The snow’s melted, and spring is here. It almost feels like spring, too.
Milwaukee NPS19 is Fast Approaching
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Milwaukee’s NPS19 new tool media event is two months away, but we’ve already started planning our coverage strategy.
Here’s the hard part – there’s always so much to cover at the event, and a full day’s worth of tool introductions and demos cannot be neatly packaged into content very easily, quickly, or thoroughly. Generally, this is a classic “pick two out of three” scenario. We can provide fast coverage, broad coverage, and thorough coverage.
Our coverage can be fast and broad, but it won’t be very detailed. Or it could be fast and thorough, but narrow-focused. Or, broad and thorough, but certainly not fast. We don’t have the manpower to be fast, broad, and thorough.
Our approach has been “fast and broad” for initial coverage, and then “broad and thorough” after that.
NPS coverage is always difficult to plan, not knowing what’s coming out, but also difficult to schedule. If we post too many at once, we get “why are you posting so much about Milwaukee” questions. If we don’t, we can’t answer readers’ questions in a timely enough manner.
What do YOU want to see from our NPS19 coverage?
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What types of new tools do you want to see the fastest/earliest coverage on?
Now, about videos this year, I think we’ll skip trying to do interviews, and focus more on testing tools and asking questions, which I’m far better at.
Although NPS19 is two months away, it’s “only” two months away.
Here’s our past Milwaukee NPS coverage:
OhioHead
I would love to learn how much of the patent video you posted comes to light in 19/a response from the MKE rep’s.
Just glad you are providing quick coverage…….
Keep up the great work!
Stuart
I’m flattered, but that was Nate/Doresoom.
Big Richard
I hope he was right about that M12 Hackzall chainsaw. Looks fun.
Doresoom
I’ll be sure to ask if Milwaukee is continuing work on those tools if we don’t see them at NPS19!
David
Thanks
John Patel
Love to see release dates and coverage of outdoor power equipment!
Stuart
Release dates are always rough and subject to change. We usually post what we know at the time of our NPS coverage.
If there will be new OPE announced, I’d expect them to be available January or February, unless there’s a cordless snow blower, which I’d hope would be slated for Fall 2019 release.
James
My preference is a fast and broad summary post once you’ve seen everything, then trickle out a post for each category (drilling, cutting, outdoor, etc) with more photos and details on what you saw. I agree with skipping the interview format and going for a faster, more concise presentation. I’m hoping to see more OPE announcements (lawnmower!), more heavy-duty general-utility items like a beefy M18 compressor and/or power station, and new compact M12 drill/drivers.
Stuart
Thanks! I think that’s what we’re going for.
As for interviews, we’ll likely skip the video interview goal I had for complementary coverage last year and the year before, but Product Manager and engineer interviews and discussions provide a wealth of information. NPS is usually the best opportunity for direct and unfiltered insights and information. These discussions provide a lot of little details that matter, both for individual product coverage, and for a greater insight into the brand.
Ooh, you mean maybe M12 compact brushless drill and impact driver? I’d like to see that too! An M18 air compressor, or M18 Packout air compressor? =)
James
I’m specifically hoping for a revamped M12 FUEL 1/4″ Hex 2-Speed Screwdriver that utilizes the more compact components that they put in their other drills and impact drivers. I use the current version as my primary driver now and it’s great other than it’s a bit bulky in some of the tighter spaces I need to get into. Because I work in occupied homes, I try to keep the noise down (the backpack vacuum has also been great for me) so I avoid using the impact driver, but the chuck on the drill is too cumbersome due to the added length and the amount of bit swapping that I do.
I’m also invested in Packout, so I’m biased toward an M18 Packout Air Compressor. 😀
James
I’d also be open to the idea of an M12 Surge. The M18 Surge isn’t bad on noise, but none of the M18 batteries are compact enough to let it meet my needs.
