Maker & DIY News Digest - January 29, 2026
Published
This week in maker news: Milwaukee unveiled their 2026 M18 FUEL lineup including new circular saws and SDS-MAX hammers. CES 2026 showed a shift toward tools as infrastructure for product output. ACCELaser debuted the HD1 with 3D flying galvo technology. The woodworking industry enters 2026 with cautious optimism despite tariff concerns.
Milwaukee Announces 2026 M18 FUEL Power Tool Lineup
Milwaukee announced new M18 FUEL cordless circular saws (7-1/4" and 10-1/4" rear handle models), new Nitrus Carbide saw blades, MX FUEL demo hammers, and an M18 brushless string trimmer. February will bring SDS-MAX drilling hammers, a hydraulic impact driver, and a jump starter.
If your workshop runs on Milwaukee, this lineup expansion gives you more reasons to stay in the ecosystem. The new circular saws and SDS-MAX hammers address gaps that previously required going to other brands.
CES 2026: Tools Are Becoming Infrastructure for Product Output
Make Magazine reported a notable shift at CES 2026: tools are increasingly positioned as infrastructure to enable product creation rather than being the focus themselves. This signals maturing of the maker market toward production capabilities.
This shift validates what serious makers already know: the goal isn't collecting tools, it's creating products. As you plan 2026 purchases, think about what you want to make, not just what you want to own.
ACCELaser HD1 Dual Laser with 3D Flying Galvo Debuts at CES
The ACCELaser HD1 showcased at CES 2026 features a dual laser system with 3D flying galvo technology, bringing industrial-grade engraving capabilities to desktop form factors.
Flying galvo technology dramatically speeds up engraving compared to traditional gantry systems. If you're doing high-volume marking or engraving work, this could be a significant upgrade for production speed.
Yarbo Robotic Mower and Snowplow Showcased at CES
The Yarbo system, showcased at CES 2026, combines robotic mowing with snowplow capabilities, offering year-round automated yard maintenance for workshop owners who'd rather spend time making things.
Less time on yard work means more time in the workshop. If you've been looking to automate outdoor maintenance, multi-function robots like Yarbo are maturing into viable solutions.
Woodworking Industry Cautiously Optimistic for 2026
The Woodworking Network reports the industry enters 2026 with cautious optimism. While economic uncertainties around trade and tariffs remain concerns, experts anticipate gradual activity increases as borrowing costs improve.
If you're running a woodworking side business or considering scaling up, the improving interest rate environment could make equipment financing more attractive. Watch for mid-year opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new Milwaukee tools are coming in 2026?▼
Milwaukee's 2026 lineup includes M18 FUEL circular saws (7-1/4" and 10-1/4"), Nitrus Carbide saw blades, MX FUEL demo hammers, M18 brushless string trimmer, SDS-MAX hammers, hydraulic impact driver, and a jump starter.
What is 3D flying galvo laser technology?▼
3D flying galvo uses mirrors to rapidly direct the laser beam rather than moving the entire laser head on a gantry. This allows much faster engraving speeds, especially for marking and detailed work.
What is the woodworking industry outlook for 2026?▼
The woodworking industry is cautiously optimistic for 2026. While tariff and trade concerns remain, experts expect gradual activity increases as borrowing costs improve.
What maker trends emerged from CES 2026?▼
CES 2026 showed tools increasingly positioned as infrastructure for product creation, AI integration in crafting tools (like xTool AImake), and continued growth in desktop manufacturing accessibility.