Product Picks: October 2020

Each month, hundreds of products and services vie for industry attention. Here are some that our editors think will interest LBM Journal readers.

SENCO F-35XP cordless framing nailer

Built on SENCO’s proprietary FUSION technology platform, the F-35XP framing nailer is designed to provide reliability, power, and speed without the need for a compressor and hose assembly. Powered by an 18-V Li-Ion battery and a self-contained compressed air cylinder, the F-35XP was engineered to consistently drive paper-tape collated framing nails into the hardest jobsite substrates, including engineered lumber. The manufacturer recommends it for framing, panelized construction, truss building, subflooring, sheathing, decking, siding, fencing, pallet building and crate assembly applications. The F-35XP features a 34-degree magazine that holds 60 fasteners and accommodates nails from 2″ to 3-1/2″ long and .113″ to .148″ in diameter. Each tool comes with two 3.0 Ah Li-Ion extended-life batteries said to drive up to 600 nails per full battery charge. Also included is a 5-amp quick charger, which SENCO says charges batteries to 80% in 30 minutes, and fully in one hour. senco.com/fusion

 

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AGS Stainless Cascadia Railing

Cascadia is a stainless-steel bar rail system designed to install with minimal field modification. Cascadia was developed to give builders a stainless railing product at a price closer to that of an aluminum railing system. According to the manufacturer, Cascadia is the only ICC ES-approved stainless-steel bar rail system, making it available for acceptance by the vast majority of building departments. Cascadia features components made of A316 marinegrade stainless steel with the flexibility to accommodate a wide variety of top rail materials. agsstainless.com

 

FortressView deck and outdoor visualizer

FortressView, new from Fortress Building Products, is a virtual outdoor visualizer platform designed to guide users through the 3D deck design process from start to finish. Users can preview framing, decking, lighting, stairs, and railing materials in a 3D setting and customize dimensions, products, and colors. The software features an auto-generated bill of materials, cost-estimator, and the ability to save multiple layout concepts. The exterior home design tool’s intuitive user interface provides a materials list, while users can preview how the deck will look in a contextual setting by selecting cladding materials, doors, windows, and accessories like furniture and landscaping. fortressbp.com/visualizer

 

Empire Level lasers

Empire Level has introduced two new Self-Leveling Lasers — a 75′ Green Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser and 125′ Green Self-Leveling 3-Point Laser. With more range and more run-time, the manufacturer says the new lasers provide users with enhanced visibility for all-day use on the jobsite. Equipped with a brighter and more powerful green laser for enhanced visibility, the levels are designed to deliver up to 4X the brightness than single diode red lasers on the market today. According to the manufacturer, the 75′ Green Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser is the ideal solution when it comes to cabinet installation, light alignment, tiling, and other similar applications. The 125′ Green Self-Leveling 3-Point Laser is ideal for plumb-point transfers in floor to ceiling applications. All laser electronics are impact protected with a rubber over-mold and locking pendulum. Both Laser Levels feature tripod mounting points and rare earth magnets to securely hold to metal surfaces. Backed by a limited 1-year warranty. empirelevel.com

 

Deceuninck new high-performance window and door systems

The new 326 Series window system from Deceuninck is designed for light commercial and high-end residential applications. Available with integral nailing fin, retro flange or block frame, this integrated family consists of casement, awning, picture window, side load single hung, and single slider configurations. Multiple T bar and astragal options are designed to allow flexibility to build multi-unit combinations. Designed for enhanced thermal performance and DP50 baseline, the series offers multiple reinforcement options, including Innergy Rigid Thermal Reinforcements, to meet a range of DP performance needs. deceuninckna.com

 

SDPW Deflector screws from Simpson Strong-Tie

The new Strong-Drive SDPW Deflector line of fasteners is designed to connect non-load-bearing, full-height partition wall top plates to trusses or joists while allowing for vertical movement without associated connector squeaks. Simpson Strong-Tie says the SDPW screws create a strong connection that provides both lateral resistance and the ability for walls to deflect with the truss or joist. Atmospheric and loading conditions can put a variety of forces on a structure, and the SDPW permits vertical movement on the wall to prevent squeaks associated with alternative hardware solutions. Available in 3-1/2″, 5″ and 6″ lengths, SDPW Deflector screws allow contractors to manage up to a 3/4″ gap (using the 3-1/2″ screw) or a 1-1/2″ gap (using 5″ or 6″ screws) between the top plate assembly and the joist or truss. In addition, the included offset driver bit installs the screw with the polymer sleeve 3/4″ to allow for upward and downward deflection. Available with an 18″ bit extension for easier overhead installations (sold separately). strongtie.com/sdpw

