Popular Woodworking 2004-12 № 145, страница 28

Tool Test

Smooth, Quiet Cuts from New Grizzly 8" Jointer

If you've been considering buying an 8" jointer we strongly encourage you to first consider the new G0543 spiral cutterhead machine from Grizzly Industrial.

While this is actually a rework of the G1018 jointer (one that we've recommended in past issues for quality and value), Grizzly has answered many woodworkers' dream s by offering a spiral cutterhead in an 8" machine.

First, let me explain why a spiral cutterhead is a desirable feature. These traditionally industrial heads have the knives arranged to cut on a skew rather than straight, reducing the strain on the motor and providing a cleaner, quieter cut.

A better cut is a good thing in its own right. But even better, the knives are four-sided carbide inserts that are simply screwed in place. There is no adjusting height, no screws and no springs. Because they're carbide you'll already go longer before noticing any dulling, but because each knife is four-sided, it's simple to loosen and rotate an insert a quarter-turn to a fresh edge to adjust for a nick. Very cool.

You're now asking yourself how much this convenience is going to cost you. Well, yes it is a more expensive feature. The G1018 sells for $695, which is a great price. Adding the spiral head almost doubles the price (the G0543 costs $1,195). But before you walk away, compare the price of other 8" jointers. You'll find they range from $1,100 to $1,600, and that's with a standard cutterhead.

While we were very pleased with the G0543 we tested, this still may be beyond your tool allotment. So Grizzly also has a 6" version (G0526, $850) that may better fit your budget.

— David Thiel

For more information, circle #171 on Free Information Card.

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Grizzly G0543 8" Jointer Street price: $1,195

Motor: 2 HP, 24/12 amp, 110/220V, TEFC, 3,450 rpm Table: 8" x 75"

Cutter: Spiral cutterhead with 40 carbide inserts. 22,000 cpm Performance: ••••• Price range: $$$

Grizzly: 800-523-4777 or grizzly.com

Festool's Plunge Router Loaded with Power, Precision

As a class, 3+ horsepower plunge routers are more tool than the average woodworker needs. Unless you rout a lot ofbig mortises, or cut solid surface material on a regular basis, a smaller plunge router is usually a better choice.

But if you need a big plunge router, the Festool OF 2000 E deserves a close look. Like a Mercedes or a BMW, this router is thoughtfully engineered and flawlessly manufactured. The motor is powerful, relatively quiet and vibration free. The controls are all within easy reach, operate sensibly and the plunge mechanism is smooth and precise. To carry the German automobile analogy a little further, when you use this router there is a sense of quality and the expectation that it will be reliable for a very long time.

In operation, this is the nicest plunge router I have ever had my hands on. The V2" collet was deep and nicely machined, and the spindle lock and one-wrench bit changing setup were easy to use. I routed some deep mortises in cherry without any complaints from

the motor. The vacuum attachment snapped in and out easily, and cleared chips well.

This router has a couple quirks that you should be aware of. The depth scale reads in millimeters only, and I would expect a tool made for the U.S. market to read in inches. The bigger problem in my mind was the fact that this router accepts only template guide collars made specifically for it, and there are only four metric sizes available.

One other concern: This is the most expensive router in its class. The inclusion of a decent edge guide and a well functioning vacuum port ease the sting a little. Further to its benefit, this router works with the Festool straightedge guide system, so routing flutes or dados on a regular basis offers other applications that may justify owning this machine. If you need this kind of power and precision, and can live with the idiosyncrasies, this might be the router for you.

— Robert W. Lang For more information, circle #172 on Free Information Card.

SPECIFICATIONS

Festool OF 2000 E Street price: $450 Motor: 2,000 watts, 15 amp, variable speed 12,000-22,000 rpm Includes: Edge guide and vacuum attachment

Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$$ Festool: 888-337-8600 or festool-usa.com

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Popular Woodworking December 2004