Replies

1. 
   RickL | Apr 25, 2005 01:33am | #1

   I have a German WoodWorking directory dated 1988 from my days of a commercial tech and Zimmerman is not listed in there. Probably out of business. Amazing how many woodworking machinery companies are in Germany alone. We have an RGA jointer in our shop that is no longer in business. No problem for me as I can make parts if needed. A bandsaw is a pretty basic tool so as long as the wheels are good the rest shouldn't be a problem. Have you tried contacting a few dealers to get their take on the brand? Have you been to any professional forums like http://www.woodweb.com or http://www.iswonline.com , also http://www.woodworkingpro.com/directory/?cat=5 ? Knots, Saw Mill Creek and most of the forums are amateur based for the most part. I still find the best results on off the wall machines are direct contact with older established dealers. You do have William Kerfoot in your area and he seems to have a pretty long background in the field. Also he is doing a lot with the old pattern vises like Emmert.

   
   

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   Edited 4/24/2005 6:35 pm ET by rick3ddd

1. 
   AlanTurner | Apr 25, 2005 02:34pm | #2

   Rick,
   Zimmermann is still in buisness, and has a Southern Calif. rep. Whomm I taked to. Bill is a friend, and my dealer of choice. In fact, I hared Bill to do the pickup with me out of Southern Conn. as the rigging was tough. It is a 9 foot tall BS that had to go out of an eight foot door. Used a chainfall at the pattern shop, and carried it out at an angle. Pretty cool. Bill says that the Zimmermann's are fabulous, and from the quality of the machining I am sure that is correct. I have not run it yet.Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

1. 
   RickL | Apr 25, 2005 03:14pm | #3

   What's the link or number and name of the supplier to the Zimmerman source? Brevity is the key to posts so instead of Southern CA post the name of the dealer. That way if someone googles on Zimmerman your post with the source will save them from having to ask the question all over again. It might be useful info for someone else as well. So many posts are lacking in useful info as far as questions as well as answers in my opinion.

   Edited 4/25/2005 8:21 am ET by rick3ddd

1. 
   AlanTurner | Apr 25, 2005 04:01pm | #4

   Rick,
   Here is the information. Good point.Zimmerman Products, Inc.
   1950 Park Avenue
   USA-92651 Laguna Beach, CA
   Tel. +1 94 94 97 27 59
   Fax +1 94 94 97 87 59When I called, I told the fellow, who is an old German pattermaker himself, that I had also bought a Zimmermann overarm router, and he offered to buy it from me on the spot. Apparently it was the first tool that the co. made, and is known as a "Fritzie" after the founder's nickname. I declined until I get a chance to see if I will use it, but it seems to be a very cool and precise machine. Uses 8mm shanked bits, and it came with a selection, but I think I will find them available. Also came with the indexing turntable, angled table, and tons of stuff which I don't even know what it is. I have moved the tools, and they are at the new shop, but the new shop building awaits a roof, so they are tarped for now, and until the roof is on and the shop built. I am very anxious. Patternshops that are closing are a wonderful place to shop. Also scored a 20" Oliver jointer from the 60's, and a State OSS, which is rock solid.
   Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

1. 
   RickL | Apr 26, 2005 01:50am | #5

   http://www.f-zimmermann.com is the link. I've used plenty of pin routers but never seen anything like the one they have. Will have to get more info to get a better look at it. Pattern stuff is getting pretty scarce. Most of the pattern shops have bitten the dust. Plus with new cnc ways of making mold the whole industry has changed dramatically.