C-4 micro-grain carbide. As a result, they can maintain their performance for up to 300% longer between sharpenings. Proprietary grinding techniques and hand straightening guarantee the finest cutting edge possible. ( forrestblades.com )

San Francisco-based Milgard Windows and Doors released its Essence series wood windows and doors. By offering the warmth and style of a wood interior with the strength and durability of a fiberglass exterior, the Essence series leverages the best of the two materials to create a superior window. The new Essence series is energy efficient and offers innovative features like Milgard’s SmartTouch lock. It is coated with a new finishing process for fiberglass that is durable and allows for 15 different finishes. The Essence series is available in pine, vertical-grain Douglas fir or primed wood ready for painting. ( milgard.com )

San Diego-based hardwood floor manufacturer DuChateau, has released its Atelier collection of reproduction antique European hard-wax oil floors first developed in Holland centuries ago. The new Atelier line provides the same look, feel and character of reclaimed European floors without the added cost and research involved in reclaiming floors from old world buildings. “Although reclaiming antique wood floors from Old World European structures is a noble and exciting prospect, there are fewer Old World finds to discover each year,” said DuChateau co-founder Misael “Mitch” Tagle. The new line comes in five constructions and 16 colors ranging from Driftwood White to Inferno. ( duchateaufloors.com )

You don’t have to be a lumberjack to appreciate the innovation of the PowerSharp system from Blount International’s Oregon division. The new tool offers a quick and easy alternative to traditional sharpening methods—three to five seconds is all it takes once the blade is mounted. When the chainsaw runs, sparks fly. The patent-pending PowerSharp system includes the PowerSharp chain, the PowerSharp bar-mount sharpener and the PowerSharp guide bar. Working together, the components provide a fast, simple and portable method for sharpening a saw chain with precision. The system is available in a variety of configurations and fits most saws on the market, as well as models already in use. A starter kit retails for about $75. ( powersharp.com )

Hattiesburg, Miss.-based Mythic Paint, which offers high performance paint with zero volatile organic compounds, has released a new line of primer it calls Tintable Accent Primer. Mythic’s Tintable Accent Primer is designed to cut down the time required to paint deep and accent colors through a gray foundation that allows for fewer topcoats. The company said paints that are tinted bright, rich, deep colors typically require more than two topcoats to obtain color uniformity and complete hide. The new Tintable Accent Primer is ideal for colors such as reds, oranges, blues, greens and browns, and as with all Mythic products, contains zero VOCs. ( mythicpaint.com )

Here’s an aesthetic, durable alternative to traditional alkyd-coated trim: Armor Coat, a water-borne acrylic coated whitewood product made by Belco Forest Products. The product is now available through iLevel by Weyerhaeuser’s distribution system. The product’s two-coat formula provides superior protection against the elements. According to Reed Brunson, national product manager for iLevel, Armor Coat is durable, reduces VOC emissions and comes from a reliable manufacturer. “On top of that, it looks good,” he said. Belco Forest Products backs Armor Coat trim and fascia with a 20-year limited warranty. ( ilevel.com )

Power tool manufacturer Makita of La Mirada, Calif., released its 5-in. Concrete Planer PC5001C. The new planer features an adjustable front roller and auxiliary base engineered for consistent planning depth and added stability. The new planer is engineered for smoothing concrete surfaces and leveling concrete seams and is particularly suited for masons, concrete finishers and city maintenance crews. It also features a 10-amp motor with soft start technology for smooth startups, an electronic speed control system to maintain constant speed under load, and an electronic current limiter to prevent the motor from overloading. The planer weights 11.2 lbs. and includes a removable dust vacuum port and dust shroud. ( makita.com )