Popular Woodworking 2002-04 № 127, страница 19
Bosch's Plunge Router Designed for Router Table Use For years, router tables — combined with plunge routers — have offered woodworkers many of the features of a shaper at a fraction of the cost. One nagging problem, however, has been the plunging spring that always pushes the router to the "up" position. The Bosch 1619EVS router was designed to solve this nuisance by making it possible to disengage the spring and the plunge lock, allowing the motor to hang free for easier adjustment. Combined with a depth adjustment rod that locks into the turret depth stop (linking the base to the depth rod) the cutting height can be adjusted precisely and almost effortlessly in a router table. But this router isn't a one-trick pony. The 1619EVS also offers soft start, Bosch's Constant Response circuitry to maintain speed and power under load, a spindle lock for one-wrench bit changes, variable speed and plenty of raw routing power. We put this router through its paces and found that it definitely has the power to tackle any job. The feedback circuitry maintains a constant rpm to allow larger cutters to keep working, even at low speeds. We found that disengaging the spring was a complicated task at first, but with practice it becomes second nature. Even with the spring disengaged, the height adjustment wasn't effortless, however. There's a big motor on this router, so gravity is working against you. But the effort is nothing like fighting against the spring. Once locked in place under the table, the fine adjustment knob works easily to adjust the cutter height with a tight precision with a quarter-turn equating to 1/64n change. While not a problem when being used out of the router table, we found the lock-on button on the right handle awkward when inverted under a table. A secondary switch mounted on the motor (as with some other larger routers) would be beneficial. Conveniently, the Bosch router table we were using (model RA1200) has an independent switch mounted on the table to plug the router into, solving this awkwardness. Many woodworkers have been modifying their own plunge routers by removing the return spring. We're glad to see a manufacturer recognize an idea that's overdue and improve on it. While the 1619EVS is priced at the high end of the large plunge router category, we feel the features and the performance of this tool justify the price, and make this a valuable tool for woodworkers who spend a lot of time at their router table. For more information, circle #142 on Reader Service Card. SPECIFICATIONS Bosch 1619EVS Street price: $320 HP/amps: hp/15 amp RPM: 8,000 - 21,000 Plunge depth: 29/ie" Collets: V4" and V2" Weight: 13.2 pounds Performance: ••••◦ Value: •••◦◦ Bosch: 877-267-2499 or www.boschtools.com TOOL SCOOP Veritas 51AW Plane Shows Refinements When I reviewed the Veritas 4V2 smoothing plane in the August 2001 issue, I complained that it is a bit fussy to set up. Veritas has W9 just released its second bench j v v mmmy* just released its second bench S v v plane, a 5V4W /w >N| (sometimes / i called a junior / jack plane) / and it seems the bugs have • been worked out of this new line of bench planes. The cap iron doesn't bend the blade when fully screwed down, and the throat is much less likely to clog with shavings because the plane body has been altered to allow more room for chips. However, I still find that the frog locking screw, which secures the frog to the plane body, requires a delicate touch to get just right. This 5V4W required less fettling than the 4V2 and is an excellent size for trimming inset doors and drawers and for smoothing edges of shorter pieces. It's a good value at $175. Buy it from Lee Valley Tools, 800-8718158. Also, for the record, a couple readers have pointed out that the blade adjuster that Lee Valley uses is actually not a Norris-style adjuster. It was patented by Leonard Bailey in 1878 and appeared on his #12 Victor pocket block plane. — Christopher Schwarz Update On Rockler's Miter Gauge Rockler's accurate and well-priced miter gauge has been redesigned. Previously, the gauge used "poker chip"-like ridges to align the head every 21/2°. Rockler has redesigned the head to now offer 11/2° accuracy — a measurable improvement. Rockler also redesigned the fence to include a tall milled-flat aluminum face with an adjustable (and replaceable) MDF front piece.The adjustable-width miter bar is now 2" longer to increase stability when cutting larger pieces.The miter gauge and fence (with adjustable stop) is priced at $129, which is $30 to $40 less than much of the competition. Incra offers a more affordable gauge, but it doesn't offer the wide range of repeatable settings, the high fence or quality stop.Take a look at the changes by contacting Rockler at 800-279-4441 or www.rockler.com. If |
