Terrible Christmas Gifts For Woodworkers
johnhenry922
| Posted in General Discussion on
After reading all the discussion regarding table saw blades, it occurred to me what a cliched gift a old tablesaw blade made into a clock is, especially when it is made from a new blade. It doesn’t speak much for the quality on the blade, even when new.
Does anyone else have ideas on gifts they would rather not get for Christmas (or any other time).
Replies
cheaply made and inferior low quality tools.
Anything, especially tools, from China...
What does " cliched " mean ?
At least if it comes from Sears, you can always get a store credit and buy anything you need. One time I received a set of inexpensive chisels. Good, but not great. They were perfect to grind down to the odd-ball size I needed for a project. Two wound up as skewed -beveled chisels. Great for getting into those tight corners. The extra ones went into the 'special' tool box I use when friendly neighbor needs to borrow a chisel or screwdriver. SawdustSteve
Projects for inlaws.
I was once asked to provide a shelf for a SIL. She prefaced the request by saying "you like to pound don't you?". I hate making 'clutter boards' on the wall. The real ticker was the lack of appreciation for what goes into anything handmade. Obviously her checkbook was her creative tool.
Now, she'd be a perfectly good human except for the sensitivity thing.
How about a gift certificate for $20.00 to somplace like Wal- _ _ _ _ OR K-_ _ _ _ along with a card letting you know that this gift certificate is so you can go pick out the woodworking tools of your choice and then have a SISTER AND B.I.L setting across from you looking like they expect you to get down and kiss their feet in appreciation I know christmas is'nt about the price of the gift but good greif how stupid can one or in this case can two peolpe actually be aspecially when they ask my wife where I shop for tools she tells them Tool Crib.Grizzly.Home Depot and they even ask for the phone numbers and adresses it really makes you wonder if it's not done on purpose of course then again these are the same two peolpe about the same time every year (4-5 days before christmas) call me and ask the same stupid thing they want to know that since I'm not to busy(yea rite) in your little garage could you make So and So one of those gun cabinet thingies for christmas like you made last year for jeremy(my son) we cant find them nothing else we think that So and So would like. And since you have everything you know like those old boards that you wash off I cant beleive it would be that expensive.When I tell them that there is'nt enough time or the cherry lumber that I made my sons cabinet from is very expensive or when they ask me how much somthing like that would be built from those old boards that I had given to me would be. I tell them to go tear down the building that the material comes from then clean it all using a paint scraper,beltsander and metal detecter then joint and plane each peice then desighn a plan which in this case was a 20 gun cabinet that all the guns turn inside on a lazy susan also on the top inside where the ammo is slides out and turns on a L.S for easier selection. then once they've spent roughly 40-50 hours building it then spend another 10-15 sanding,staining,sanding somemore then polyurethane about 8-10 thin coats sanding in between each coat with 400 grit sandpaper so then I tell them to figure out what they make an hour at their job x how many hours it took from start to finish and thats how much it will be. Needless to say they decided they didn't want one after all so maybe thats why I get the stupid gift certificates every year but then again I should be getting my yearly call from them wanting somthing from my little garage built from those washed boards. But you know the words my Granddad used to say means more with every year that passes and every project that passes through the shop when peolpe would ask him to help them build somthing or for him to build it he always started the conversation out by saying "First of all let me tell ya theres a lot more to it then just talking about it" No truer words were ever spoken.
Happy Holidays, from all of us at the "PUTTERIN YANKEE"woodworking shop
Sincerely, J.Clark
funnnyyyy...Doc you hit it on the head, I just talked to a female freind the other day, she wants some shelfs made for the wall to replace her shelfs on bricks stack..lol. Maybe I will upgrade her to a piece o pine with metal brackets.makinsawdust
Thankfully, my dad has been great in this respect. If he intends to (or knows that others in the family intend to) get me a woodworking tool as a gift, he will flat out ask me if it is something that I want, down to the brand, size, shape, etc. If he doesn't have time to ask me, he will make sure that I get a gift certificate from one of the places he knows I like.
I would have never admitted it when I was young, but I sure am glad he is looking out for me now!
