Popular Woodworking 2002-02 № 126, страница 46
JET JWTS-10PF Our test of the JWTS-10PF started off a little rocky. While the assembly was generally user-friendly, we ended up having to do some extra drilling to align the holes on the fence rails. The bevel pointer was bent out of orientation during shipping, and the instruction manual could have done with some better photography. But after the assembly was complete, the strong points of the saw became obvious. Motor performance proved to be excellent, while offering extremely low vibration.The fence system, the reliable T-square clone design, proved accurate, easy to read and easy to use. With the two solid cast iron wings and a table board the work surface is a very ample 56V4" wide.The fit and finish on the tool was very good, with little room for complaint. This saw is extremely close in design to the Powermatic 64A, with the major differences being the right-tilt design and a noisier (though better performing) motor on the Jet. In deciding which tools to award Editor's Choice to, we decided that ultimately it was more important how the tool continued to operate, rather than what it took to set it up the first time and felt it appropriate to recognize the Jet, as well as the Powermatic. www.jettools.com/800-274-6848 POWERMATIC 64A One of the first affordable contractor saws offered with a T-style fence and a left-tilt design, the 64A has seen some upgrades since Powermatic was purchased by the Jet Group.Though still very similar to the Jet saw in features and design, assembly proved easier on the Powermatic with improved imagery in the instructions as well.The Powermatic has a somewhat less efficient motor than the Jet, but still very respectable and a significant nine decibels quieter motor than the Jet. But for the paint color, the fence systems on the two saws are nearly identical, though the lever on the Powermatic's fence was beefier.We did encounter more vibration from the Powermatic unit, but to counter that the blade guard on the Powermatic is of a superior design for ease of use, and they've added some plastic caps on the fence rail (for appearance) and added leveling feet on the base. Both saws are priced the same, so picking between the two was tough. So we decided to let you decide. If you prefer a left-tilt machine with a quieter motor, the Powermatic is for you. (Mobile base in photo not included.) www.powermatic.com/800-248-0144 We found the packaging on this saw to be quite impressive. Packaged to fit in two economically sized boxes, the parts were nested within each other throughout, but all parts were well protected and well labeled to make assembly smooth. Even the motor was boxed, and the box itself offered a handle to help lift the motor conveniently, which is usually like wrestling a greased hog.The TS2424 comes standard with a mobile base that is a little fussy to set up, but a welcome accessory. Interestingly the open cast wings (though not our personal favorite due to finger injuries) were the only wings attached using bolts and nuts, rather than machine bolts threaded into the main table.The fence rail attaches using slip-over T-bolts, making assembly efficient and quick. The fence system also employs a micro-adjust feature like the Craftsman, but the Ridgid's relies on friction against the rail, rather than a toothed gear. To adjust the fence square to the table you'll need to shim underneath pads below the fence.The saw is shipped with a decent dust collection box mounted under the saw and includes a hose hookup and hose. The motor mounting and pulley guard were simple to attach and user-friendly. For all the nice touches and user-friendly features on this saw, it still comes down to using it on a day-to-day basis.While the saw tied for least vibration and quietest of those tested, we found the motor capable, but not stellar and the fence lacking in ease of use and scale readability, leaving the Ridgid model in the middle of the pack. www.ridgidwoodworking.com/800-474-3443 Small Refinements Are Nice While it may not seem to be important, the redesign of the pulley guard (left) on the Craftsman and Ridgid saws made mounting the motor and adjusting or replacing the belt simpler. The more traditional metal guard requires two or three hands to mount the motor and more often than not a wing nut ended up in the sawdust during the struggle. How About a Cabinet Saw? If you're planning on spending $850 on a Is nice contractor saw, you might want to ( J fft) think about a cabinet saw instead. | Amazingly, Grizzly Industrial offers the G1023S, a , § E£ B 3 hp, 220-volt cabinet saw for less than $800. This saw includes the T-style design Shop Fox Classic rip fence. Cabinet saws have more power, less ' vibration (the trunnions are mounted to the cabinet, not the top), and a more stable working platform. Grizzly also offers a left-tilt version (shown above) for $895 and a version with a smaller motor than runs on 110 power.We've had the G1023S in our shop for two years and find it an excellent option (if you can get 220 power in your shop) to a contractor saw — at the same price! 44 Popular Woodworking February 2002 |
