19 - Clamp Storage System, страница 10

19 - Clamp Storage System, страница 10

SELECTING TOOLS

Adjustments & Controls

fEi The adjustments and controls are also something to consider when buying a saw. For example, what about something as simple as turning on the saw?

Doug: It can't get any easier than with the Quantum and B&D saws. Since they don't have a "safety lock," all I have to do is pull the trigger and I'm in business.

Cary: But a saw without a safety lock gives me the jitters. If you have kids around like I do (or grab the saw without thinking), it's an accident waiting to happen.

That's why I liked the safety lock on the Skil saws. It's on the side of the handle. (See photos at

right.) So even though I can't accidentally turn the saw on, all I have to do is push the lock with my thumb and squeeze the handle.

Ken: It's not that easy with the Sears and Ryobi saws. Since the lock is on top of the handle, I had to stretch my thumb way up over the handle.

Hoiv about the adjustments to make a bevel cut or set the depth of cut?

Steve: I make a lot of bevel cuts. But one saw just about makes that impossible—the lowest priced

Depth Adjustment. The plastic knob on the Quantum (left) provides a more comfortable grip than the wing

nut on the B&D (center). But neither are knuckle-busters like the depth adjustment lever on the Skil (right).

Safety Lock. The Skil has a safety lock on the side of the handle (left) that's handier to use than the top-mounted Sears lock (right).

Skil. No matter how much pressure I applied to the wing nut that locks in the adjustment, the base still slipped when making a cut.

But the plastic knobs on the Quantum, Ryobi, and the top end B&D saws locked down tight. (See photos at left). And they're more comfortable to grab onto than the cast metal wing nuts on the lower priced B&D saws.

Ken: Anything is better than the lever that adjusts the depth of cut on the Skil saws. It's tucked between the blade guard and the back handle. Not only is it hard to get at, but the lever also sticks — it's a real knuckle-buster.

Performance

Wk One of the keys to making a controlled cut is the weight and balance of a saw. How would you, rate the overall 'feel" of the saiv?

Gary: Using the Skil saws was as comfortable as slipping my hand into a well-worn baseball glove. They're compact, lightweight, and have good balance.

Steve: I liked the balance of the Skil saws too. But I'd say that the Quantum and two upper end B&D saws nudged them out. Sure, they're a bit heavier. But with their large bases and comfortable handles, these saws have a nice solid feel.

Ken: One thing I noticed was I didn't get as tired using the Skil,

B&D, and Quantum saws. Probably because when I grab the back handle, my hand is at a fairly low angle. (See photos below.) So it's easy to push the saw straight through the cut.

Hand Position. Since your arm is held at a lower angle when using the Skil saw (left), it's not as

But when I grab the handles of the Sears and Ryobi saws, my hand is at a steeper angle. So it feels like I'm hunched up when making a cut — almost like I'm working against the saw.

tiring to use as the Ryobi saw (right) that requires you to hold your arm at a steeper angle.

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ShopNotes

No. 19