Popular Woodworking 2001-12 № 125, страница 24

Two-Base Router Kits

We love getting a deal on tools, and when you can buy a good-quality router that accepts both a plunge and fixed base, you've got a great deal. Porter-Cable did it about two years ago, and it took awhile for the competition to respond. But respond they did, and both Bosch and Makita have come out with both collets blazing.

Both the new 1617PK and 1617EVSPK (shown) from Bosch and the Makita RF1101KIT have improved on the PC 690 kit. Two kits offer variable speed, and the Bosch models offer a base-release mechanism that is a toolless snap. The details on the Makita aren't finalized, but we're

told a toolless option is under consideration (we tested a preproduction model). Both new routers are strong performers, with excellent height adjustment, good ergonomics, and plenty of power (12 amps on the Bosch and 11 amps on the Makita).

They are, however, priced higher than the Porter-Cable kit ($200), with the single-speed Bosch at $220 and the variable speed at $240. The Makita should price out just under $300, but they've thrown in a number of accessories not provided by Bosch or Porter-Cable. If it's your first router, or your next router, one of these kits will make an excellent choice.

Contact Bosch at 877-267-2499 or www.boschtools.com,andMakita at 800-462-5482 or www.makita.com.

Bridgewood TSC-10CL Contractor Saw

For the average home woodworker, the 10 contractor saw satisfies most needs. Yes, a beefier cabinet saw might be more desir able, but the cost just doesn't always make it practical. That's why we were delighted to test the Bridgewood TSC-10CL.

This contractor saw has many of the features we look for: a solid cast wing (only one, though); a quality, accurate rip fence; sturdy construction; and it's a left-tilt saw, offering improved safety and convenience. Best of all, it's now sale priced at $499 That's nearly $200 less than most compa rable saws. But you're not giving up qual Contact Wilke Machinery at 800

ity for price. This is a nice saw. The cast metal handles function smoothly, the motor provides plenty of power for routine use and the switch is conveniently located. The fence is a copy of the Biesemeyer rip fence (one of our f avorites) but with the addition of aluminum faces on both sides that offer T-slots for attaching stops or accessories.

Bottom line, it's got all the features a home woodworker needs in a table saw at an unbelievable price. Build a table insert for the right side of the saw, and you're in great shape.

235-2100 or www.wilkemach.com

Clifton Bench Planes

If you need proof that high-quality hand planes are making a comeback, look no further than the new English-made planes from Clifton. These Bailey-style planes have all the desirable features as the coveted (and long discontinued) Bed Rock planes from Stanley. The Cliftons are heavy, well-made and easily beat the pants off any new Stanley or Record plane.

Of course, the real question is how the Cliftons compare to Lie-Nielsen's line of high-quality bench planes. The Cliftons, if you haven't noticed, can be bought for less than the same-size Lie-Nielsen ($55

to $130 less). Here's the dirt: The Lie-Nielsen plane bodies are made from nearly indestructible ductile iron, so they're more likely to survive a fall than the grey iron Cliftons. Lie-Nielsen's frogs are cast bronze, which isn't susceptible to rust like the grey iron frogs on the Cliftons. The Cliftons come with a different cap iron, which is more easily removed for sharpening. But in performance and ease of setup, we see very little difference between the two. The Cliftons are simply great planes. Our only real question is how Clifton makes a tool this good for so little money.

Contact Robert Larson Co. at 415-821-1021 or www.rlarson.com

44 Popular Woodworking December 2001