Popular Woodworking 2003-10 № 136, страница 84

Popular Woodworking 2003-10 № 136, страница 84

12 BEST TOOL

VALUES

Some tools are worth a lot more than you paid for them.

SHARK DOWEL/ DETAIL SAW

For quick cutting jobs and unusual sawing tasks, this junior-sized, thin-kerf, $15 Japanese-style saw is the one to grab. Whether you're cutting dowels flush, trimming stock or tackling a dovetail, this is the one. We've even used it in tight spaces to notch studs for a pipe. Because its remarkably sharp teeth run almost to the tip, you can saw with just a V2" stroke when needed. And when you crumple a few teeth, don't worry: Just pop in a new blade ($10) and go back to work.

Shark Corporation: 800-891-7855 or sharkcorp.com

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SHINWA 6"PRECISION RULE

To measure accurately and immediately, you need a good 6" steel rule. The Shinwa has nicely etched markings in 1/64", V32", V16" and 1/s" increments and also has scales on the end of the rule for easy height set-ups. With a nice satin finish, this is almost Starrett quality for one-third the price (item #60N47.01 is only $4.95 at Lee Valley).

Lee Valley: 800-871 -8158 or leevalley.com

For the last 60 years, master woodworker George Reid has kept the same folding ruler in his white shop apron. That ruler has stood by him as he built some of the most incredible reproductions of 18th century American furniture imaginable (visit popwood.com for a sample). And, in return for its loyal service, Reid has never replaced it, despite the fact that it is scored in several places from encounters with his Delta tilting-top table saw.

We all have favorite tools that are worth far more than we paid for them. Recently we came up with our all-time favorites. We narrowed our list to things you can buy new today (or very comparable models) so we wouldn't force you to hit the flea markets for your tools. (Prices are current as of publication deadline.)

— Popular Woodworking editorial staff

LIE-NIELSEN 601/2 BLOCK PLANE

Without a doubt, the Lie-Nielsen 601/2 is the best block plane ever manufactured. No antique or new plane can beat this plane's precision, quality and ease of setup. Armed with this tool, there is little you cannot do. Remove saw marks from the edges of your boards, trim joints perfectly flush and slice off translucent shavings of end grain (yes, end grain) with ease.The plane is heavy, fits perfectly in your hand and is a bargain at $150. If you own only one Lie-Nielsen plane (a tough task for some of us), this is the one.

Lie-Nielsen: 800-327-2520 or lie-nielsen.com

'PONY' BAND CLAMP

There are many times when clamps with bars or pipes won't work or are less than ideal. The solution, quite often, is the modest band clamp. On mitered joints, chairs or boxes, whether square or looking more like a coopered bucket, these clamps pull joints together with ease, exert equal pressure and hold the parts in place to boot. For less than $8, you get the clamp with a 16'-long band and four plastic corners to prevent the bands from crushing delicate edges.

Adjustable Clamp: 312-666-0640 orwww.adjustableclamp.com

84 Popular Woodworking October 2003