General tools.

In article
<5bd7fdc9-0ffc-48c4-a0a8-6a6136cc0f26@x21g2000yqa.googlegroups.com>,
larry moe 'n curly <[email protected]> wrote:

> Robatoy wrote:
>
> > This headline made my smile big:
> >
> > Canada's economy is suddenly the envy of the world.
> > Mind the wrap:
> > http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100620/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_the_ottawa_way
>
> Here's a graph of how Canada's economy stacks up among world nations,
> along with a detailed graph of the US situation:
>
> http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1353/4726048479_72da71f711.jpg
>
> I think Canadian public debt/GDP is now 38%, compared to about twice
> that for the US, and the US figure is going to reach 100% while
> Canada's ratio will continue to decline, to zero in a few decades. So
> if the Canadian ever gets into another recession (because the US
> stimulus is too small or because Germany's Merkel refuses to face
> reality and implement much needed stimulus), it will be in a much,
> much better position to finance any needed stimulus than most nations
> will.

Yeah, but we're still an exporting nation. We don't have the population
to do otherwise, and if those Ontario and Quebec lefties succeed in
hamstringing oilsand production in Alberta and Sask they're going to
learn real time what "let the Eastern bastards freeze in the dark
REALLY means.

Oh, and the US is going to have some energy problems, too. China,
OTOH...

--
“The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s
money.” - Margaret Thatcher

On Jun 20, 4:00=A0pm, phorbin <[email protected]> wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> [email protected] says...
>
> > This headline made my smile big:
>
> > Canada's economy is suddenly the envy of the world.
> > Mind the wrap:
> >http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100620/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_the_ottawa_way
>
> Like the subject line...
>
> Is it a reference to the character of Harper and/or Flaherty?

Sure LOL

On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:28:23 GMT, notbob <[email protected]> wrote:
>I happily dealt with a major Canadian camera supply about 10 yrs ago.
>Such good service, I decided to patronize them again. To my
>amazement, they not only discouraged my patronage, but ...at
>least... gave reasons. Is this a trend?

I've had companies refer me to competitors before. Lee Valley Tools is
a prime example. While it hasn't happened very often because I'm
usually satisfied with what I buy from them, I know, and they know,
that I'll be back again because of the customer service I get from
them.

Even though admittedly, many of their products are more expensive than
other tool companies, essentially, the quality of their tools and
their customer service is what sets them apart from most. That's what
does it for me.

"Robatoy" wrote

Now that I am, for the most part, "sans tools", I find myself taking a
hard look at what it is I need, should have, deserve(lol), can't-do-
without.
----
"sans tools", eh? Sounds serious. Sounds like you are experiencing TDS,
Tool Deficiency Syndrome. Repeat after me, "I need more tools. I need more
tools."
==========

To complement the CNC, I will need a way to handle sheet goods, so a
track saw is a gimme. No desire for a table saw.
A vertical panel saw is an ideal solution, but I am retired, dammit,
and that's just too much money.
=====
Retired. what's that? And what does that have to do with tools. Doncha know,
when you are retired, you need MORE tools. You have more time to play.
Remember, he who dies with the most toys wins.
====

Now speaking of General tools, I am in need of a drill press. I have
owned a big Delta, which I liked, then bought a Ridgid which impressed
me to no end. What a bargain for such precision. Then made the mistake
of fondling a $ 1600.00 General drill press. Darn near gave me a
woodie. Smoooth, quite, fantastic etc. Will I buy one? No frikkin way
is it worth $ 1200.00 more than the Ridgid, I mean, I 'get it'.
Wonderful tool, just not for me. Although I should have bought one 30+
years ago.
========

Now you are giving me a woody. I have used a lot of drill presses in the
past. I admit, that is a lot of money for a drill press, Still..........,
there might be a time in the future when such a tool is needed. At least
that is what I am telling myself. Pardon me, I gotta go look at this thing.
===

I scratched all plans for a spray booth. I am retired, dammit.
Besides, I can rent one.
=====
Heh, there is always the great outdoors. Oops, I forgot. You live in the
great white north. Well, if you don't use it that much, use someone elses.
==

"Dave Balderstone" wrote:

>
> Oh, and the US is going to have some energy problems, too. China,
> OTOH...
---------------------------------
China, who consumes fossil fuels at less than half the rate of the
USA,
is making serious investments in renewable energy sources while we in
the USA continue to whistle in the dark.

