Woodworker's Journal 2002-26-3, страница 49

Although it looks like a typical drill/driver, DeWalt has put a different spin into its 18-volt model DW980 — a faster spin, actually: The tool's three-speed all-metal gearbox (see photo on page 72) bests regular two-speed models by turning bits at up to 2,000 rpm, really a boon for drilling hard materials and driving long screws. Impact drivers and wrenches: If you often have tough driving needs: spinning long, fat screws into dense woods or hard building materials, you should consider buying a dedicated cordless driver. The latest impact drivers, including the Makita BTD150, not only spin the bits fitted into their hex-socket collets (they lack adjustable chucks), but add strong torque pulses when resistance is encountered — either when driving or removing fasteners. Some models, like the DeWalt DW977, add a torque setting, so you can limit driving force and avoid snapping or stripping smaller screws. Need even more power for driving lag bolts and tightening nuts and bolts for construction or mechanical repair? Choose an impact wrench, a sort of beefier impact driver. Most models come with a square 1/2" drive shank that accepts standard impact sockets and accessories. Milwaukee's 18-volt model 9079-20 impact wrench socks out up to 250 foot pounds of wrist-twisting torque — plenty for removing even rusty lug nuts from your car! Circular saws: While the first cordless portable circular saws were barely powerful enough to cut thin plywood paneling, the newest generation of saws sports ultra-thin-kerf blades and high voltage batteries that give them enough gusto to slice through an impressive pile of

construction lumber on a single charge. To give their saw the same cutting capacity as a standard corded circular saw, Makita recently introduced a 7^lV bladed model BSS730 as part of their 24-volt Makstar lineup (see photo at top of page 71). Reciprocating saws: Cordless recip saws have become a must-have tool for plumbers and remodeling contractors — as well as well-equipped do-it-yourselfers. Milwaukee, maker of the legendary Sawzall models, recently introduced an interesting variation: Their model 6514-12 "Hatchet" has the head of a Sawzall attached to a swiveling pistol-grip-drill style handle. By pivoting the handle down, the 18-volt tool becomes

Unlike regular straight-bodied reciprocating saws, the innovative Milwaukee model 6514-12 Sawzall "Hatchet" has a pistol-grip-drill style handle that swivels and locks into several positions.

Impact drivers, including the Makita BTD150 and DeWalt DW977, apply pulsing torque to help drive screws and fasteners into hard or difficult materials. For driving full-size bolts and fasteners, the beefy Milwaukee model 9079-20 impact wrench delivers up to 250 foot-pounds of pounding torque.

much shorter and easier to handle than a traditional long-bodied recip saw, especially in close quarters. Compound miter saws: The first benchtop tool tapped for conversion to battery power, the Bosch 3924 (see photo on page 76) cordless compound miter saw, has a full-sized 10" blade powered by Bosch's premium 24-volt "Platinum" battery pack. The big blade is capable of dispatching wide moldings and 2-by lumber with aplomb, and the beefy battery gives the 3924 enough power to please most finish carpenters and furniture/cabinet builders. Routers: Porter-Cable's new model 9290 cordless router (see photo on page 76) is based on one of its workhorses: the classic model 690. Packing a 19.2-volt battery pack (shared by a wide range of other PC models), the router's 600-watt (the approximate equivalent of 3/4 horsepower), 23,000 rpm motor has adequate power to drive smallish bits in its 1/4" collet. The tool is designed to be versatile, as the 9290 motor unit works with Porter-Cable's interchangeable base system, so the fixed-base 9290's motor unit fits easily into a plunge, D-handle or table-mounted base.

74

June 2002 Woodworker's Journal