Popular Woodworking 2004-06 № 141, страница 28
Bosch's Improvements Put Jigsaw in the Winner's Circle In our November 2003 review of orbital jigsaws, the Bosch unit we tested was about to be upgraded and we weren't able to include the new version. That's too bad, because this tool would have been a contender. Available in top-grip (1590EVS, tested) or barrel-grip design (1591EVS) the new models include the highest amperage motor in the class (6.4 amps), providing great power through any cut. Its variable-speed motor with soft-start and constant-response circuitry keeps the blade speed up even during tough cuts. We're glad to see the blade-changing sys tem upgraded. The new ' model is user-friendly, with snap-in loading and a simple lever to eject the blade. Plus, Bosch has added a precision control guide in front of the roller-bearing guide that can be engaged to provide consistent side pressure on the blade to keep it from wandering off cut. In testing, we noticed some deflection (1/32n in a ^"-radius turn in 1" maple), but it's a very stout guide system. Other features include a switchable blower, four orbital blade settings and a toolless beveling footplate. Welcome back to the top of the list, Bosch. — DT For more information, circle #172 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Bosch 1590EVS Jigsaw Street price: $170 Motor: 6.4 amp Speed: Variable, 500-2,800 strokes per minute Stroke length: 1" Weight: 6 lbs. Performance: ••••• Price range: $$$$ Bosch Tools: 877-267-2499 or boschtools.com Magnetic Featherboards Offer a Quick Extra Hand Featherboards keep your work tight against fences and machine tables to reduce kickbacks and keep your hands away from cutting edges - always a good thing. The trick has always been to make the featherboard easy enough to attach so you'll actually use it. The Grip-Tite magnetic featherboards from Mesa Vista Design offer the ease, convenience and strength to make using feath-erboards a routine practice rather than a chore. Because they're magnetic, you don't need to locate them near a miter slot. The basic unit offers a strong magnetic base (up to 100 pounds of holding power) and Lexan side fins on the sides that hold wood against a table saw's rip fence, jointer fence or any fence as long as the table is metal. If you want to use it as a hold-down, the unit also includes an "L"-shaped fin that mounts in the handle. Or, as an upgrade set, the company offers an auxiliary metal fence plate that will allow the magnetic units to attach directly to the fence for very strong hold-down control and an unobstructed saw table. SPECIFICATIONS Grip-Tite Featherboards Street price: $40 each, or upgrade kits for about $140 Performance: ••••□ Price range: $$$$ Mesa Vista Design: 800-475-0293 or grip-tite.com Other features include a cam-release lever at the rear of the featherboard that forces the unit off of the table. That's a good thing because the magnet is strong enough to make release difficult. While you may not think you need one of the upgrade kits, by the time you buy two basic units, the extras are worth the higher price. — DT For more information, circle #173 on Free Information Card. VERITAS GAUGE ADDS FINE ADJUSTMENT The Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge always has been an excellent tool for marking out tenons and dovetails.And now this Canadian company has made some improvements to the gauge that make it easier to dial in your setting. The gauge now has essentially three rings that ride the 8"-long stainless-steel rod. First get your setting close by moving the head where you want it. Then lock the two knurled rings against each other and dial in your exact setting by rotating the head. Every turn of the head moves it V32". Also, Veritas made it possible for the cutter to be recessed into the head of the tool to protect it. Plus the cutter itself has been upgraded. These changes make the gauge a lot like the excellent Tite-Mark gauge from Glen-Drake. The Tite-Mark is more intuitive to adjust and has more accessories, but the Veritas is less expensive: $26-$33, versus $79 for the Tite-Mark. - CS For information, circle #174 on Free Information Card. Performance: ••••□ Price range: $$ Lee Valley Tools: 800-871-8158 or leevalley.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. 1255, e-mail me at david.thiel@fwpubs.com, or visit our web site at popwood.com to sign up for a free, e-mail newsletter. — David Thiel, senior editor 26 Popular Woodworking June 2004 |