RR
Have her upgrade to the college special. Plastic milk crates with plywood shelves. Lots of available cube in that package. Or send her to IKEA for that merde.
My brother had one of those brick book cases once. He also had a TV that didn't work quite right. It seems if you sat on a corner of the case the picture came in fine otherwise it was solid snow. He put the TV in the lower corner as one of the bookcase as brick replacements and everything worked well. That was long ago, now he can afford to hire someone to change the channels for him.
hahah not a bit of resentment there is there.. hehehe My father and I have a joke about those sorts of project... That gorgeous Cherry dining table you are asking for is "a weekend project"... we both just look at each other and laugh as we say it... now adays my wife and mother are clued in on the joke so they throw it out and deflate some of our relatives wishes ahead of time.....
yub yub.. thats a WEEKEND PROJECT that will take me 2-4 months to complete....
Side Story: I have to laugh... last weekend I was at rockler, and there was a woman and her friend in there looking for items for someone(they were kinda uppity, little too much money, lots of opinion, not a lot of common sense types)... it made me laugh.. she said to the salesperson "Do you folks carry Black and Decker tools?" and he said "No ma'am we dont!" and her reply was evidently a witty little remark for her and her friend to giggle over.. she responded sassily "Oh thats right, you dont carry the GOOD stuff!!" hahahah if these people ONLY knew... hahahaha I aint saying B&D makes junk, but I have VERY few of their tools in my house... hehe Oh well.. it made me laugh.. i can imagine the poor slob who pointed these women to the rockler store, opening up a package on christmas morn of cheap arse tools(because they didnt respect his/her wishes for something nice)...
oh well Christmas/Hanukkah is part of the season of giving and caring.. I am not supposed to be petty and or snide... but petty and snide makes me laugh so I will be both those too.. hehe
DOBA!
One Xmas my sis pretty much decided she'd cave into the router bit idea. Gave her places, 1-800 numbers, item numbers, prices, etc. What did she get? Seen that silly little HSS Craftsman thing where you get one 1/4" shank and three heads. Oh, man, can I do some wonders with that. What do you think, this weekend should I make a birdhouse or a shoe rack?
"There is always inequity in life. Some men are killed in war and some men are wounded, and some men never leave the country. Life is unfair" J.F.Kennedy
....orange, plastic push sticks....they would really upset my color scheme...
I'd rather not get a brand spankin new Hilti TE 76 combo hammer with accessories for Christmas. I'd much rather have it tomorrow! Alas, Santa knows me, and I am told this year he put a gun rack in his sleigh.
How about anything that might be called A Handymans Toolkit - I'm thinkin' like, maybe a 999 piece socket, wrench, and screwdriver set for $9.99, that you might find advertised on the back of PARADE weekly. Beat that!
U think the saw clock is BAD!!! Years ago I got a CHEAP PLASTIC hammer and screwdriver clock...and it said CRAFTSMAN!!!
BWAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
gee..i don't know WHAT happened to that clock
Wonered how you'd come back... am I wrong Dan..
S
how about Ikea furniture.
buying tools for a woodworker is pretty difficult if the person who is buying them doesn't know anything about them, or what we have stashed away in our shops. gift certificates seem to go over much better.
Hopefully NOT to searsmakinsawdust
All right, dang it, please explain your anti-Sears bias. There are some good Sears tools and some terrible Sears tools. You seem to be condemning everything with that name. Why?
Maybe its the cheap plastic router with sheet metal table i got there, can't get rid of fast enuff. just one of other craftman tools I have and have replaced with better quality tools (almost ANY other brand) OK they are better than Harbor Freight..:o). I am talking power tools , they do have some good hand tools.
makinsawdust
Sears, soon to be Montgomery Wards.
(if I have anything to do with it)
Several terrible experiances over the years.
Satisfaction guaranteed, does not mean the customer is the who will be satisfied.
Sears used to make all good (not great) quality tools. They were actually made by outfits like Emerson, Stanley, Rockwell, Black & Decker and many others. When the imports started to come in more quickly and the old names dropped from sight Sears products began to lose respect due to quality issues as a result of vendors being selected on price rather than quality, in order to meet competetion pricing. I have several Sears tools from the "old days" that are every bit as good and better in many cases than the stuff we find at Home Depot, Lowes and Tool Crib.
