They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
$480 US)
It looks like this....
http://tinyurl.com/79426
Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
never used, but kicked around a bit.
So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
Fire away!
Bob
bob wrote:
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
> Fire away!
>
> Bob
A table saw is too much of an important tool to let go several hundred
dollars to something you're not 100% sure about. Crapsman tools have a
bad resell value so do you want to find it the hard way and get stuck
with it?
We're not talking of a 50$ cordless drill or a small sander that you
can easily throw in the garbage if it's not good... It's a table saw,
the main central power tool of a woodworking shop... Get a General
Inter at least and shell out the 900$ for it. You will never regret it.
Cyberben
Why would you spend $480 US on a saw with a questionable fence ?
Is the motor direct drive ?
For $475 US you could get the grizzly contractor saw with a real fence
and a belt driven blade. I bet in CDN $ its even cheaper.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?itemnumber=G0444&
My first table saw was a craftsman, it was impossible to keep the fence
in alignment. The internals were all aluminum and plastic.
rob
bob wrote:
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
> Fire away!
>
> Bob
IMHO, it's only a good deal compared to the list price, which is way
out of line. Think about it, would you even consider that saw for $800
US? That's getting into the range of a Grizzly cabinet saw which seems
to be quite popular here on the rec. That tells you that it's
overpriced to begin with. Personally I don't think it would even be a
good deal brand new for $480, when you can get a Grizzly G0444 for $475
plus shipping, and I promise it's a LOT more saw (I own a G0444Z). Also
look at the current draw, that's a 1 HP motor no matter what they
advertize, while the G0444 is a REAL 1.5 HP. Kick in another $80 and
you get the G0444Z with a REAL 2HP. Both models have the Bies clone
fence which is excellent, BTW!
Maybe used gear is tougher to find in Canada, but I regularly see Delta
or Jet contractor saws in the classifieds listed around $500.
I'm not saying that the Craftsman is not a decent saw that could work
for you, but I think $480 is WAY too high by comparison to more highly
regarded saws. If it was $300, I'd say go for it, but I'd hate to see
you spend almost $500 much on a questionable machine.
I know what you're feeling, it's right there, APPEARS to be a good
deal, and you could have it in your garage TODAY! Don't let your
emotions lead you astray. Be patient. If you must have immediate
gratification (and believe me, I understand this) order the Griz G0444
($475 US) and skip a dinner out to cover the shipping. Better yet, skip
2 or 3 dinners out and get the G0444z with the cast iron wings and 2HP.
That'll make you feel better and I promise you you'll be happier with
it!!
Okay now, deep breath, count to ten and go to www.grizzly.com.
Best of luck to you,
Tom
bob wrote:
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
> Fire away!
For what it's worth: AFAIK, that particular saw MAY have the older,
under-sized miter gauge slot. It also may not. Otherwise, the 13 amp
motor means they've got what is basically classed a "true" 1-1/2 HP
motor (Delta runs 12, as do many others). The Align-A-Rip is not a
world beater as a fence, but it is good.
As someone noted, the Grizzly 0444 may be a better saw, but you'd have
to drive to Bellingham to get one, and I'm not at all sure that
Canadian Customs will let you back through the door without a hefty
charge.
Then someone was blathering about not being sure you can take it back,
etc. Uh, this is Sears. Now, that's not as good as, say, Lee Valley,
but in general Sears stands by their stuff fairly decently.
What I'd do: go to the store, with cash for the full price, but with 75
or 100 bucks in a separate pocket. Offer the cash, with it held in your
hot little grasp, for maybe 75-100 bucks less than what they're asking.
See what happens. Odds are you'll get a few bucks more off, but even if
you don't, the saw sounds like a reasonable buy to me.
To me, 'scratch and 'dent' means "yard sale" time, which means don't
offer what they're asking unless you have to.
Duane Bozarth wrote:
> bob wrote:
> >
> > FWIW, they offer the full 2 year warranty.
> >
>
> That's not quite the same thing as if when you get it home you decide
> you <really, really> don't like/want it, after all...especially if you
> can't try it out. That's one thing I never liked much about Craftsman
> showrooms--you could never try anything. Major manufacturer
> distributors (at least used to have) operating showrooms...the online
> craze has pretty much eliminated them, however, so that probably is no
> difference than anywhere else these days.
>
> As you maybe able to tell, I've not bought a <major> piece of equipment
> in almost 20 years now. Once the barn is done and the shop goes up in
> the mow, I'm hoping to change that significantly, however... :)
Good luck finding a place to test drive ANY tool these days, even when
you don't go on-line to buy. Sears has multi-line merchandise, and I'm
reasonably sure the lady buying some new panties isn't going to be
thrilled to find sawdust in them when she gets home. The same holds
true even at HD and Lowe's, where testing tools could readily fling
dust into washing machines and telephone systems.
Most of the distributors are now gone in this area. They primarily
served two markets, furniture manufacturers and schools. The schools
mostly bailed on woodworking classes a decade or so ago, and most of
the furniture places are in the process of folding their tents, in
anticipation of moving to China or Viet Nam or a similar place. But
what the hell. That's where most of the tools are coming from now. And
when I say most, I don't mean 51%. It is more like 90% and rising.
Duane Bozarth wrote:
> Charlie Self wrote:
> >
> ...
