Woodworker's Journal 2010-34-1, страница 48
Tool Review Cabinet Saw (R)Evolution By Chris Marshall Better safety features, improved dust collection and other creature comforts make today's new cabinet saws a cut above previous models. It's been seven years since we last reviewed 10" cabinet saws, so when editor in chief Rob Johnstone suggested we put them under the microscope again, I jumped at the chance. That's because so many good changes have taken place in this saw category since then: new Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements for riving knife guard systems (see page 51), SawStop's remarkable blade brake that's keeping fingers where they belong and lots of other features that will make sawing more convenient and enjoyable. So, it's high time for us to bring you up to speed on some of the latest and greatest models. Generally speaking, these shop mainstays have never been better. Choosing the Test Group I've been using various 3hp cabinet saws for years in my shop, and that motor size has been sufficient for any ripping or dadoing operation that has come my way. For that reason, I requested 3hp models from all the participating companies. Additionally, I've found 50" or 52" fence systems to be quite useful for ripping wide sheet goods down to size, and their long extension tables double as a handy extra worktable or stationary router table. So, I asked for long fence systems, too (most saws are also available with shorter 36" rails if your budget or space prohibits the biggies). Aside from these two stipulations, I let the manufacturers select the specific model for me to test, which explains the broad price spread of $1,299 to $3,299. Still, this group of 10 represents a good cross-section of the market. Incidentally, we invited Steel City Tool Works to participate, but they didn't provide a saw in time for testing. I ran these saws through a variety of cutting tests on thick hardwood (see page 58), then looked closely at their Our field editor's shop has individual features. been stuffed wall-to-wall Without further ad^ with cabinet saws for the here's my evaluation past few months of testing, of each machine. in order to share the latest developments with you. Craftsman 22805 Craftsman's 22805 Left-Tilting Arbor Saw is a fitting machine to begin this review, because it represents a good example of a basic cabinet saw. Some of its features aren't cutting-edge, but it's still a respectable option for a budget-driven woodworker. The saw has one of the smaller cast-iron tops of the test group, but the extension table and rails provide 50" of ripping capacity to the right. I appreciated the cast-iron throatplates included with this saw — one for standard blades and another for dadoing. They're flat, heavy and fit precisely into the Tool Review continues on page 50 ... www.woodworkersjournal.com ,sm Xquik-link Quik-Link takes you directly to the web page on which these products appear! No navigation necessary ... just go to www.woodworkersjournal.com and click on the Quik-Link icon shown at left. 1 I jrfr- 48 February 2010 Woodworker's Journal |