I still generally choose Sears over any other brand of hand tool (not power tools) because it is guaranteed for as long as someone can read "Craftsman" on the tool! Wrenches, hammers, sockets etc.included. You can just bring it in if it fails and the store will replace it on the spot!
The Sears power tools and other products have certainly not kept up with many other manufacturers but are still quite suitable for most people. Those of us that love to work with wood and tools are going to be a bit more choosey, but Sears does indeed meet a majority of demands for others.
WindyWood
Edited 12/14/2002 10:07:54 AM ET by WindyWood
The big plus on Sears powertools is that there is a repair 800 number you can call and get a replacement trigger or whatever else failed. Now most other MFGRS have the same but the sears deal has served me well. I can't gripe too much, particularily when it is generally 1/3 less $.
Windy,
Replace it with what? Another piece of the same junk? They don't make those same old tools you're commenting about anymore. I'd rather pay a little more for good stuff than have things breaking all the time or just being plain ineffective. Just my two cents.
Mark
Any gift without a receipt!!!!
WoodBeaver
Any gift without a recipt is right! I really don't like people to get me tools for gifts. I'd rather pick them out myself. Baa-Humbug!
Now, 30 years ago, that was another matter! I'd take any tool thrown at me!
However, if it were not for my family and Christmas and birthdays, I'd probably be going naked! I HATE to shop for clothes! My wife and I want to move whenever she retires, but she wants to live within walking distance of 5 major shopping centers. I want to live within walking distance of 100 different species of live hardwoods.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood
> .....I'd rather pick them out myself.
One year I had the uncomfortable feeling that the kids (and even Mom) were considering buying me tools for Christmas. Knowing full well what that would mean unless I intervened somehow, I tactfully arranged for a visit to Sears (this was in the wrench & screwdriver era of my tool passion) and pointed out exactly what I felt I "needed" in those categories.
Needless to say, I've never lived in fear of anyone buying me tools since! (grin) Now I just mark the seasonal catalogs from Rockler and Woodcraft with discreet but unmistakeable marking pen circles as a subtle indication of what would be nice to have appear under the tree.
As for what I would *not* like to get is a 'set' of turning tools from the hardware store.
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
"As for what I would *not* like to get is a 'set' of turning tools from the hardware store." What if they were from Highland Hardware??
However, if it were not for my family and Christmas and birthdays, I'd probably be going naked! I HATE to shop for clothes!
Thank you, Mike! Oh, sure, I'll run to Target if the undies start to get too many holes (sorry folks, for painting a mental picture you probably didn't want!), but other than that, I depend entirely upon the kindness of strangers (and family and friends) for clothing. I hate clothes shopping, too.
Back to the Christmas gift issue, the question I dread most each year is "What do you want for Christmas?" Maybe I have an overdeveloped sense of self-sufficiency, but ever since I was a kid, if I wanted something I went out and got it myself. I sold candy, got a paper route, worked as a boxboy at the local grocery store... whatever, I just didn't wait around for the money or the gift or the winning lottery ticket to drop from the nearest tree.
Because of that, I've always had everything I wanted, and EXACTLY what I wanted (not the cheap, crappy version of something that a well-intended but misinformed relative bought me, and instantly found its way to the local Goodwill). And if I didn't/don't have it, I have a plan for getting it. I'm far, far from wealthy, and I don't mean to sound like I'm on my high-horse... but I have to confess to usually being satisfied with what I have at any given moment, even when I have plans for the future.
So, I know I sound like a major humbug about Christmas gifts -- but just last night I got a message on my answering machine from my father, as I do every year at the last minute, asking for a Christmas wish list. I really, really appreciate the thought, but UGH! So, as usual, I'm trying to quickly come up with a list of minor items that won't waste his money, or could be passed on to charity, or that I might actually use, so that his feelings won't be hurt.