 

Digger Specialties Westbury Montego II railing

Digger Specialties, Inc.’s new Montego II is an extension of the Westbury Aluminum Railing product line. The railing was developed to combine the distinctive curved baluster of the Montego design with the addition of a third rail. Westbury Montego II railing is available in 12 standard colors in smooth and textured finishes. Custom colors are available by special order. The railing system is available in 36″ and 42″ heights and comes in both straight and stair section lengths from 4′ to 8′. Radius sections are also available by special order. All Westbury railing systems incorporate a proprietary 10-step powder coating process and come with a lifetime limited warranty. diggerspecialties.com

 

LIGNIA Wood Fire

LIGNIA Wood Company, a global manufacturer of modified timber products for the construction industry, has achieved a Class A flame spread rating extended to 30 minutes for its LIGNIA Fire product. LIGNIA Fire, with its flame-retardant properties locked in at molecular level through the modification process, does not require surface coating or after-market applications of fire-retardance to achieve this rating. As a result, the company says, it saves builders, contractors, architects, and customers time and money. LIGNIA Fire is designed for use in a variety of indoor and outdoor applications including flooring, siding, decking, furniture, cabinetry, and more. lignia.com

 

Pony Jorgensen cutting rail guide

Pony Jorgensen, maker of the Jorgensen handscrew and other woodworking clamps, has launched a new 50″ Jorgensen cutting rail guide and 50″ cutting guide extension rail. Made with heavy-duty rigid aluminum, the 50″ Jorgensen cutting rail guide is designed to clamp onto work surfaces and allow for accurate cuts up to 50″ long. Featuring a handle-locking mechanism and built-in ruler, the new 97100 series is best suited for use with jigsaws, circular saws, routers, and other portable power tools. For workpieces longer than 50″, the 50″ cutting guide extension rail, which is sold separately, can be attached to the cutting guide, doubling the length of the cut and clamping up to 100″. ponyjorgensen.com

 

Paladin updates

Paladin Data Corporation announced the rollout of its Summer 2020 release which contains new features and integrations designed to enable retailers to streamline operations and optimize new customer demand. The Summer 2020 release contains new integrations such as FastBound to simplify the process of selling firearms and ammunition; integration with
QuickBooks Online; mobile device and app integration; a Help Request Portal; a square footage calculator; and Thousand Board Feet pricing in which stores can view item prices and costs in thousand board feet (MBF), thousand square feet (MSF), or ton units in inventory or when they are sold. paladinpointofsale.com

 

Western Reflections decorative doorglass

Western Reflections, an ODL company, has introduced Affluent, the latest addition to its modern style doorglass. Affluent has a medium privacy rating and uses steel blue swirl glass in its design. Baroque glass complementing steel blue are set in place with platinum nickel caming, which the manufacturer says offers a glint of light similar to the reflection
of light on water. Affluent is available now in four different frames including ZEEL, Western Reflections’ most versatile doorglass frame, and the severe weather frame for hurricane rated doors. It is offered in a range of doorlite and sidelite sizes.
western-reflections.com/affluent

 

DAP Eclipse Rapid Wall Repair Patches

Developed to solve the most frequent drywall repair frustrations faced by professionals and do-it-yourselfers, Eclipse is a specially formulated all-in-one drywall repair solution that requires no spackling, sanding or additional tools for a completely mess-free repair. According to the manufacturer, users simply patch the damage and it’s ready to paint immediately, allowing projects to be finished in minutes, not hours or days. Eclipse is said to be stronger than drywall itself, offering a permanent, long-lasting repair that won’t peel or lose adhesion over time. DAP Eclipse Rapid Wall Repair Patches are available in 2″, 4″, and 6″ sizes. dap.com

