Popular Woodworking 2001-06 № 122, страница 20

Popular Woodworking 2001-06 № 122, страница 20

Craftsman 17501

Though this machine ties for lowest price with the Freud JS100, it doesn't compare in quality or performance.The 17501 is essentially the same machine as the RyobiJM80K, but with a poorer quality plastic fence (though the large handle at the front of the fence is reasonably hand-friendly). Two knobs simultaneously adjust both the height and angle of the fence.This makes adjustment awkward and difficult, as well as making it possible to lock the fence out of parallel with the blade.The indicator markings on the depth stop are difficult to interpret.There is no switch lock to hold the machine in the "on"position.This machine does offer the best dust collection facility, with a port that is virtually impossible to clog.

BISCUIT JOINERS

Craftsman 27730

A near-clone of the DeWalt DW682, this tool is worlds better than the less expensive Craftsman l750IThe fence is an exact copy of the one on the DeWalt, and that's a good thing.The scales are easy to read, and the dual rack-and-pinion height adjustment is accurate and easy to use. The one-piece flip-down fence allows it to be used at an angle or squared to 3A" material without leaving a loose part lying around.The paddle switch has a nice feel, but the lock-on switch is in an awkward location.The location of the exhaust port forces air into your face during a cut, which isn't a critical flaw, but is annoying. Different from the DeWalt, the Craftsman employs a single top knob and a shortened stubby body. Both of these changes make the tool more awkward to use.

FENCE

STREET SCALE/ PRICE DETENTS

MAT. ANGLE SIZE CAPACITY

_MOTOR

AMPS/ AMPS/ AMP NO- LOAD VAR. LOAD

DeWalt DW682K

This tool offers a nice one-piece flip-down fence for easy changeover between angled and square cuts.The fence has dual rack-and-pinion height adjustment for accurate and simple operation. With an extended body compared to the Craftsman 27730, the paddle switch location is away from the dust bag, causing no ergonomic problems, and the grip size is comfortable in your hand.All the indicator scales are easy to read and operate.The blade runout during our testing was negligible.As with the Craftsman clone, this model suffers from a poorly located switch lock-on, and the exhaust air tends to blow directly into your face during a cut. One stand-out from all the tools tested is the sturdy steel storage box included with this tool.

BLADE

#OF ANTI- BLADE TEETH KICK KERF BACK

_MOTOR

AMPS/ AMPS/ AMP NO- LOAD VAR. LOAD

BLADE

#OF ANTI- BLADE TEETH KICK KERF BACK

dB/ NO-LOAD

Craftsman 17501

$100

135, 105, 90 75, 60, 45°

Pl.

0-135°

3-3/4" x 5-1/4"

3.5

6.7

3.2

102

8

Yes

0.159

0.165

0.006

Craftsman 27730

180

0, 90°

Al.

0-90°

2-1/2" x 4-3/4"

2.8

6.75

3.95

104

6

No

0.155

0.166

0.011

DeWalt DW682K

150

0, 90°

Al.

0-90°

2-1/2" x 4-5/8"

2.7

5.89

3.19

103

6

No

0.150

0.154

0.004

Freud JS100

100

0, 45, 90°

Al.

45, 90°

2" x 4-3/4"

2.8

3.89

1.09

103

6

Yes

0.155

0.164

0.009

Freud JS102

125

0, 45, 90°

Al.

0-90°*

2" x 4-3/4"

2.7

4.49

1.79

104

6

Yes

0.154

0.157

0.003

Lamello Classic C2

329

0, 22.5, 45,° 67.5,90

Al.

0-90°*

2-1/2" x 5"

2.64

4.07

1.43

105

6

Yes

0.154

0.159

0.005

Lamello Top 20

629

0, 22.5, 45, 67.5,90°

Al.

0-90°*

2-1/2" x 5"

4.0

5.89

1.89

101

6

Yes

0.133

0.159

0.026**

Makita 3901

160

0, 45, 90°

Al.

0-90°*

2-3/8" x 5"

2.47

4.93

2.46

102

6

Yes

0.153

0.156

0.003

Porter-Cable 557

200

0, 90, 135°

Al.

0-135°

3-3/4"x 5-1/4"

3.08

5.29

2.21

98

6

No

0.159

0.159

0.000

Ryobi JM80K

115

0, 45, 90, 135°

Steel

0-135°

3-3/4" x 5-1/4"

3.55

6.08

2.53

101

8

Yes

0.188

0.191

0.003

KEY: * Angles past 90° (including 135°) can easily be achieved by attaching the 90° fence and adjusting the angle of the adjustable fence. ** Blade geometry for the Top 20 is different than all the

KEY: * Angles past 90° (including 135°) can easily be achieved by attaching the 90° fence and adjusting the angle of the adjustable fence. ** Blade geometry for the Top 20 is different than all the

MODEL

dB/ NO-LOAD

HOLE KERF

30

Popular Woodworking June 2001