Replies

1. 
   Syma | Apr 21, 2007 06:04pm | #1

   Just to let you know David, that particular Altendorf is made in China. Still it is not a "bad" machine.

1. 
   ring | Apr 21, 2007 06:33pm | #2

   Yes, it's made in China. That's why it's half the price of the F-45. But looking over the saw I cannot find fault in the finish, and the design is all Altendorf. I'm betting that it's one of the best bargains going; hope that I won't be disappointed.
   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   Scrit | Apr 22, 2007 06:28pm | #3

   I suppose one difference to point out is that unlike Delta stuff, for example, it is not made under contract by a third party, it is made in Altendorf's own facility at Qinhuangdao which opened in 1995 and which is run as a subsidiary of the HQ in Minden, Germany. The models made there are the WA6 and WA8 base models. The WA80, F45 and Elmo models are still made only in Germany (at least for now).

   Scrit

2. 
   ring | Jun 17, 2007 07:52am | #4

   OK, we've been working with the Altendorf WA8 for a few weeks now, so for anybody who's interested, first impressions:

   The automatic blade height and angle settings are accurate and a joy to use. Not that I ever had a problem with hand-cranking a wheel but it's very convenient to just push a button. The blade angle goes from 0 to 46° which is nice to have sometimes.

   The miter fence is separate from the 90° fence, placed at the rear of the carriage, and I never realized how convenient that would be. On my SCMI saw (which I still love) I need to reposition the same crosscut fence. With the WA8 I can leave both crosscut fences in position, ready to alternate 90° cuts with 45° cuts, which is quite often the case.

   The scoring blade mechanism on the WA8 is nicely thought out. When taking it in and out of action it returns to exactly the same height, which is a common difficulty on other saws.

   The only serious drawback I've felt with the saw is a general feeling of lightness. It is not built like a tank. When putting a 4"x8" beam on the saw you don't feel you can toss it around with impunity. (Like I do with the older SCMI).

   Bottom line, for a small shop I still think the WA8 is a great bargain.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   RickL | Jun 19, 2007 04:44pm | #5

   You ever go to http://www.woodweb.com  It's one of the few pro wood forums out there. Lots of good info to be shared there.

1. 
   ring | Jun 19, 2007 05:22pm | #6

   Yes Rick, I know the forum.  There's a lot of professionals there, and I've gotten some good specific help on questions.  But somehow I like the atmoshere at Knots better.

    David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e