Popular Woodworking 2002-12 № 131, страница 44
Veritas Scraper a Better Tool at the Same Price The cabinet scraper is an essential tool for both rough and fine work. It can hog off dried glue from a panel, flatten a tabletop or even remove wispy shavings before final finishing. It's all in how much you turn the tool's camber screw to bow the blade. The new Veritas cabinet scraper is bigger, beefier, heavier, more durable and comfortable to use than the Stanley #80 scraper, on which this new tool is based. And here's the part that will make you happy: The Veritas scraper doesn't cost any more than the Stanley. Priced at $33.50, the Veritas cabinet scraper is made using unbreakable ductile iron. The blade is 23/4" wide and has two cutting edges beveled at 45°. The sole of the scraper is about 25 percent bigger than the Stanley version and the blade is set forward a bit more, which gives you more control at the end of your cut. The angle of the handles makes long scraping sessions as comfortable as possible. Among all the tools in the scraper family, the cabinet scraper is the easiest to sharpen and set up. A file, sharpening stone and burnisher is all you need to get started. With all these improvements, the Veritas is the clear choice. Contact Lee VaIIey TooIs at 800-871-8158 or IeevaIIey.com Triton's Cool New Router From Down Under This router is from Triton, a tool manufacturer that's new to the U.S. market. We did some checking, and in its native Australia, Triton is a well-respected brand. The router we tested indicates that the respect is appropriately placed. Noteworthy features include the plunge mechanism that lets the collet extend past the base for easy bit changes (in and out of a router table). In this position, a spindle lock is automatically engaged and the power switch cover plate locks closed to keep your hands off the switch. They've also included a depth-adjustment mechanism that's rather new. The router offers the traditional free-plunging mode and locking lever for in termediate positions, but they also added a "winder" mode to allow easy, precise depth adjustments at your fingertips. The router is a 314 hp (15 amp) tool with variable speed (8,000 to 20,000 rpm) and soft-start convenience. The tool accepts both i/2" and H" bits and is shipped with a pretty nice cutting guide that functions as both edge guide and circle-cutting jig. Triton even tossed in a 1/2" carbide straight bit. This is a well-thought-out router with some great innovations. At $329 it's a little pricey, but well worth a careful look. Contact Triton at 888-874-8661 or tritonwoodworking.com. Tools Too New To Test There were also a few tools unveiled this year that were too new to test or use in time for this issue's deadline. These are the tools we'll be talking about in 2003, but here's a sneak peak. SawStop Table Saws - The makers of the SawStop safety device are offering their own table saws with the device in place. The machines are not too pricey and look pretty nice. Performax 12" Sander - A single-drum, "C"-arm version for the small shop woodworker. The price should be less than $500. Delta Butterfly Grinder Nut - This replaces the grinding wheel nut with a hand-tightened and loosened butterfly nut that makes the process toolless. We're anxious to see other applications. Bosch Cordless Jigsaws - Being offered in 14.4-, 18- and 24-volt tools, these powerful cordless saws also offer toolless blade removal that's easier than anything else on the market. Lee Valley Portable Dolly - A plastic, four-piece, shape-adjustable snap-together dolly (203/4" x 141/4") with a load limit of 220 pounds, priced at $8.95. This we've got to see. Ryobi $100 Oscillating Spindle Sander - A 3.5-amp motor spins the spindle at 2,000 rpm and oscillates at 58 opm, while offering a 5/8" stroke length. The table size is 191/4" x 153/4" and the 49-pound machine includes dust collection, five rubber spindles and sanding sleeves. Cool. Lie-Nielsen Chisels and Spokeshaves - Look for a set of nice chisels based on a desirable old Stanley pattern soon. Also, the company has planned a line of spokeshaves. The smallest shave is available now, and so far we're impressed. PW 45 |
