Popular Woodworking 2003-11 № 137, страница 87
Porter-Cable 9543 The Porter-Cable model 9543 jigsaw is a victim of progress, just like the Bosch. Introduced as an innovative design a few years ago, the toolless blade system is now cumbersome and not all that user-friendly compared to its rivals. The toolless shoe adjustment is still the best, with preset detents at 0°, 15°, 30° and 45° and a lever that locks down very positively. The saw performed average in the speed test, but better in the curve test, with little deflection concerns. It incorporates Ridgid R3120 Ridgid is a new name in portable power tools, but there's good pedigree behind this saw. Made in conjunction with Metabo, there are a number of similarities between the saws.The performance in testing was OK in speed, but it had some difficulty in the curve test, wandering more than expected. The lever-style blade change is fairly easy, but it could benefit from a dual-action release. As with the Metabo, the shoe (Allen wrench required) has a nice positive stop design at the a split-rod blade guide with rear-bearing support, similar to the Festool, for very nice blade guidance. One annoying problem is the dust. Even with the three-position blower (with a knob so small it's difficult to adjust) the dust managed to always be blowing right in our face. Moderately priced, the Porter-Cable cuts well, but needs an upgrade to improve the blade change system and the blower problems need attention. Though a good saw, it falls short. (porter-cable.com) 0°, 15°, 30° and 45° bevel settings. The cord is good-quality rubber and includes a nice hook-and-loop cord wrap and an illuminated plug to indicate when the power is on. No dust blower is included, but a wand for vacuum hookup is.The Ridgid is only available as a top-handle design and is a nice jigsaw that offers a tad more features than the Metabo for $15 less.There's nothing bad about this saw, but it's edged out by a few competitors. (ridgid.com) ORBITAL JIGSAWS
KEY * Speed in strokes per minute (spm) R = rubber; P = plastic ** Decibels recorded from 2' away ** ** * KEY * Speed in strokes per minute (spm) R = rubber; P = plastic ** Decibels recorded from 2' away ** ** * t Cutting speed settings - (0) = no orbit, (3) = maximum orbit; speed is in seconds ft Blade deflection in inches from S-curve test; exterior is listed first ttt If the jigsaw vibrated off the piece of paper before the 30 seconds was up, we note how long it took LOOKING AHEAD ... Set for a February 2004 introduction, the Bosch 1590EVSK jigsaw will be the next generation. It will feature a 6.4-amp variable-speed motor (500-2,800 spm) with soft-start and constant-response circuitry to resist stalling. Bosch representatives tell us that it has a precision-control blade-guide system to virtually eliminate any blade wander. The One-Touch Blade Change system is expected to provide simple one-handed blade insertion and lever-blade ejection.The saw also will feature a toolless shoe bevel. Expected to weigh 6 lbs., the 1590EVSK will retail for about $170.We can't wait to see it. 86 Popular Woodworking November 2003 |
