19 - Clamp Storage System, страница 9

the front handle at the same time. This provides a more stable grip than the long reach on the Ryobi

(center). Unfortunately, to use the remote "lift" on the Skil 5350 (right), you have to let go of the handle.

Sears

No. 19

the exact type of cut over and over using a different saw each time.

Some of the cuts (ripping eight-foot 2xl0's for example) tested the power and performance of the saw. While others (like crosscut-ting plywood and making plunge cuts) gave us a good feel for the overall balance of the saw.

At the end of the day, we all got together to compare notes. And I quizzed them about what they liked (and just as important) what they didn't like about each saw. m First things first. How easy ivas it to change blades?

Ken: Since I cut a lot of different materials, I'm always changing blades. So that makes the spindle lock on the Quantum, and top end Sears, Ryobi, and Black & Decker (B&D) saws a real plus.

Steve: Even on the saws we tested that had spindle locks, the ones on the Quantum and B&D

Blade Guards. The compact design of the Skil (left) lets you retract the blade guard and grasp

were handier to use than those on the Sears and Ryobi. (See center photos on opposite page.)

Cary: I usually stick with the same blade when breaking down plywood. So I can take or leave a spindle lock.

Steve: When it comes to changing blades, another thing I like is the 'try square" wrenches that come with the top end B&D and Quantum saws. (See photos above.) The long handles give me plenty of leverage. And they don't dig into my hands like the short wenches on the other saws. fM What about the operation of the blade guards on the saws?

Doug: That's where I noticed a big difference. Especially since I make a lot of plunge cuts and have to manually retract the guard.

To make a controlled cut, I want a saw that's compact enough so you can draw the lever on the blade

The large "try square" wrenches that come with the Black & Decker 300 and the Quantum provide more leverage than the short, stubby wrenches on the other saws.

guard all the way forward and grasp the front handle at the same time — like the Skil saws. (See photos below.)

The short lever on the Ryobi required such a long stretch, I almost had to let go of the handle. And the Sears saws were just too bulky to hold comfortably.

Ken: One curious thing was the top end Skil saw tried to eliminate this stretch altogether by adding a remote 'lift." But I couldn't even use this lever without letting go of the front handle of the saw — and this seemed dangerous to me.

ShopNotes 9

Black & Decker