Popular Woodworking 2000-12 № 119, страница 20
metabo impulse drill When we tested Metabo's BST 12 Plus we thought its "impulse" function was clever and useful, but not reason alone to buy the tool. By flipping a switch on the back of the drill, the motor pulses in either forward or reverse to break loose stubborn screws or start screws or holes without letting the bit "walk." Then we put the center-handled 12-volt drill/driver through its paces for several months and were impressed by the overall performance of this German tool. Selling for about $215, the BST 12 Plus comes with two 2-amp-hour NiCd batteries, a two-speed gearbox (0-450/0-1,600rpm), a V2" single-sleeve keyless chuck, variable speed control with an electronic brake, 20 clutch settings and a whopping 466 inch/lbs. of torque. In all, the tool is balanced, powerful, sensitive and a joy to use. One quirk of the drill is that the forward/reverse switch works the opposite from what is the industry standard. Left-handers will, as a result, love this drill. For the rest of us, it's worth getting used to. mm Contact Metabo at 800-638-2264 or www.metabousa.com Contact Porter Cable at 800-487-8665 or www.porter-cable.com revamped compressors he market and not yet reviewed in Popular Woodworking, ^able has modified its line of compressors with dramatic ;ults. By changing both the turn-on and turn-off levels for the machines and increasing the maximum psi ratings, an air tool attached to these compressors can operate longer before the machine kicks on, and the replenish the air in the tank sooner without a drop in : simplified version of the improvements, but suffice it to ressors provide better performance by 28 percent to 140 !5 psi rated tanks. We're fond of the whole line, but in 4515 (priced at $199), which offers 5.7cfm@90Psi and hp CPL6025 ($249), which offers 6.8cfm@90psi with a mpressors that provide more performance than similar irers — and at a better price. dewalt's dw746 stationary table saw Though first shown to magazine editors in 1999, the DW746 wasn't really available until early 2000 when we had our chance to _ ^ put it through its paces. There may be some confusion as to what category this saw falls into, but after some discussion we've decided to consider it a contractor saw with some nice cabinet saw features. Boasting a 13/4hp (15 amp) spring-tensioned, belt-driven motor mounted inboard of the base, the DW746 ($900) offers a good quality cut in hardwoods with little vibration. The inboard motor reduces the footprint of the saw for smaller shops, and an enclosed shroud around the blade assembly allows for the best dust collection in a contractor saw that we've ever seen. Two heavy-gauge stamped steel wings are standard on the base model. The rip fence is a T-style fence with good accuracy and repeatability, and the fence face can be moved forward or back to improve stability in unusual cuts and setups. DeWalt also offers a sliding table accessory ($400) that is a great addition. Though slightly more expensive than the competition, this is a saw any woodworker should welcome into the shop. Contact DeWalt at 800-433-9258 or www.dewalt.com |
