Tom your gut instincts are correct. A sure sign that someone is professing knowledge beyond their means is when they cite entire chapters of the NEC and not individual citations. They do this because they know that no one is ever going to challenge it because no one will be willing to spend the time to review an entire chapter. Most days, that is a good bet.
Today is not a good day to make that bet. I have had a lot of sporatic down-time today waiting for floor adhesive to tack up between layings, and I did in fact read through the entire sections of the NEC that Roger cited. There is nothing in the NEC that supports Roger's assertions and citations.
I don't know what UL has to say on the topic, but I also don't care what they have to say either. UL is not a regulatory agency, and has absolutely no bearing on wiring a tool into a home receptacle. If need be, I have a copy of UL 987 on my computer, and I can look this information up--not that it would matter. No, this is not the "cliff-notes" version that Roger is citing; this is the full version that manufacturers need to purchase when they want their tool UL listed.
I need to go lay another batch of tile in the shop.