Popular Woodworking 2000-06 № 115, страница 62
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 Portei^Cable's New Sliding Compound Miter Saw You might think the Porter-Cable model 3807 sliding compound miter saw looks familiar, and you wouldn't be all wrong. This new tool is the result of a closer working relationship with Porter-Cable's sister company, Delta International. Though some of the parts are similar, this tool is designed more for the professional, with upgraded features and tougher materials. Selling for about $530, the 3807 features a 15-amp, 5,000 rpm motor with electric brake, which is standard in this category. The saw's business end slides on two rods guided by ball bearings, which move smoothly and easily. And the saw will miter a 2 x 12 when set at 90 degrees. Unlike the Delta 36-240 sliding compound, the 3807 has die-cast metal feet rather than plastic, a cam-locking miter handle rather than a pressure release lever, a riveted metal bevel scale rather than an applied label and nine positive miter detents where the similar Delta model offers none. We're pleased to see this tool in Porter-Cable's line and expect to see it on job sites everywhere. The 15-amp motor and dual support rails match the best features on the market. We do have a couple quibbles. The cut quality was rough with the blade that came with the saw, but after switching to a high quality chop saw blade, the cut was superb. The blade-lowering spring tension was stiff, making the tool feel clunky, though this may loosen up with use. The markings on the beveling and mitering scales could be finer in detail and dust collection could be improved, but beyond these points Porter-Cable has a nice horse to enter in the sliding compound race. For more information, circle #160 on the Resource Directory Coupon. Performance: ••••O Value: •••OO Porter-Cable: 800-487-8665, or www.porter-cable.com Portable Sharpening for Knives and Other Tools We normally review products that have an obvious woodworking connection, but after seeing this sharpening rig at last year's hardware show in Chicago, we had to try it out. Spyderco's Tri-Angle Sharpmaker (SP 204MF) is a compact and portable system that has a variety of uses, including woodworking. Its primary purpose is to sharpen knives. For delivering an accurate, sharp edge to pocket knives and kitchen knives, it excels beyond any stone system we've seen. But beyond knives, the included video shows you how to sharpen everything from knives to scissors, router bits and woodworking chisels. The kit consists of a case with a plastic base and top, two triangular, coarse ceramic stones, two fine ceramic stones and two finger guards. The stones mount in the base at opposing angles, forming a "V." The first grinds the back bevel of a blade and the second grinds the primary edge. For the non-knife operations, the stones are mounted in the underside or end of the base (see Knife Performance: ••••• Tool Performance: •••OO Value: •••OO The "V'configuration sharpens knives fast (left). Touch up hand tools with the sticks flat (right). Spyderco, 800-828-1925, or www.spyderco.com photo) and used in tandem. The stones clean up with a mild abrasive and scouring pad in water. This is a great sharpening system, (priced at $64.95) but if I'm in the shop I'd likely opt for a more traditional oil or diamond stone to sharpen my woodworking tools. If I were out in the field or needed a quick touch-up on a chisel or plane blade, I wouldn't hesitate to use this product. For more info., circle #161 on the Resource Directory Coupon. 10 Popular Woodworking June 2000 |
