Raymond DeWalt invents the “Wonder-Worker” (Radial Arm Saw) in 1922 while working as superintendent of Seabrook Farms. The saw targeted at home builders. This was the first use of a motor to directly drive a saw arbor. Previous versions of this type of saw had power transferred to the saw via a belt. Though many would try to copy DeWalt’s design, the original would prove to be the best.
Timeline:
1922 – Raymond DeWalt perfects the first woodworking machine for the purpose of increasing productivity(Radial Arm Saw)
1924 – DeWalt Products Company is founded in Leola, Pennsylvania. They develop a universal woodworking tool called the DeWalt “Wonder-Worker”. They also produced a dedicated mortiser and joiner.
1929 – They move the company’s headquarters and manufacturing to a new state-of-the-art facility in Lancaster, PA.
1941 – Rapidly Expanded in order to meet the needs of the govt for the war effort.
During World War II, DeWalt saws were used in the US to build barracks, housing, crates, and so on. And especially in the Pacific Theater, DeWalt saws were standard issue at military bases to handle all sawing tasks: ripping, cross-cutting, miter and bevel cuts.
Below is a promotional film entitled “DeWalt Saws in the War Program” showing the importance of DeWalt saws to the war effort.
After the war DeWalt discovered considerable demand for home-shop machines, which had not been a major market for them. This lead to the release of new smaller and lower cost saws as well as an instructional series of booklets and magazine articles.
1947 – DeWalt Products Co is re-incorporated under DeWalt Inc with DeWalt Products Co. as a subsidiary.
1949 – They are acquired by American Machine & Foundry (AMF). Who are mainly known for producing bowling equipment. They also owned Harley Davidson from ’69 to ’81.
1951 – AMF buys the “Monarch” line of woodworking tools from American Saw Mill Machinery Co. Sold under the DeWalt name; these Monarch machines did not perform well.
1953 – Extends operations into Canada through subsidiary DeWalt Canada Ltd.
1955 – Expands manufacturing space to keep up with consumer demand
1992 – Introduces its first line of portable electric power tools designed specifically for residential contractors.
1994 – Beginning of their cordless tool system. Featuring the 14.4 volt cordless drill/driver and 5 3/8” cordless saw. System also includes screwdrivers, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, flashlights, and the first drill/driver/hammer drill combo.
2000 – Purchases Momentum Laser, Inc. and Emglo Compressor Company.
2001 – Featured over 200 electric power tools and over 800 accessories.
2005 – After extensive research and development, they develop SHOCKS, an Active Vibration Control, currently found on some of its SDS Plus and SDS Max rotary hammer drills. It reduces vibration by up to 50% as opposed to hammer drills without the system.
2010 – Introduces the new 12V Max* system lithium-ion tools featuring comfort, and a compact design. Also introduced the Metal Cutting Diamond Blade line of accessories.
2011 – Introduces the 20V Max* System to expand the cordless line while still expanding their 18V cordless system with new releases.
2012 – Launches Perform and Protect line of products designed to provide a high level of control, dust containment or low vibrations while maintaining performance.
2013 – Releases their new 20V Max* XR line of brushless power tools with high-capacity batteries. They also announce the Made in the USA initiative to focus on some American made products with the opening of a new manufacturing in Charlotte, NC. Begins partnership with Wounded Warrior Project and raises money through their specialized WWP Limited Edition Tools.
2015 – Introduces Tool-Connect Bluetooth jobsite management, tool tracking system.
2016 – Launches Flexvolt system that allows batteries to automatically changes voltage when you change tools. The key benefit is increased power and runtime.
2017 – Introduces the Breakaway Reciprocating saw blades.
Ownership:
1924 – Founded by Raymond E. DeWalt who had invented the radial arm saw in 1922 as DeWalt Products Company.
1947 – Reincorporated as DeWalt Inc.
1949 – Purchased by American Machine & Foundry Company, Inc.
1960 – Sold to Black and Decker.
1970 – Name changed to the Lancaster Machinery Division.
1989 – Black and Decker divests themselves from the Radial Arm Saw division.
1992 – Black and Decker rebranded their professional quality and high-end tools too DeWalt.
2010 – Black and Decker merged with Stanley Works to become Stanley Black and Decker (See Who Owns What Brands). DeWalt Operates as DeWalt Industrial Tool Company.
