19 - Clamp Storage System, страница 11
SELECTING TOOLS 1 [fS Just as important as -weight and balance is the qual ity of cut. Does the saw run smooth? And does it have enough power so the sajw won't bog down? Gary: Even when I was ripping "two-by" stock, the two top end Skil saws ran like a well-tuned car with plenty of power. What surprised me is that the lower priced Skil saw didn't follow suit. This saw seemed badly underpowered. And it rattled like ice in a blender. Steve: Talk about a rattle problem. I could feel the vibration of the Seal's and Ryobi saws through the handles, the board I was cutting, and the sawhorse. Probably a good sign there's some unnecessary wear going on in the gears and bearings. Doug: But even with the vibration, I felt that the Sears and Ryobi saws ran strong. In fact, if all I wanted was brute power, I'd go with the Ryobi in a heartbeat. But I'm looking for a saw that has plenty of power to do the job, yet runs smooth enough so it won't wear me out after several hours of cutting. I thought the Quantum and the two top end B&D saws were just the ticket. SSS There's one other thing that figures into the performance of a saw — accuracy. How accurately could you cut to a layout line? Steve: Most of the saws have some type of fixed notch to help you track the blade along the lay out line. (See photos below.) Since I change blades quite often (and they vary in thickness), this means I have to position a different part of the notch on the layout line depending on the blade I'm using. That's why I liked the adjustable indicators on the Quantum and the top end B&D saws. To There's more to consider than just the price tag when selecting a circular saiv. compensate for different blade thicknesses, I just loosen the screw and adjust the indicator. mmimmm Okay, lets sort things out. Based on the type of work you do, 'which saw would you buy? Ken: If I could just slap on a better height adjustment, the middle of the line Skil would be an easy pick. But changing the depth of cut would drive me nuts. So I chose the Quantum. It's a strong running saw. And when you add on the spindle lock and the fact that it has a dust collection hook-up for a shop vacuum, it's a lot of saw for the money. Steve: Except for the fact it doesn't have a safety lock, I like the Quantum. It will take care of just about any job I can think of in the shop. And with its wide base and comfortable handles, I'm sold on its rock solid cut. Doug: I can see myself getting a lot of remodeling done with the top of the line Black & Decker. It's similar to the Quantum in the way it looks, feels, and performs. But it costs less. All in all, a tough saw to beat. Gary: There's no question about the saw I'd choose — the top end Skil saw. It's compact and lightweight. Just right for those long-reaches when I'm crosscutting a full sheet of plywood. And it's the smoothest running saw of the lot. Indicator. Unlike the fixed notch on the Skil saw (left) that marks the path of the blade, the indica tor on the Quantum (right) can be adjusted if you use blades that vary in thickness. tor on the Quantum (right) can be adjusted if you use blades that vary in thickness.
No. 19 ShopNotes 11 I mi K— 5350 & 5250 \= QUANTUM 380 B&O308&Ml\ SEARS RYOBI SKIL 5150 B&D100 ROUGH SMOOTH |