> > Most of the distributors are now gone in this area. ...
>
> I think the ones w/ retail/display outlets are in most places....I don't
> consider the Borgs nor Sears as distributors, anyway, though. I know of
> one place in Raleigh (or at least did a couple of years ago when I had
> sufficient time while visiting son to take a side trip--didn't have the
> time this past summer). There were places still in Knoxville when I
> left there 5 years ago, and I "test drove" the PM66 and Model 27 at
> McFeeley's in Lynchburg...but that's been over 25 years ago now...
>
> I'm sure when I go for the moulder and larger planer I'll just bite the
> bullet and go w/ one of the big boys and be done w/ it...the mill shop
> in Wichita has a new numeric-controlled machine they ran the siding for
> the barn through for me--it's nice but $25k is about twice what I want
> to try to stay within....
As far as I know, McFeely's is totally mail order now. And doesn't sell
stationary power tools anyway.
I know years ago there was a distributor in Roanoke, but it aimed
mostly at school based customers even back then. I don't know if it
still exists, and the ability of the average person to gain entry to
such places is exceptionally limited anyway, and, AFAIK, always has
been.
No, it's not. The first rule of journalism is that there are no rules.
If a journalist allows himself to be completely governed by rules, he
misses out on many, many excellent opportunities to elicit useful and
interesting information from interview subjects, especially in
one-on-one situations.
>>"Most of my friends are in print and radio news."<<
You really need to find a better class of friends. <g>
A.J.
*whew* For a minute there, I thought they might be call-in talk show
hosts.
A.J.
bob wrote:
> Nah, they're cool. Public broadcasting :)
>
> --
>
> "A.J. Hamler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > No, it's not. The first rule of journalism is that there are no rules.
> > If a journalist allows himself to be completely governed by rules, he
> > misses out on many, many excellent opportunities to elicit useful and
> > interesting information from interview subjects, especially in
> > one-on-one situations.
> >
> > >>"Most of my friends are in print and radio news."<<
> >
> > You really need to find a better class of friends. <g>
> >
> > A.J.
> >
Doug Payne wrote:
> On 20/07/2005 9:02 AM, Clint wrote:
>
> > Well, bite my tongue, and slap my hiney... Looks like they do. Of course,
> > for whatever reason, the paragraph right above the one you quoted (for
> > shipments less than 70 pounds), they specifically exclude Canada.
>
> Yeah, I dunno what's up with that. It makes little sense.
The guy who owns Grizzly is the brother of the guy who owns BusyBee.
Seems they've made a deal not to sell to each other's customers.
BusyBee doesn't carry as much as Grizzly, but what they do carry likely
comes out of the same factories in Asia.
bob wrote:
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
Sears Canada is notorious for inflated list prices so they can have big
"sales" every week. I've found the clerks in their tool department to
be forthcoming about when particular items will go on sale, and what
the price will be. You can probably find out what the lowest sale
price for this saw is by asking. I suspect that it will fall around
C$500. The sears.ca site doesn't show the store sale prices.
A friend and his wife were shopping for a stove at a Sears Outlet
store. They found one they liked, but the pot drawer on the bottom
stuck. They called over a manager and negotiated about a 40% extra
discount. Turned out to be bent sheet metal around the drawer slide
that Don bent back with his fingers. So, their managers can deal for
an interested customer. Knowing the best store sale price on that saw
can get you some leverage at the outlet store. Pointing out any
defects may get you more.
The older Sears contractor saws were pretty reasonable -- obviously not
as good as a cabinet saw, but far better than a benchtop saw. The
newer saws have a different manufacturer, but look to me to be more or
less clones of the older ones. The fence, however, is a dramatic
improvement over the old fences. Contractor saws are probably all made
in China anymore, so there may not be much to differentiate one brand
from another as far as the saw goes. After sale service is going to be
the big issue. Sears does a good job with that.
Good luck,
Tim
I guess the Americans don't realize that Grizzly doesn't ship to Canada.
Now on to the question.
I have the same saw. I got it for Christmas and I am very happy with it.
The top is sturdy, 1.5" thick, 27" deep and I don't know how wide. The
mitre gauge is a standard 3/4" x 3/8", so you can use any after market
parts. The Fence leaves something to be desired but you can upgrade when
convenient, I have not yet done so but I am thinking about it. I removed
the base from the saw and mounted it on a cabinet (for storage space) and I
also replaced the standard belt with a link belt. The splitter/blade guard
is awful and has yet to see use on the saw, I use an MJ splitter from Lee
Valley. I rewired the plug to 220V, no problems, and the actual "cabinet"
that the top is mounted to is very sturdy (unlike the other reply says,
might be redisigned). Dust collection like all contractors saws is leass
than pleasant but is possible with a little brain work.
If I had to do it all again, I would probably buy a King Cabinet saw. The
Delta 36-650C from HD, and the King contractors saw would get close
consideration, along with the Jet from www.allinonewood.com. This Craftsman
would also be considered.
I am happy with it but for the money spend another $100 or $200 and get
something better.
Lars
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> bob wrote:
>> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless
>> you
>> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
>> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
>> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about
>> 40
>> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599
>> (roughly
>> $480 US)
>>
>> It looks like this....
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>>
>> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
>> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>>
>> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour
>> to
>> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool
>> in
>> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for
>> $599
>> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock
>> Craftsman,
>> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know.
