Popular Woodworking 2005-02 № 146, страница 88
GENERAL 30-115 M1 Overall the General performed average. It offers the standard features, but doesn't go beyond in any significant way. Even the price is middle of the pack. We did record better-than-average performances during the noise-level testing (second best variance under load) and a low variance in amperage draw (again second best) indicating an efficient motor on the machine. A safety switch is included to eliminate accidental starts, which is nice. On the other side of the coin, we also registered worse snipe from this machine during testing. Plus we encountered a quality assurance problem with the hand wheel. Whether the wrong wheel was shipped, or it was machined poorly, the hole was oversized making it inoperable. The company responded to our concerns by sending us a replacement handle in a prompt manner. In summary, it's a fine machine but doesn't stand out in any significant ways to recommend it beyond the machines we selected as Editor's Choices. General: 514-326-1161 or general.ca G0551 The results on the Grizzly offered a "best of times, worst of times" scenario. We got good results on the finished cut test, showing few knife marks and little snipe, but the board didn't feel as smooth as it should have. It's a well-priced machine ($745), but after that our results fell short. We found the Grizzly to have a less-efficient motor. It's an enclosed-base machine, but the motor is mounted above making knife access less convenient. We also had the highest jump in noise level (15dB) when running our test board, to the point where I actually stopped the motor to make sure the head was spinning the correct direction. In the end it's not a bad machine and the price is good. But if you're looking for a bargain machine, we'd suggest you take a close look at the Yorkcraft. Grizzly: 800-523-4777 or grizzly.com JWP-16OS One of only two true open-frame machines in the test, we were actually very impressed with the ease of assembly of the base, and the quality and stability of the base when completed - nicely done. Another interesting statistic on the Jet is that while we're reviewing 15" planers, this model is classified as a 16" planer. Yes, the head and table will take a 16" width. And there's nothing wrong with that. The Jet is also one of three planers that registered negligible snipe during testing. The motor proved to be slightly less than we hoped, with the second highest drop in speed under load, though the amperage draw was acceptable. We also recorded more head parallelism variation (from side to side) on the Jet than on the other planers in the test, but still consider it to be within tolerances for woodworking. Overall it's a good machine, but for $200 less we felt better was available. Jet: 800-274-6848 or jettools.com popwood.com 83 |
