Popular Woodworking 2004-12 № 145, страница 30
Tool Test Revolutionary No-kickback Saw Two things to know about the Twin Cutter: One, this is a truly amazing saw. Two, you don't need one in your woodworking shop. Let's start with the amazing. The concept of the Twin Cutter saw is that there are two %4"-wide blades that spin in opposite directions to create a 5/32"-wide (approximately) kerf. So what? Good question. How about the no-kickback effect created by the counter-rotating blades. No kidding. The action of the blades actually makes it feel like there is little-to-no kickback (or pull in any direction for that matter) as you're making a cut. Not only is this a nice safety feature, but it makes it easier to handle the tool for more accurate cuts. Part two: This is not a saw designed for making precision cuts. It's essentially a demolition or rough carpentry tool. At that, it excels, but the 61/8"-diameter blades limit the cut depth to 17/8", while the guard makes even that an exercise in dexterity. One deficit to the counter-rotating blades is that trying to make a turn in a cut can cau se the tool to pull or lift. This isn't dangerous, but the smooth operation is interrupted. Stick to the straight and narrow. We found it a handy tool for rough cutting in a variety of materials (plastic, steel and more), and even for a little light carving. While priced reasonably at $180, be aware that a pair of replacement blades will cost another $50. So why are we wasting ink and paper to tell you about this tool? Because we like to think ahead - as does Craftsman. This tool is already being adapted for a next generation more in line with a standard circular saw. As woodworkers, we can see further down the road to when the technology is possible for use on a radial arm, miter or a table saw. No kickback? Bring it on! — DT For more information, circle #175 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Craftsman Twin Cutter Street price: $180 Motor: 7.8 amp Blades: 2-61/8", 36-tooth carbide Speed: 4,600 rpm Performance: •••OO Price range: $$$$ Craftsman: 800-549-4505 or craftsman.com Starrett ProSite Protractor While most woodworkers will go out of their way to avoid having to do accurate miter work, we all have to do it at some time. Whether it's adding a bonnet to a highboy or simply fitting an entertainment unit into a corner, accurate miters are a fact of woodworking life. And when it comes to accurate dimensions, Starrett is always a name we trust. So we were happy to take a look at the Starrett ProSite Protractor. This is a very simple tool that will take some of the difficulty out of miters. Two 12" x 14'-thick aluminum plates are hinged at an easy-to-read, flush-set dial. "Easy to read" is the critical phrase here. To use the tool you simply spread the two legs and place them flat against the two adj oin-ing surfaces. If working on crown moulding in a corner, read the red arrow and red dial to find the required miter saw setting for each piece. If you're working with only one piece to fit in the angle, use the black arrow and black dial - it's quite simple. The hinge on the ProSite Protractor is factory-set to a certain tension. It's tight enough to hold a dimension (even ifbumped), but still move with reasonable pressure. If you're not excited about cutting miters, this tool will also function as a layout tool, transferring angles from one piece to another. You can also use it for setting up machinery - well, some machinery. And that leads to a couple of things we weren't totally pleased with. The size of the protractor is a little large for machinery set-up (especially on a table saw), and it's actually a little small for gauging larger corners. Another thing we questioned is a lack of markings on the scale, especially for the more often used 221/2°. Then there's the price of the tool. Expect to pay around $40 for this accuracy assistant. If miters are an important part of your work, then it's a valuable tool. But you'll have to make that call. PW -DT For more information, circle #176 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Starrett ProSite Protractor Street price: $40 Material: Aluminum Legs: V4" x 12" Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$ Starrett: 978-249-3551 or starrett.com 28 100 Popular Woodworking December 2004 |
