Popular Woodworking 2004-04 № 140, страница 34
Porter-Cable's New Routers Cover All the Bases Porter-Cable's new router system is playing catch-up with its multi-base kit competitors, but now it has not only caught up, it has surpassed them in many ways. This system sports a variable-speed, soft-start, 12-amp motor with electronic feedback to maintain constant speed in use. The motor is quiet with low vibration, yet produces lots of torque. A two-position power switch (at the top and base of the motor) is designed to make hand-held or router-table use equally convenient. There are three bases available in the system that can be purchased separately or in kits. Shown is the 895PK kit with the fixed and plunge bases. The third option is a variant of a "D"-handle base offering through-the-handle dust collection. The fixed base offers the option of through-the-table height adjustment when in a router table. The adjustment handle is first used to release the base clamp, then is moved to the adjustment socket in the base. For in- or out-of-table bit changes using the fixed base, the collet completely clears the base, engages a spindle lock and disen gages the power switch for safe, convenient one-wrench bit changes. The plunge base (designed to accept template guides) offers a manual shaft lock but will not let the collet clear the base. By switching base plates with the fixed base, the collet will extend beyond the base. In testing the 895PK kit in our shop, we found switching the bases to be smooth and simple. The performance of the motor was very good and the plunge action was reasonably smooth. We did notice some plunge hesitation when pressure was not applied evenly to both handles, and we thought the switch on the plunge base was further away than preferable. Also, the plunge base would benefit from an active fine-height adjustment. The fixed base was our favorite of the two, with the switches conveniently located, and the height adjustment smooth and precise. Overall, Porter-Cable's 895PK kit is a strong competitor and is priced well for the performance offered. — David Thiel For more information, circle #170 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Porter-Cable 895PK Router Kit Street price: $250 Motor: 12 amp, 2V4hp Speed: 10,000-23,000 rpm Cord: 10' rubber Collet: V4" & V2" Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$$ Porter-Cable: 800-321-9443 or porter-cable.com Fisch's Improved Benchtop Mortiser When we reviewed benchtop mortisers in August 2001, we had a lot of complaints about the crop of machines available at the time. The biggest two flaws were that the slow-speed machines tended to stall too much and the devices that held your stock in place came loose too often as you worked. Since then, Fisch has made some significant upgrades to its machine that make it a serious contender in the benchtop market. The three biggest changes are a beefier motor, a more robust depth stop and a much-improved holddown system. The motor is rated at 3/4 horsepower (up from 1/2 hp). It still runs at the slower speed (1,720 rpm), but it's less likely to stall in white oak and hard maple. The depth stop is now bulletproof. On the old machine we could make the depth stop slip during normal working conditions. This new version always stays put. But our highest praise goes to the im provements made on the holddown system. Most mortisers are a pain because the hold-down's post will pull out of the fence or the forks will pull off the post at the top. When this happens, all work stops. To fix this, Fisch added a notch in the post that secures it to the fence - it never slips. And the top forks are now attached to the post with two setscrews instead of one. Regarding the machine's other features, the spring-loaded micro-adjustable fence takes some getting used to. I'm more comfortable with a simpler fence system (I took the spring off so it now works like I am accustomed to). However I know many woodworkers who really like this fence system. All told, the Fisch upgrades are impressive. If you are considering purchasing a benchtop mortiser this year, the Fisch belongs on your short list. — Christopher Schwarz For more information, circle #171 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Fisch BTM99-252 Street price: $240 Max. chisel capacity: V2" Speed: 1,720 rpm Weight: 63 pounds Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$ Fisch: 724-663-9072 or fisch-woodworking.com 32 Popular Woodworking April 2004 |