>> I've
>> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20
>> years
>> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>>
>> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>>
>> Fire away!
>>
>> Bob
>
> IMHO, it's only a good deal compared to the list price, which is way
> out of line. Think about it, would you even consider that saw for $800
> US? That's getting into the range of a Grizzly cabinet saw which seems
> to be quite popular here on the rec. That tells you that it's
> overpriced to begin with. Personally I don't think it would even be a
> good deal brand new for $480, when you can get a Grizzly G0444 for $475
> plus shipping, and I promise it's a LOT more saw (I own a G0444Z). Also
> look at the current draw, that's a 1 HP motor no matter what they
> advertize, while the G0444 is a REAL 1.5 HP. Kick in another $80 and
> you get the G0444Z with a REAL 2HP. Both models have the Bies clone
> fence which is excellent, BTW!
>
> Maybe used gear is tougher to find in Canada, but I regularly see Delta
> or Jet contractor saws in the classifieds listed around $500.
>
> I'm not saying that the Craftsman is not a decent saw that could work
> for you, but I think $480 is WAY too high by comparison to more highly
> regarded saws. If it was $300, I'd say go for it, but I'd hate to see
> you spend almost $500 much on a questionable machine.
>
> I know what you're feeling, it's right there, APPEARS to be a good
> deal, and you could have it in your garage TODAY! Don't let your
> emotions lead you astray. Be patient. If you must have immediate
> gratification (and believe me, I understand this) order the Griz G0444
> ($475 US) and skip a dinner out to cover the shipping. Better yet, skip
> 2 or 3 dinners out and get the G0444z with the cast iron wings and 2HP.
> That'll make you feel better and I promise you you'll be happier with
> it!!
>
> Okay now, deep breath, count to ten and go to www.grizzly.com.
>
> Best of luck to you,
> Tom
>
In article <[email protected]>,
Doug Payne <[email protected]> wrote:
>On 20/07/2005 9:02 AM, Clint wrote:
>
>> Well, bite my tongue, and slap my hiney... Looks like they do. Of course,
>> for whatever reason, the paragraph right above the one you quoted (for
>> shipments less than 70 pounds), they specifically exclude Canada.
>
>Yeah, I dunno what's up with that. It makes little sense.
70 lbs is the weight limit for UPS.
Shipping cross-border via UPS is a *real* pain.
Customs/brokerage fees are absolutely RIDICULOUS
I've had one very similar for about 18 months. No problems so far.
Bought it on sale at a Sears store in Calif for $400 US$. I think it's
now a discontinued model.
--Steve
bob wrote:
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
> Fire away!
>
> Bob
>
>
>
>
Ok - You asked. I have seen some of the supposed-Craftsman cabinet saws in
the store and that was what I was expecting to see when I opened the link.
It wasn't. and I cannot imagine they are asking that kind of money for this
contractor-LOOKING saw.
I just sold a 70's vintage Craftsman that I paid $240 for and recently sold
for $75. It never was a great saw but I muddled along for years before I
upgraded to a Grizzly 1023s. This machine looks a lot like that old
machine.
The only bargin here is the current vs list price - and that is not a
bargin. If you have $480 to spend take a look at www.grizzly.com. They have
a good line of contractor's saws and reasonably priced cabinet saws. If you
can afford more cash look at the Grizzly 1023 series or the JET and Delta
Unisaws. IMHO the JETS and Unisaws are overpriced compared to the 1023 but
others have different opinions.
The table saw is the heart of the workshop. Get a good one.
FWIW, they offer the full 2 year warranty.
--
"Duane Bozarth" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Charlie Self wrote:
> ...
> > Then someone was blathering about not being sure you can take it back,
> > etc. Uh, this is Sears. Now, that's not as good as, say, Lee Valley,
> > but in general Sears stands by their stuff fairly decently.
>
> Since I was the "blatheret", I'll clarify the thought process--for
> mainline merchandise, sure--no question...whether they might not have a
> no-return condition on a floor model fire sale is a prudent question
> worth asking about, imo....ymmv.
bob wrote:
>
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
I don't know for sure on the particular model but I'll make a few
comments to look at in deciding...
Have you looked at the motor mount/trunnions, etc., to get an idea how
solid it is actually made underneath? What I know of for sure that
scares me w/ Craftsman promo is the "developed hp" label...what is the
<real> rating on the motor and is it a known item or some no-name
Chinese POS? How much does it weigh in comparison w/ the others you're
interested in? Weight is good and usually a reasonable indicator of
solidity. Can you test drive it by any chance? Is it returnable if you
can't and you get it home and it isn't satisfactory?
I the answers to the above are satisfactory, it could be ok....it seems
that there has been some attempt towards recovery by Sears recently.
Whether this model is a success or not, I have no solid data on.
Nothing solid, but maybe it'll help point out a problem if there is
one...
Charlie Self wrote:
...
> Then someone was blathering about not being sure you can take it back,
> etc. Uh, this is Sears. Now, that's not as good as, say, Lee Valley,
> but in general Sears stands by their stuff fairly decently.
Since I was the "blatheret", I'll clarify the thought process--for
mainline merchandise, sure--no question...whether they might not have a
no-return condition on a floor model fire sale is a prudent question
worth asking about, imo....ymmv.
bob wrote:
>
> FWIW, they offer the full 2 year warranty.