Sherwin-Williams FlexTemp Exterior Acrylic

Sherwin-Williams has introduced FlexTemp Exterior Acrylic, a coating with Extreme Temp Technology that can be applied in temperatures ranging from 35°F to 120°F. FlexTemp is designed to provide a long-lasting, smooth appearance and excellent adhesion without adjusting the application technique. According to the manufacturer, Extreme Temp Technology adapts to seasonal extremes, allowing professionals to paint when air, surface and material temperatures are as low as 35°F or up to 120°F without sacrificing performance. Available in flat, satin and gloss sheens, the coating can be tinted in VinylSafe paint colors, allowing customers to select from a limited number of darker colors formulated to resist warping or buckling when applied to sound, stable vinyl siding. swflextemp.com

 

Milwaukee Tool updates SAWZALL

Milwaukee’s next generation M18 FUEL SAWZALL reciprocating saw is available as a version with One-Key which allows users to customize performance as well as track and manage the tool through the One-Key app. The POWERSTATE brushless motor provides 3,000 SPM and a 1-1/4″ stroke length, the manufacturer says, for faster material removal, allowing this tool to make the fastest cuts in common jobsite materials such as wood with nails, black pipe, and conduit. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence is designed to ensure maximum performance under load as well as protection from overloading. The SAWZALL’s slide crank now features a mechanism built with improved dust and water ingress, and overall durability. An anti-corrosion blade clamp has been developed for prolonged blade clamp durability, and a blade-change lever designed for fast and easy blade changes has been upgraded to be more wear-resistant. A metal reinforced battery connection has been improved to increase durability and battery retention over the life of the tool. milwaukeetool.com

 

Paradigm Estimate

Paradigm Estimate construction takeoff technology was developed to automatically examine blueprints and generate a detailed material takeoff list. Paradigm Estimate offers three specialized takeoff packages. The Exterior Package includes items such as siding, roofing, and other exterior materials. The Interior Package covers interior doors, trim, and stairs, among other elements. Materials such as floor and ceiling joists, headers, and beams are part of the Framing Package. Flexible pay-as-you go options are also available. myparadigm.com/estimate

 

Kolbe Windows & Doors VistaLuxe Collection

Kolbe Windows & Doors has expanded its VistaLuxe Collection with the addition of the all-aluminum VistaLuxe AL LINE – the original collection has been reintroduced as the VistaLuxe WD LINE. Kolbe’s expanded VistaLuxe Collection has achieved Hallmark certification through the Window & Door Manufacturers Association. Window sizes up to 48″x48″x120″ and 60″x60″x96″ now offer an industry leading PG60 rating. kolbewindows.com/wd

 

Bosch Compact Band Saw

Designed for tight work areas, the new 18V, 7.3 lb. compact band saw (GCB18V-2N) is up to 60% lighter and 40% more compact than standard deep-cut band saws, the company says. The GCB18V-2N is equipped with a motor developed to save users time by creating clean cuts (with fewer sparks) on a variety of materials while also requiring minimal rework for burrs or tempering colors. Suited to slice through common-size materials including conduit, uni-strut, threaded rod, copper, black pipe and more while yielding up to 2-1/2″ on a single pass. The GCB18V-2N offers a center-placed auxiliary handle and soft-grip main handle for greater control, and a built-in LED light. boschtools.com

 

DEWALT Jobsite Bluetooth Radio

DEWALT’s new Jobsite Bluetooth Radio weighs in at 8.25lbs (without a battery), making it 45% lighter than previous models, the company says. It also uses 45% less benchtop footprint. The AM/FM Radio has six FM memory presets as well as a 3.5mm auxiliary input for a direct mobile device connection. In addition, the radio offers Bluetooth wireless streaming with a maximum range of up to 100 feet. An included USB port charges a user’s mobile device at 2 amps when the radio is plugged into the wall and powered via the included AC cord or when running off a compatible DEWALT battery (sold separately). The radio features a quad speaker design with dual 3.5″ woofers, dual 1″ tweeters and a bass reflex port. The radio offers a roll cage that helps to protect the unit from drops and bumps and incorporates an antenna slot that allows the antenna to fit within the top handle. dewalt.com

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