Popular Woodworking 2004-10 № 143, страница 32
Powermatic's Feature-laden 14" Band Saw Tool Test Powermatic's 14" band saw has all the bells and whistles, but you're going to have to assemble a bunch of them, so plan for a day in the shop. And although it's a little pricey, this is a quality machine. The PWBS-14CS has a ^-horsepower totally enclosed, fan cooled (TEFC) motor housed in an enclosed base. The motor provides lots of power, and the cabinet-style base contributes to a quiet and smooth cut. The cast-iron table is oversized (15" x 201/2") thanks to the addition of a 51/2" auxiliary table close to the post. The auxiliary table (although a bit fussy to adjust) can be tweaked to match the main table height. Both tables are beveled on their mating edges so the main table can be tilted and still fit closely to the auxiliary table. To make this table more useful, Powermatic has included an accurate T-syle rip fence that locks tightly, moves smoothly and can be adj usted for blade drift. The fence also offers a resaw guide attachment that's handy. When it comes to cutting, the quality bearing guides are fully adjustable and track dead on. Another feature is the Carter-brand quick-tension release that allows for fast blade changes and also helps keep the blade and wheel bearings in good shape by removing tension when the saw is not in use. There's still more: A blower attachment keeps things clean at the work surface. And so you can see that it's clean, there's a work light that throws a good beam, and is still flexible enough to avoid getting in the way. Resaw capacity is a little more than 6", but a riser block is available to push that to 12". And unlike many 14" band saws, the 1V2-hp motor on this model is up to the task of reasonable resawing tasks. The bottom line is this: In the 14" cast-iron category, the Powermatic PWBS-14CS is priced at the top. On the flip side, it's loaded with all the features available and puts in a great performance. — David Thiel For more information, circle #177 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Powermatic PWBS-14CS Band Saw Street price: $900 Motor: 1V2 hp, 115/230V TEFC Blade speed: 3,000 surface feet per minute Weight: 203 lbs. Performance: ••••• Price range: $$$$$ Powermatic: 800-274-6848 or powermatic.com Multi Window Shark 240 mm Japanese Saw Some Japanese saws fail to live up to expectations in the hands of Western woodworkers because the tools aren't used properly or they're used in woods that are unsuitable for that saw's tooth design. The most frequent result of this mishandling is broken saw teeth or a bent blade. However, for the last 18 months, I've been using a Japanese saw that seems as robust and versatile as any Western handsaw in my tool chest. The Multi Window Shark saw sold by Hiraide America is designed to both crosscut and rip in a wide variety of hardwoods. Usually when tools are designed for more than one task, there are compromises, but not with the Multi Window - so named because the Japanese word for "window" also means "possibilities." So the name means it's a versatile tool. With 18 teeth per inch, it cuts quickly and cleanly in every material I've tried it on - exotics to birch plywood to Southern yellow pine. And it tracks like a dream. The teeth are extraordinarily hard (68 on the Rockwell "C" scale) and tough - I have yet to snap one. And the saw blade has remained true. (If you do damage the Multi Window's blade it's easily replaceable.) At .02" thick, the impulse-hardened blade is about twice as beefy as a fine-tooth dozuki or small ryoba, yet it has a finer kerf than my Western saws. What is especially nice about the Multi Window Shark is its versatility. Thanks to the thickness and shape of the blade, it is quite rigid, which allows it to be useful for joinery cuts - it excels at cutting tenon cheeks. And the fact that it doesn't have a steel back (like a dozuki) allows it to make deep cuts. Its only downside is that the blade cannot be resharpened, only replaced. So woodworkers who don't like "disposable" tools won't approve - though the frugal can make a scraper from a used-up blade. One saw cannot do everything. But if you are looking for a saw that comes close, check out the Multi Window Shark. — Christopher Schwarz For more information, circle #178 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Multi Window Shark Saw Street price: $46 Overall length: 22V2", 240 mm Blade length: 9.45" Blade width: 17/s" at toe Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$$ Hiraide: 877-692-3624 or japanesetools.com 30 Popular Woodworking October 2004 |
