dave@fluke.UUCP (Dave Van Ess) (11/11/85)
Anyone that knows me is probably thinking. "DAVE HAS SOMETHING NICE TO SAY ABOUT CRAFTSMAN TOOLS?!" Well yes, Dave the wood masochist has something good to say about Sears. Although their products are not industrial quality, they have a very high performance to price ratio. They are a good set of tools for the occasional user or for someone first starting out. I have been woodworking for about 7 years now and I'm still using alot of the power hand tools that I bought when I first started. I must admit I'm happy that they are wearing out so I can get some more industrial quality tools. But hell, 5 years on a $39 router is a good deal. Here is the prices for my first tools. 10 inch Table Saw $300 1hp Router $ 39 Saber Saw $ 39 3 by 21 beltsander $ 39 1/2 inch hand drill free ( dad never missed it) ----- $417 So I got started for less than $500. This was a price that was exceptable with my budget (and my wife) at that time. I now have lots of high quality tools and can do alot more than I ever could imagine 7 years ago, but without Sears to supply me with a set of reasonably priced starter tools. I probably never would have started woodworking. Did I have to baby the saw? Yes I did, but at $300 I could sent a little time futzing with the fence. Will I buy any more Sear tools again? Not woodworking tools, I outgrown them. I will still buy my auto tools there. I also found Sears to stand behind their products. My first table saw had some problems with the arbor bearing. Sear fixed this quickly and with little hassle. Dave Van Ess John Fluke Mfg Co Everett WA