Contractor Advantage November / December 2023

WARMER WALLS

Publications Mail Agreement #40006677

COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION

November / December 2023

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. is a Canadian member-owned, Lumber, Building Materials and Hardware buying group representing over 300 member locations across Canada.

Contractor Advantage Magazine is the exclusive publication of Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. featuring quality Castle vendor brands available at Castle Building Centres locations.

Visit castle.ca to find a Castle location in your area.

Editorial Director Castle Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Jennifer Mercieca Art Direction and Design Espress Labs Inc. Contributors Lawrence Cummer Lisa Gordon

Advertising Inquiries and Marketing Contact Jennifer Mercieca Director of Communications Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 905-564-3307 jmercieca@castle.ca Material Contact Linda Saaman Marketing Administrative Assistant Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 905-564-3307 ext 219 lsaaman@castle.ca Published and designed exclusively for Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

by Espress Labs Inc. On the cover: Makita

ABOUT CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Volume 28 Issue 6

CONTRIBUTORS

LAWRENCE CUMMER Lawrence (“Law”) Cummer is a freelance writer and editor and has been a frequent contributor to Contractor Advantage, Ideas and Rough Construction for nearly a decade. Over his more than 20-year career, Law has written about contracting and construction, general business, information technology, health and safety, personal finance and almost every topic in between. He has a passion for storytelling and sharing how people can work better, easier — and “smarter” — from contractors to technologists to business executives.

LISA GORDON Lisa Gordon is a freelance writer and editor based in Port Dover, Ontario. For nearly 25 years, she has specialized in creating custom content for trade and association magazines, websites, newsletters and marketing materials. Contact her at mustangmediaservices.ca.

MARGARET GRAZIANO Margaret Graziano is the founder and CEO of KeenAlignment, as well as a Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author for her book “Ignite Culture.” She has been recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s Top 100 Women Leaders. Magi’s groundbreaking work is driven by her power to uncover and catalyze human potential. Go to https://keenalignment.scoreapp.com to take KeenAlignment’s Culture Assessment and see if you have an Emergent Culture.

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CONTENTS

TABLE OF OF TABLE

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WARMER WALLS Paint trends for this fall include a focus on cozy hues inspired by nature’s splendour.

CREATING A RESILIENT COMPANY CULTURE: NAVIGATING CHANGE AND THRIVING AMIDST CHALLENGES In an era marked by immense volatility and complexity, characterized by technological advancements, business consolidations, fierce competition, and economic fluctuations, you may find yourself in an unprecedented time of change.

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COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION As Benjamin Franklin once famously said, “The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” // NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

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WARMER WALLS

Paint trends for this fall include a focus on cozy hues inspired by nature’s splendour.

Written by Lisa Gordon

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Get ready to cozy up to warmer walls this fall.

The cool grey tones that dominated over the last several years are slowly giving way to warm hues that embody all of nature’s colourful splendour.

Trending paint colours are influenced by all sorts of factors, including demographics, lifestyles, fashion, textiles, and cultural shifts.

Industry experts say more colour is coming soon to a room near you.

“In order for a trend to gain traction, create a stir, and be sellable in the market, it needs to represent

what we want and what we crave as consumers,” explained Ashley McCollum, SICO Paint by PPG colour expert. PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials that operates in more than 70 countries.

On the fashion runway, for example, models are showcasing the latest designs in reds, browns, pale blues, and yellow. As always, black is timeless and never seems to go out of style. Neutrals remain popular, too, as warmth and personality begin to take centre stage.

Photo courtesy of PPG-Sico // NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

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FEATURE STORY // WARMER WALLS

Photo courtesy of PPG-Sico

“As consumers, we are entering a new era of explosive creativity and change,” noted McCollum.

“Consumers are using that colour in even more unconventional ways than ever before, and they need a palette that offers versatility to work with new and existing décor, whether it’s warm or cool-toned.”

She predicted that honey beige tones will take the paint industry by storm in the coming year, evolving from the “greige” hues that started the move away from cool-toned greys.