>
That's not quite the same thing as if when you get it home you decide
you <really, really> don't like/want it, after all...especially if you
can't try it out. That's one thing I never liked much about Craftsman
showrooms--you could never try anything. Major manufacturer
distributors (at least used to have) operating showrooms...the online
craze has pretty much eliminated them, however, so that probably is no
difference than anywhere else these days.
As you maybe able to tell, I've not bought a <major> piece of equipment
in almost 20 years now. Once the barn is done and the shop goes up in
the mow, I'm hoping to change that significantly, however... :)
Charlie Self wrote:
>
...
> Most of the distributors are now gone in this area. ...
I think the ones w/ retail/display outlets are in most places....I don't
consider the Borgs nor Sears as distributors, anyway, though. I know of
one place in Raleigh (or at least did a couple of years ago when I had
sufficient time while visiting son to take a side trip--didn't have the
time this past summer). There were places still in Knoxville when I
left there 5 years ago, and I "test drove" the PM66 and Model 27 at
McFeeley's in Lynchburg...but that's been over 25 years ago now...
I'm sure when I go for the moulder and larger planer I'll just bite the
bullet and go w/ one of the big boys and be done w/ it...the mill shop
in Wichita has a new numeric-controlled machine they ran the siding for
the barn through for me--it's nice but $25k is about twice what I want
to try to stay within....
Charlie Self wrote:
>
> Duane Bozarth wrote:
> > Charlie Self wrote:
> > >
> > ...
> > > Most of the distributors are now gone in this area. ...
> >
> > I think the ones w/ retail/display outlets are in most places....I don't
> > consider the Borgs nor Sears as distributors, anyway, though. I know of
> > one place in Raleigh (or at least did a couple of years ago when I had
> > sufficient time while visiting son to take a side trip--didn't have the
> > time this past summer). There were places still in Knoxville when I
> > left there 5 years ago, and I "test drove" the PM66 and Model 27 at
> > McFeeley's in Lynchburg...but that's been over 25 years ago now...
> >
> > I'm sure when I go for the moulder and larger planer I'll just bite the
> > bullet and go w/ one of the big boys and be done w/ it...the mill shop
> > in Wichita has a new numeric-controlled machine they ran the siding for
> > the barn through for me--it's nice but $25k is about twice what I want
> > to try to stay within....
>
> As far as I know, McFeely's is totally mail order now. And doesn't sell
> stationary power tools anyway.
I really don't know--I left Lynchburg in roughly '80 and it's now been
15 years or maybe more since I've even been back to visit old buddies at
B&W. At the time I was there they were <the> general distributor for
almost everything our type wanted as toys :) -- primarily wholesale, of
course, but also would handle OTC sales. I ordered the PM stuff through
them for direct pick up in McMinnville as I was in the process of moving
to Oak Ridge at the time. Knoxville had TN Mining as well as a Delta
factory support/repair center which also had a sale/showroom in those
days.
> I know years ago there was a distributor in Roanoke, but it aimed
> mostly at school based customers even back then. I don't know if it
> still exists, and the ability of the average person to gain entry to
> such places is exceptionally limited anyway, and, AFAIK, always has
> been.
I know the place, but can't think of the name at present...I don't know
its fate, either. A buddy and I were doing decoupage plaques at the
time--he had dropped out of school after starting on his own w/ a single
spindle old Craftsman light-duty shaper peddling them through Davis
Paint in Lynchburg. Davis was selling them like hotcakes and financed
him to buy a larger planer and shaper and gave him shop space in their
basement (one of the big old retail/manufacturing multi-story brick
buildings downtown w/ 3 levels of basement of 10-12'ft height and
massive wood beam/columns...pretty spooky in the "mausoleum" :) ). I
was brand new out of school and saw ad where he was selling the small
shaper and answered it. We then built stuff together and grew it to
something like 40,000 lb-ft/yr turning the high-platform shoe bottoms
for Lynchburg Shoe. Consequently, we had access to anywhere...
Ah, the memories... :)
Lee Gordon wrote:
...
> Of course there are always exceptions and one instance where this "rule"
> does come into play is in a TV newscast when, at the conclusion of a live
> on-the-scene report, the anchorman asks the field reporter a follow-up
> question, it is usually one that they have discussed beforehand so the
> anchorman doesn't ask a stupid question and the reporter doesn't look
> foolish because he was asked something he can't answer.
No, they <both> almost invariably look foolish (and waste time in the
process)...
ok...here goes. I had a saw just like that...I even paid to ship it
overseas...why, because it was better than what I could get there. But
after doing all that, I found that the saw part, the top and trunions were
fine...but the case..the sheet metal that supported the top was too light.
The engineers knew this because they back engineered a stiffener where the
tilt adjust is. I ended up taking the top off and adding steel el brackets
and angle iron to the sides and top edge to give it more strength. Then I
sold it off...
Now I own a Delta unisaw.... lot more money...but a LOT more saw.
Cheers
John
"bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless
> you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about
> 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock
> Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know.
> I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20
> years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
> Fire away!
>
> Bob
>
>
>
>
----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----
In a nutshell, why buy a Craftsman when for the same money you can have an
equivalent unit from Jet, Delta, Grizzly or General?
