Popular Woodworking 2006-04 № 154, страница 28
Tool Test Powermatic 701: The New Benchmark in Small Mortisers Most hollow-chisel mortisers do what they are supposed to do, but there are usually some features or functions that aren't quite right. On our old mortiser, we won't change the fussy fence unless we absolutely have to, and a pair of Vise-Grips supplements the inadequate depth stop. Powermatic has done a remarkable j ob of rethinking every feature of the machine and has set a new benchmark for small mortisers. The depth stop locks solidly to the dovetail ways, and the fence moves on a rack-and-pinion system, and locks solidly in place with two cam clamps. Once the bit is set parallel to the fence it stays that way no matter how the fence is moved. These two features alone had me sold, but there are many more. There are two built-in spacers for setting the gap between the bit and the chisel that swing in when you need them and out of the way when you don't. The handle can also be used on either the left or the right side of the motor, and can be set in 10 different positions on the shaft. Behind the motor is a rack for storing the chuck key, bushings, extra chisels and a cone-shaped diamond sharpener. The 3/4-hp, 1,720 rpm motor delivered plenty of power quietly, without undue vibration. The hold-down is L-shaped and can be reversed to hold wide or narrow material. There are also two rubber wheel hold-ins to keep material against the fence. These work extremely well as they can be adjusted to hold the stock firmly while cutting, yet allow it to slide easily sideways between each plunge. I cut numerous 3/s" and V2" mortises in white oak, and found this system a bit faster and more convenient than the sliding table on our old floor-model mortiser. This machine costs about $150 more than the typical benchtop mortiser, and it doesn't come with chisels. But it is larger, heavier and more powerful than the benchtop models, and the user-friendly features make it well worth the additional cost. It compares favorably in performance to floor-model machines that cost twice as much, and it leaves all other benchtop models far behind. — Robert Lang For more information, circle #178 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Powermatic 701 Mortiser Street price: S399.99 Motor: Vi hp, 1,720 rpm Maximum chisel capacity: V4" Maximum chisel stroke: 5V2" Performance: —— Price range: $$$S Powermatic: 800-274-6848 or powermatic.com New Small Backsaws from Gramercy Tools Small straight-handled saws have a tarnished reputation these days. Except for the Lie-Nielsen versions, most are poorly made, sharpened and set. Like any saw, their problems can be fixed, but repair takes significant skill when dealing with such fine teeth. Lucky for us, Gramercy Tools has introduced a new line of small saws that are well-made, hand-sharpened and properly set. Called "beading saws," they are available in 4", 6" and 8" lengths that are filed for crosscut-ting. The 8" saw is also available with rip teeth, allowing it to work as a good small dovetail or tenon saw. All of the Gramercy saws have 15 teeth per inch and are surprisingly heavy thanks to the V4"-thick brass backs. The turned rosewood handle (37/8" long) is comfortable in use - the bulbous end nestles into your palm and your thumb rests perfectly against an upswept area near the blade. The blade itself is .021" thick and set to leave a kerf of .03". For the last two months I have been test-driving the 6" saw and the 8" rip-tooth saw. Both saws cut quickly and track a line perfectly, which isn't surprising considering these are premium tools with a premium price ($100 to $110 each). But what was surprising about the saws is how often they ended up in my hand day-in and day-out. Most furniture projects require a good deal of trimming, and that is where these saws excel. When used in conjunction with a bench hook or a bench vise, I found them remarkably useful for notching corners, cutting tenon shoulders and cheeks, and performing the myriad other small cuts that continually crop up. In the past, I would make do with a larger saw or with a small Japanese pullsaw. But now that these excellent small Western backsaws are available, I'm sticking with them and making a space in the tool rack above my bench. — Christopher Schwarz For more information, circle #179 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Gramercy Tools Beading Saws Street price: $99.95 to $109.95 Back: W' thick x 11h6" wide Depth of cut: 13/8" (6" saw), 19/i6" (8") Weight: 8.4 oz. (6" saw), 9.9 oz. (8") Performance: ••••• Price range: $$$$$ Tools for Working Wood: 800-426-4613 or toolsforworkingwood.com 26 Popular Woodworking April 2006 |