McCollum said other trends for Fall 2023 include rich reds, such as Sico’s Cubist Red, which evokes

the warmth and coziness of autumn. Other options include dark plum hues, such as Sico’s Purple Suspense. This rich jewel tone works well on cabinet doors but also creates a welcoming aura in the family room or dining room.

“Black is still trending and can be used in so many ways,” she added. “Accent walls, all walls, ceilings, trim, doors, the back of bookshelves, cabinets… you name it! Blacks and dark charcoals provide depth and sophistication and can be a visual anchor, especially when contrasted with light colours.”

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Some homeowners favour a dramatic monochromatic look, painting walls and ceilings the same colour. McCollum said Sico’s Satin is a flexible and creative year-round colour choice, “holding both the power of a primary colour and the essence of a neutral, pairing equally well with warm or cool tones.”

While colour is the first thing we think of when refreshing a room, McCollum encourages homeowners to take key paint properties into account when choosing their coatings.

“Often, consumers choose the lowest-priced paint and applicator tools, which can lead to disappointing results. Painting is an investment of time as well as money. Key things to look for in paint are one-coat hide, paint, and primer in one. Those features mean you’ll finish the job in fewer coats,” she said.

“Next, consider how much activity happens in your space. For busy rooms, look for paints that offer stain and scuff resistance. Finally, make the small incremental investment in high-quality roller covers and brushes to ensure you get all the coverage built into the paint and a smooth, even finish.”

SICO recently launched several new paint lines. Clean Surface Technology features award-winning stain repellent technology in a high-hiding matte finish. SICO Prestige was built for one-coat hide but also offers stain and scuff resistance. For doors, trim, and cabinetry, consider SICO 360, a super-premium, ultra-smooth enamel with a super-fast dry time and great durability on high-touch surfaces.

Photo courtesy of PPG-Sico 10

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Photo courtesy of Laurentide

ECO-FRIENDLY WARMTH For consumers who are looking for coatings at an entry-level price while at the same time minimizing their environmental impact, the Boomerang line from Laurentide Paint is an attractive option.

Founded in 1950, the family-owned Quebec manufacturer has been collecting and recycling used paint for 20+ years. The result is the complete Boomerang line of made-in-Canada 12

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eco-friendly coatings, billed to perform while generating four times less greenhouse gases.

Barbara Collet, Sales Coordinator at Laurentide Paint, said used paint from all manufacturers is collected in Quebec and the Maritimes. Cans are then manually inspected and separated by colours, types (latex, alkyd, and varnishes), and finishes, and cans are then mechanically emptied.

FEATURE STORY // WARMER WALLS

“The paint is then filtered and undergoes all the test requirements by our Quality Control department in order to conform to the expectations of the consumers,” she explained.

“Boomerang is distributed within the Castle network, and it is priced at about one-third the cost of other paints.”

Although it’s less expensive, Boomerang still offers 18 popular colours in velvet (seven to 15 percent gloss level) and pearl (20 to 25 percent gloss level) finishes, all made from recycled paint. It’s also available in White Clay primer and Moonlight White ceiling formulations.

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FEATURE STORY // WARMER WALLS Last year, Laurentide introduced a new line of Boomerang anti-rust paints for interior and exterior applications. Available in 10 colours, this recycled paint can be used on garden furniture,

metal fences, ornamental iron, and machinery to impede the spread of rust. Collet said the anti-rust line has done well and will be back in 2024.

Photos courtesy of Laurentide

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Laurentide, too, is predicting a return to warmer hues. Its 2023 colour of the year is Cotton, a warm greige, while 2024 will be ruled by Truffle, a cozy earthy brown. One of the flagship colours of the eco-responsible Boomerang collection, Truffle encourages change in our practices, conscientious use of our resources, and guides us towards sustainable and ethical choices.

“There is a more organic feel this year, and we want to emphasize earth tones and colours that showcase nature,” said Collet.

