Popular Woodworking 2009-02 № 174, страница 24

—. Tool Test ■—

CONTINUED FROM PACE 38

Optimal Performance with 'AutoShift'

Drills have been the focus of many tool manufacturers for a few years now. We've had to endure comparisons of Nickel-cadmium, Nickel-metal hydride and Lithium-ion batteries. We've moved through 12-volt to as high as 24- and 36-volt batteries.

So what's next? It appears to be an examination of torque. To that end Ridgid has introduced the 18v Lithium-ion "AutoShift Drill/Driver." This new drill starts in high speed but automatically senses if additional torque is needed and if so shifts into a lower gear to finish the job. Once the task is complete, the drill shifts back to the higher speed setting. If you wish to bypass the auto-shift function, simply flip the selector and you stay in high speed throughout the work.

Why do we need this automatic shift? According to the manufacturer, this design provides peak performance and makes your work more productive. It makes your drilling and driving tasks easier and faster. And it prolongs the life of the tool and its batteries by always performing at optimal settings.

Included on the tool is a pair of lighted arrows to indicate what setting is being used. A blue arrow tells you you're in high speed. But when additional torque-need is determined and the drill shifts, an amber arrow illuminates. Do we need this information?

This drill is noticeably heavier that the previous Ridgid model (R86006) - nearly 10 ounces more. And the rotation-selector slide switch is difficult to operate.

This kit includes the Vi"-sleeveless-chucked drill, a battery charger and two Li-ion batteries; one is a 3.0 amp hour (AH) battery forextended use (it recharges in 45 minutes) and the second is a smaller 1.5 AH battery that is lightweight and for hard-to-reach places (it recharges in 20 minutes).

18-volt Lithium-ion AutoShift Drill/Driver

Ridgid ■ 866-539-1710 or ridgid.com Street price ■ $229

We reviewed the drill test results from our April 2008 article (issue #168) and compared the R86006 to the new model (R86014). In the l"-hole test, the auto-shift tool drilled 28 holes compared to the earlier model's 21 holes. PW —GH

PUT A SH0PB0T BUDDY CNC TO WORK FOR YOU

With complete systems for less than $6,000, the Buddy is the perfect tool for many applications, whether you need a flexible CNC machine to add to your manufacturing operation or you're looking for a way to take a hobby or small business to a new level of quality or profitability.

888-680-4466

Buddy 32

www.shopbotbuddy.com www.shopbottools.com

_5hopBot_

What will you make today?