If you have to ask about the quality of the unit, it probably ain't there.
I had a Craftsman for over 20 years that served me well as my first saw.
When I got serious about woodworking and demanded exactness and performance,
I had to upgrade the saw with better wings and a "real" fence (Incra, not
the POS that came with it that never stayed aligned). After spending 300
bucks on upgrades, I ended up taking the upgrades off, selling the old saw
to a newbie, and buying a Jet contractor saw. I never regretted it, other
than not taking the big leap to a cabinet saw.
Bob
"bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless
> you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about
> 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock
> Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know.
> I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20
> years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
> Fire away!
>
> Bob
>
>
>
>
I actually have had my eye on the Delta 650 for a few months now. It's
exactly the same price at HD...$599 CAN.
I've been doing ww for quite a long time, but never had the workshop square
footage to accommodate a tablesaw. New house, lots of room, and the only
thing missing is.....
Thanks for all the responses. I'm not chomping at the bit to get it into my
hot little hands ASAP, and am not going to make any kind of impulse buy on
something like this.
BUT...(and this was a hard learned lesson)
A few years ago my wife and were driving through our neighborhood on a
Saturday morning. She spotted a garage sale and go tme to pull over.
Expecting nothing more than the usual assortment of glasses, excercycles,
and soiled baby clothes, I waited in the car listening to Car Talk. She came
back a few minutes later to tell me there appeared to be a table saw for
sale. Unexcited, and figuring it was a Canadian Tire benchtop box, I
shuffled over, only to find a nearly mint, full size 1970's Rockwell Beaver
contracter...for 35 bucks! Some SOB had bought it not 2 minutes before I got
there. I asked the seller if I could just switch it on once. Oh, did that
baby sing!! Do you feel my pain?
Now I drag HER to garage sales.
So I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a great deal. I guess not.
Bob
--
"Highspeed" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I guess the Americans don't realize that Grizzly doesn't ship to Canada.
> Now on to the question.
>
> I have the same saw. I got it for Christmas and I am very happy with it.
> The top is sturdy, 1.5" thick, 27" deep and I don't know how wide. The
> mitre gauge is a standard 3/4" x 3/8", so you can use any after market
> parts. The Fence leaves something to be desired but you can upgrade when
> convenient, I have not yet done so but I am thinking about it. I removed
> the base from the saw and mounted it on a cabinet (for storage space) and
I
> also replaced the standard belt with a link belt. The splitter/blade
guard
> is awful and has yet to see use on the saw, I use an MJ splitter from Lee
> Valley. I rewired the plug to 220V, no problems, and the actual "cabinet"
> that the top is mounted to is very sturdy (unlike the other reply says,
> might be redisigned). Dust collection like all contractors saws is leass
> than pleasant but is possible with a little brain work.
>
> If I had to do it all again, I would probably buy a King Cabinet saw. The
> Delta 36-650C from HD, and the King contractors saw would get close
> consideration, along with the Jet from www.allinonewood.com. This
Craftsman
> would also be considered.
>
> I am happy with it but for the money spend another $100 or $200 and get
> something better.
>
> Lars
>
>
> <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> >
> > bob wrote:
> >> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless
> >> you
> >> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> >> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> >> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's
about
> >> 40
> >> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599
> >> (roughly
> >> $480 US)
> >>
> >> It looks like this....
> >>
> >> http://tinyurl.com/79426
> >>
> >> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor
model,
> >> never used, but kicked around a bit.
> >>
> >> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour
> >> to
> >> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool
> >> in
> >> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for
> >> $599
> >> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock
> >> Craftsman,
> >> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know.
> >> I've
> >> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20
> >> years
> >> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
> >>
> >> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
> >>
> >> Fire away!
> >>
> >> Bob
> >
> > IMHO, it's only a good deal compared to the list price, which is way
> > out of line. Think about it, would you even consider that saw for $800
> > US? That's getting into the range of a Grizzly cabinet saw which seems
> > to be quite popular here on the rec. That tells you that it's
> > overpriced to begin with. Personally I don't think it would even be a
> > good deal brand new for $480, when you can get a Grizzly G0444 for $475
> > plus shipping, and I promise it's a LOT more saw (I own a G0444Z). Also
> > look at the current draw, that's a 1 HP motor no matter what they
> > advertize, while the G0444 is a REAL 1.5 HP. Kick in another $80 and
> > you get the G0444Z with a REAL 2HP. Both models have the Bies clone
> > fence which is excellent, BTW!
> >
> > Maybe used gear is tougher to find in Canada, but I regularly see Delta
> > or Jet contractor saws in the classifieds listed around $500.
> >
> > I'm not saying that the Craftsman is not a decent saw that could work
> > for you, but I think $480 is WAY too high by comparison to more highly
> > regarded saws. If it was $300, I'd say go for it, but I'd hate to see
> > you spend almost $500 much on a questionable machine.
> >
> > I know what you're feeling, it's right there, APPEARS to be a good
> > deal, and you could have it in your garage TODAY! Don't let your
> > emotions lead you astray. Be patient. If you must have immediate
> > gratification (and believe me, I understand this) order the Griz G0444
> > ($475 US) and skip a dinner out to cover the shipping. Better yet, skip
> > 2 or 3 dinners out and get the G0444z with the cast iron wings and 2HP.
