Popular Woodworking 2001-02 № 120, страница 11
Tool Test One-Handed Clamps With Bar^Clamp Power American Tool has expanded the Quick Grip line of clamps to include its new Advantage models. The Advantage clamps merge a one-handed clamp design with an F-style threaded screw design resulting in an easy-to-use clamp with good holding power. With a reported 600 pounds of clamping force, the Advantage clamps stand up to all but the most strenuous clamping tasks, while the non-marring pad on the swiveling jaw allows the clamp to tighten without sliding pieces out of parallel from one another. The mostly steel construction of the clamp gives a solid feel, and the pieces are well machined for easy adjustment. Available in 6", 12" and 24" lengths, we expect the Advantage clamps to sell for about $35 for the 24" clamp. For more information,circle #I65 on the Resource Directory Coupon. SPECIFICATIONS: Advantage Quick Grip Clamps Street Price: $35 for 24" version Sizes available: 6", 12" and 24" Jaw depth: 3" Clamping force: 600 lbs. Materials: Steel body and heads. Performance: ••••O Value: •••OO American Tool: 800-866-5740, or www.quick-gripclamp.com SPECIFICATIONS: Model FDS12DVA Drill/Driver & Flashlight Street Price: $II0 Battery: I2 volt, I.4 amp-hour (2) RPM: 0-350/0-I,050 Max. torque: I9I inch-lbs. Clutch settings: 22 Charger time: I hour Weight: 3.4 lbs. Chuck: 3/8" keyless Brake: Yes Performance: •••©© Value: ••••• Hitachi: 800-706-7337, or www.hitachi.com Hitachi 12-Volt Kit is One Amazing Deal We've been telling readers for years about the amazing value offered by Hitachi's 9.6 volt FDS10DVAL drill/driver kit. Now we can add a new amazing value in the 12-volt category from the same company. Hitachi's new FDS12DVA is one of the lowest priced 12-volt cordless drills out there, and it's got features all over the place—not to mention the really good flashlight that's included. This isn't the most powerful drill on the market, though the 191 inch-pounds of torque is respectable for most shop applications, and the battery is only a 1.4 amp-hour, which is nearly the lowest amp-hour rating in the category. But priced at $110, this is a very capable drill/driver offering an electronic brake, a variable two-speed motor, keyless chuck and 22 clutch settings. Throw in two batteries, the flashlight, a nice set of screw tips and magnetic holder and this is a real bargain. The ergonomics on the drill are quite good with a well-balanced, center-handle design and one of the lowest weights in this category. The handle is slim enough to get a good grip, and the switches are easy to operate and conveniently located. This is a great gift for yourself or someone you care about (but don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on). For more information, circle #I66 on the Resource Directory Coupon. toolScoop new tools from veritas Works stops on the magazine for an afternoon when the new Lee Valley Tools catalog shows up in the mail.This year's catalog has several new items from Lee Valley's manufacturing company,Veritas, that are worthy of attention. Call 800-8718158 for a catalog or to order. > Ball Tail for Low-Angle Block Plane: If you own (or are about to buy) the Veritas low-angle block plane reviewed in this issue, you might want to consider buying this accessory that converts the plane to a low-angle smoother. The ball tail screws onto the back of the plane, and a high wooden knob replaces the small brass knob on the front.After we re-ground the cutting edge on the plane blade to 25 degrees, we were quite pleased with what these add-ons did to the plane. You can tackle much bigger jobs (such as a small tabletop) and not have to worry about tearout because of the low angle of the blade.At $21.50, it's a must-have accessory. • Jointer Fence:This aluminum fence for your iron or steel plane allows you to cut perfect 90° angles on the edges of boards. It attaches to the side of any bench plane from a #4 to a #7 using rare earth magnets. It easily converts for either right- or left-handers. One last bonus: the fence is drilled so you can add accessory fences that will allow you to shoot edges at any angle.The hand tool guys in our shop were quite impressed with this $25.75 gizmo and are fighting over who gets to use it. These items can also be ordered through www.leevalley.com. 18 Popular Woodworking February 2001 |
