Popular Woodworking 2003-12 № 138, страница 36
Freud Shimless Dial-a-Width Dado Stack If you like using a dado stack, then this new one from Freud will please you to no end. If you hate dado stacks, this one might make you change your mind. The problem with dados is getting the perfect width cut. Shims are always a pain and make setup awkward. Dado stacks adjusted by a dial are nothing new, but most aren't well-made. Freud's SD608 not only cuts splinter-free, flat-bottomed dados, but the dial-hub adjustment allows the user to sneak up on the perfect width (in .004" increments with each click of the dial) without having to remove the blades from the saw. The blades are of premium quality (as we expect from Freud) and the dial hub can be switched to accommodate either left- or right-tilt saws. — David Thiel For more information, circle #172 on Free Information Card. Ridgid's 5" RO Sander Sanders aren't exactly sexy things to write about, but Ridgid's new 5" random-orbit sander is pretty hot in the world of smoothing wood. The R2600 sports a 3-amp variable-speed (7,000 to 12,000 rpm) motor that provides a pleasant soft start and removes material nicely without shaking your hand apart. The soft over-molded grips make it comfortable to use, and we liked the conveniently located power switch. Its bag for dust-collection is efficient and adapts to either 1H" or hoses. But the best thing about this sander is the "Micro Fiber" hook-and-loop pad. Studded with hundreds of smaller hooks, the paper grabs and doesn't let go. The hooks are supposed to hold up to abuse longer - we'll get back to you on that. This is a well-made, well-priced tool and we're happy to have it in use in our shop. — DT For more information, circle #173 on Free Information Card. Taking Doweling to a New Level For many woodworkers, biscuits have replaced dowels as the "loose tenon" of choice. But some still prefer dowels, and for some jobs dowels still are best. That's where Dowelmax shines. This meticulously manufactured doweling jig offers a level of precision, stability and versatility not previously available. To make single, double, triple, offset, flush, mitered or "T" 3/b" dowel joints, the Dowelmax will guarantee accurate results. While a bit on the expensive side, the machining on the jig is unparalleled. Included in the kit are spacers for a variety of material thicknesses, a distance gauge for accurate panel work, a bit with a stop collar and a great instructional video that helps walk you through all the different possibilities available. — DT For more information, circle #174 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Freud SD608 Dado Street price: $270 Size: 8", 24-tooth, five chippers Performance: ••••• Price range: $$$$1/2 Freud: 800-334-4107 or freudtools.com SPECIFICATIONS Ridgid R2600 Sander Street price: $80 Motor: 3 amp Orbit diameter: 3/32" Weight: 3 lbs. Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$ Ridgid: 866-539-1710 or ridgid.com SPECIFICATIONS Dowelmax Street price: $169 (V4" guides: $35) Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$$ Dowelmax: 877-986-9400 or dowelmax.com A BIT OF NEWS ... We thought we'd share a couple of interesting items from the world of bits and blades. Infinity Cutting Tools There's a new router-bit dealer on the block: infinity Cutting Tools.The large (and growing) line of bits available from infinity features steel bodies that are machined from solid-steel bars, not cast. C-4 micrograin carbide is then added to the anti-kickback designs, and a poly-tetraflouroethylene (PTFE) coating is applied to help minimize any build-up of resin and pitch.They are priced to compete with other premium router bits on the market. We've tried the bits (made in Florida) in the Popular Woodworking shop and have only good things to say. For more information on the entire infinity line, call 877-USA-BITS (872-2487) or visit infinitytools.com. Amazing Deals on Router Bits If you've ever considered buying a big set of router bits, you should check out two sets from Woodline USA and MLCS. Each set offers a dizzying array of 66 bits (either V4" or V2" shanks) for only $190! Both sets include straight, dovetail, core-box, roundnose, flush-trim, mortising,V-groove, ogee, roundover, beading, rabbeting, chamfer and cove bits. And a wall-mountable case is included with each. The Sam Maloof Signature Series Master Craftsman Collection is available from Woodline USA (800-472-6950 or woodbits.com).The Millennium Router Bit Set is available from MLCS (800-533-9298 or mlcswoodworking.com).While there are some bits you might rarely use, these are remarkably complete sets and the price will give you options you could never otherwise afford. TOOL RATINGS Performance is rated on a one-to-five scale. You won't see a low rating ("one" or "two") because we don't publicize inferior tools. "Five" 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 513-531-2690 ext. 1255, or email 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 72 Popular Woodworking December 2003 |
