Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jun 20, 2006 10:59pm | #1

   Search their distributor list...

   http://www.williamsnhussey.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=WNH

   The ShopFox is a perfect clone for 1/2 the price. Also Wilke sells a similar one.

1. 
   wghulley | Jun 22, 2006 03:24am | #2

   I have a Williams and Hussey molder. I am always amazed at the excellent quality of the finish on my millwork.I cannot believe that the Chinese made clones will be of the same quality. My experience with Taiwan made tools has been a dismal disappointment. Not one has lived up to performance expectations and from what I have heard, tools from mainland China are even worse. I am troubled every time I read the advice to buy a clone because it is less expensive. Remember, every purchase of an offshore product drives another nail into the coffin of American manufacturing. I had the opportunity to visit the Williams and Hussey plant in New Hampshire and have a tour of the facility. It is the epitome of small town American manufacturing. If I ever have a problem or a question about the molder, I can speak to the people who actually made the machine. Try that with a Chinese import. As Americans do you have a responsibility to support your own industry base, or is the cheapest price most important?

1. 
   jazzdogg | Jun 22, 2006 05:49pm | #3

   "As Americans do you have a responsibility to support your own industry base, or is the cheapest price most important?"

   Were I to play devil's advocate, I might ask whether being an American should constrain me from purchasing better designed, better built, more innovative tools from Europe when the vast (half-vast?) majority of American tool makers are selling products made in Asia by lowest-cost manufacturers and have essentially put quality and innovation on the back burner in favor of short-term profit.

   I cannot help but wonder whether companies like Lee Valley/Veritas have managed to achieve their competitive advantage partly because of the way the Canadian government supports R&D.

   I am in favor of high-quality products made by socially responsible entities with a long-term focus and consistently ethical practices. For this reason, I would be far more likely to buy a W&H than an offshore knock-off. I'm not sure if my nationality even comes into play during those kinds of decisions.

    -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie