OK, here is a really vague, wide-open question for you:
I got a Craftsman drill for Christmas that I don’t want/need, so I need to exchange it for something there. I’m still building my tool collection so there are plenty of things I need. So what would you buy, (Craftsman or otherwise) from Sears in the $100-$200 range?
On a side note, who makes the Craftsman bandsaws? While I am loathe to buy any Craftsman tools, there have been lots of good comments about their new cabinet saw. I am wondering if any of that is spilling over into their other tools. It seems like since everyone is having their midline tools made in Taiwan there is a good chance that Sears saws are made in the same factory as Delta, Jet, Grizzly, etc. Any feedback on their 14″ saw?
Edited 12/31/2005 12:06 am ET by ohcomeon
Replies
Craftsman hand tools are excellent and guaranteed for life. I'd either buy a name-brand power tool if you need one (like a non-Craftsman router or drill, etc.), or one of their nice screwdriver or wrench sets. Most of their mechanics' stuff is well-regarded.
Just about two months ago I took in about a half dozen screwdrivers that, through over 20 years of use, had finally fallen into disrepair. One even had a melted handle. They gave me over $80 of brand-new tools without a question. Do I use that big screwdriver as a pry bar sometimes? Sure, and why not? :)
Orion makes the new Sears cabinet/hybrid saws, and also makes their 6" jointer, and I think one of their new bandsaws. The new 10" BS looks like the Rikon and am not sure that Orion makes that one.
Depending on what types of things you build and what you already have, I'd consider a jointer or planer. Neither is my top choice at regular retail price, but both appear to be very capable, and at sale prices can be a good value...especially if you have $200 credit as a downpayment.
One of their routers is made by Bosch and appears identical to the 1617....in fact the Sears model number includes the Bosch number in it.
Have fun!
My personal opinion is that anything Craftsman that has a power cord is crap. On the other hand, their hand tools are terrific, and are guaranteed until the day the sun consumes us all. Most of my wrenches, sockets, drivers, screwdrivers, etc...... are all craftsman. I sold my craftsman router and drill years ago when I decided that I needed them to work for more than 15 minutes a year.
Jeff
I take it you've formed this opinion based on your experiences after trying out each of the better current offerings like the recolored Bosch router, the #1 rated Orion hybrid/cabinet saws, jointer, BS, et al? Some things change you know...
Edited 12/31/2005 7:40 pm ET by scotty
Nope! I formulated my opinion based on the fact that if you want a Bosch router, buy a blue one. You can certainly get a better price online or at Rockler than you can at Sears. Also, if you really want a cabinet saw, there are far better choices available than the Craftsman. I speak with about 25 years of experience wearing out tools in the construction business. Craftsman power tools just aren't in the top shelf of what's available out there. I've burned out their routers, drills, impact wrenches, saws, etc.... way sooner than their expected time. The original poster, ohcomeon, stated that he had a couple hundred bucks to play with. That's a nice gift, but not enough to do some serious damage! In my opinion, he'd be better off staying away from the Craftsman power tools in that price range, and sticking with the hand/mechanics tools (you know, wrenches, screw drivers, torx bits, impact sockets, etc.....) that would be fine additions to any tool box, and be guaranteed for life.
Jeff
Dont know if they're still on sale or not, but their tool chests are first rate. You're going to need somewhere to store all your WW tools.
If you build it he will come.
Really? I had 1 in the back of my van, after about 9 months the 4 corners of the face frame had split. Tried to take it back under the Craftsman waurantee and found out that just because it says Craftsman on it doesn't mean didly. But the nice supervisor offered to sell me another one for 10% off. Yeah right. Apparently the disclaimer about not gaurranteeing some things is available in customer service if I would have asked. What a load.
Sears router bits and some of their saw blades were at one time as good as they get , perhaps they still are ?
good luck dusty
Rule #1 You get what you pay for.(and generally not one bit more).
Hi K,
Sounds like you have reason to be anti Sears and apparently rightfully so .
Sears actually manufactures zero to my knowledge , so many plants produce products they sell .
As far as power tools for commercial or professional work , agreed Sears has little to offer us . Homeowners are the target market imo .
As I stated the router bits purchased 25 years or so ago are still in service today, can't say if the current offerings are as good . The Sears dovetail jig still works fine although I wore out many Sears routers over the years .
I actually bought a pancake compressor to take on site from Sears about 5 years ago for about $175.00 and it still works great and has paid for itself many times over , so who is to say what is good and what is not ?
regards dusty
Yo Dusty,
Yeah, I have a bit of a strong bias against Sears. Tend to get that way after a company lays a wte smelly pile in my lap. The tool box wasn't my only bad experience with them, so I guess that perhaps I am a little slow on the uptake sometimes. Sears used to be a lot better but times change. However, I do own and use a sizeable set of their mechanics tools and have had excellent support in that regard. Just had to learn that Sears is somewhat jeckel and hyde like. I understand them better now. Buyer beware. Glad to hear that the compressor is working out for you, may it continue to serve you well. With regards to name brand tools at sears I find their prices a little higher across the board, fairly easy to beat without going out of my way to do so. Go figure.
Take care, K
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