Popular Woodworking 2001-02 № 120, страница 9
Tool Test Delta 20" Scroll Saw Aims for the Middle There are two different groups of scroll saw users: those who use the scroll saw as their main tool, and those who use one occasionally. If you're in the first category, you usually buy an expensive ($1,000 plus) scroll saw with a stand and all the bells and whistles. The second group usually buys a benchtop model for about $200 that is fine for occasional use. However, there were always two scroll saws in the middle of the pack that were worth paying attention to: the 18" Delta Q3 ($390) and the 20" DeWalt DW788 ($450 with stand). Both are excellent machines, with performance that — in our opinion — rivals some higher-priced saws. For years we favored the DeWalt because of the extra capacity. But now Delta has come along with a new 20" saw for $480 that makes the decision a lot tougher. Many of the features on the 40-680 are similar to the DeWalt. There's an oversized teardrop-shaped cast iron table, the tilting table has a positive stop at 90°, there's an adjustable dust blower, parallel arm design for smooth cuts, convenient switch locations, quick-change toolless blade holders and a sturdy, height-adjustable stand. The differences are worth noting. Instead of electronic variable speed, Delta's 40-680 uses an induction motor and stepped pulleys to change the speed — much like on a drill press. This setup allows sustained cutting power while still keeping the motor cool during long periods of use. Also, officials at Delta contend (and I'll support this with my experience) that most scroll saw users pick one speed and use it most of the time. Another Delta improvement is an upper arm lock that holds the arm in the "up" position for easier blade changing and for threading the blade through holes in the material for interior cuts. In use we found this to be a smooth, powerful and easy-to-use saw. It has the feel of a stationary machine rather than a benchtop model and performed very well. Even with a slightly higher price, our "best of both worlds" scroll saw recommendation now leans toward the new Delta 40-680. For more information, circle #161 on the Resource Directory Coupon. SPECIFICATIONS Model 40-680 Scroll Saw Street Price: $480 Motor: 3.5 amp, I20v Speeds: 6: (400,700, 1,200, 1,400, 1,600,2,000 cutting strokes per minute) Table Size: 20" x 16" Table tilt: 47" right, 15" left Weight: 115 lbs. Stroke: 7/8" Throat: 201/2" Thickness of cut: 2" Blade length: 5" Performance: ••••◦ Value: •••◦◦ Delta: 800-438-2486, or www.deltawoodworking.com SPECIFICATIONS: Grizzly G9900 Dial Protractor Street Price: $39.95 plus shipping Materials: All-steel construction Accuracy: To within V\i of a degree Performance: ••••• Value: ••••◦ Grizzly: 800-523-4777, or www.grizzly.com Grizzly's Dial Protractor Offers Machinist's Accuracy on a Woodworker's Budget When setting your table saw blade to any angle other than 45°, it's wise to be skeptical of the gauge on your saw. Most of us have turned to the $30 plastic gauges or even more expensive options to double-check our setups, but now there's a better option. Grizzly Industrial, which makes woodworking and metalworking machinery, now offers a dial protractor that not only sets or checks an angle with astounding accuracy, but it's only $39.95. Capable of measuring to within 1/12th of a degree, this well-made tool is an angle maniac. By using the 60° and 45° bevels on the beams themselves, quick referencing of angles is made even more simple. These fixed bevels, in addition to the acute angle attachment, allow you to determine angles by simply adding or subtracting the angle of the attachment. Believe it or not this measuring device has so many possibilities it comes with a book of instructions. And every week we come up with some new use for this tool. If you work with angles in your shop (and who doesn't) this protractor will save you hours of swearing and prevent lots of mistakes. For more information, circle #162 on the Resource Directory Coupon. 14 Popular Woodworking February 2001 |
