Popular Woodworking 2005-08 № 149, страница 26
Tool Test DeWalt's Flush-cutting Jigsaw a Strong Competitor We don't usually use the Tool Test column as a compare-and-contrast opportunity, but when looking at the newest jigsaw from DeWalt, we had to. Bosch has been a recognized leader in the jigsaw category for years, so we put the DW331K up against the Bosch 1590EVS. The result: DeWalt is a strong competitor in the jigsaw category. Both saws' specifications are nearly identical: variable speed, four-position orbital action, blower, toolless shoe adjustment, toolless blade change and dust collection available. Even the prices are within $10 of each other. Some of the differences are slight, but may be significant to the individual user. The Bosch had a 90dB sound rating while the DeWalt came in at 94dB. Also, the DeWalt has a slightly higher strokes-per-minute count (3,100 versus Bosch's 2,800). Plus, the Bosch weighs in at 6.9 pounds, while the DeWalt is slightly lighter at 6.3 pounds. Overall we found the performance of the jigsaws nearly identical. Both had low vibration during use, provided superior performance in cutting melamine and solid lumber, and in handling sharp curves in thick wood. The main differences are two features. The Bosch offers a precision blade guide that offers slightly better blade control in turns. The DeWalt offers what is actually an accessory to allow cuts right up to the front edge of the shoe. This is an extension blade (shown in the j igsaw at right) that is pretty clever. But don't think you can just buy the extension blade and put it in your existing jigsaw. Your guard would need to be redesigned to allow clearance for the blade. The bottom line is neither of these features pushed one jigsaw over the other. Both are good saws, so we called it a tie. The flush-cutting feature may help break the tie for your needs. The last generation of DeWalt j igsaws fell short of our expectations, so with this new model (and a similar 18-volt cordless version for $249) DeWalt was a very strong contender for the "best-in-field" position. — David Thiel For more information, circle #179 on Free information Card. SPECIFICATIONS DeWalt DW331K Jigsaw Street price: $159 Motor: 6.5 amp, 500-3,100 spm Weight: 7.5 lbs Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$ DeWalt: 800-433-9258 or dewalt.com Lie-Nielsen Convex-soled Plane Has Many Uses As my woodworking has evolved to encompass more curved and sculptural forms, including chair seats and the like, I've turned to tools with curved cutting surfaces, from rasps to travishers to specialty spokeshaves. But what I really needed was this new plane from Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. The 100V2 is based on the now-discontinued Stanley version that was marketed to model-makers, patternmakers and luthiers. But in typical Lie-Nielsen fashion, the company has refined the design to make it more useful. The Stanley version had a spoon-shaped sole that was curved in a tight 7/8" radius across its width and in a 12" radius along the sole's length. The Lie-Nielsen's sole has a much shallower curvature (3" by 27"). This reduced curve allows the plane to take a wider shaving in most applications, such as chair seats. However, the biggest improvement is that Lie-Nielsen made its version of the plane with the bevel of the cutter facing up (like a block plane) instead of down (like a bench plane). This is a significant improvement because it allows you to easily alter the cutting angle of the tool, which helps cut reversing or weird grain with less tear-out - a real advantage in curved work. Plus, the lowered position of the blade keeps it from digging into your hand like the original version. The 100V2 has seen a lot of use in my work. It replaced my travisher as the tool of choice for hollowing chair seats. Plus, it excels at tweaking mouldings and working any coved shape. The short length of the plane (5" overall) and its so-called "squirrel tail" at the back of the tool make it a comfortable extension of my hand. — Christopher Schwarz For more information, circle #180 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Lie-Nielsen 1001/2 Street price: about $85 Sole length: 3V2" Iron width: 7/s" Iron: Cryo-treated A2 Performance: ••••• Price range: $$$$ Lie-Nielsen Toolworks: 800-327-2 520 or lie-nielsen.com continued on page 26 24 Popular Woodworking August 2005 |