Drawn from nature and the earth, Truffle symbolizes life, resilience, and durability. A true source of comfort and safety, Truffle takes us back to the essentials. Aware of our wealth and our resources, Truffle encourages change in our practices and directs us towards sustainable choices and ethics. Warm and as timeless as wood, Truffle is soothing and ideal for any comforting and cozy space, providing natural balance and grounding any decor.

Photo courtesy of Laurentide // NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

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FEATURE STORY // WARMER WALLS

Photo courtesy of Laurentide

Laurentide colour experts say the Anthropocene era commands accountability; its colours are sober and earthy, promoting relaxation, a path to the essential, and simplicity.

“When predicting colour trends, our marketing team analyzes social phenomena, economics, architecture and the arts, technology, fashion, textiles, and materials,” explained Collet. “From there, they isolated black, violet, purple, blues, and greens. We’re seeing a bit less emphasis on grey, and beige is coming back.”

Collet said today’s paint purchasers are concerned about price, performance, colour, and environmental impact.

“Boomerang was founded because of all the discarded paint that was being sent to landfills,” she added. “The Boomerang line offers an eco-conscious option at a good price point with proven durability.”

A PALETTE YOU CAN WARM UP TO With this season’s paint colours taking their cue from warm natural tones, expect to see less grey and more greens, reds, and browns coming to a wall near you.

Classic and cozy neutrals continue to reign supreme, while black is always in style, either in the spotlight or in a supporting role. — ­

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CREATING A RESILIENT COMPANY CULTURE: NAVIGATING CHANGE AND THRIVING AMIDST CHALLENGES Written by Margaret Graziano

In an era marked by immense volatility and complexity, characterized by technological advancements, business consolidations, fierce competition, and economic fluctuations, you may find yourself in an unprecedented time of change. The aftermath of the pandemic continues to linger, with burnout, stress, and overwhelm persisting among individuals and teams. Amidst this tumultuous landscape, the challenge is

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this: How can organizations emerge stronger from the trials of recent years? How can they cultivate a culture that thrives, adapts, and responds effectively to the unpredictable? The answer lies in fostering an emergent culture—one characterized by change management prowess, response agility, and a positive environment with fulfilled employees.

// BUILDING BETTER BUSINESS

UNDERSTANDING CULTURE When more than two people come together, whether as a couple, a family, or a company, they form a human system. Within this system, culture serves as the driving force or energy. Culture possesses the power to create and destroy, providing guidelines for interaction, conflict resolution, motivation, and progress. The objective of examining and shaping organizational culture is to channel the collective energy of individuals

into a productive force—one that mirrors the synchronicity found in natural phenomena, such as the coordinated movements of a school of fish or flock of birds. This is called an emergent culture.

INFLUENCING CULTURE Effective impact on company culture entails understanding and influencing the energy inherent within the human system. To initiate this process, focus on the following areas:

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START WITH THE LEADER All culture begins with the CEO, the leader of the organization. What is their vision? Who are they as a leader? What are their values?

Are they operating and living congruently with all of those markers, no matter how challenging or stressful the circumstances may be? Having a CEO who can answer those questions clearly and live in alignment with them consistently is the foundation on which a company’s culture gets built. If the CEO is frazzled, overwhelmed, and in survival mode, that is going to set the tone for the entire organization. Whatever energy the CEO brings to the company and to their life will be the energy that other people pick up on and assimilate to in order to fit in and make it.

Thus, the CEO must be conscious. They must be awake and aware of what they’re emanating through their words and their actions. They must ensure that they have a clear vision, bolstered by positive moods and inspiring language that rallies people around their vision and engages them into action.

Human systems are guided by behaviours, beliefs, actions, what’s said, what’s unsaid—all of that equates to the energy of the human system, and energy is culture. So, what kind of culture is the CEO creating?