TonyT
Just go all the way, and wish for an improved M12 FUEL Multi-head 🙂
JC
I agree, this is exactly the way I’d like to see the coverage. Otherwise its hard to keep up with all the new stuff coming out.
fred
I think a broad summary works – especially if you can do a quick assessment about what you think might be the game-changers if any – and what look to be just modest updates.
A W
Fast and broad followed by broad and thorough sounds great to me.
You’re never going to please everyone, so please keep the solid info coming.
Steven
? what Fred said
Chris
Fuel tools and hand tools!
Nathan
I think what you have done is the past works very well. fast and broad just to get the intial info out there. later broad and detailed because you can.
Curious question – does SBD do anything like this yearly.
Stuart
No. SBD has had media events in the past, but not for a while (to my knowledge). Craftsman had an event last year.
No other brand does anything like this.
Many do participate at World of Concrete and other trade shows.
Richard
I think you do a great job covering the event.
I would like to see a pack out style air compressor, a pack out style vacuum or an adapter for the existing m18 2 gal wet/dry vacuum. Maybe some smaller modular type hard cases for task specific tools. An adapter for different Schrader valve threads on the m12 inflator. And a better set of bolt cutters – maybe an m12 version.
James
Or up the ante to make it attractive to the professional mechanics that do roadside service: Packout-compatible M18 FUEL Air Compressor and Battery Jumpstarter with Hazard Strobes. Plus every tradesperson invested in the M18 platform would want one of those in their truck/van! Surely they could pull that off at the professional (like V8 diesel) level with the 12Ah battery and a beefy capacitor – maybe even one of those supercapacitors mentioned in that discovered payent.
PHILIP JOHN
Can anyone go to nps 2019. Can you just show up and walk In? How does one take part?
Chris
Milwaukee has to invite you. ?
Imagine how much of a madhouse it would be if anyone could just walk in. Not to mention the security fiasco that would result.
Most people that go are contractors, reviewed and other media press.
Stuart
It’s invite only, basically a large press event, similar to the ones Apple has.
Construction Carl
It is bloggers,vloggers primarily.90%) Very few actual builders that own construction companies or people that actually use tools for a living.
Stuart
There are trade magazines, other tool-related-topic magazines, radio and TV personalities, some OPE-specific media, and of course blogs and established tool review sites. There have been a growing number of YouTube/social media/Instagram personalities, some of whom are (or were) pro builders or tradesmen.
fred
It seems to me to be a media event to help Milwaukee generate increases sales. Nothing wrong with that – but when I was involved in running businesses – I would not have wanted to attend such a narrowly focused (one company) media event. It seems like a nice thing for Milwaukee and the media – but it isn’t the Hannover Messe. Maybe if I were a tool buyer for Home Depot my opinion might be different – but otherwise I’d leave it to the media.
Meanwhile, I’d hope that Milwaukee and other big tool manufacturers keep soliciting feedback from the “actual tool user community” – not just their direct customers (e.g. that tool buyer at Home Depot.) That might be better accomplished by something other than an annual media event. I’d say that convening some regional focus groups might help them – but how to select participants might be difficult considering the great diversity that exists in the tool-user market (many different sized companies focused on many different combination of trades and industries).
Stuart
In simplistic terms, it’s basically a massive “show and tell” event, introducing at least the next 6 months’ worth of new products.
It’s not to generate sales, at least not directly, but to familiarize industry voices with Milwaukee tools, tech, and philosophies.
At past events, I believe at least one of Milwaukee’s Mexico territory reps were in attendance. I believe that last year they had a more topic-focused session a day earlier that the general show, for specific industry voices.
As for end user focus groups and field testing feedback, a lot of that happens in the design and refinement stages. By the time a tool is showcased at NPS, it’s ready for production.
Frank D
Fast and broad, followed by detail coverage was great last year.
I would not sit through generic interviews of paid staff trying to answer questions, doing their generic highlight spiel without in depth knowledge. Interviews are hard to master, success depends on the interviewee, takes up a lot of time up front, then possibly more editing time, etc.
A short initial presentation and new product highlight, sure. But, interviews, nah.
