Popular Woodworking 2007-08 № 163, страница 19
Hitachi Nailer - More Than Premium Features If you think a 15-gauge finish nailer is a bit more tool than you'll need in your workshop, think again. Every woodworking shop should have this size finish nailer in its arsenal of air-powered tools. A 15-gauge nailer is the right tool when constructing workshop cabinets, adding face frames to a piece of paint-grade furniture, installing door and window trim or j ust cobbling together cabinets that are nailed at inconspicuous places. Hitachi's version of the 15-gauge finish nailer, the NT65MA3, uses nails ranging from lVV to 2V2" in length and it has a new feature that will make your job easier. That feature is a thumb-activated blow nozzle located just above the grip and behind the top cover. Clearing dust and wood chips from your work has, until now, required a swipe of your hand or a stiff brush. With the Hitachi finish nailer, all you need to do is point and push. A push of the nozzle blows air out the front of the tool, directed at any area you need cleared. Other premium features from Hitachi include dialing the firing exhaust in different directions by rotating the top cover, and a switch to adjust the operation from single fire with each pull of the trigger to rapid-fire nailing with each tap of the tool's nose. I particularly like the adjustment to tweak the depth of the nail as it's driven into your workpiece. A few turns and you can dial right in so the nail is flush with the surface or set just below awaiting filler. I also like the body-grip handle for comfort. Another handy feature is the nail stopper. It keeps remnant nails from falling out of the magazine as you load additional nails. — Glen D. Huey Hitachi ■ 800-706-73 3 7 or hitachipowertools.com Street price ■ $200 For more information, circle #148 on Free information Card. Grizzly Band Saw Extremely Well Done This new version of the popular 14" band saw is more old than new, but in a good way. Its mass and power make it feel more like an older American-made machine than a new imported model. Much of this is due to an abundance of cast iron. In addition to the frame, solid computer-balanced cast iron wheels and an enclosed steel stand make this saw weigh almost 50 pounds more than Grizzly's open-stand "Ultimate" 14" band saw. The motor is also heavier - 11/2 hp, which is a significant upgrade from most saws in this category. This combination makes for a machine with a solid feel, plenty of power and little vibration. We were able to resaw consistent veneers up to the maximum height capacity using the stock blade without the machine bogging down or complaining. The main table tilts 10° to the left and 45° to the right, and there is an auxiliary table to the left of the main table that does not tilt. A 6" riser is available to increase resaw capacity to 12". The ball-bearing guides are easy to adjust, and the upper guide doesn't shift laterally when raised and lowered. The dust-collection port works well, keeping most of the dust out of the inside of the saw. In addition to covering the basic functions as well as any saw in its class, Grizzly has added a number of extra features that move this model to the top of the heap. An extruded aluminum fence is included, and it can be mounted in either of two positions: tall for resawing, and short for other work. The fence is adjustable for blade drift, but the saw we tested cut straight and true without any fiddling on our part. There is a quick-release blade tensioner, a built-in work light, and an enclosed steel stand with storage below. I would rather see the door to the cabinet on the front of the saw, but this is a minor complaint. Fit and finish are very good. The paint is powder coated, and the cast iron table is flat and smooth. We had the machine assembled and ready to work in about an hour without encountering any problems. This old form of band saw may not look as sleek and sexy as the newer steel-frame models (such as the ones we tested in November 2006, issue #158), but there is real value to be found in this one. It performs as well or better than a steel-frame saw, at a significantly lower price. Powerful, smooth running and quiet, this saw is capable of cutting thick hardwoods quickly and accurately. It is a solid, well-made machine with no compromises that I could find. This saw has earned a spot in our shop. — Robert W. Lang G0555X 14" Band Saw Grizzly Industrial ■ 800-523-4777 or grizzly.com Street price ■ $595 For more information, circle #149 on Free information Card. popularwoodworking.com ■ 27 |
