Popular Woodworking 2006-12 № 159, страница 44
★MicroFence Three-Axis Mill You don't hunt squirrels with an elephant gun, and you don't always need a large plunge router. This router base is the tool I reach for when precision and visibility are more important than brute power. With the Bosch Colt router motor and the Microfence edge guide you can make extremely precise adjustments in any direction. It is a joy to use, and extremely well made. I had so much fun testing this tool that I found myself looking for any good excuse to use it. I've even made inch-deep mortises for face frames, as well as shallow mortises for hinges. In addition to the precise adjustments and smooth operation, the ability to see what is happening is another feature I've come to appreciate. Used without the edge guide, I can see the bit well enough to waste the background in a carving or between the pins of half-blind dovetails. The small LED light is quite effective, as is the dust collection shroud. Swiss-watch precision and smooth operation are combined in a package that is easier to compare to fine German sports cars than to other woodworking tools. 800-480-6427 or microfence.com ^Bosch I-Driver The I-driver from B os ch p roves t h a t g o o d things come in small packages. In testing this 10.4-volt lithium-ionbat-tery-powered driver, I put it through the same daily tasks that I would use a 12v cordless drill for. It did everything I asked of it with as much power and battery life as the larger drill I'm used to. In addition, the drill head pivots from a right angle to an inline driver with three stops in between, allowing it to reach places a larger drill can't. Its ergonomic design, reliable power and light weight make it one of the best small drills ever. 877-267-2499 or boschtools.com ★ Powermatic PM2000 Cabinet Saw When we first caught wind of the Powermatic PM2000 cabinet saw, we thought there was no way that the company would be able to improve on the design of the venerable Powermatic 66. After all, dozens of table saws have passed through our shop, but the 66 has remained at the center of the Popular Woodworking shop for more than 11 years. Right now, when I walk into our shop I can see two table saws: our beat-up 66 and the still-shiny PM2000. They're facing each other in the shop, and things are likely to stay that way for many years to come. The PM2000 isn't areplacement for the 66, it's a different saw for a different kind of woodworker. First, it has a riving knife (a splitter that moves with the arbor) which makes it ideal for the furniture maker who has to change the configuration of the saw many times during a project. The riving knife keeps you safe. While the PM2000 is flexible, the 66 excels at ripping all day without a hiccup. The PM2000 also has an integrated caster system that allows you to move the saw at a moment's notice - a good feature for those who might have to move machines around a lot. The casters are moved by the wheel that also controls the blade tilt. The PM2000 also has a nice oversized table, a smooth-sliding T-square-style rip fence and a decent guard. We've had the saw in our shop for more than six months and it has really earned its keep. It has yet to show any signs of bogging down in the heaviest rip cuts. And the saw has remained in adjustment, just like its older brother. We think they're an excellent pair. 8 0 0-274-68 48 or powermatic.com popularwoodworking.com i 61 |