Scar
Great (GREAT!) coverage last year. Rapid fire, live stream type initial coverage followed by the detailed breakdown in follow up is what makes this my go-to source.
glenn
I think your previous coverage has been the right balance. Initial fast coverage followed up by a closer look and then in detail.
Rory
Fast & Broad is good.
Lots of clear Photos are good.
Less of Mr Milwaukee’s brainwashing intro talks on each product.
When the hold “races”against competitors try and verify the accessories they use are of equal spec and are both in the same operating condition.
Bonson
In the previous two years, Toolguyd has been my primary “day of” source of info on these events. Great style, has broad coverage and just really enjoy the comments section more than other places. Keep up the great work!
Edwin
The 42″- 46″ wide 24″ deep Pro tool chest they teased at last year’s event. Or any large (36-46″ wide) lotsa drawer chest setup (>46″ W is “huge” not “large”). I need lots of full width (or half-width) and full depth (24″ not 18″) 3″ deep drawers, not third-width 9″-12″ deep ones, and I can very well do without the built-in electrics, USB, WiFi and stereo sound, video screens or drink coolers….
Thanks.
Kevin
I would vote fast and broad, followed much later by thorough.
Personally, I have the most interest in new offerings, such as the 3″ cut off tool or chainsaw from last year. The generational improvements are important, but less interesting. We already know the gen 4 drill will be more powerful… whenever it comes out.
David Zeller
I liked the covrage last year, as others have said. If you want to head off people complaining about the wealth of Milwaukee coverage, just include a standard, brief disclaimer on all of the posts saying something like “This post is part of our concentrated coverage of the 2019 Milwaukee NPS Event. We’ll return to our normal programming shortly.” Maybe pre-write a couple of articles or get a few gest articles to throw into the mix for non-NPS coverage. (Tell Ryobi you need some counter-NPS tools to review – STAT! Like you have the time!)
David
The What?
The annual Milwaukee tools dog and pony show – how exciting. Tell them you want to see the proof in the pudding. In other words ask them to demonstrate how these new tools fair up compared to several other competitors in real job site situations when tools are being pushed to maximum threshold of capabilities and durability. Ask them to show you a demonstration being done on something other than the props built by Milwaukee for the purpose of showcasing their tools. Ask them to demonstrate situations that people claim when Milwaukee tools have failed to ensure that they have addressed the issues. As Rory mentioned, ask them to verify that the mysterious competitors tools they are using for demonstration purposes have the same specs as what they are showcasing. Tell them you want to know what brand and model it is to make sure that the demonstration comparisons are honest and not biased in favor of Milwaukee. If they don’t have a model from every brand that falls within the class of what they are showcasing as a comparative demonstration, then it would certainly indicate that a fair assessment cannot be made to give an honest opinion on whether Milwaukee tools are better than the competition.
Stuart
With limited time to ask questions, take photos, and demo tools at any media event, I always take in demos with a grain of salt.
fred
Thanks Stuart. I think that’s what your readership looks for. We know that you might be drinking some Milwaukee coffee at the event – but hope you are not “drinking all of their Kool-Aid” (to paraphrase.)
It is naïve to expect that a sales promotion event will be brutally honest and highlight all the plusses and minuses of a showcased product compared to the competition. Milwaukee, naturally wants to promote their new stuff. What end-user-buyers hope – is that the media coverage will help them sort out the chaff from the wheat – to help them make intelligent buying decisions. Even then – I suspect that most of us don’t jump into buying new tools in big batches. We, for instance, tried to buy a few samples – and pass them around among the crews to try out. We’d looked to see if the advertising hype was up to snuff – and even if it was – did the new tool fit with our work, make us safer, more productive etc.
Stuart
Brands, and not just Milwaukee, are deliberate about which tools are showcased against theirs. It’s not to be misleading, because exaggerated or false claims will be identified once production tools are launched and users and reviewers alike can test those claims.
When Dewalt launched their new adjustable wrenches, I wasn’t impressed that they were comparing them to Crescent’s. But, they explained that Crescent was the de facto that they sought out to best.
