Which tool manufactuers have the best reputations?

[Heather Thompson]

Jeff,

I have read every post to this thread, own many very nice tools myself, lust over many (both power and handtools). My recommendation would be to view this thread http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=102226 , read it completely and then view his home page. This is the link to his home page, http://www.makerofshaker.com/wjt/Home.html, now click on the construction tab to the piece you just saw, play the slide show and pay particular attention to the tools in his shop, it is a humbling experience! Tools do not make the piece, the craftsman/woman are the most important tool, the desire is critical.

Heather

PS Do check out his body of work, truely a gifted craftsman.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

were I looking for a conventional TS I'd be looking at General over any other maker of Single Phase equipment. Same with their bench Mortiser.

Often a manufacturer won't be Aces in everything.

For example my Felder Rep told me not to get a Felder Band saw. And as it regards lathes - - there's contenders that do different things differently.

[Joe Jensen]

were I looking for a conventional TS I'd be looking at General over any other maker of Single Phase equipment. Same with their bench Mortiser.

Often a manufacturer won't be Aces in everything.

For example my Felder Rep told me not to get a Felder Band saw. And as it regards lathes - - there's contenders that do different things differently.

General (made in Canada are great) but General International not so great. General is 2-4X the price of General International new.

[Hank Moreman]

I agree with the others it will depend on the tool. Some of the ones that I like that I have are...

Jet 18" 1 3/4 hp bandsaw- absolutely my pride and joy, good price and a level of performance that can't be beat. However, my first bandsaw was a 14" Delta and I liked it but outgrew it

Rigid 12" (or 13") planer- its my first one and I got it used for a bargain, it has taken my stupidity and inability to use it correctly very well

Hitachi 10" compound miter slide saw- this one is my workhorse and I couldn't get along without it (in fact I have 2)

Hitachi sander (10" orbital and 4"x36" belt)- I'm partial to hitachi and this is a good tool, but it seems like one that is hard to mess up

I have always had decent luck with Delta tools when buying blind, but in those type of situations I am trying to save money until I know what needs to be valuable with a tool

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Jeff,

I have read every post to this thread, own many very nice tools myself, lust over many (both power and handtools). My recommendation would be to view this thread http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=102226 , read it completely and then view his home page. This is the link to his home page, http://www.makerofshaker.com/wjt/Home.htmld, now click on the construction tab to the piece you just saw, play the slide show and pay particular attention to the tools in his shop, it is a humbling experience! Tools do not make the piece, the craftsman/woman are the most important tool, the desire is critical.

Heather

PS Do check out his body of work, truely a gifted craftsman.

Heather, can you check that homepage link? I can't get it to work.

[Heather Thompson]

Heather, can you check that homepage link? I can't get it to work.

Steve,

Sorry about that, this should work. http://www.makerofshaker.com/wjt/Home.html
Also, if you click on a members name, if they have a homepage it will be listed in their information.

Heather