Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 01, 2005 10:32am | #1

   Using a DC with any of the thickness sanders is, I think, pretty much mandatory.

   Before taking the plunge with Sears (which is generally not too highly regarded around here), I would at least look into the machines in this category from Delta and Performax.

1. 
   demondriven | Apr 01, 2005 11:49am | #2

   I generally dont look to them for woodworking equipment but it seems like their making strides lately. Only problem is I cant find anybody who knows anything about their new sander. I was pretty much set on the Performax  but want to check out all options before I buy. As far as the DC goes their sander has a built in dust collection (there is a bag that goes over a garbage can to control dust) I didnt know what effect this would have on a  DC system if I hook it up to mine. Or maybe just maybe it actually works well with just their set-up. Thanks for the input

1. 
   Manchild | Apr 01, 2005 03:20pm | #3

   I wanted to put in my two cents. I worked on a Sears compressor once and getting parts for it was a nightmare. After trying unsuccessfully to find parts I ended up buying a whole new pump from somewhere else.

   They can come out with some pretty innovative products. But they don't make them and they just don't have the parts. Also the product you buy might be discontinued in few years.

   If you don't mind the disposable approach to tools then I think they will be a good fit.

   I'm talking about machines they come out with, not hand tools or ones they have a history with.

1. 
   mt330 | Apr 01, 2005 04:09pm | #4

   Don't buy anything from sears you will be sorry. Then you will be spending good money for the same tool form someone else.

2. 
   Dave45 | Apr 01, 2005 04:28pm | #5

   Wog -

   Your question has brought out the Craftsman bashers in full force. - lol

   Personally, I would give their sander a good look - they seem to be making some serious (and long overdue) changes in their tool quality.  The new cabinet saw is getting great reviews and their other stuff seems to be better than a few years ago. 

   I've never had a problem getting replacement parts but I keep all the owners manuals for all my tools so I can reference the correct part number.  Last year, I replaced the switch on my 30 year old Craftsman router and had the parts within a few days of placing the order.

   If I ever hit the lottery, I'm replacing ALL of my sockets with the Craftsman line.  Those large numbers showing the size are a godsend to someone like me who is convinced that they just aren't making as much light as they used to. - lol

3. 
   forestgirl | Apr 01, 2005 06:18pm | #6

   Although I generally avoid Craftsman power tools, their new table saw has moderated my knee-jerk reaction, LOL.  I would take the following into consideration while making your decision: 

   • How close is the price to the more-established (e.g., Performax) competition?  If it's close, I'd let someone else experiment with the new Craftsman machine. 
   • Is there any component (e.g., motor) that is obviously inferior to that of the competition?  With things like routers, cordless drills, etc., they have a tendency to cut corners with power, collet size, various things to pinch pennies
   • Is the disposable item, the paper, universally sized so you can buy from a source other than Sears?

   If the machine passes all those "tests" and you want to buy it, take advantage of their guarantee "If you are not completely satisfied, you can return your purchase to any Sears store or send it back to Sears.com.* "   Use the heck out of it right away!  You might not be able to test durability, but you can flush out any design problems that would make the machine unacceptable.  Bail out if any problems occur -- they'd be a bad omen.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   demondriven | Apr 01, 2005 06:58pm | #7

   Excellent advice, I appreciate all the feedback I've gotten. I am going to follow through with youre suggestions. I guess I got more homework todo.