Replies

1. 
   Taigert | May 13, 2009 09:10am | #1

   Bill,

   Welcome to FWW online. It is a great place to exchange ideas, and post your thoughts.

   As to your ?, are you wondering if you should purchase the older Powermatic equipment? This is just my personal opinion, but I think old Iron is better than new Iron more the most part. Most of the older stuff was made here in the US and is high quality vs. the new stuff that is 99% made offshoe. In places like China or Tiawan. Delta's new Uni-Saw is being promoted as "Assembled in the USA". Who knows how many of the actual parts are US made or imported.

   I personally do not care for import tools. I think the materials they use are borderline and built in sweatshops. It seems that the companies who put their names on them and sell them are only interested in a quick buck. Take a look at the plywood sold at at the BORG, it's made in China. When you cut it there is no telling whats going to happen. It's not glued properly, it's full of voids. And God only knows what the plys concist of. Now you hear on he news that new homes over the past few years have drywall in them that is from China. It sounds like people are unable to live in those houses without risking their health. But someone saved a couple of dollars having their drywall made oversea's rather than here in America. Those sort of business practices make me sick. And I havn't even mentioned how many skilled workers with families have been put out of work.

   That's just my 2 cents worth.

   I wish you luck making sawdust, and enjoy this site as much as I do,

   Taigert

1. 
   saschafer | May 13, 2009 04:12pm | #4

   "Now you hear on he news that new homes over the past few years have drywall in them that is from China. It sounds like people are unable to live in those houses without risking their health. But someone saved a couple of dollars having their drywall made oversea's rather than here in America."

   That's not quite what happened in that case. There was a severe shortage of drywall in the US at the time (2006), in part because it was the peak of the building boom, and in part because of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It was the shortage that drove suppliers to import the Chinese drywall, not prices.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   Eef | May 14, 2009 08:36pm | #8

   taigert,

   just wanted to say that i enjoyed your level-headed rant.  one does not have to look much further than unbridled corporate greed as the source for many of the world's woes, these days.

   eef

2. 
   SteveSchoene | May 13, 2009 12:39pm | #2

   There is a lot of value in used tools, and Powermatic has historically been a quality brand.  I would suggest looking for an 8" jointer--6" can get restrictive quite quickly. 

   I also think it is true that country of origin is less important than specifications and quality control.  Read the tool reviews in FWW and other magazines.  Not perfect but useful. 

   I wish you luck in your new endeavour. 

3. 
   Malcolm | May 13, 2009 04:06pm | #3

   Hi

   Some Kiwi 'wisdom'.

   My wife is inclined to say that 'a bargain is only a bargain if you need it'. If I were you (and good on you, by the way, best of luck) I'd begin with purpose, and then assemble a shopping list.

   You have a product range in mind. What gear do you need to make that stuff? I'd go as far as to map out a production process, looking for minimal steps and efficiencies of scale, and then plug in the machinery you'll ideally need. You will probably get a cost too high to easily pay, but the plan will inform your purchasing strategy.

   Whatever you do, try not to begin with the machines (cheap or otherwise).

   Malcolm
   http://www.macpherson.co.nz

   Edited 5/13/2009 9:07 am ET by Malcolm

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/13/2009 9:08 am ET by Malcolm

1. 
   woodbebill | May 13, 2009 04:26pm | #5

   Malcolm...Thank you very much for yor response. I am impressed with your, and or, your wife's Kiwi Wisdom. I actually have put together a number of lists. I especially liked the list that had an unlimited budget. I am trying to thnk the overall project throough as much as one can do that and it has helped me cull, and add gear. The one piece that has me overthinking is the Planer. I will have large quantities of reclaimed barn wood that will need to be planed and I think I should go with the newer Helical cutting heads... so if I buy anything new or closer to new, it will most likely be the planer.Does that make any sense?Bill

1. 
   Malcolm | May 13, 2009 11:52pm | #7

   I have used recycled floorboards (and still have a truckload from a local heritage building in storage) and have tried every approach. This lot were full of nails, carpet staples, grit (from a flood) and coated in an old Lino cement! There's a lot of cleaning up with hand scrapers.I absolutely hate putting this stuff through my MiniMax. I keep it in good shape and well set up and treat it like a baby.So next time I attack this stuff (it's a New Zealand native called kauri, now rare as new wood and prized for 'cultural' reasons) I think I'll buy a cheap (read disposable) thicknessor and dedicate it to 'dirty' work. When it's done a few days of work, I'll write the cost off against the job. Malcolmhttp://www.macpherson.co.nz

4. 
   srstool | May 13, 2009 06:22pm | #6

   I own a production raised panel door shop, and have a lot of Powermatic we bought new in the 70's. I would be very comforable buying it. I have a Model 66 tablesaw bought in the 70's that is still going strong today. I am not so fond of newer Powermatic, but that has more to do with the attitude of some of the rep's than it does with the tools. If older tools are well cared for they usually are a good buy if the price is reasonable. I have a Delta Unisaw from the 50's---still working---with the original motor. You won't see that today with any tool. no matter what the price range. Good luck with your decision.

   Kent --Lubbock,Texas