Woodworker's Journal 2004-28-4, страница 46

Space-challenged and budget-minded...

It wasn't all that many years ago

that having a really small shop meant you couldn't own all the machines you wanted — table saw, planer, jointer, band saw ... thanks to developments in tool design and die growth of the "do-it-yourself' market, power tool manufacturers have treated us to a steady flow of new benchtop models in recent years. Constructed from lightweight netals and advanced reinforced plastics, these portable machines feature sophisticated motor and drive technologies, solid ergonomics and upgraded dust collection. Advanced models often boast features not found or. even the most expensive stationary models! Best of all, contemporary benchtop tools are compact enough and carry price tags low enough to allow even the most space-challenged, budget-minded woodworker to buy a whole shop's worth of benchtop tools for littie more than the price of a single top-cuality stationary machine.

But despite all their advantages, benchtop tools aren't for everyone, h order to make them lighr enough to be economically shipped and easily transported, many benchtop models employ universal-type motors, the kind used in portable power tools like routers. While univcrsals dish out impressive performance for their compact size, they're noisy and aren't much of a match for the beefier — yet much heavier — induction motors found in nearly all stationary machines.

With lighter-duty motors come compromises in capacity as well: Benchtop machines usually don't offer the depth or width of uul and rate of feed that stationary models do. These limitations arc also in line with manufacturer's design goals. For example, limiting a benchtop table saw's rip capacity lo only 24" or 3C helps keep it compact enough for a single adult to lift, for moving it to a job site or storing it under a workbench when not in use.

Are benchtop tools right for you? In addition lo space and price considerations, carefully cor.sidering the kind of work you want to/need

to do will ultimately be your best guide when choosing machines of a particular type. Sometimes, the capacity of the tocl Is the Issue: If you're planning on turning orly small bowls, a big, floor-model lathe is clearly overkill. Power and durability is another important issue: If you plan to sell surfaced lumber planed troin rough planks, you're much better off investing in a durable stationary thickness planer that'll handle the load, rather than running a benchtop unit into the ground.

Even if you have the room for full sized stationary machines, there are circumstances under which you might prefer a benchtop tool. For instance, the portability of a benchtop jointer or band saw is a blessing if you sometimes work at a remote job site.

To help make the task of deciding whether a stationary or benchtop machine is right for you, I've created a series of charts for seven of the most comnrjn small-shop machines: table saws, jointers, band saws, drill presses, combination sanders, lathes and planers. Each chart compares the attributes ol stationary and ber.chtop machines, including motor power and capacity, features, weight and s.reet price, as well as listing a few popular makes ami models ofeacii lype of tool. It's worthwhile to carefully examine the capacities and features of sach style of machine before deciding which one to buy. For example, if you're considering buying a benchtop table saw lo use for joinery work, it's important :o know that not all models have arbors dial accept dado blade sets. Ir. addition. I describe some advantages and disadvantages of stationary versus benchtop models, as well as offer advice about which machines are best suited for various types of work (the bottom line). If you're like most woodworkers 1 know, your real-world woodshop will end up with a harmonious blend of both benchtop and stationary machines.

Today's Shop continues on page 74 ...

Woodworker's Journal A ugust 2004

46