Popular Woodworking 2000-02 № 113, страница 39
If you're a woodworker, buy a cordless drill that has between 9.6 volts and 14.4 volts. In our opinion, 7.2 volts isn't enough power, and if you need more than 14.4, use a corded drill. All but the most basic drill/drivers offer the following standard features: forward and reverse speeds in a variety of speed ranges, keyless chuck, two batteries, one hour charger and from four to 24 clutch settings for improved torque control. Speed and Torque Two-speed drills are better because the slower speeds (with adequate torque) are good for larger bits (Forstners) and for use as a screwdriver. Higher speeds perform well for drilling with smaller bits (3/l6" bits perform best at 1,800 rpm, which is outside the limit of all our listed drills). Torque is a measure of force the drill can put on the screw or bit. Purchase as much torque as you can afford. You change the torque with the clutch. Drills have between 6 and 24 different clutch settings. And while the 24 positions offers more finesse, in our opinion six is adequate. Batteries Battery performance is determined by volts and amp hours. Volts are the horsepower in a battery — the higher the rating, the more torque produced. Volts also affect runtime. Amp hours is, essentially, how much "fuel" the battery can hold — the higher the rating, the longer the runtime per charge. Most cordless drills are fueled by Nickel Cadmium batteries. Last year, Nickel Metal Hydride hit the scene as an improvement in battery technology for the power tool industry. And while it hasn't been embraced by all manufacturers, the promise for continued performance and runtime is impressive. As far as the charger goes, a one-hour charge time is standard. Faster chargers are more expensive, but the 10- to 15-minute charge time is worth it for some. Chucks and Handles Our staff is divided on the issue of the chuck capacity. For most woodworking jobs, a 3/8" chuck is adequate. If you also plan to build a deck using your drill, go for the 1/2" chuck. Drills come in pistol-style or a mid-han dle (also called T-style) design. The pistol design lets you to put more weight behind the bit, but that's rarely important in woodworking. The T-handle drill is more balanced. Useless Features Drills are loaded with stuff you don't need. Here are a few. First off, a bubble level. Second, a wrist strap. Third—unless you work on your roof a lot—bit storage. And finally, the case. Most cases get put away, so don't let the case affect which drill you purchase. PW
10 Popular Woodworking February 2000 |
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