I've tried telling the family, in the past, "I don't want or need anything!" but they never listen. So, about four years ago, I proposed that we each make each other one handmade gift. At least that has some heart and soul in it, and doesn't represent mindless shopping. We've all been pretty good about it and have really enjoyed the making, giving and receiving -- except my dad, who's still working on his gifts from 1999 (plant stands, we've all figured out)...and, thus, last night's call.
Ramble, ramble, ramble... obviously this morning's coffee just kicked in, and the woodstove hasn't heated the shop up yet!
DavidLook, I made a hat -- Where there never was a hat!
any tool with a useless gimmick, like a hammer with a built-in level.
Well, how 'bout a level with a built in level? (grin)
I'm amazed sometimes how these 'designers' can come up with tool combos that make no sense whatsoever. I live in fear of seeing my prized level(s) being dropped on the floor.
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
you just made the perfect level - its anti gravity, it floats, but still says level!!!
Edited 12/12/2002 5:29:03 PM ET by woodcrazy
I provide a list of what I want out of catalogs giving item numbers,description and cost so that people can shop from home. The problem has gotten to be finding things in a low enough price range that I still need.
Its hard to tell people who know nothing about tools, who want to buy you tools, that you would rather be given money so you can buy your own tools. Some people don't understand that a tool is not just a stand alone item, there are blades, accessories, bits, etc.. I just ask for gift certificates from my favorite stores and have at it at the after Christmas sales.
A set of ultra-cheapo screwdrivers/sockets/chisels, etc., from places like Target or K-mart. The shame of it is, you know the person spent real money on it, and they're complete garbage.
I've told my loved ones, "clamps, just clamps". It's a pretty safe gift for any woodworker (does anyone have enough?), and servicable ones can be had for not much money.
Of course, in the wish list dep't, I put a picture of a Bessy K-clamp on the 'frig, with a note that even just one would be very appreciated.
I think it's time to bring back the Tool Time Calendar Girls. If there is one thing that keeps the wife out of the shop is a 'calendar' hanging on the wall.
I used to ask for a bitchen piece of wood, something exotic you know. One year she did. So I unwrap 2 smallish boards that belonged in the offcut bin, one Padauk and the other Cocobolo. I asked her where she got it and she said Rockler so I knew she got screwed. (That's my job and mine alone!) I should have just let it go. I returned it and got 4 times as much Padauk at Austin. She's never bought me wood since.
Any 'tourist' T-shirt that's printed on the front, usually found in department stores. Everybody knows that cool T-shirts are printed on the back and have a pocket. Maybe a small logo on the front.
I once got a Bob Villa book - enough said.
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
Edited 12/12/2002 4:27:35 PM ET by ELCOHOLIC
You woudn't be in Denver, would you?
Jim in Denver
Nope. Fountain Valley, CA. Why?John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
I didn't know that Austin Hardwoods was a national chain. I buy most of my wood at the one in Denver.
Elco
Right on dude, personally I can't stand Bob Villa. The guy knows just enough to be dangerous and is arrogant to boot. Now I don't mind a little arrogance if you can back it up but this guy is a joke. Maybe that is why Sears is his major sponser.
Mark
Bob Vila
Though the mistake is cute, considering the topic.
Splintie,
OOps. BTW what does your handle stand for?
Mark
I used to be "splintergroupie", a nice little triple entendre about divergent opinions, the hazards of working wood, and lust. One day i wasn't allowed to sign in that way anymore, so i opted for this diminuitive form that one of the carps on Breaktime used to call me.
I also answer to "Colleen". Some of my clients call me "High Priestess", but i'm thinking of retiring from that job bec of the RSI from all that whip-flicking...a disability not covered by Workers Comp, i found to my chagrin. Not to mention my aim isn't what it used to be, either, a function of failing eyesight and tennis elbow, but who wants to be dominated by someone wearing bifocals, i ask you? One guy threatened to sue for damages and i said, "Yeah, right, see you in very, very, very small claims court..."
Splintie,
I'm almost sorry I asked. LOL I thought this was a woodworking site. No telling what you can find out here.
Mark
Jim in Co,
Austin used to be a franchise outfit. If you look way back in the early FWW mags you'll see their ad's.
