Popular Woodworking 2002-08 № 129, страница 53

The detachable lever handle featured on the Vega base increases its overall stability, as mentioned before. But it can also be a little awkward to use, and we can envision trying to figure out where we put the handle.

We did have one concern that held true for all the mobile bases

we tested. All the bases in our test featured fixed wheels, which don't allow for sideways movement. Though we recognize that swivel-ing wheels decrease stability, we wish all the wheels could swivel in order to make backing table saws (and other machines) into tight corners easier.

Conclusions

Our "Editor's Choice" award goes to the Delta 50-273 mobile base. We love its foot-operated control-lever design. Perfect for shops where machines are mobilized frequently, the Delta 50-273 is sturdy, easy to use, easy to assemble and glides across the floor. Our

"Best Value" award goes to the $70 Shop Fox D2057 mobile base. This base, although more difficult to mobilize than the Delta 50-273, is well-built and easier to stabilize, thanks to its retractable feet knobs. The Shop Fox D2057 is best for machines that need stability more than mobility. PW

DELTA 50-273: STRONG, SIMPLE AND EASY TO USE

After testing all of the bases, the Delta 50-273 mobile base went back on our cabinet saw and we plan to keep it there.Assembly simply requires attaching the swivel caster to the base. The frame, which is very strong, is made out of welded heavy-gauge steel. But this isn't why we love this base.

The Delta utilizes the foot-operated control lever, our favorite lift-mechanism design.This simple, no-nonsense approach makes the machine mobile with very little effort, and it's the best method we tested.At about $90, this base isn't cheap, but it's also not the

most expensive in our test. Because of its quick assembly, ease of use, solid construction and excellent performance, we feel it's the best in our test. If you like this base, but want to save a little money, check out the Delta 50-345, described on page 51.

For more information, contact Delta at 800-438-2486 or www.deltawoodworking.com.

HTC2000: ASSEMBLY REQUIRES PATIENCE

We knew the HTC2000 mobile base's assembly would take some effort when its many pieces and parts arrived expertly arranged in what looked to be a nice shoebox. Assembly took some time and left us with a bit of a headache. But your time spent will save you money.This base costs only about $53.

The HTC2000 is versatile and can be assembled to fit many machines with different footprints. But, versatility and low cost come at a price. Its actuator cams are less convenient than Delta's foot-operated control lever. When kicking the actuator cams up and over to lift the base, you really need to lift up on the machine, something the directions don't mention. Plus, there are two

cams versus Delta's single foot lever.

Like the Delta, this base features rubber feet, which, if your floors are even, require nothing from the operator.

Although assembly is time consuming, the HTC2000 mobile * base works and offers an alternative design for those who don't like or can't always be bending down.

For more information, you can contact HTC at 800-624-2027.

HTC HRS-10: LOTS OF BENDING NEEDED TO USE

The HTC HRS-10 features an all-steel frame and seamless welding. Packaged nicer than most, its instructions include labeled sketches and its assembly is fairly simple. Its movability is fine. But $95 is a lot of money to spend, especially when better designs exist.

We didn't appreciate having to bend down and correctly orient the wheel in order to use the foot-operated locking lever, which, we might add, was too small for the average foot.The base's rear-wheel brake knobs also requires bending down, but we liked the addition of a brake shoe rather than simply allowing the brake screw to grind into the wheel.

We also had some problems with the base's stability. While the back wheels didn't move because of the brakes, the front wheel locked down but was still able to pivot when pressure was exerted on the saw. It's not a major concern, but it's less stable than other bases tested.

Ultimately, the base works. But there are better (and cheaper) options out there.

For more information, contact HTC at 800-624-2027.

52 I Popular Woodworking August 2002