Popular Woodworking 2006-11 № 158, страница 17
A Small Digital Fractional-readout Caliper - Finally! Accurately measuring (both wood and machinery) in the shop is important for every woodworker, and most woodworkers have cursed their caliper on more than one occasion when they have to translate the decimal reading to inches. In the Popular Woodworking shop we've come to a consensus that the perfect caliper is a 4"-long digital caliper that will measure in fractions (to 164"). We're happy to announce that the perfect tool is now available for the first time, at an affordable price. The Craftsman Gallery is now offering either a 4" or 6" digital caliper for $38. The caliper can be switched to read in millimeters or inches, in either decimals or fractions (with accuracy to 1/64"). We're particularly pleased that the calipers are well-manufactured and easy to use. The 6" version is great for your bench, while the 4" model is the perfect size for dropping in your shop apron or work belt. —DT For more information, circle #170 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Digital/fractional Caliper Street price: $38 Readout: Reads in millimeters, and decimal or fractional inches. Accuracy: V64", .001" Length: 4" or 6" Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$ The Craftsman Gallery: 513-233-9019 or craftsmangallery.com Veritas Ruler Stop: Pint-sized Accuracy The combination square is standard equipment for many woodworkers, but it is overkill for most jobs. Most woodworkers need a well-marked ruler and a stop on it so measurements can be transferred or a line scribed parallel to an edge. Rarely is a combination square's miter face, bubble level or scribe necessary. Veritas' new Ruler Stop is an inexpensive and elegant way to perform these common operations without a bulky (or expensive) combination square. The stop slides over a ruler (not included) and cinches down accurately on any ruler, as long as it's 0.05" or thinner and between %" and 11/8" wide. The Ruler Stop is fantastic on my Shinwa 12" ruler, but it really shines on our 40"-long machinist ruler. The long rulers for the combination squares are shockingly expensive. The stop won't work on our shop's 6" rules, which are 3/4" wide. The Ruler Stop is well made and accurate. It has an edge over competing stops in that it completely encases the ruler, making it less likely to fall off when you loosen the knob. — Christopher Schwarz For more information, circle #171 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Veritas Ruler Stop Street price: $12.50, ruler not included Materials: Brass knob, aluminum body Size: 1" wide x 13/4" long (plus knob) Performance: ••••• Price range: $ Lee Valley Tools: 800-871 -8158 or leevalley.com BOSCH l-DRIVER I've never understood the "bigger must be better" philosophy in cordless screwdrivers. Yes, you need the power togetthejobdone, but I'd rather have a tool that will fit into tight places, and won't strain my wrist and forearm every time I pick it up to use it. The new PS-10-2 Litheon I-Driver is a tremendous addition to my power-tool arsenal. This new battery technology delivers power to spare in a compact, lightweight package. It performs comparably to a standard 12-volt cordless drill, and the five-position articulating head allows it to go where larger drivers won't fit. A button on the side allows the head to pivot from a right angle to an inline position. I found it most comfortable to use with the head at 90° to the motor. I don't need a right-angle driver every day, but when I do, this is a great tool. Most on the market aren't comfortable for everyday use, but this little guy has become my "go to" driver for most applications. It's comfortable, powerful and versatile, and it's nice to have five ways to point it. The kit includes the driver with seven clutch settings, two batteries and a charger with a soft-sided case. It costs about as much as a 12v drill kit. After years of seeing more of the same in cordless drills, it's nice to see a product that obviously has some thoughtful engineering behind it. —RL TOOL RATINGS Performance is rated on a one-to-five scale. You won't see a low rating ("one or two") because we don't publicize inferior tools. "Five" indicates the leader in the category. Five dollar signs indicates highest price in the category. Three indicates an average price. If you have tool questions, call me at 513531 -2690 ext. 1407, or e-mail me at chris. schwarz@fwpubs.com. Or visit our web site at popwood.com to sign up for our free email newsletter. — Christopher Schwarz, editor popularwoodworking.com i 31 |