> > That'll make you feel better and I promise you you'll be happier with
> > it!!
> >
> > Okay now, deep breath, count to ten and go to www.grizzly.com.
> >
> > Best of luck to you,
> > Tom
> >
>
>
Oh, tell me about it. I once ordered a telescope adapter from a place in NY
that cost about $50, and UPS charged something like $30 to clear it. I
refused the shipment, and the store was kind enough to reship by USPS/Canada
Post...5 bucks border fee, thank-you very much.
--
"Doug Payne" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 20/07/2005 8:10 PM, Robert Bonomi wrote:
>
> > 70 lbs is the weight limit for UPS.
> >
> > Shipping cross-border via UPS is a *real* pain.
> > Customs/brokerage fees are absolutely RIDICULOUS
>
> Yes, that's why most people in Canada who know avoid UPS like the
> plague. There's lots of other options; I buy things from the US all the
> time. I have no problems having it delivered in Canada.
>
> But another poster has already pointed out the relationship between
> Grizzly and Busy Bee. Still annoying, but it makes sense from their
> point of view.
"Rob Mills" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:rkGDe.6046$Zt.1574@okepread05...
>
> "bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>>> It looks like this.... http://tinyurl.com/79426 <<<
>
> It look a lot like the 315.228390 that I bought about a year or so ago on
> a closeout sale here in the states. The one I got has a cast iron
> extension wing that holds a router and a great set of wheels that I can
> easily move it out on the driveway with.
> The only thing I didn't like was the plastic tilt and elevation adjust
> wheels which I immediately replaced with the $19.95 cast aluminum wheels
> which Sears just happened to have on hand, the jerks knew the plastic
> wheels were junk and that I would cough up another $20.
> I have no regrets, great saw for the money. RM~
I forgot to mention that the above saw replaced a 35+ year old Craftsman
(made by Emerson) that was still working great. I wanted the wheels so I
could get it in and out of the garage. My son got the old saw. RM~
<<They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless
you
already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.>>
At the risk of initiating thread drift, I would just like to point out that
this is most certainly not the first rule of journalism and I would be
willing to guess it's not a rule of journalism at all. If a reporter
already knows the answers to all the questions he is about to ask, he
shouldn't be wasting anybody's time asking them. This is not to suggest
that he ought to be completely ignorant (it's a good idea to have at least
some familiarity with the subject), but if he asks only questions for which
he already knows the answers, he is unlikely to unearth any new and
potentially useful information.
Of course there are always exceptions and one instance where this "rule"
does come into play is in a TV newscast when, at the conclusion of a live
on-the-scene report, the anchorman asks the field reporter a follow-up
question, it is usually one that they have discussed beforehand so the
anchorman doesn't ask a stupid question and the reporter doesn't look
foolish because he was asked something he can't answer.
Lee
--
To e-mail, replace "bucketofspam" with "dleegordon"
<< (me:) Of course there are always exceptions and one instance where this
"rule"
> does come into play is in a TV newscast when, at the conclusion of a live
> on-the-scene report, the anchorman asks the field reporter a follow-up
> question, it is usually one that they have discussed beforehand so the
> anchorman doesn't ask a stupid question and the reporter doesn't look
> foolish because he was asked something he can't answer.
(you:) No, they <both> almost invariably look foolish (and waste time in the
process)... >>
I never meant to imply that they were successful.
Lee
--
To e-mail, replace "bucketofspam" with "dleegordon"
Except Grizzly won't ship to Canada.
Clint
"rob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Why would you spend $480 US on a saw with a questionable fence ?
>
> Is the motor direct drive ?
>
> For $475 US you could get the grizzly contractor saw with a real fence
> and a belt driven blade. I bet in CDN $ its even cheaper.
>
> http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?itemnumber=G0444&
>
> My first table saw was a craftsman, it was impossible to keep the fence
> in alignment. The internals were all aluminum and plastic.
>
> rob
>
Well, bite my tongue, and slap my hiney... Looks like they do. Of course,
for whatever reason, the paragraph right above the one you quoted (for
shipments less than 70 pounds), they specifically exclude Canada. Don't
know if that's what I saw before, or if their policies have changed, or if I
e-mailed them and got a different reply... Anywhoo, it would be interesting
to see how much a saw would end up costing, landed in someone's garage up
here.
Clint
"Doug Payne" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 19/07/2005 2:31 PM, Clint wrote:
>
>> Except Grizzly won't ship to Canada.
>
> According to their Web site they do. It's just a bit convoluted.
>
> From http://www.grizzly.com/foreign_orders.cfm?
>
> "To purchase an item weighing over 70lbs., contact a US based freight
> forwarder and include their contact information when requesting a quote.
> (A Freight Forwarder is a shipping company that provides export services
> for shipping large items overseas.) A small list of Freight Forwarders can
> be found here: www.freightnet.com/c153-U.S.A./. Upon our receipt of
> payment we will send the shipment to the freight forwarder, who will then
> arrange for international shipping. Our flat rate shipping charges cover
> domestic shipping to the US freight forwarder; customers and the freight
> forwarder make arrangements for shipping the order to the final
> destination. All taxes, fees and duties are the customers
> responsibility."
--
"Lee Gordon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> <<They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless
> you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.>>
>
> At the risk of initiating thread drift, I would just like to point out
that
> this is most certainly not the first rule of journalism and I would be
> willing to guess it's not a rule of journalism at all.
