Woodworker's Journal fall-2008, страница 15
benchtop disk sander and a small oscillating spindle sander. You're probably already using the first of these three. Random-orbits really do a great job of genera! smoothing, provided you don't skip grits or press down hard. If you're in the market for a new R.O., buy one that accepts hook-and-loop paper and connects to a vacuum. When I purchased my disk and spindle sanders, neither cost more than $100. low cost made them easier to justify, since neither seemed essential. As it turns out, I'm surprised how often I use them. The oscillating motion of a spindle sander will take stock off much more quickly than a drum sander in a drill press, and it cleans away a regular scratch pattern. It's a wonder tool for working inside When shopping for nail guns, buy an 18-gauge brad nailer (left) that accepts nail sizes up to 2", if possible. A 23-gauge micro-pinner (below) is perfect for quick, almost invisible tacking or installing tiny moldings. Subscribe now at www.woodwoirkersjournal.com/digitaledition 10.8-volt lithium ion drivers for a year or so now, and all in all, it's a powerful little tyke. The battery delivers a steady charge right up to the point of petering out. The tool holds its charge for months of non-use and weighs a fraction of my former driver. I rarely need more power, and I sure don't miss the bulk. Nail guns are mighty handy in the shop, too. If your budget is pinched, buy an 18-gauge nailer that accepts the widest range of nail sizes possible. That way use can use it for tacking everything from drawer bottoms to face frames. Then someday, splurge on a pin nailer. You'd be surprised how much holding power can be had from a stick-pin-thickness nail. Once installed, the nail holes almost disappear, and they really don't need putty. curves. My disk sander does a nice job of smoothing outside curves, knocking the edges off of dowel pegs, touching up tapers and miters or refining small parts that are unsafe for sawing. I wouldn't be without it. The next time your spouse wants a good gift idea for you, ask for one of these two machines ... or both! You'll be glad you did. Fastening Tools We all use cordless drills these days, but here's a hint when you retire your current gun: buy smaller and think lithium ion. It wasn't too many years ago that battery voltages were going up faster than today's gas prices. But I have yet to see the need for more than 14.4 volts for general woodworking. Drilling pilot or pocket holes and driving screws doesn't require iron-man torque. I think lifting more drill than that just builds your biceps. I've been using one of the newer Need a new drill/driver? Consider lithium-ion models: lighter weight, smaller and just as powerful as comparable-voltage Ni-Cad drills. "Slow but Sure" Shop Don't let today's economic downturns get you down. You can do a LOT of woodworking with a few good tools, so grow your collection slowly. Take the time to explore each tool's potential. If you stick with reputable manufacturers and buy with an eye to the future, your tool investments will do you proud for years to come. ~ FALL 2008 5 |
