Toolbox: Old Faithfuls

Some things are not meant to change. In the modern era of lightweight, electronic tools, three heavy-duty veterans stand out as my favorites: the Skil model 77 saw, the Black & Decker model 1321 drill, and the Porter-Cable model 504 belt sander. These tools were first issued more than 40 years ago and are still available today, virtually unchanged. They may not be svelte and sexy like the tools adorning the front pages of current tool catalogs. After all, they were designed in the era of the flathead V-8 and Rosie the Riveter. But these designs have not just stood the test of time, they continue to be industry standards. Slow Speed, High Torque At 91/2 pounds, the Black