Popular Woodworking 2007-10 № 164, страница 28
18v Ridgid Li-ion Drill The 18-volt lithium-ion drill (model R86006), the latest release from Ridgid, has the components that make the tool worthy of purchase. The package includes the drill, two batteries that are each 1.5 amp-hour rated, a 30-minute charger and a heavy-duty bag for storage. Features on the drill include a heavy-duty single-sleeve Jacobs 500 series keyless chuck with serrated j aws, a switch-activated LED light positioned to illuminate the work area as well as a 24-position clutch for torque adjustment. Although the torque number (455 inch pounds) is smaller than some competitor's drills, it is plenty to do most jobs. This drill has a two-speed gear train that allows you to match your work with speeds from 0 - 450 or 0 -1,500 rpm. This is certainly more than adequate. It was easy to drill through 8/4 cherry with a 3/4" spade bit. Ridgid has developed a user-friendly feature in that the batteries from this drill power any of its 18-volt or 24-volt tools. That's a big plus if you work with other Ridgid tools. Another great attribute is that the battery charger included in the kit charges any of the older style nickel-cadmium batteries (however, the older chargers do not charge the lithium-ion batteries). The total battery recharging time was 27 minutes. All this is packed into a drill weighing a bit more than 4.25 pounds. And while that may not be the lightest drill in the category, I doubt your arms will tire using it. — Glen D. Huey jpr Ridgid ■ 800-474-3443 or ridgid.com Street price ■ $1 79 For more information, circle #158 on Free Information C Gramercy Tools 9" Dovetail Saw a Fine Instrument More than any other saw, dovetail saws are an extension of your arm and are capable of great finesse - and fantastic blunders. So it pays to look for a saw that feels good in your hand and cuts smoothly. The new Gramercy Tools 9" dovetail saw is going to absolutely delight woodworkers who prefer a lightweight saw, a shapely and delicate handle and a smooth cut that's easy to start. In fact, in passing the saw around to editors and woodworking friends, several remarked that this saw was the most comfortable saw they'd ever held. The Gramercy Tools dovetail saw is the result of a lot of research by toolmaker Joel Moskowitz, and it's clear his homework paid off. The saw has a finer pitch than most Western dovetail saws (19 points per inch (ppi) as opposed to 15 ppi), yet I found that it cuts as fast as the 15 ppi saws. The fine pitch makes the saw easy to start, and the hand-filed and handset rip teeth make the cut quite smooth. The blade is thinner than most saw blades (.018" thick) and the folded brass back is smaller (7/16" high). Plus the blade has less depth capacity. All those factors make for a saw that is lighter in weight and easy to control. The reduced depth capacity (you can get almost 13/s" deep) isn't ever a factor with dovetailing. Other details: The handle hangs at a higher angle and the blade's depth reduces a bit at the toe of the saw. These two features encourage you to stand more upright when sawing. This $139.95 saw is not a copy-cat saw of the other premium dovetail saws on the market today. It is a remarkably different animal and absolutely must be on your short list when shopping for saws. You might be wondering if Tools for Working Wood ■ 800-426-4613 or toolsforworkingwood.com Street price ■ $139.95 For more information, circle #159 on Free Information Card. I'm switching saws; it'sjust too early to tell. The Gramercy goes in the rack above the bench, right next to my old reliable. A year of dovetailing should settle the debate. And I'll then get back to you. — Christopher Schwarz popularwoodworking.com ■ 31 CIRCLE #152 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD. |
