Popular Woodworking 2002-08 № 129, страница 54
BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR BASE Although a simple device, mobile bases differ greatly in design and construction. Some models make mobility a breeze but are difficult to stabilize. Other models offer features that easily compensate for floor deviations but are difficult to mobilize.Therefore, you should consider how you plan to use your mobile base before you buy. If you're going to be moving your machine a lot, look for a design that offers a simple approach to getting things rolling. Models that feature foot-operated control levers or actuator cams allow you to quickly and easily mobilize your machine.These designs require shims or repositioning rubber feet to compensate for uneven floors but, in the long run, you'll appreciate the model's overall ease of use. If you're lucky enough to have a designated spot for each of your machines and you only plan to move them occasionally, consider choosing a base with a solid lock-down mechanism - even if that base is more difficult to mobilize. Models that feature retractable feet or detachable handles and levelers easily compensate for floor deviations, serving more as a stand than as a utility to mobilize. Lastly, consider how easy it is for you to stoop down. If squatting is an act better left in your younger years, choose a base that requires more footwork than handwork. POWERMATIC 2042336: WELL-BUILT BUT NOT VERSATILE The Powermatic 2042336 mobile base is specific to the Powermatic 66 cabinet saw - a left-tilt saw with a footprint bigger than most cabinet saws. Our right-tilt cabinet saw caused some stability problems, therefore we recommend you use this base only with the 66. With that said, the Powermatic base tied with the Vega base for being the most expensive in our test. Upon arrival, the base was completely pre-assembled, which, after the shoebox incident, was really nice. All the corner joints were welded, increasing stability. But we didn't like the base's locking mechanism. The base's locking lever is bigger than HTC's locking lever, which is nice. But we like Delta's design better. Bending down to lock the back two wheels is time consuming. And the locks eventually could damage the wheels. The base works on the right saw but there are cheaper, more versatile bases out there that are faster to use. For more information, contact Powermatic at 800-274-6848 or www.powermatic.com. SHOP FOX D2057: HEAVY-DUTY, GOOD FOR UNEVEN FLOORS The Shop Fox D2057 heavy-duty mobile base is strong. Although the base takes some time to mobilize, its welded joints and four wheels offer increased stability. Assembly took some time, but the directions, which include labeled pictures, were clear. The Shop Fox's retractable feet knobs require bending down to turn. When locking down the base you must turn the knobs an additional half turn once they touch the floor, slightly lifting the base - an act that's hard on the hands but allows you to easily level the base to an irregular floor. This system isn't great for those who plan to move their machines a lot. But for those who only need mobility once in awhile, this base offers great stability (no shims required) and, costing about $70, it's cheaper than many other mobile bases out there. For this, it earns our "BestValue" title. For more information, contact Shop Fox at 800-840-8420 or www.woodstockinternational.com. VEGA MMK-1: OFFERS BEST STABILITY BUT EXPENSIVE The Vega MMK-1, with a street price of about $100 (which includes the handle, a one-time buy when purchasing multiple Vega bases), was one the most expensive bases in our test. But it also offers the best stability. Unlike all the other bases in our test, the Vega base, when not mobile, rests on its steel framework, on the floor. The wheels don't touch the floor. Vega includes a leveler to compensate for uneven flooring. Its detachable handle, although a little awkward to use, makes this stable design possible. We liked its stability. We didn't like how you adjust the size of the base.Versatile, this base can be built to fit any number of machines. But to achieve this, stretch ers are sleeved into the corner brackets to adjust for the correct size. Then set screws are tightened against the top surface of the inside stretcher. The holes aren't tapped all the way through, giving the base an opportunity to become loose if the stretchers slide, which is worrisome. For more information, contact Vega at 800-222-VEGA or www.vegawoodwork-ing.com. |
