Popular Woodworking 2000-02 № 113, страница 58
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 Skil Puts the Plug Back on Performance: ••OOO Cordless Tools Value:_••COO Targeting those of us who forget to plug in our bat- Skil: 877-SKIL 999, or , 01 cc „ , , www.skiltools.com tery chargers, Skil now offers a cordless drill set that lets you plug the drill in an outlet and go to work if your battery is dead. The new Dual-Source system allows you to remove the drained battery, plug it into the power station/charger and plug the corded back-up pack into the drill. You now have power to keep working while recharging the drained battery. The cord is 16' long, so you're not held on a short leash. The system is available in a 9.6-, 12- or 14.4-volt drill driver (ranging from $90 to $130), and the 9.6- and 12-volt drill/drivers will be offered as part of a two-piece kit with a nice high-pressure air gun inflator, or a three-piece kit with the infla-tor and a flashlight. The kits will sell between $130 and $150 depending on voltage and tool selection. This is a clever idea, and will doubtless ease many an occasional drill-user's mind. While we think the air pump (capable of inflating a beach float or car tire) and flashlight (with Krypton bulb and swivelling head) are great, we were disappointed in the quality of the drill/driver itself. It offers only a single speed setting, has no electronic brake and though it has a Jacob's chuck, it's not the top-of-the-line model. All of which would be OK if it weren't a $120 drill. For our money we'd buy a better drill with two batteries and buy the air pump separately (which isn't available at this time). For more information, circle #180 on the Resource Directory Coupon. BeadLOCK Offers Mortise and Tenon Strength With Doweling Simplicity If you can't afford a hollow chisel mortising machine, this might be the next best thing. I recently built an Arts & Crafts-style bed that needed the strength of a mortise-and-tenon joint, but the pieces would be unweildy on a mortiser. So I decided to give the Bead-LOCK system a try. The concept is a loose tenon that is shaped something like three or five dowels glued side-by-side. To drill the mortises, you use the BeadLOCK jig like a doweling jig, with a simple two-step process using a standard hand drill. The result is a surprisingly accurate and sturdy joint made with common tools. The tenon stock is supplied in one-foot lengths that can be cut to any length, and is available in 3/8" or 1/2" thickness. The jigs can be purchased separately (3/8" for $30, V2" for $33) or in a kit with both sizes for $47. Shipped with 2' of stock for each jig, extra tenon stock is available in 3' lengths for $5.50 or $6. I was pleased with the strength and accuracy of the finished joint formed by the BeadLOCK system, but I did have to be careful when setting up the joints. There isn't a lot of room for error because of the close tolerances of the tenons, which fit nice and tight. While the tenons aren't as inexpensive as a biscuit, you don't have to buy a biscuit joiner and the resulting joint is sturdier. This is a good option for many woodworkers. For more information, circle #181 on the Resource Directory Coupon. Performance: ••••O Value: •••OO Woodcraft: 800-225-1153 Trendlines: 800-877-7899, or www.trend-lines.com 10 Popular Woodworking February 2000 |