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CULTIVATE THE LEADERSHIP TEAM The leadership team further propagates cultural attributes throughout the organization. The behaviours exhibited by this team tend to cascade down to various departments. Similar to the CEO, leadership must demonstrate consciousness and accountability for their actions. This includes acknowledging their role in shaping the culture and undertaking personal growth to support a healthy, high-performance human system. By focusing on the following key elements, the leadership team can contribute to a thriving culture: • Achievement: The company knows what they’re here to do, why they’re doing it, and how they’re measuring it. Organizational achievements are individual achievements, and vice versa.

Achievements are specific, measurable, and attainable results that are bound in time.

• Self-actualization: Each person is conscious.

They know what their strengths and weaknesses

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are, and they’re responsible for them and the impact they have on others. They’re doing their own development and personal work, just like the CEO is.

• Affiliation: People are partnering, collaborating, sharing ideas, and problem solving on an interdepartmental level. Cross-functional teams are committed to the noble cause and vision for the organization and are coming up with ways to problem-solve together to fulfill the vision.

• Humanistic Managers: Managers authentically care about their people. They are aware of what’s going on in their employees’ lives, what their goals are, and how they want to grow. When an employee knows to their core that their manager has their best interests at heart and they want them to thrive, difficult conversations to improve performance can happen. Mentorship, coaching, and caring for people come with humanistic management, and it supports employees who grow and thrive.

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ASSESS ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYEES Employee behaviour provides insights into the prevailing environment. Key considerations include whether they experience autonomy, trust, and support in their roles. Ask these questions to assess the environment that your employees are navigating: • How well do employees handle changes, upsets, and challenges in the market?

• Do people feel the freedom and trust to share new ideas, take risks, and have space to fail?

• Is there space in the time at work to ideate, innovate, and co-create?

• Are the meetings inspirational and motivating, or just a laundry list of getting things done?

• Is everyone clear on what the noble cause is?

• Is the right architecture or system in place for people to work effectively together?

• Is the leadership team dismantling anything that gets in the way of employees taking the ball and running with it?

• Are people being given the autonomy they need?

• Are people held accountable for their agreements, promises, and measures?

• Can you have difficult conversations?

ACHIEVING RESILIENCE THROUGH EMERGENT CULTURE In times of uncertainty, organizations with the ability to adapt and pivot can harness their power. Such resilience hinges on a healthy human system and a shared commitment to the company’s purpose. Leadership needs to exemplify responsibility, optimism, and collaborative problem-solving across departments to overcome obstacles and realize the company’s vision. This approach cultivates an emergent culture capable of navigating challenges effectively.

While creating an emergent culture demands considerable dedication, care, and focus, the rewards are boundless. With a culture founded on change management skills, response agility, and employee fulfillment, organizations can not only weather storms but also soar to new heights. ­—

• If there’s a problem, are the employees the ones to solve it? // NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

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COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE, AND PRECISION

Written by Lawrence Cummer

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Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tools

As Benjamin Franklin once famously said, “The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.”

While talking about investing in one’s career, the maxim speaks to the benefits of innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

In the past couple of centuries, manufacturers have consistently improved and innovated the tools of the trade, producing better, more durable, ergonomic, environmentally friendly, and effective tools to increase productivity and ease work.

Contractor Advantage recently reached out to seven major Canadian tool vendors to find out what new products and innovations have them most excited this year.

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Photos courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker

MAXIMIZING PRODUCTIVITY Steve Whidden, marketing manager for Power Tools at Stanley Black & Decker GCX Canada, points to his company’s new line of DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless Rivet Tools as one tool he thinks fits the bill.

The rivet tools come in two models and are designed to maximize productivity. “The DCF403 is a 3/16” Rivet Tool that delivers 2100 lbf of pulling force and is compatible with multiple rivet sizes ranging from 3/32”, 1/8”, 5/32”, and 3/16”,” Whidden says. “You can pull up to 800 rivets on a single charge with a DCB203 battery and install aluminium, steel, and stainless steel blind rivets up to 3/16”.”

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FEATURE STORY // COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION

He adds that the 1/4” version offers 4500 lbf of pulling force, can pull 300 rivets at a charge, and works with 3/16”, 15/64”, and 1/4” rivet sizes. “The 1.18” stroke length lets you fasten aluminium, steel, and stainless steel blind rivets in one stroke.”

