Popular Woodworking 2006-10 № 157, страница 14
Tool Test Hitachi Revamps an Old Friend with Mixed Results For the past 17 years, the M12V plunge router from Hitachi has been a staple in many professional and home shops, often serving as the tool of choice for router tables. Hitachi decided it was time for a makeover, and the M12V2 is the result. What's the difference ? The M12V topped out at 20,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), while the V2 has an extra 2,000 rpm. Hitachi has reworked some ergonomics on the tool and, of course, the V2 now wears the distinctive tennis-shoe body molding like the company's other new tools. What Hitachi hasn't done is to significantly improve the tool. The plunge depth-adjustment mechanism is easier to use and more accurate. The variable-speed control wheel has been moved from the top of the router to the right handle, which improves the ergonomics during handheld operations. The router does offer plenty of power, and the soft-start feature is great for safety and comfort. The reworked collet lock is an improvement over the old design, and the grip ergonomics are an improvement as well. However the M12V spends a considerable amount of time in a router table. The tool's switch placement now complicates router-table usage. We found a wobble in the motor-to-column fit that will affect precision plunge operations, such as cutting a mortise. And we were disappointed by the lack of through-the-base depth adj ustment that has become almost standard on routers used in tables. During testing we ran the router in a free-plunge mode (for cutting a mortise) and found that the quick-adjust lever for plunge depth rotated to the locked position due to vibration. This locked the motor in the down position and caused a problem coming out of the cut. A fix for this free-spinning lever is necessary. In the end, we think the router's table application has been short-changed. And while some performance has been added, the ergonomic changes are a mixed bag with another two pounds added to the tool's weight. Add a higher (though still competitive) price and the M12V2 is not the redesign we might have hoped for. — David Thiel For more information, circle #168 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Hitachi M12V2 Plunge Router Street price: $229 Motor: 15 amp Speeds: 8,000 - 22,000 rpm Collets: V4" & V2" Weight: 13.9 lbs Performance: •••OO Price range: $$ Hitachi: 800-706-7337 or hitachipowertools.com Craftsman Offers the First Hands-free Drill Chuck Since the dawn of the first keyless chuck, woodworkers have been taking off layers of skin by grabbing the chuck sleeve and hanging on tight until the bit is seated, then racing to let go before the abrasion begins. Of course, you're not supposed to be hanging onto the sleeve, but that's what we've trained ourselves to do. Now, Craftsman has designed a chuck to simplify the process and leave the epidermis intact. The #11547 from Craftsman is the model number for the drill itself, but what I want to focus on is the Autolock Chuck. The chuck has two settings: One setting is for inserting (tightening) or removing the bit or screw tip, and the other setting is for running the drill in screwing or drilling mode. When the chuck is set for auto-chuck mode, an internal gear opens or closes the chuck j aws according to the forward or reverse setting on the drill itself. There's no need to have your hand on the chuck itself; you need only to hold the bit roughly centered in the chuck's jaws as it tightens. Once the jaws are tight on the bit, you can switch to the drilling/screwing mode and go to work. The 3/s" Craftsman drill has a plastic chuck sleeve, with a collar positioned directly behind. The collar is rotated to switch between clutching and drilling modes. While the bit is being tightened or loosened, the sleeve continues to rotate with the motion of the shaft. As the bit is fully tightened, the clutch begins to click much like a locking gas cap on a car. It's telling you it's done and you should release the trigger. The same noise tells you when you're done loosening the bit from the chuck. One observation is that if you're "trained" to hold onto the keyless sleeve to insert or remove a bit on a standard drill, the Craftsman feature may cause you to jerk back initially because the sleeve rotates with the shaft action. The rotation duration between open and closed is pretty short (depending on the bit diameter differences) so you don't wait long at all for the chuck to grab or release. All in all, it's nice. — DT For more information, circle #169 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Craftsman Autolock Drill, #11547 Street price: $89.99 Voltage: 14.4 Speeds: 0-400 & 0-1,400 rpm Charger: 1 hour Stated torque: 300 inch/lbs. Performance: ••••O Price range: $$ Craftsman: 800-549-4505 or craftsman.com 22 Popular Woodworking October 2006 |