The latest being the guy in New Jersey who has developed a new lower
cost photo-cell.

Tried to get investment capital in the USA, was told it would take in
excess of $750K up front in just legal fees and permits to get
started.

The Chinese welcomed him with open arms.

They are closing the deal as this is written.

Lew

Robatoy,

You linked the Yahoo article on Canada's economic condition
(which was quite interesting) and then wrote about General Tools.

To the first point, I found this interesting:

"As finance minister, he slashed spending. A weak currency and
a booming U.S. economy also helped Martin balance the books.
In the 1998 budget the government estimated that about 55 percent
of the deficit reduction came from economic growth and 35 percent from
spending cuts. "

---
Would we want a weak currency? And what neighbor has a booming
enough economy to help the US? Mexico/Canada? Our GDP is
greater than both combined, I believe.

--
The second point about General. I agree they are well made.
I didn't buy General when I went looking for a table saw (their
contractor's saw), because at the time, they didn't have
solid wing extensions. Jet did. I think they do now.

Wish there was a dealer around me that sold them though! In
a relatively short period of time, the only tool store around will
be Home Depot and Lowes.

MJ

Robatoy wrote:

> This headline made my smile big:
>
> Canada's economy is suddenly the envy of the world.
> Mind the wrap:
> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100620/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_the_ottawa_way

Here's a graph of how Canada's economy stacks up among world nations,
along with a detailed graph of the US situation:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1353/4726048479_72da71f711.jpg

I think Canadian public debt/GDP is now 38%, compared to about twice
that for the US, and the US figure is going to reach 100% while
Canada's ratio will continue to decline, to zero in a few decades. So
if the Canadian ever gets into another recession (because the US
stimulus is too small or because Germany's Merkel refuses to face
reality and implement much needed stimulus), it will be in a much,
much better position to finance any needed stimulus than most nations
will.

> Where would that be? =A0The one in Mobile was closed when I got there in =
April.
> It was still in yellowpages.com, but was missing from their pages when I

2,900 miles West of NYC. In California.

MJ

On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:40:21 -0700 (PDT), "[email protected]"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>> Woodcraft carries the General line.
>
>Yep, they do. The nearest one to me is closing.

Where would that be? The one in Mobile was closed when I got there in April.
It was still in yellowpages.com, but was missing from their pages when I
checked. :-( There are two within a daytrip's radius (though one is usually
an overnighter for us). I'd hate for either of them to close. Maybe I need
to make more trips and fewer web orders. ;-)

On Jun 21, 8:41=A0pm, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
> To complement the CNC, I will need a way to handle sheet goods, so a
> track saw is a gimme. No desire for a table saw.
> A vertical panel saw is an ideal solution, but I am retired, dammit,
> and that's just too much money.
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-- ------
> Why not build one? Lots of decent plans out there.

Use a Festool Tracksaw as a starting point....mmmmmmm

In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
> This headline made my smile big:
>
> Canada's economy is suddenly the envy of the world.
> Mind the wrap:
> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100620/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_the_ottawa_way
>

Like the subject line...

Is it a reference to the character of Harper and/or Flaherty?

On 2010-06-20, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:

> (the usual caveats apply. Happy customer, not directly involved with
> aforementioned corp.)

I happily dealt with a major Canadian camera supply about 10 yrs ago.
Such good service, I decided to patronize them again. To my
amazement, they not only discouraged my patronage, but ...at
least... gave reasons. Is this a trend?

nb

On Jun 20, 1:28=A0pm, notbob <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 2010-06-20, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > (the usual caveats apply. Happy customer, not directly involved with
> > aforementioned corp.)
>
> I happily dealt with a major Canadian camera supply about 10 yrs ago.
> Such good service, I decided to patronize them again. =A0To my
> amazement, they not only discouraged my patronage, but ...at
> least... gave reasons. =A0Is this a trend?
>
> nb

I have no idea what that is all about. What were those reasons?

On Jun 21, 11:30=A0am, "Lee Michaels"
<leemichaels*[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" =A0wrote
>
> Now that I am, for the most part, "sans tools", I find myself taking a
> hard look at what it is I need, should have, deserve(lol), can't-do-
> without.
> ----
> "sans tools", eh? =A0Sounds serious. Sounds like you are experiencing TDS=
,
> Tool Deficiency Syndrome. =A0Repeat after me, "I need more tools. I need =
more
> tools."

