Popular Woodworking 2003-11 № 137, страница 31
NEW FROM RIDGID Ridgid stationary and benchtop machines have been available at The Home Depot for a few years now, but the company has just announced an entire line of new portable power tools designed to compete with the best-known power tools on the market. The new product line includes two levels -professional and consumer - of cordless tools (drills, circular saws and reciprocating saws) in 12,14.4 and 18 volts, with 20- or 30-minute recharge times. The corded line includes 3/8" and V2" drills, hammer drills, circular saws, sanders, reciprocating saws and jigsaws (see our review of the new Ridgid jigsaw in "Orbital Jigsaws" on page 82). All the tools in the line are the result of two years of exhaustive research of marketplace trends and extensive design and testing. These tools are designed to compete both in performance and price. From our initial brief look at the tools, the time and effort spent have produced some rugged, well-designed tools. Each tool will carry a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a three-year warranty against defects. As an introductory offer, through December 2003 each new tool sold will carry a lifetime warranty against defects. The entire line will be available in The Home Depot (along with its existing line of stationary tools, including miter saws, jointers, planers, table saws and more, all with planned upgrades within the year) and also at a number of national smaller retail outlets. For more information on the complete line, visit Ridgid's web site at ridgid.com - DT TOOL RATINGS Performance is rated on a 1-5 scale. You won't see a low rating ("1" or "2") because we don't publicize inferior tools.A rating of "5" indicates the leader in the category. Five dollar signs indicates highest price in the category. Three indicates an average price. If you have tool questions, call me at 513531-2690 ext. 1255, or e-mail me at david.thiel@fwpubs.com. Or visit our web site at popwood.com to sign up for our free, e-mail newsletter. — David Thiel, senior editor Tool Test Amana E-Z Dial Slot Cutter If you use splines, you're going to love this tool. Traditionally you would use your standard spline cutter to make the necessary slots, then you spend a lot of time fitting the spline thickness to a snug fit. With Amana Tool's new E-Z Dial slot cutter, it doesn't matter what thickness your spline is, you just adjust the slot to fit. And the adjustment is as simple as loosening a nut and dialing in the proper size. The E-Z Dial is available in two models offering 1/4m or 1/2m thickness. Each full revolution of the adjusting dial changes the thickness of the cut by 1/32", making precision set-ups easy. The E-Z Dial isn't the least expensive piece of router tooling you'll buy for your shop, but the time and frustration you'll save is worth a lot more. — DT For more information, circle #177 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Amana E-Z Dial Slot Cutter Street price: $150 Size: Model 55500:1/8"-1/4" Model 55510:1/4"-1/2" Adjustment: One full turn = V32" Performance: ••••• Price range: $$$$$ Amana Tool: 800-445-0077 or amanatool.com Festool CT Mini Vacuum While some woodworkers simply need a vacuum to pick up dust, for those who need all the bells and whistles, the Festool CT Mini is the one to choose. The Mini features a tool-triggered or manual on/off switch with a time-delay feature to clear the hose when you turn off your sander or router. The vacuum power (rated at 99 cfm) can be regulated by a variable switch for finesse work. The 10-amp motor, in conjunction with the 1"-diameter, 10' hose, does an admirable (and quiet, 72dB) job of removing dust beyond what you would expect from its size (weighing only 21 lbs.). The CT Mini sports a replaceable two-gallon bag filter (rated at 3 microns) as well as an integrated filter cleaner. So if you need the coolest vacuum on the block, we suggest you get the CT Mini. — DT For more information, circle #178 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Festool CT Mini Street price: $250 CFM: 99,80" of water lift Motor: 10 amp Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$$ Festool: 888-337-8600 or festool-usa.com FastCap's AccuScribe Last February I told readers about the many wonders of the McGrath Scribe and Profile Gauge for installing built-in cabinets. Then the product disappeared after the death of its inventor. Good thing there's the AccuScribe. This scribing tool does everything the McGrath did - plus it's virtually indestructible. The tool excels at fitting built-ins, backsplashes, mouldings and countertops. The manufacturer plans to soon offer the tool with a small rabbet on the end of the "feelers" to allow you to mark offsets on curved work. There are more expensive scribes out there, but most of us need only this tool. — CS For more information, circle #179 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS AccuScribe Street price: $16 Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$ Fastcap: 888-443-3748 or www.fastcap.com 30 Popular Woodworking November 2003 |