It’s all about helping contractors be more productive. Whidden notes that both tools, while powerful, are lightweight and feature tool-free nose changes for ease of use, onboard nose piece storage, a mandrel collector to keep the workspace clean and safe, and LED work lights.

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FEATURE STORY // COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION SPEED AND PRECISION Two new IRWIN brand hybrid clamps are designed for speed and precision, says Evan Joseph, Director of Product Marketing for hand tools at Stanley Black & Decker Canada.

Photos courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker

“Our Medium Duty Hybrid Clamps are equipped with a rapid switch between clamp and spreader,” he says. He adds that contractors can combine two Hybrid Clamps together with provided fasteners at two threaded locations on-bar for additional length, but that they must use both provided fasteners when coupling clamps.

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Both clamps, 12” Medium Duty Hybrid (IRHT83500) and 24” Medium Duty Hybrid (IRHT83501), share a variety of useful features, including: a larger, more ergonomic soft-grip handle to allow high clamping pressure with less effort; an I-beam bar that reduces flexing and bowing; and larger clutch plates that allow for easier release while increasing durability and reliability. Non-marring pads featured on both, protect the workpiece.

Photo courtesy of EAB Tool 32

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FEATURE STORY // COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION

AHEAD OF THE CURVE A new line of curved reciprocating saw blades from EAB (Exchange-A-Blade) promises impressive speed, saving time and money, says Dave Cameron, Product Manager at EAB Tool Co. “It’s got an aggressive curve, so it cuts approximately 25% faster than a standard straight reciprocating saw blade,” he notes. That speed boost makes a difference.

“If you’ve ever cut through a 6”x6” post with a recip blade, it takes some time. Now you can cut 10 or 12 at the same time it would take you to normally cut eight.”

Called the Speed Curve, this industrial heavy-duty reciprocating saw blade features hardened M42 bi-metal teeth to keep it sharper longer, extending the blade life in tough jobs like wood with nails or other demolition applications.

The blades come in 6”, 9”, and 12” with a 6 teeth per inch configuration, and like all EAB products, they can be exchanged once dull for a credit towards the purchase of a similar blade. Saving time and money while helping the environment, since the B.C.-based company either recycles or remanufactures returns.

“We hope it becomes second nature for the people who buy our products to take them back to where they bought them,” Cameron says.

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Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tools

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WHAT DO YOU

HEAR?

THANKS TO INSULATION – NOTHING. When it comes to acoustics, insulation plays an important role. But which performs better, fibreglass or mineral wool? The results may surprise you.

Fibreglass and mineral wool actually perform the same for sound absorption and sound transmission.

The choice for a specific project comes down to application needs (like vapor retarders, melting points and moisture repellency) and budget. No matter the project, JM has the solution.

Learn more about our fiberglass and mineral wool options at JM.com BID-446

FEATURE STORY // COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION

Photos courtesy of Milwaukee Tools // NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

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Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tools

“HOT” NEW TOOLS Three new tools launched in the back half of 2023 are “definitely cool,” says Sarah Margach, Strategic Account Manager for Hardware at Milwaukee Tool.

In late September, the company released a new battery and charger for its M18 system: the M18 Redlithium Forge XC 6.0 battery and the M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger. The battery, she says, “delivers high output HD12.0 power in a small size” and has a 15-minute supercharge to 80% when paired with the charger.

“Both of these solutions deliver massive benefits to the M18™ system on their own and when paired together,” she says.

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Margach is also excited about a product Milwaukee launched earlier this year, the M18 70,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater. Designed for all trades, with performance rated from 30,000 to 70,000 BTU, the heater has a fast setup with top-of-the-unit controls for easy access and onboard hose storage to house its hose and regulator. “Powered by a brushless motor, our M18 Propane Heater will deliver all-day run time on an M18 XC 5.0 battery. With AC/DC functionality and ergonomic design, it can easily be transported and used in various well-ventilated environments.”

