Woodworker's Journal 2001-25-1, страница 71

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ENDURE

cuts and flush cuts. Detail work, including flush cuts. Rick reported, "is an absolute breeze" with the lightweight new saw. "And 1 found it to be pretty versatile," he added. "I've used it on everything from solid hardwood to plywood and plastic laminate. It is particularly nice on melamine covered sheet stock, where you want to make a notched cut-out and you don't want the suriace to cliip ... very handy."

Other features Rick came to appreciate over the past year include a large, integrated on/off switch and stroke speed control dial (2.000 to 2.800 no-load strokes per minute). "I also like the offset position of the blade," Rick said. "You gel a good look at your cut, and the tool is out of the way when you have to make a flush-cut."

like many Bosch tools, the Finecut is economically designed and counterbalanced to reduce vibration. It features quick, tool-free blade changing or reversal at the press of a button.

"I can't believe what a nice clean cut this saw delivers." Rick told us. That may be because Bosch specially develoix-d blades for the 1640VS with a finer tooth design. Sil Argentin, marketing director with Bosch, pointed out that the unit comes with a flex-resistant high-alloy steel blade holder to provide precise guidance and straight cuts.

Woodworker's Journal's

"Tools that Endure" have undergone serious hard use in the shop and have stood the test of time. We congratulate winners of this award for producing tools of superior quality and lasting craftsmanship.

Miter Table Attachment

As noted, the saw can be purchased with an optional miter jig fixture to perform cut-offs and mitering applications. But it wasn't that optional in Rick's mind: "I consider the miter jig fixture 'a must' with this saw for most woodworking applications," Rick said, adding that it's not really a tool built for ultra accurate cuts in its free-hand configuration.

"It won't replace my back saw for cutting dovetails," he noted, "but it is a great little tool for picture framing and other accurate operations with the jig." The portability of the unit also appealed to Rick: "I use it at my cabin all the time. It's a lot lighter than my power miter box, yet it is tough enough to do many of the traditional PMB operations."

For its accuracy, toughness and innovation, we are pleased to give the Finecut the first "Tools that Fndure" award. It's also become clear ... that we are going to have a hard time getting the Finecut out of Rick's shop!

Freehand joinery cutting (top photo) is not as accurate as with a traditional back saw. but does demonstrate the Finecut's versatility.

Very small and accurate cuts are no problem lor the Finecut saw and miter jig system. Note how smoothly it cuts. Our verdict: a tough little tool which will be a nice addition to anyone's shop.

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