Popular Woodworking 2000-01 № 112, страница 15
Tool Test How WE RATE TOOLS We test a lot of tools at Popular Woodworking, and while we don't often test tools until they fall apart, we do give them an honest, real-world workout. Each issue we share the results of our hands-on experience with you and offer insights to help guide your shopping decisions.The ratings reflect the opinion of the magazine's editorial staff. Here's how our rating system works. Performance: A rating of "five" indicates we think this tool is a leader in its category — for now. (You won't likely see performance ratings of "one" or "two" in these reviews because we wouldn't publicize an inferior tool.) Value: "Five" is a great tool for the money; "one" isn't the mark of a value. However, a low "value" rating shouldn't prevent you from buying that tool. Some tools might be worth a little more because they're one-of-a-kind or just a really great tool. If you have a question about a tool — whether it's been reviewed or not — you can contact me at (513) 531-2690, ext. 255, or by email at DavidT@FWPubs.com. And by the way, many of our past tool reviews appear on our website at www.popwood.com, including data on entire categories of tools (such as table saws). Check it out. —David Thiel, senior editor Porter-Cable Redesigns its Brad Nailers With More Power and Features Porter-Cable has upgraded its 18-gauge brad nailers (BN125 and BN200) by adding features and benefits, without increasing the price. The new models (BN125A and BN200A) have been re-engineered to offer an adjustable depth-of-drive, 360-degree directional air deflection and a bigger cylinder that lets you sink longer nails into harder wood. Other changes include moving the nose safety behind the driver guide (which allows you to more accurately place your brad) and the no-tool jam-release mechanism is on the side of the tool to make it easier to work in corners and other hard-to-reach areas. The anodized aluminum magazine now offers a visual reload indicator to let you know when you're almost out of bullets. The BN125A has a brad length range of 5/8" to 11/4" and will still sell for around $90, while the BN200A has a brad length range of 3/4" to 2", selling for around $140. In testing, we found the depth-of-drive adjustment easy to use and sensitive enough to adjust to any requirement or wood density. In driving into 2" white oak, the brads could be fully recessed beneath the surface, and the tool didn't hesitate at all with the task. These are quality brad nailers that fill all the needs of the pro or serious home woodworker. If you haven't entered the air powered world yet, P-C informs us the BN125A will also replace the BN125 in its compressor/nailer kit, which lets you get started economically. For more information, circle #182 on the Resource Directory Coupon. Porter-Cable: 888-848-5175,or www.porter-cable.com Dremel's New 16" Scroll Saw LoadedWith Features and Priced Well Dremel's new 1680 16" scroll saw fits comfortably between many of the entry-level scroll saws (with limited features) and the pricier high-end scroll saws, which are often out of the hobbyist user's range. Selling for $200, the 1680 offers a number of nice features: variable speed control (with top-mounted controls for easy access) ranging from 500 to 1,600 strokes per minute, with electronic feedback to maintain speeds at low to mid ranges; a 12" x 16" table that tilts 45 degrees to ■ the right or left, with locking detents at 15-degree intervals on the table; an adjustable light; a multidirectional blower; and a toolless blade-changing system for both pin-end or plain-end blades. The blade tension is adjusted at the rear of the tool. When using the saw we noticed some vibration, but it was negligible — unless you were expecting a Hegner or an RBI. The blade changing system worked well on pin-end blades, but the machine screw "clamps" tended to push the plain-end blades out of perpendicular to the table when tightening. In general this is a saw with good features for a decent price. While this isn't a saw for full-time scrollers, an entry-level user won't outgrow it anytime soon. For more information, circle #183 on the Resource Directory Coupon. 32 Popular Woodworking January 2000 |
