Popular Woodworking 2003-08 № 135, страница 24
Tool Test WaldMann Workbenches an Excellent Value Not every woodworker has the time to build a proper workbench, which is a time-consuming project. But commercial workbenches can be as expensive as a premium cabinet saw. To fill that need, WaldMann Benches has a line of traditional well-appointed beech workbenches at reasonable prices. The Professional 7423 model we tested for several months costs $800. That's a good deal when you start shopping around. The WaldMann bench is heavy (240 pounds) and includes a face vise with a 10" capacity and a quality shoulder vise that opens 81/2" - that's great for dovetailing drawer sides. Standard equipment includes two steel bench dogs, a handy drawer and a board jack on the right leg that lets you clamp large panels in the face vise. Assembly is a snap. It took just 35 minutes to get the bench out of the box and on its feet. The fit and finish are fine for a workbench, though not for a Duncan Phyfe high The day the Ryobi OSS500 oscillating spindle sander arrived in our shop, we had a half-dozen woodworkers visiting. The machine caught their eye, so I gave them the tour. We sanded some white oak in an overly aggressive style on the 11/2"-diameter spindle. Everyone nodded their heads, liking the action and power of the machine. A quick check with an engineer's square showed negligible spindle deflection during sanding, and the dust collection (through a built-in 21/2" port) was effective. Then I told them the price. "Less than $100?" they said. "Where? I'll go get one right now!" Ryobi's got a winner with this machine. While an oscillating spindle sander (OSS) isn't the first thing woodworkers put in the shop, its usefulness quickly becomes evident the first time you need to sand any curve, large or small. When it comes to curves (inside and out) an OSS is the way to go. The 0SS500 has a 191/4" x 153/4" table that is small enough to maneuver around but large enough (thanks to its teardrop shape) boy. There's a little putty here and there, but everything fits and moves smoothly. And remember: This is a workbench. If you do any handwork, you'll find this bench ideal. If you do a lot of handsawing, I recommend you spend a little extra money ($100) to purchase the 7423C, which has a large cabinet below the top. Despite the weight of the 7423, you can still push it around during aggressive sawing. A till full of tools will fix that in a second. I've built five workbenches in the last few to support most work. The OSS500 is heavy enough to stay put, but it can be screwed to a work surface if you prefer. The sander is sold with five rubber spindle sizes and another ^"-diameter spindle that doesn't require a rubber cylinder. Also included are three grits of sanding sleeves (50, 80 and 150 grit), six throat plates and convenient storage for everything. The machine's universal motor (using a permanent magnet rather than a wound field, with only the armature energized) provides good performance. It slows some under use, but not enough to affect the sanding performance. The motor is louder (76 decibels) than other OSS machines we've tested, but not enough to send you running for some hearing protection. Overall we were as impressed as our guests. This is a perfectly functional and well appointed oscillating spindle sander. And by offering it for less than $100, we anticipate a lot of happy spindle sanding taking place in home shops very soon. — David Thiel For more information, circle #147 on Free Information Card. Street price: $800 Top size: 237/8" x 743/4" (plus shoulder vise) Height: 33V Top: 43/4" thick at skirt, 1 ^1/2" at center Weight: 240 lbs. Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$$ WaldMann: 248-684-1377 years. But after trying out this bench, I think my next one might very well be a WaldMann. — Christopher Schwarz For more information, circle #146 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Ryobi OSS500 Spindle Sander Street price: Less than $100 Motor: 3.5-amp permanent magnet motor 6 Spindles: IVW, 1",11/2",2", 3" Spindle RPM: 2,000 Oscillations: 58 per minute, 5/8" stroke Weight: 49 lbs. Performance: •••OO Price range: $ $$$$ Ryobi Technologies: 800-525-2579 Ryobi Spindle Sander: Power at a Reasonable Price 22 Popular Woodworking August 2003 |
