Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jul 04, 2005 06:27pm | #1

   ej

   Issue 136, June of 1999.  However, I wouldn't rely on it as a decision maker, because of the age of the revue.  IMHO, you're looking at either the General, or the Powermatic 66.  They are consistantly rated at the top of the heap.  I've got the 66, and it's nice.  If I had to do it again, I might get the General, mainly cause it's made in North America.  The 66 is now from Taiwann, if I'm not mistaken.  Someone will surely chime in here if I'm wrong.

   Jeff

1. 
   mikegagne | Jul 04, 2005 11:58pm | #2

   <I might get the General, mainly cause it's made in North America. The 66 is now from Taiwann, if I'm not mistaken. Someone will surely chime in here if I'm wrong.>I have mentioned this before and do again gently, "why does country of origin matter?" "If it cuts good it is good" to paraphrae Duke Ellington. If you can't find a recent review of a product you are considering ask the person who owns one. Without checking I dont know how we can be sure of the origin (or quality) of anything. And interestingly, with the demise of most US mfg we now accept Canada as our measure of regional inclusion. Quite interesting and so I wonder when Mexico will get included.....with this trend how long til we can be okay with the rest of the world? Aloha, mike

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jul 05, 2005 02:31am | #3

   mike

   For me, it matters a great deal.  If you don't understand why, then all the wasted words I could type here wouldn't matter at all. Besides that, getting into a debate about the economy of our great country would only get me fired up on Independence Day.  I'll save it for the sparklers.

   Jeff

1. 
   mikegagne | Jul 05, 2005 03:07am | #5

   Jeff, I can understand that it matters. My point was more one of nationalism and the drift to include Canada (and then why not Mexico) as an okay source without allowing for the fact that a large amount of the parts and subassemblies in those machines are produced in Taiwan (who by the way have very high quality machining standards). We live with these source issues legislatively disguised by our very own Congress. So how do we as American buyers differentiate when we need something? Or more succinctly, what is the underlying quality and how do we determine it?
   So, I do understand I just dont think what we believe about these issues has remained as constant as we would like through no fault of our own. Purchasing tooling and machinery has become more of an experiment than I would like it to be. We would all like it to be as simple as just buying a known brand and knowing you are getting a good thing-but it isnt anymore. Aloha, mike gagne

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jul 05, 2005 04:45am | #6

   Your post belongs in the cafe.  I don't subscribe to it,  because I'm here as a woodworker, not a politician, or a lecturer.  No need to reply.

   Jeff

2. 
   mikegagne | Jul 05, 2005 05:00am | #7

   Your post belongs in the cafe. I don't subscribe to it, because I'm here as a woodworker, not a politician, or a lecturer. No need to reply.I dont subscibe to it either. This concept of "Taiwanese junk" floats around in this forum constantly. I was trying to clear up a misconception that the reference makes. Quality in machinery (and people) is where you find it and you find it when you look for it. I am not denigrating anyone here or any where else. I want to find what i need to further my craft (woodworking) which I have pursued for 33 years as a professional and will probably do as a retirement pursuit one day also. We are all the same in that regard I imagine....wherever you live in the world.

3. 
   jako17 | Jul 06, 2005 02:17pm | #9

   Mike ,I feel that one can lessen the magnitude of the experiment by us being prepared to pay more for the equipment.However most will not for varied reasons.I personally buy General (Canadian Made) and am NEVER disappointed.G.I well another story but generally speaking, a good product for the price 

4. 
   mikegagne | Jul 07, 2005 07:53am | #10

   I feel that one can lessen the magnitude of the experiment by us being prepared to pay more for the equipment.However most will not for varied reasons.Jako, I agree wholeheartedly. I am a professional and have high quality equipment because it has to work as expected whenever I turn it on. I have older US iron (Powermatic planer, Oliver jointer, 64 year old Delta Unisaw) Japan made (Makita jointer/planer) German (Bosch, Fein, Festool), Taiwan (Sunhill) totalling probably $50,000 worth of machinery and tooling. I buy Japan chisels, saws and sharpening stones, American planes etc. I want quality and will pay for it. It isnt just buying the more expensive tool either but rather determining where the equity is quality wise. I am currently getting prepared to hand over a pile of money for a Streibig panel saw to replace the Safety-Cut saw that I THOUGHT was going to be good. Occaisionally you make an error I just cant do it very often. I have not seen a comprehensive review of panel saws by anyone-probably too expensive a tool for most. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Aloha, mike

2. 
   cherryjohn | Jul 05, 2005 06:46am | #8

   I just read that the quality of PM has taken a dive but not because its made in Taiwan but because the company that used to make them was bought out and I think the article said they were being made in SC.  They cheapened them up and are selling them at a premium based on name recognition.Wicked Decent Woodworks

   (oldest woodworking shop in NH)

   Rochester NH

   " If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"

2. 
   Dustmight | Jul 05, 2005 02:45am | #4

   Not sure about FWW, but Wood did a cab saw review within the last 18 months or so (maybe issue 150 or 151???). FWIW, they liked the General 650.