Popular Woodworking 2002-08 № 129, страница 24
TOOL SCOOP Osborne EB3 Miter-Gauge Upgrades \ The newest version of the Osborne Miter Guide (the EB3) is now available. What's different? Read on. Osborne has redesigned the fence, making it adjustable from left to right, to move the fence closer to the blade during angle cuts (the EB2's fence position was fixed). This reduces vibration and tear-out concerns. The fence now also includes an adjustable extension, allowing crosscutting materials up to 42" long - a big improvement. The flip stop (unchanged from the EB2) mounts on the extension to retain its usefulness on the full length of the fence. The fence can still be flipped to the other side of the miter bar to allow operation on either side of the blade, but that process has been complicated a little by some of the upgrades. Also changed is the method of repeating miter settings with the guide. The EB2 had a spring-loaded bearing on the outrigger bar that dropped into detents in the aluminum outrigger bar. The EB3 has done away with the spring and now you push the bearing into the detents to set the angle. While this makes adjustment a little more cumbersome, it does allow for easier setup for "slightly off" settings without having to fight the gauge. In addition, while Osborne officials are confident that the tool is accurate when shipped, end-users wanted a way to tweak the angle setting. The EB3 now offers an eccentric mounting point at the rear of the outrigger arm, allowing fine adjustments to true the angle setting. The miter bar also has changed, offering three expansion slots versus two, providing a better fit along the length of the guide. The EB3 will command an extra $20 in price, selling for about $180. We like the upgrades. This is an improved, more useful and accurate model. The Osborne EB3 Miter Guide is available direct from Excalibur at 800-357-4118 or www.osbornemfg.com. DeWalt's XRP Line of Cordless Drills Adds a Third Speed for Woodworking The newest thing in cordless drills isn't more volts, it's more speeds. What does that offer? More control of your speed and torque. We applaud the growing number of cordless drills that offer two speeds, allowing the user to choose between high speed (for drilling holes) and high torque (for sinking screws in a coordinated and efficient manner). Now DeWalt has added a third option: offering higher rpm for better small-bit performance, and a balance of competent speed that's linked with reliable torque. The DeWalt-built motor in the DW980 offers 350 inch/pounds of torque, putting it comfortably in the upper strata in the 12-volt category. The third speed also offers a 29 percent increase in rpm, pushing the top speed range to 1,800 rpm. Another feature is an all-metal 1/2" ratcheting keyless chuck to keep a tighter grip on the bit. The drill also sports a 23-position clutch, all-metal gearing, a metal gear case, anti-slip comfort grip and two batteries with a diagnostic one-hour charger. OK, do you need three speeds? We put the drill in our shop and used it for a variety of projects during the course of a couple of months. Overall the drill performed nicely, but while we worked back and forth through the extra gear we can tell you it was more of a convenience than a life-altering experience. There was at least one time when the benefit was apparent. While sinking brittle decking screws in some tricky wood, the drill's balance of torque versus speed kept the screw heads from snapping off. We did like the feel of the overmolded grip and even the overmolded strips on the SPECIFICATIONS DeWalt DW980K-2 Street price: $170 Power: 12 volt RPM: 0 - 1,800 rpm Max torque: 350 inch/lbs. Chuck: V2", steel Weight: 4.9 pounds Performance: ••••O Value: •••OO DeWalt: 800-433-9258 or www.dewalt.com rear of the motor. They made the drill comfortable to use, even when bearing down on the back of the tool. While the all-metal chuck is nice, the size and weight of the chuck made the drill somewhat nose-heavy. We also noticed some hesitation in the switch when moving between the three gears, making the process not as smooth as it could have been. Priced in the middle of the category, the DW980 drill proved to be a nice addition to the workbench with a unique ability. While the benefit of that ability may not always be obvious every day, it hasn't significantly increased the price, so why not? PW For more information, circle #142 on Free Information Card. |