Actually, it is. The role of a journalist is not to discover stunning new
secrets, like the tabloids claim, but in fact to draw out details of a story
that the basic facts don't reveal. Most of my friends are in print and radio
news.
But we both digress.....
Nah, they're cool. Public broadcasting :)
--
"A.J. Hamler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> No, it's not. The first rule of journalism is that there are no rules.
> If a journalist allows himself to be completely governed by rules, he
> misses out on many, many excellent opportunities to elicit useful and
> interesting information from interview subjects, especially in
> one-on-one situations.
>
> >>"Most of my friends are in print and radio news."<<
>
> You really need to find a better class of friends. <g>
>
> A.J.
>
> bob wrote:
>
>>They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
>>already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
>>The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
>>sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
>>bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
>>$480 US)
>>
>>It looks like this....
>>
>>http://tinyurl.com/79426
>>
>
That's the saw I have. Heh, so I didn't know any better at the time :^)
It has been reliable for me, although the motor's belt pulley has a tendency
to try to slide off the motor shaft that no amount of tightening has ever
completely suppressed. It was reasonably well alligned to start, the the rip
fence seems to stay perpendicular reasonbly well. I don't have a good measure
of runout for the arbor to give you. Nothing about the saw has caused me
to run screaming from the shop yet, with determination to replace it. Nothing
about it has endeared it to me for all time either.
Jim Kirby
--
James T. Kirby
Center for Applied Coastal Research
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716
phone: 302-831-2438
fax: 302-831-1228
email: [email protected]
http://chinacat.coastal.udel.edu/~kirby
On 19/07/2005 2:31 PM, Clint wrote:
> Except Grizzly won't ship to Canada.
According to their Web site they do. It's just a bit convoluted.
From http://www.grizzly.com/foreign_orders.cfm?
"To purchase an item weighing over 70lbs., contact a US based freight
forwarder and include their contact information when requesting a quote.
(A Freight Forwarder is a shipping company that provides export services
for shipping large items overseas.) A small list of Freight Forwarders
can be found here: www.freightnet.com/c153-U.S.A./. Upon our receipt of
payment we will send the shipment to the freight forwarder, who will
then arrange for international shipping. Our flat rate shipping charges
cover domestic shipping to the US freight forwarder; customers and the
freight forwarder make arrangements for shipping the order to the final
destination. All taxes, fees and duties are the customers responsibility."
On 20/07/2005 9:02 AM, Clint wrote:
> Well, bite my tongue, and slap my hiney... Looks like they do. Of course,
> for whatever reason, the paragraph right above the one you quoted (for
> shipments less than 70 pounds), they specifically exclude Canada.
Yeah, I dunno what's up with that. It makes little sense.
On 20/07/2005 8:10 PM, Robert Bonomi wrote:
> 70 lbs is the weight limit for UPS.
>
> Shipping cross-border via UPS is a *real* pain.
> Customs/brokerage fees are absolutely RIDICULOUS
Yes, that's why most people in Canada who know avoid UPS like the
plague. There's lots of other options; I buy things from the US all the
time. I have no problems having it delivered in Canada.
But another poster has already pointed out the relationship between
Grizzly and Busy Bee. Still annoying, but it makes sense from their
point of view.
On 21/07/2005 1:57 PM, bob wrote:
> Oh, tell me about it. I once ordered a telescope adapter from a place in NY
> that cost about $50, and UPS charged something like $30 to clear it. I
> refused the shipment, and the store was kind enough to reship by USPS/Canada
> Post...5 bucks border fee, thank-you very much.
Yes, the Post Offices are often the butt of jokes, but I've had perfect
results with them, including shipping some items that were upwards of
$3,000. UPS, on the other hand...
I would agree with a few others that the price is inflated. I'm not
even sure about that particular saw, but if it's a direct drive I'd
stay away from it. If its a real contractor's saw, and you can get it
for $300 then maybe its OK. I've used a Craftsman 113 series (Emerson
USA Built) for the past 30 years since new and they don't build them
like that any more. Replaced with a Unisaw... what else.
On Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:11:47 -0400, "bob" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
>already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
>The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
>sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
>bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
>$480 US)
>
>It looks like this....
>
>http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
>Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
>never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
>So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
>diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
>my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
>list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
>or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
>found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
>is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
>No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
>Fire away!
>
>Bob
>
>
>
I rigged casters on one end of the stand for the BT3000 for mobility.
Did same thing for the Delta 46-700 lathe.
On Thu, 21 Jul 2005 01:14:55 -0500, "Rob Mills" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I forgot to mention that the above saw replaced a 35+ year old Craftsman
>(made by Emerson) that was still working great. I wanted the wheels so I
>could get it in and out of the garage. My son got the old saw. RM~
>
On Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:11:47 -0400, "bob" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless you
>already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
>The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
>sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about 40
>bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
>$480 US)
>
>It looks like this....
>
>http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
>Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
>never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
>So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
>diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
>my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
>list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock Craftsman,
>or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. I've
>found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20 years
>is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
>No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
>Fire away!
