Popular Woodworking 2003-02 № 132, страница 65

CONSUMER MODELS

BLACK & DECKER •

This drill is definitely designed for the occasional around-the-house user, and it isn't really suited for the occasional woodworker. Its performance in the two tests was at the low end of the scale and the drill offers few feature advantages. It's additionally hampered by the single-speed drive when compared to a field of high/low speed competitors. This shortcoming certainly contributed to the performance issues, as with the other single-speed drill tested from Ryobi. The battery charger indicator also was lacking, as with all the consumer models. While in general our staff wasn't in love with any of the slide-off battery packs, the spring loading on this model made it a quick release without fumbling. One interesting feature about this drill is the removable chuck allowing a quick (and compact) change to a hex-shaft tool.An interesting idea, but not enough for a strong recommendation.

CRAFTSMAN This drill surprised

the heck out of us with its quality performance in both of the tests, out-performing many of the professional models, as well as all the other consumer units. The construction of the drill and the attention to ergonomic comfort are both excellent. As well as the Craftsman performed, it's still lacking a couple of features that would push it into a professional-recommendation category. The two-sleeve chuck is OK, but the rear ring is a little thin and not always easy to grasp. And we still prefer a single-sleeve chuck. As with most of the other consumer models, the charger is of the 3-hour variety, and the battery needs to be removed after charging. At $70 this is a consumer model that we would comfortably recommend to any occasional woodworker and to many serious woodworkers.

DELTA • Delta is a new player in the cordless drill category, but not in the woodworking field. This drill from the Tennessee-based company is more like the company's benchtop band saws than the Unisaw. It performed adequately in the testing, finishing comfortably in the middle of the pack. At $60 it's priced to compete well with the other consumer models, but doesn't push beyond the competition. The drill feels big in the hand, but still manages to be fairly well balanced. The battery attachment is slip-on, for less chance of an accidental drop, and the rubber over-molded handle is pretty comfortable. I wish I could say more exciting things about the newest brand name in this category, but honestly it is a decent middle-of-the-road drill - period.

HITACHI Priced high for the

consumer category, this model from Hitachi came in a comfortable second in testing, putting on a very good show. In addition, this is the only consumer model that comes with a one-hour charger. Hitachi stopped short of offering a smart charger, which would have increased the value of this tool. This is the lightest consumer model tested, well balanced and comfortable to use. When the quality performance and one-hour charger are balanced against the higher price (and what the heck, the included flashlight's nice, too) this is a good-quality tool for the consumer and woodworking market.This model's predecessor dropped some in price after a little while on the market. If history repeats itself, this higher-price consumer drill will become a true bargain.

RYOBI This one's a head-scratcher. The poor performance from the Ryobi drill can pretty much be linked to the single-speed motor (similar to the like-handicapped Black & Decker model), but we know that Ryobi can make a very good 12-volt drill. In fact, the Craftsman model that won in this category is made byTechtronic Industries Co. (to Craftsman specifications), which also makes the Ryobi USA drills. This isn't a bad drill, but it really doesn't stack up well against the competition and is more aimed at the very occasional home user. It's hampered even more than the Black & Decker model because it's the only drill in either category that doesn't have a brake to slow the chuck when the trigger is released. Our conclusion is that this model is designed for the folks likely to buy a cordless drill in the check-out line and not worry about performance in the long run. Our apologies to Ryobi, but if you want a better 12-volt cordless drill, spend the extra $10 and buy the Craftsman.

SKIL • A decent drill in the consumer category, this Skil finished third in the testing, matching the performance of some of the lower-ranked professional models. Our testers ranked this model the most ergonomically appealing, with good balance, ease of use and a good feel in the hand. This is the only consumer model that has a single-sleeve chuck, offering convenient bit changing. Overall the Skil is a nice drill with decent features. ^fl

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