Popular Woodworking 2003-02 № 132, страница 31
Craftsman 6Vs" Jointer Offers Affordable, Powerful Performance The first thing that intrigued us with this machine was finding an enclosed-stand jointer in a small flat box. Craftsman did a clever job of shipping a sturdy, enclosed-stand jointer in a compact space. After assembly we checked the tables for flatness (no problems) as well as the fence (a .004" bow at the center lengthwise, but not enough to cause problems). Features include a decent plastic dust-collector port (4" connection) and as hokey as it may sound, a handy metal shelf for the two good-quality push paddles. During testing, we found the fence to be square to the table right out of the box. But if a 90° or 45° angle isn't your goal, it's less convenient because there are no markings or set-pin locations. One benefit of the fence is the ability to adjust for both internal and external 45° angles. To test performance, we started with a simple facing operation, and we easily accomplished a series of 1/32" passes on a rough 6" piece of figured cherry with no tearout. To push the envelope, we reset the depth to the maximum Vs" and ran the same board again. There was a distinct change in the motor sound, but the jointer handled the cut with Craftsman 21706 Jointer Street price: $380 Motor: 1 hp induction, 5,000 rpm Fence: 41/2" x 291/4", tilts in and out to 45° Table: 7V2" x 46V8" Weight: 230 pounds Performance: ••••O Price range: $ $ Craftsman: 800-377-7414 or craftsman.com little hesitation and still made a nice cut. Changing the high-speed-steel knives is reasonably easy using the two height-adjustment screws (similar to jackscrews). Overall, similarly outfitted 1 hp units range in price from $325 to $499. At $380, this Craftsman provides a good-quality machine at a better-than-average price. For more information, circle #150 on Free Information Card. Shop Dolly a Versatile Snap-together Bargain When we saw the ad for an $8.95 snap-together dolly rated at 220 pounds, we had to take a look. It's worth every penny! I'm not saying you should park your router table on this guy and roll it around your shop, but for need-it-now mobility, it does quite well. Each 31/4" x plastic section has four staggered swiveling plastic casters, and the sections snap together (using dovetail joinery) to form a variety of shapes, or to add to another dolly set. The package includes four of the sections and measures 201/2" x when assembled as a rectangle. The snap-together joinery isn't perfect and the casters can be a little balky (carpeting is a bit of a hurdle), but for less than $10 there'll be one in my trunk! PW SPECIFICATIONS Portable Dolly (99W39.77) Street price: $8.95 Performance: •••OO Price range: $ Lee Valley: 800- 871-8158 or leevalley.com For more information, circle #130 on Free Information Card. When it comes to dedicated aftermarket jigs, we usually err on the "less is more" side, feeling the money can be better applied elsewhere. We're not necessarily changing our tune in considering the Leigh Frame Mortise and Tenon Jig (FMT), but it's a heck of a jig. Priced at $800, we were skeptical when introduced to this new tool from the well-respected dovetail jig manufacturer (leighjigs.com). But after a few hours of viewing and reviewing the engineering and quality that went into the manufacturing of the jig, it looks like a good investment.This isn't a jig for everyone, but if you're going to be making lots of mortise-and-tenon joints, the FMT offers a slick, intelligent approach with guaranteed accuracy and success. Even the stout hold-down clamps on this tool are worthy of high praise. The jig's precision is impressive.You can cut tight mortises and tenons in stock up to 3" x 5", or as small as a matchstick. Both the mortise and tenon cuts are guided by a single snap-in guide.Tapered guide pins in the router base follow the guide and offer .001" accuracy. The sub-base itself allows the router to be removed for other uses, then reinstalled to the same accurate setup in a couple of minutes. Initial setup on the base can be fussy, but once set, it can be forgotten. Other features include an easily adjustable clamping plate with a 30° range, a tenon side-stop fence that also offers 45° adjustment to left or right, a retractable sighting system to quickly locate mortise and tenon locations in the material, and table-limiting stops for easy single-joint setup or for repeatable multiple-joint use.This is a slick system that we'll be using to build a project in the April issue. popwood.com 31 |
