Woodworker's Journal 2004-28-4, страница 50

The Makita 2012NB benchtop plarer is clamped down to a low work tatle. preparing it for planing a couple of rough boards chainsawed from backyard harvested logs.

The JET JWL 1442VS stationa-y lathe and K!ein mini-lathe are built tor completely different scales of operation. Made for turning small things, like earrings and pens. Klein also offers an optioral thread cutting accessory.

The Bottom Line: If you're serious about getting into bowl or spindle turning, you'll want a decent-sized stationary lathe with adequate swing over and between-eenters capacity for turning large bowls, table legs, lamp bases, and turned forms used in furniture and cabinetry. The heavier the lathe, the better: look for a model with a cast-iron (rather than sheet-metal) stand. Mini- and midi-sized benchtop lathes will do what luli-sized stationary models will, just on a smaller scale. Therefore, there's no sense in buying a big. expensive lathe if all you want to turn are peas, boxes, salt/pepper shakers, chisel handles, bun feet for a chest, etc. Make sure all the accessories you want (faceplates, tool-rests, etc.) are available to fit the mocel you choose.

(so chips don't fill up shop)

_ or to job site when needed;

knife changes are very easy uu models with disposable, quick-change knives. BenchLops are noisier than induction motor-driven stationary models; limited depth and width capacity. The Bottom Line: If you plan to save money by buying your lumber rough and planing it yourself, you won't regret the solid performance and power of a stationary planer. Also a necessity if you commonly glue up wide panels that then need surfacing.

Affordable and compact, benchtop planers have been a blessing for small shop woodworkers who only need to flat.en the occasional cupped hoard, or bring parts down to correct thickness. Also a boon for finish carpenters who need to

thickness parts on the job site. @ _/

Sattdor Nagyszala11czy is a writer, photographer and tool expert whose latest book, The Homeowner's Ultimate Tool Guide, is available from the Taunton Press

Planers:

Up side/down side — Full-size: Lots of power for a deep cut on each pass; bed rollers helpful when planing rough stock or green wood; 15 - I ft" models able to handle wide stock and glue-ups. Expensive, heavy machine; traditional knife sets are time consuming to change and usually must be sent out for sharpening. Planer beds move up and down, so outboard stock supports need readjustment after each change of cutting depth. Up side/down side — Benchtop: Relatively heavy construction and adecuate power; lots of useful features not found on stationary machines; easy to move outdoors

80

August 2004 Woodworker's Jourr.al