While some comparisons don’t always look fair, such as last year’s chain saw comparison, I think that the intent is to be fair, and to showcase the new tool against tools it was by design engineered to best.
In today’s world, some tool brands exhibit questionable ethics, but not Milwaukee, at least from what I have seen.
My goal for media events, especially Milwaukee’s NPS shows, is to gain as much insight as possible. “Our new drill is more powerful.” How? “Our new impact driver is shorter.” How? “The hammer drill switch is now featured in the clutch dial.” Why? I also use media events as opportunities to explore tools beyond my familiarity, such as large copper cable cutters and PEX expanders.
NPS can be give-and-take. I shared my take on the upgraded tool storage combo, and Tim Albrecht took notes. Now, the newest model has a digital lock, not unlike what I described wanting from a premium tool box, although they didn’t make a retrofit option that I stated a preference for.
When the Milwaukee organizer came out, I expressed my wish for a lower profile one, for storing smaller parts. Lo and behold, https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-packout-slim-parts-organizers-tool-bags-accessories-2018/%3C/a%3E .
Mike
They don’t need to come out with these stupid event’s every year, what are they going to show gen 4 hammer drill and impact driver with 2% more power than last years model, go ask Home Depot how much they like it, when they still have a shit load of gen2 sitting in their stockroom and still haven’t put out the gen3, the guy who’s running Milwaukee is going run them into bankruptcy, believe it or not yiur starting to see a lot of lime on jobsites now as in ryobi they’re finding out that they can get the job dine with these tools that cost half the price
Amsparky
A M18 belt sander , a M18 power inverter M18 car jack ,
Doug
Looking forward to hearing about this event, as usual. I don’t think you should be concerned about giving too much attention to Milwaukee. Maybe it will motivate DeWalt to host another product showcase this year as well.
Even better, maybe SBD will start investing a little more into dewalt and less into craftsman and other acquisitions.
Steve
I liked how you did it last year, maybe more videos would be nice. Half of the stuff won’t come out until the end of the year, so you’ll have plenty of time to go into detail.
John Patel
I’d be interested in knowing if there will be a fuel variant of the m18 drywall cutout tool. I’ll actually be using it for wood. I just purchased a new OPE item, but there is no brush cutter attachment. Got the pole saw though. Been waiting for that one.
James
I would buy a FUEL version of that cut-out tool if it could do wood. Without hesitation. As it is now, it really only appeals to drywallers (which I’m not, so I don’t own one.) A lot of other trades would pick it up if they could use it to do cutouts through plywood sheathing.
Doresoom
So basically a cordless router?
Tony
Would Love to see and buy a m18 23 gauge pin nailer
Jeff
Packout radio!
Dominic S
Concur with the “fast and broad” at first, and then roll out deeper articles as you get the time.
When is this event, anyway?
Chandler Nelson
I really hope they release a fuel trim router with plunge attachment and case.
Steve Watton
I expect to see updated M12 & M18 mulititools. I’m hoping for some new M12 tools along the lines of Bosch’s recent additions – specifically the barrel grip jigsaw, palm router, and planer. Also, a corded/cordless hybrid tablesaw would be the jam! Your coverage approach has been great btw – thanks! (If you need an additional reporter say the word 🙂
Stuart
I think there is high likelihood of new cordless oscillating multi-tools as well, seeing as how Milwaukee now owns Imperial Tool, an oscillating multi-tool blade and accessory brand.
Shawn
OPE and woodworking specific tools are what I’m hoping to see.
Lawnmower and M18 palm router specifically. An M18 track saw would be sweet too.
Ryan
Prices on the M18 10″ miter saw dropped by $100 at all major retailers roughly 3 weeks ago. Do you think they could be in a “sell-down” to make room for a gen-2 miter saw?
Stuart
That’s definitely possible. A lot has changed in battery tech since that first M18 Fuel cordless miter saw was released.
Ryan
Awesome thank you. When is the actual date of the event?
Gary
Thursday, June 6