Oh I need tools alright *panting, tongue hanging out* I just don't
want to have too many and I won't do anything for money anymore.....
just signs maybe.

> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
>
> To complement the CNC, I will need a way to handle sheet goods, so a
> track saw is a gimme. No desire for a table saw.
> A vertical panel saw is an ideal solution, but I am retired, dammit,
> and that's just too much money.
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> Retired. what's that? And what does that have to do with tools. Doncha kn=
ow,
> when you are retired, you need MORE tools. =A0You have more time to play.
> Remember, he who dies with the most toys wins.

I do not want to make stuff for people anymore. No more deadlines, no
more paperwork..done..DONE, I said...

> =3D=3D=3D=3D
>
> Now speaking of General tools, I am in need of a drill press. I have
> owned a big Delta, which I liked, then bought a Ridgid which impressed
> me to no end. What a bargain for such precision. Then made the mistake
> of fondling a $ 1600.00 General drill press. Darn near gave me a
> woodie. Smoooth, quite, fantastic etc. Will I buy one? No frikkin way
> is it worth $ 1200.00 more than the Ridgid, I mean, I 'get it'.
> Wonderful tool, just not for me. Although I should have bought one 30+
> years ago.
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
>
> Now you are giving me a woody. I have used a lot of drill presses in the
> past. I admit, that is a lot of money for a drill press, Still..........,
> there might be a time in the future when such a tool is needed. At least
> that is what I am telling myself. Pardon me, I gotta go look at this thin=
g.


http://www.general.ca/images/frontpage/flyers/flyer2010US.pdf

Page 11..oops $ 1850 smackeroonies.

> =3D=3D=3D
>
> I scratched all plans for a spray booth. I am retired, dammit.
> Besides, I can rent one.
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> Heh, there is always the great outdoors. Oops, I forgot. You live in the
> great white north. Well, if you don't use it that much, use someone elses=
.
> =3D=3D

I'm in Sarnia. Same latitude as Rome and San Fransico (approx) Just 2
to 3 months of cold.
But I have a couple of friends that have booths. One is big enough to
hold a 35' sailboat.

On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:59:04 -0700, "Lobby Dosser"
>What's the issue with postage up there? I'd like to buy more from Canada but
>the shipping quoted seems outrageous.

Can't comment much on Canadian shipping costs. Unfortunately, it's a
US vs CA factor where many things in the US are cheaper (and often
faster to be delivered in the case of shipping). Guess that's a
typical scenario since the US is a good 10X the size of Canada and can
bargain bulk prices more effectively.

Take the Festool Domino, vacuum and accessories I plan to purchase
soon. There's almost a $500 difference between what it costs in the US
and what it costs in Canada. And, Festool in their esteemed wisdom
have prohibited any US company from shipping their products up to
Canada.

> Woodcraft carries the General line.

Yep, they do. The nearest one to me is closing.

MJ

On Jun 21, 3:12=A0am, Upscale <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:59:04 -0700, "Lobby Dosser"
>
> >What's the issue with postage up there? I'd like to buy more from Canada=
but
> >the shipping quoted seems outrageous.
>
> Can't comment much on Canadian shipping costs. Unfortunately, it's a
> US vs CA factor where many things in the US are cheaper (and often
> faster to be delivered in the case of shipping). Guess that's a
> typical scenario since the US is a good 10X the size of Canada and can
> bargain bulk prices more effectively.
>
> Take the Festool Domino, vacuum and accessories I plan to purchase
> soon. There's almost a $500 difference between what it costs in the US
> and what it costs in Canada. And, Festool in their esteemed wisdom
> have prohibited any US company from shipping their products up to
> Canada.

That staunch Festool distribution policy will be relaxed after the
'fringe buyers' component has been saturated.
When that will happen is anybody's guess.
It is one of the side-effects when you build a product that lacks the
built-in planned obsolescence.

Now that I am, for the most part, "sans tools", I find myself taking a
hard look at what it is I need, should have, deserve(lol), can't-do-
without. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to have used and
owned a bunch of tools, so I am not going into the replacement
endeavour blindfolded.
To complement the CNC, I will need a way to handle sheet goods, so a
track saw is a gimme. No desire for a table saw.
A vertical panel saw is an ideal solution, but I am retired, dammit,
and that's just too much money.