RELIABLE FASTENERS WITH A RANGE Seven new premium structural screw products from Reliable Fasteners cover a wide range of professional needs.

FEATURE STORY // COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION Dubbed Power Drive, all screws have ICC ES certification with the Building Code for both structural performance and corrosion resistance, but then options start to differ dramatically. While the Power Drive CST is designed to be a quick alternative to existing structural construction screws, the line’s six other products provide unique benefits and performance advantages for specific applications.

“The STR (Dimensional Lumber Structural Screws) with its unique thread is the ideal assembly screw for deck beams or posts, and the LVL (LVL Beam Structural Screws) is specially designed to assemble the finicky 1-3/4” thick Laminated Veneer Lumber,” says Alain Bourassa, Product Manager at Richelieu Hardware, Reliable Fastener’s parent company.

“The FIT (Dual-Action Premium Trim Head Screws), geared towards mitre assemblies, has to be the most innovative screw on the fastener market to be launched in the past 15 years.”

Also part of the line are: LOG structural screws for timber and log construction; PVH finish headboard and trim screws; and EVO dualaction premium construction screws. Bourassa directs contractors to the Reliable website, which features QR codes to open videos illustrating each fastener’s differentiators.

SMOOTH, CONTROLLED CUTS Ted Fuller, Vice President of King Canada, has a new power tool that he says will be welcome news for woodworkers, carpenters, and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Photo courtesy of Richelieu // NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

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FEATURE STORY // COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION

Photo courtesy of King Canada

His company’s new 6-1/2’’ Variable Speed Plunge Cut Track Saw (KC-8365) is designed to be ideal for smooth cutting of solid wood and plywood, especially when combined with King’s 50” track model (KW-300).

“The Track Saw provides a unique blend of portability, accuracy, and versatility, making it a valuable tool for those who prioritize and value precision cutting and want a more portable alternative to traditional table saws or have access to a panel saw,” Fuller says.

“This is especially valuable when cutting sheet goods on site or for letting in the trim boards of composite decking.”

He lists controlled straight cuts, controlled depth of cut, reduced tear-out, and accuracy as the tool’s key advantages. “Add its portability and safety, and you have a great tool for the contractor.”

A compelling aspect of the King industrial saw is its compatibility with and the rich range of

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features found in other name manufacturers—but at half the cost, according to Fuller. “I hate to make this a cost argument, but the price-value equation is very good.”

CONTROLLED CUTS AND NO EMISSIONS Makita Canada is excited about its new 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 14” Rear Handle Chainsaw that has the power equivalent of a 42cc gas chainsaw.

“I’ve been working with a lot of professional arborists that have independent businesses, as well as municipalities across Canada; we’ve gone head-to-head with 42cc gas chainsaws and met or outperformed all brands,” says David Stewart, Business Development Manager for OPE (outdoor power equipment) at Makita Canada.

He says three main things set the chainsaw apart: instant power, zero maintenance and emissions, and zero gas and oil exhaust fumes.

The chainsaw features a brushless DC motor with a high power-to-weight ratio to generate

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Photo courtesy of Makita

Photo courtesy of King Canada

FEATURE STORY // COOL TOOLS 2023: PRODUCTIVITY, PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION less heat buildup, ideal for prolonged cutting, a noise level of only 104 dB, which combined with its lack of exhaust fumes increase operator comfort, and a toolless bar mounting and chain tension adjustment for quick and easy setup and adjustment on the job site.

“Log cabin builders particularly love our saws with the variable speed trigger as they can achieve intricate cutting while having complete control

of the chain speed. You can easily add an Oregan 18” bar and chain to these saws, and it will still obtain the exact same results as the 16” versions of the XGT chainsaw.”

Stewart is proud to say users tell him the company should be marketing the tool as comparable to a 50-cc chainsaw, but Makita prefers to “let the tools do the talking.” — ­

Photos courtesy of Makita

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