Popular Woodworking 2004-02 № 139, страница 35
FastCap TriTape Includes Notepad and Sharpener When you check something with a tape measure, your next action is most likely writing down a dimension. For that you need a sharp pencil and a notepad. The TriTapes from FastCap make this routine easy. Available in 16' and 25' lengths, each of the TriTapes has a built-in pencil sharpener and an erasable notepad on the side of the tool. All you supply is the pencil. Far from being a gimmick, the tapes are well-made with a 1"-wide blade that stands out to 8' without kinking. The case has a soft over-mold grip and a brake that makes it simple to stop the tape during retraction with slight pressure. The belt clip is even improved to release easily with slight thumb pressure, but it holds strong when required. And best of all, the scale on the PS (Pad Standard, shown at right) blade is easy to read and marked in 1/32" for the first 12". FastCap also offers a PSS-R model that has left- and right-reading scales for ambidex- SPECIFICATIONS FastCap TriTapes Street price: $6.50 for 16' $9.50 for 25' Performance: •••©O Price range: $$ FastCap: 888-443-3748 or fastcap.com trous use. These are nice tapes in their own right (though they may be a little chunky for some), they're priced very well against the competition and the added features honestly have value. — DT For more information, circle #177 on Free Information Card. DeWalt DC500 Cordless Vacuum Let's say this right up front: Unless you need a wet/dry vacuum that is cordless there are more affordable options than the new DeWalt DC500. However, if you need ultimate portability without a cord, DeWalt has put everything in a tidy package. The DC500 will run on either AC or battery power and has a number of handy tools to make job-site clean-up a whole lot easier. The wet/dry filter from GORE (the same company that makes GORE-TEX fabric) offers dust collection up to 99.7 percent efficiency (according to DeWalt). Stored on the vacuum is a 5' positive-lock rubber hose with 11/4" opening that can also be attached to the exhaust side of the tool to turn the DC500 into a blower. Other useful tools include a wide nozzle and crevice tool. The suction produced is adequate for most light-duty jobs, and can be used as an at-the-tool dust collector for smaller woodworking tools. Be aware that the DC500 does not come with a battery or charger - but it will run on 12-, 14.4- or 18-volt DeWalt batteries you may already SPECIFICATIONS DeWalt DC500 Vacuum Street price: $99 Power: 12-, 14.4- or 18-volt battery packs Capacity: 2 gallons Weight: Under 10 pounds with battery Performance: •••OO Price range: $$$$$ DeWalt: 800-433-9258 or dewalt.com own. Cabinet and kitchen installers are going to love this tool and will be willing to pay for the cordless convenience. — DT For more information, circle #178 on Free Information Card. RYOBI'S 3-BASE ROUTER The RE1803BK kit offers a variable-speed 9.5-amp motor with three bases and is a good buy at $180 for the occasional user. And it's all wrapped up in a cool canvas carrying bag.The motor has a nice soft-start feature, good power, low vibration and reasonably low motor noise. Along with the fixed, plunge and D-handle bases, the kit includes an edge guide and a five-piece template guide bushing set. For the more experienced user, there are some things that will be disappointing. The D-handle and fixed-base releases are awkward, requiring the motor be extended to maximum height to be released.The adjustment ring used for this process is set for fine adjustments, but it makes changing the base too much work. The motor buckle lock holds the motor tight, but it doesn't come to a positive stop, causing the user to question whether the buckle is securely locked.The plunge base action also is less than perfect, with a rough plunging motion that, with just a little sideways pressure, can be stopped. As long as the user understands there are some trade-offs for the savings, this kit is an acceptable bargain. — DT Street price: $179 Motor: 9.5 amp Speed: Variable (15,000-25,000) Collet: 1/4" & 1/2" Performance: •••OO Price range: $$$ Ryobi: 800-525-2579 or www.ryobitools.com 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. 1 255, or e-mail me at david.thiel@fw-pubs.com. Or visit our web site at popwood.com to sign up for our free, e-mail newsletter. — David Thiel, senior editor popwood.com 33 |