Now speaking of General tools, I am in need of a drill press. I have
owned a big Delta, which I liked, then bought a Ridgid which impressed
me to no end. What a bargain for such precision. Then made the mistake
of fondling a $ 1600.00 General drill press. Darn near gave me a
woodie. Smoooth, quite, fantastic etc. Will I buy one? No frikkin way
is it worth $ 1200.00 more than the Ridgid, I mean, I 'get it'.
Wonderful tool, just not for me. Although I should have bought one 30+
years ago.

Hand held router replacements? A Colt and a 3.25HP Milwaukee. Period.
Jigsaw? Bosch barrel grip. I really liked the Milwaukee (AEG) jigsaw,
but I feel comfy with the Bosch.
I hung onto my PC 557 cookie cutter and my Kreg. I let go of the
Lamello *tear*.
I am not buying a planer and jointer again, there are many I can use
that odd time I need one.
I scratched all plans for a spray booth. I am retired, dammit.
Besides, I can rent one.
I also have no plans to reinvest in too much sanding equipment; all
available at the Topworks shop for me to use.

So many projects, I can't tackle them all. So instead I will take my
dog for a walk at the waterfront. Maybe stop by Upside Down Pub and
sample a couple of draughts.

On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:32:17 -0700, [email protected] wrote:

> The second point about General. I agree they are well made. I didn't buy
> General when I went looking for a table saw (their contractor's saw),
> because at the time, they didn't have
> solid wing extensions. Jet did. I think they do now.
>

I've got one of their variable speed maxi-lathes. A friend has one of
their large lathes. Great tools. They had a little problem with the
electronic speed control on the maxi-lathe when it first came out, but
their service department cheerfully replaced the bad ones with a newer
design - works great now.

> Wish there was a dealer around me that sold them though! In a relatively
> short period of time, the only tool store around will be Home Depot and
> Lowes.

Woodcraft carries the General line.

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw

"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> This headline made my smile big:
>
> Canada's economy is suddenly the envy of the world.
> Mind the wrap:
> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100620/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_the_ottawa_way
>
>
>
> Seems that it would be a keen idea to buy Canadian made General
> tablesaws, cnc's, many more great 'big iron' tools.
> Their reputation is second to none and is held in high esteem world-wide.
> At least you'll know we will be around for a while.
>
>
> (the usual caveats apply. Happy customer, not directly involved with
> aforementioned corp.)


Y'all are not going to do that Igloo thing again, are you? :)

"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:28:23 GMT, notbob <[email protected]> wrote:
>>I happily dealt with a major Canadian camera supply about 10 yrs ago.
>>Such good service, I decided to patronize them again. To my
>>amazement, they not only discouraged my patronage, but ...at
>>least... gave reasons. Is this a trend?
>
> I've had companies refer me to competitors before. Lee Valley Tools is
> a prime example. While it hasn't happened very often because I'm
> usually satisfied with what I buy from them, I know, and they know,
> that I'll be back again because of the customer service I get from
> them.
>
> Even though admittedly, many of their products are more expensive than
> other tool companies, essentially, the quality of their tools and
> their customer service is what sets them apart from most. That's what
> does it for me.


What's the issue with postage up there? I'd like to buy more from Canada but
the shipping quoted seems outrageous.

"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

To complement the CNC, I will need a way to handle sheet goods, so a
track saw is a gimme. No desire for a table saw.
A vertical panel saw is an ideal solution, but I am retired, dammit,
and that's just too much money.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why not build one? Lots of decent plans out there.

"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:57:18 -0700, "Lobby Dosser"
> <[email protected]> wrote the following:
>
>>"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>> This headline made my smile big:
>>>
>>> Canada's economy is suddenly the envy of the world.
>>> Mind the wrap:
>>> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100620/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_the_ottawa_way
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Seems that it would be a keen idea to buy Canadian made General
>>> tablesaws, cnc's, many more great 'big iron' tools.
>>> Their reputation is second to none and is held in high esteem
>>> world-wide.
>>> At least you'll know we will be around for a while.
>>>
>>>
>>> (the usual caveats apply. Happy customer, not directly involved with
>>> aforementioned corp.)
>>
>>
>>Y'all are not going to do that Igloo thing again, are you? :)
>
> This one? http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/1995-03-12.gif

LOL!

"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Jun 21, 8:41 pm, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
> To complement the CNC, I will need a way to handle sheet goods, so a
> track saw is a gimme. No desire for a table saw.
> A vertical panel saw is an ideal solution, but I am retired, dammit,
> and that's just too much money.
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
> Why not build one? Lots of decent plans out there.

Use a Festool Tracksaw as a starting point....mmmmmmm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah, I thought Festool but didn't want to be considered as contributing to
the delinquency of a woodworker.

On Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:29:52 -0700, Larry Jaques wrote:

> A note about retirement, though. Every retiree I know says they have
> LESS time to play now that everyone knows they're off work. It seems
> that family and friends have no qualms about overutilizing ( or even
> commandeering) your entire set of waking hours once you use the "R" word
> around them.

It's not just that. I find I take more time to do *anything* than I did
while not working. Something about no pressure :-).

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw

Lew Hodgett wrote:
> "Dave Balderstone" wrote:
>
>> Oh, and the US is going to have some energy problems, too. China,
>> OTOH...
> ---------------------------------
> China, who consumes fossil fuels at less than half the rate of the
> USA,
> is making serious investments in renewable energy sources while we in
> the USA continue to whistle in the dark.
...

Well, according to CIA Factbook 2008 data China's electric power
generation was within 85% of that of the US and they're adding roughly
500 MWe of generation per/_WEEK_ (MIT, EIA) and IEA and EIA estimates
70% of that will be coal-fired thru 2030. They've added 1000 TWH-hrs of
coal-fired generation between 2005 and now.

It won't be long before they've caught and passed US. Meanwhile, indeed
they're looking at alternative but it's going to be nearly impossible to
see in the larger picture as being of any real difference. One thing
for sure is they're not going to hamstring their economic development on
the say-so of the green movement.

--

On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:57:18 -0700, "Lobby Dosser"
<[email protected]> wrote the following:

>"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> This headline made my smile big:
>>
>> Canada's economy is suddenly the envy of the world.
>> Mind the wrap:
>> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100620/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_the_ottawa_way
>>
>>
>>
>> Seems that it would be a keen idea to buy Canadian made General
>> tablesaws, cnc's, many more great 'big iron' tools.
>> Their reputation is second to none and is held in high esteem world-wide.
>> At least you'll know we will be around for a while.
>>
>>
>> (the usual caveats apply. Happy customer, not directly involved with
>> aforementioned corp.)
>
>
>Y'all are not going to do that Igloo thing again, are you? :)

This one? http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/1995-03-12.gif

--
Peace of mind is that mental condition in which you have accepted the worst.
-- Lin Yutang

On Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:23:29 -0700 (PDT), Robatoy
<[email protected]> wrote the following:

>On Jun 21, 8:41 pm, "Lobby Dosser" <[email protected]> wrote:
>> "Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>
>> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> To complement the CNC, I will need a way to handle sheet goods, so a
>> track saw is a gimme. No desire for a table saw.
>> A vertical panel saw is an ideal solution, but I am retired, dammit,
>> and that's just too much money.
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
>> Why not build one? Lots of decent plans out there.
>
>Use a Festool Tracksaw as a starting point....mmmmmmm

You just gave yourself another business idea, didn't you?
I can see you making up the sign for your new biz, too:

FESTERING PANEL SAWS
Done Dirt Cheap (not)

When I was finishing up a deck last week, I was often thinking how a
Festeringtool track saw would have made my life a lot easier. Damn
your eyes. I'm enjoying my new Makita BD-141 3AH lithiummed impactor
and may jump for their track saw soon, too.

A note about retirement, though. Every retiree I know says they have
LESS time to play now that everyone knows they're off work. It seems
that family and friends have no qualms about overutilizing ( or even
commandeering) your entire set of waking hours once you use the "R"
word around them. Caveat Grumpy Old Festerer.

--
Peace of mind is that mental condition in which you have accepted the worst.
-- Lin Yutang

On Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:47:41 -0700 (PDT), Robatoy
>> Is it a reference to the character of Harper and/or Flaherty?
>Sure LOL

Gaggg!