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While I was browsing the AWFS show in Las Vegas last July, I spent quite a bit of time at the 3M booth. Most of the products they were showing off are geared toward the production shop, but they did have one item that I think will make it’s way into the home workshop.

3M is taking sanding to a whole new level with the introduction of its unique Clean Sanding Discs for woodworking. The new, innovative discs can deliver longer life than standard high-performance discs, thanks to their breakthrough surface configuration and abrasive technology.

Designed to be used with random orbital sanders, Clean Sanding Discs offer improved dust extraction when used with a vacuum system. Less dust contributes to improved cutting action when sanding. The unique, patented hole pattern on the discs’ surface helps to effectively remove dust from the work area, which prevents disc loading and provides a fast, consistent and efficient cut rate. I watched them in action during the show and was impressed with the fact that they didn’t load up like traditional discs. And the best thing is, they’ll work with any hole pattern and you don’t have to worry about aligning the holes.

Clean Sanding Discs are available in 5″ and 6″ diameters in grades P80 to P1000 and feature the secure Hookit attachment system from 3M.

You can find out more about them by clicking here.  As for availability, Clean Sanding Discs are sold through distributors for the industrial market. But 3M reps tell me that they expect them to be available from their online eStore sometime soon. Let’s hope they make their way into woodworking catalogs and home centers, too.

Here’s a few of the new products (and their features) at IWF 2006 in Atlanta:

The Porter-Cable 342 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Finishing Sander has improved ergonomics and a new rubber palm grip that reduces vibration. Dual dust ports allow you to hook up either a 1″ or 1-1/2″ dust hose. Or leave the dust canister in place. The canister is more durable than the old cloth dust bag.

Also from Porter-Cable is the 343 Random Orbit Sander. It has many of the same features as the Finishing Sander, including a new top cap design that allows you to get inside to clean and service the unit without having to totally dissasemble it.

Then there is the Delta 17-950L 16-1/2″ Drill Press. The “L” stands for….laser. This drill press was actually introduced in January, but I got my first look at it this week. It’s bright laser crosshairs highlight the drill point. And the table is one of the first that is actually designed for woodworkers. It includes T-slots, a removable insert and it tilts from 0° to 45° forward and 0° to 90° left and right with positive stops at 0°, 45°, and 90°.

Finally, I haven’t had a chance to stop at the Bosch booth yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing Bosch’s Litheon® tools — a new line of lithium ion powered cordless hand tools. These tools are great for the woodworker, homeowner and professional thanks to a complete line of 10.8-volt and 36-volt tools that Bosch claims is the most advanced lithium-ion battery technology available. The Bosch PS20-2 is a 10.8v drill/driver that offers 80 inch/lbs of torque in an extremely small package.