Professor,
What I enjoy most about Bob are watching the old episodes of TOH. They'll invariable have a tradesman feed him some set-up question to make him look like he knows something. Then he comes back in his know-it-all condensending glory. The fun part is watching said tradesman trying to restrain his thinly veiled anger and the probable implement of Bob's demise he's holding in his hand. In Bob's defense he has one excuse for been so full of s h i t on the jobsite. He'd be nailed into the s h i t t e r and knocked over faster than you could grab you're pair of Robogrip's.
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
Edited 12/16/2002 11:39:47 AM ET by ELCOHOLIC
Elco,
Right on about Vila dude, can't stand him. I think he's a jerk.
Mark
Now a calendar is a good idea, but it turns out Mac Tools, Snap-On, etc aren't making "pin-up" calendars any more in an effort to be more sensitive to their female customers. Does anybody do a good calendar anymore besides Pirelli?
I don't have a 'pin-up' calendar but I have a 'nail-up' one, compliments of KrispyKreme. Send me your e-mail address and I'll send it to you. I can't get it to work through Knots.
SawdustSteve [email protected]
Edited 12/12/2002 5:19:33 PM ET by SawdustSteve
You guys do NOT want to see the Krispy Kreme calander! Trust me on that one!
Any of the NFL Teams. SF 49er's have a great one. Just drives the War Department out of the shop. Not tool related but nice to look at.
> ... Does anybody do a good calendar anymore besides Pirelli?
Rigid, the plumber's variety tool line, always seems to get out a good one. Take a look in any plumber's shack on a construction site.
Stihl, the chain saw folks do a pretty good job, too.
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
I've been hinting how much I'd appreciate the full set of Reader's Digest Home Improvement series of literature. That along with any book with "Home" or "Handyman" in the title would be just peachy keen.
*NOT*
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
O.K. I'm thinkin that a monthly pub script to a real pub that gave instructions on how to use all the new products and a test at the end that would certify you in their specific applications. Sure would save me a lot of time on the mag racks and make my goofy customers a lot happier.
You know the readers digest books really put the definition on suck, except for the photography series. The home building ones rate right up there with the Sunset brands. Purely for the homeowner to point at while trying to describe what they want. Way too generalized to be of any good.
Photography, the Time Life series is freakin awesome. Made in the 60's in the heyday of the Life magazine it is a compendium of information to relate the features of the camera and how to make results. I still have my set and won't give them up. Those are the books that made their reputation that they have since sullied.
Another exception is the Readers Digest book on Home Landscaping. That one is a treasure trove of ideas good advice and design applications.
WindyWood
I was talking to a fellow woodworker the other day he's been around for a decaid or two longer than I have but at any rate he was telling me that he can remember back when Craftsman used to make some of the most really top of the line quality tools but it seems like about the time Bob V started hocking tools for them apparently the money they were putting into quality they are now forking over to him so does this mean when Vila's GONE the quality will be back? PROBABLY NOT .I personally have a couple drills thats from craftsman I also have a small bench saw that alls it takes is a 7 1/4 circular saw blade actualy it comes in very handy for trim and small jobs its made of steel so there's not much vibration unlike the aluminum saws of today like the aluminum saws the small size makes it very light so its easy to stick it in the truck and go. Its been well worth the $10.00 I paid for it.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
J.CLARK
Craftsman used to sell really good tools. They went the way of the profit mongers somewhere in the 70's or early 80's.
I've been relying on Porter Cable for the last 25 years.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood
EUREKA!!! Is there anything other than PORTER CABLE!!!
I just can't get enough of that stuff!!
WoodBeaver
EUREKA!!! Is there anything other than PORTER CABLE!!!
I just can't get enough of that stuff!!
WoodBeaver
Makita, Bosch, Festool.....
As a wood whacker, I guess I wouldn't appreciate a years subscription to Playboy, except that maybe I'd wonder how those girls become so 'pneumatically' enhanced, and who trims the border around the lawn so neatly? But as a man--- I can switch off from work easily enough. Slainte.
Can't think of a tool I would not accept.
Like most, I'd rather buy them myself.
Gift certificates are nice gifts for woodworkers.
The best gift, for me, would be 25,000 various sizes
of square drive screws! Now that's a gift I could easily
get into!
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