>
>Bob
>
>
>
a buddy of mine bought either that saw or one close to it in the
lineup. it was fine. it's a middle of the road contractor saw. the two
piece rail is a pain. the openwork wings are finger pinchers. belt
flutter was an issue. fence action os fine and it locks tight enough.
he sold it at the end of the job, so my impressions are based on the
saw being new. I have no data on what breaks/wears out first/worst.
"nospambob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>>>I rigged casters on one end of the stand for the BT3000 for mobility.Did
>>>same thing for the Delta 46-700 lathe.<<<
I considered that option but changed my mind in a hurry when I figured out
this was a belt drive saw/ with cast iron extension/router table and an
awesome wheel/caster setup that retailed for almost $800 and they were
closing it out for $449 which I also got to deduct my Craftsman Club and
Sears retiree discounts bringing my total down to $360. I didn't take me but
30 seconds to figure out that my son really needed my old saw <grin>. No one
who has seen the saw can believe that I got it for what I did.
This saw was made by Ryobi but the construction is real similar to my old
Emerson made Craftsman. Incidentally, I had modified the old fence so that
the rear of the fence rode on a ball bearing caster instead of the nylon
glide, it worked great as long as I kept the bearing clean and oiled. RM~
PS, I think this closeout was due to Sears and Ryobi splitting the sheets. I
also suspect that closeout saw in Canada to also be made by Ryobi.
I feel that Sears, maybe Shears(?), has moved beyond "fairly decent".
Ordered tools on line from West Coast of US and was told my credit
card was denied so order was cancelled. Ordered from Lowe's. Tools
were received on East Coast despite cancelled order. Contacted Shears
who said they'd credit tool charge but NOT shipping charges. After
prolonged E-mail exchanges our son waited in line for an hour and they
refused credit to card and gave him a gift card for tool charge.
Credit card company cancelled the S&H charge. I HATE HMO mentality!
On 19 Jul 2005 11:52:42 -0700, "Charlie Self" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Then someone was blathering about not being sure you can take it back,
>etc. Uh, this is Sears. Now, that's not as good as, say, Lee Valley,
>but in general Sears stands by their stuff fairly decently.
This doesn't strike me as an extraordinarily good deal but it's not exactly
a rip-off either. There is no doubt that better tools are made but when a
Craftsman is all you can get...or all you can afford...the choice is a
no-brainer.
I have a Craftsman table saw...an OLD one that has a flexible shaft to drive
the blade. I bought it (in terrible shape) for a VERY low price, restored
it, threw away the blade and fence and added a carbide blade and a new
Craftsman Align-a-Rip fence.
Is it a Delta Unisaw? No, and I make no pretense that it is. It is also
not a high-end contractor saw but with patience and careful setups I can do
good work. I don't try to do fine furniture but the carcases I build are
square.
The Align-a-Rip fence is no Biesemeier but if I take my time to ensure there
is no sawdust in the rail groove and tweak it carefully before I lock it
down, I get demonstrably square cuts.
Bob, if you decide to go with the Craftsman, get a decent blade and...this
is important...buy a dial indicator. You can get one for around $15US at
Harbor Freight. Use it to carefully align the miter slot to the arbor...and
then the fence to the miter slot.
You may also want to face the fence with melamine or Baltic birch to protect
it from the unthinkable. I did.
Just one additional comment: I consider my dial indicator to be the most
important tool in my shop. It's not one I use every day but nothing can
adequately replace it.
"bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> They say the first rule of journalism is to never ask a question unless
> you
> already know the answer, but I will plead ignorance.
> The local Sears scratch-'n-dent warehouse has a Craftsman tablesaw just
> sittin' there in the front entrance. It lists for $999 CAN (that's about
> 40
> bucks US - actually about $800) and they're unloading it for $599 (roughly
> $480 US)
>
> It looks like this....
>
> http://tinyurl.com/79426
>
> Align-a-rip fence (very solid), nice table, etc. Obviously a floor model,
> never used, but kicked around a bit.
>
> So, how bad can it be? I know it's like a religion or a badge of honour to
> diss Craftsman - hell, even I do, and I've never owned a Craftsman tool in
> my life - but is it always true? If I went out and bought a Delta for $599
> list, would I still be better off? Is it just de rigeur to knock
> Craftsman,
> or are their tools really that poor? I'm just asking cuz I don't know.
> I've
> found a gazillion posts of how everything they've made for the past 20
> years
> is a POS, but what about their more pricey items like this one?
>
> No, I don't have my heart set on it, but it "seems" like a good deal.
>
> Fire away!
>
> Bob
>
>
>
>
"bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>>> It looks like this.... http://tinyurl.com/79426 <<<
It look a lot like the 315.228390 that I bought about a year or so ago on a
closeout sale here in the states. The one I got has a cast iron extension
wing that holds a router and a great set of wheels that I can easily move it
out on the driveway with.
The only thing I didn't like was the plastic tilt and elevation adjust
wheels which I immediately replaced with the $19.95 cast aluminum wheels
which Sears just happened to have on hand, the jerks knew the plastic wheels
were junk and that I would cough up another $20.
I have no regrets, great saw for the money. RM~
>> I guess the Americans don't realize that Grizzly doesn't ship to Canada.
> You're right, I did not realize that.
>
umm... as realized in an above reply, they do, you just have Grizzly ship to an
export forward shipper, which one has to pay for including taxes, gets high tho...
--
Alex - newbie_neander in woodworking
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/