Popular Woodworking 2000-02 № 113, страница 59
Performance: ••••C Value: ••••• Lee Valley Tools, 800-871 -8158, or www.leevalley.com Veritas Low-Angle Plane Pleases Both Hand and Work The first plane in Veritas' new line of woodworking tools is a great one. Measuring 2" x 6" it offers a number of features that make it an excellent woodworking tool. The blade itself is Vs" thick and made from A2 tool steel, which Veritas says will take a keener edge, dull less easily and resist chipping. We'll let you know about that claim in a few months. A combined feed screw and lateral adjustment mechanism makes fine adjustment easy, higher side wings make the plane easier to hang onto (and easier to shoot a board with). Another interesting feature is a pair of jack screws set into the side of the plane body that lock the blade in place, increasing the stability of the cut and keeping the blade from being knocked back or canted during use. This plane is extremely well machined and produced an excellent curl in end-grain walnut right out of the box. After honing and stropping it was ready to compete with anyone. The tolerances in all the machining are outstanding with barely a 1/16 -turn play in the feed screw. It's a little heavy in the hand at 1 lb. 12.4 oz., but in use the weight feels good. The plane is priced at $69.50, which is $20 more than a Record, but $70 less than a Lie-Nielsen. We recommend this plane to anyone who is serious about hand tools, but chagrined at some of the prices. We look forward to the entire Veritas plane line. For more info., circle #182 on the Resource Directory Coupon. Bosch's New Detail Sander Gets In Tight Places With Ease Bosch's new 1294VSK Corner/Detail Sander is an aggressive tool that outperforms less expensive detail sanders, giving it a professional edge. But it is priced below the "professional" detail sanders, making it a good home shop tool. Weighing 2.4 pounds, the sander sports a 2.3-amp motor providing variable speeds from 9,000 to 19,000 orbits per minute at a 3/32" orbit diameter. When hooked to a vacuum, the built-in dust extraction port pulls dust through the pad, providing a more efficient and cleaner sanding action. The triangular sanding pad can be rotated to three positions to extend the life of the hook-and-loop paper and the pad itself. The change requires no tools. Sold as a kit for $135, the sander comes with 20 sanding sheets, a case and three extension plates, including two "finger" extensions (one thin enough to fit into a V4" space). Our only negative comment is that the size of the barrel is somewhat large and may feel uncomfortable in smaller hands. pw For more information, circle #183 on the Resource Directory Coupon. TOOLSCOOP QUICK GRiP UPGRADES iTS ONE-HANDED CLAMPS In our September 1999 Tool Test section we told you about the redesigned line of Quick Grip one-handed clamps.Just before the clamps hit the stores, American Tool tweaked them to improve their performance. In addition to the tool-less spreader feature and the "stay-on" jaw pads, Quick Grip has improved the closing speed of the jaws to make operation faster and less fatiguing. Good job! blade-loc -beats a stick in peformance, but not price The high-impact plastic Blade-Loc fits over and completely covers the raised saw blade protecting your hands from raking teeth, and protects the brittle carbide from steel wrenches. Having the blade raised makes access to the nut easier. Blade-Loc holds the blade in place braced against the saw table while you break the nut free with a wrench. This is a clever and safety-conscious product that we like, but the $22.95 price seems a bit high when you compare it to a scrap piece of poplar on the floor. Check it out at www.benchdog.com, or 800-786-8902. KEEP ALL YOUR DESIGNING TOOLS IN A MUG BOSS If you can't walk through a hardware store without looking at the tool belts, Duluth Trading has a clever little product for your desk at work.The Mug Boss is a stitched canvas cover for your coffee mug that offers pockets for your desk "tools," such as pens,pencils, scissors and more. It looks a lot like Duluth's "Bucket Boss" line of tool carriers that slip over five-gallon buckets.The price is $2.99, or in a gift pack with a 16 oz. steel coffee mug and a packet of "Daily Grind" coffee for $19.99. Check it out at www.duluthtrading.com, or 800505-8888. |
