Bosch 1609AKX Deluxe Trim Installers Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
-- our price: $249.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Standard base accepts Bosch standard-style templet guides
• 5.6 Amps, 30,000 RPM
• Exclusive wrench system - Locks armature for easier bit changes
• Full 360° positioning of the base
• Accepts the full range of bases

Reviews (2)

Warning
This Deluxe kit comes with a good trimmer motor and accessories package but the trimmer guide that attaches to the accessorie plates is made out of plastic and is unusable to make a confident cut.Until Bosch creates a suitable metal guide system like they use to have on their old models and which you can find in competative models don't buy this kit.

Best of the best
If you want a trim router that does it all this is the kit for you. This can easily be considered the most complete laminating kit available. It has the best tilt base range on the market. The motor is rock solid with fairly "easy to maintain" brushes and bearings. I've owned this trimmer for years and am buying another one for my home workshop. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223GW
Sales Rank: 5349
Subjects:  1. Bosch    2. (Bosh)    3. Routers    4. Laminate Trimmers   

Makita 3612C 3-1/4 HP Variable Speed Plunge Router
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $491.00 -- our price: $249.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Electric brake for fast stopping of bit; helps prevent accidental marring
• 0 - 2-3/8" plunge depth capacity for easy penetration into workpiece
• Multiple depth adjustments; presetting of 3 plunge depths
• All ball bearing construction for long tool life
• Shaft lock for quick and easy bit changes

Reviews (14)

Great router
This router works great.I am impressed with its power, accuracy and noise level.The delay startup is great.The only thing I wish it had would be an internal light.

Greatest value ever!
The tool is very powerful, and despite this is easy and comfortable
to hand maneuver. For its power, it is surprisingly
lightweight and smooth. It also appears to be unbreakable.
Bit changing is easy with the built in shaft lock, high speed
cutting tools must use uncomfortable high carbon steel collets,
otherwise the vibration would be unbearable. The turret height
adjustment (And lock lever) could use some refinement. The noise
level is lower than my 7/8hp bosch router, even being "boosted"
by the vacuum cleaner I use to collect the chips and dust the router
pours out. Great piece of machinery. For hands-on DIY
enthusiasts who also service their tools, I recommend the model
3612BR, which lacks speed control and soft start and yelds a
simply and sturdier assembly.

Does all its supposed to do
I must admit after having posessed the 3612(see review) for as long as routers have been around, the 3612C was an unopposed choice. It has the same ergonomics and weight which is quite comfortable. On the other hand the variable speed and the same powerful motor makes it just what is needed for those large bits when fitted in a table.If you are looking for a router without frills and no pretentions of being anything but a work horse that will give you years of efficient, trouble free service this is what you need. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223JI
Sales Rank: 6635
Subjects:  1. Makita    2. (Maketa)    3. (Mikita)    4. Routers    5. Plunge Routers   

Porter-Cable 552XXXProduction Pocket Cutter
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $1,274.50 -- our price: $699.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Includes pocket cutting bit, pilot hole bit, square drive bit and two wrenches
• 13 amps
• 1/2-inch through 15/16-inch thickness capacity
• Cuts 3/8-inch pocket and drills 9/64-inch pilot hole
• Fast hand operated cycle less than 2 seconds

Reviews (1)

great product !
I build cabinets part time and was looking for a better, quicker way to make cabinet face frames when I saw this pocket cutter on a T.V. show. I ordered it and was very surprised at what the pocket cutter consisted of: arigid metal box, a heavy duty clamp and two porter cable router motors tobe mounted inside of the box. A trim router plunges into the wood for thescrew pilot hole, and a standard 1.5 hp router motor plunges in at an angleto cut the pocket. It makes quick, tight joints, but is only for use on15/16" to around 3/4" material. If you plan to do a lot of thistye of work, I highly recommend this product. ... Read more

Asin: B000022417
Sales Rank: 1499
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)   

DEWALT DW705S 12" Heavy-Duty Compound Miter Saw
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $573.00 -- our price: $279.00
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

For a burly saw with a big blade, DeWalt's 12-inch compound miter saw is surprisingly lightweight (40 pounds) and portable. This saw makes smooth cuts through the thickest of stock, crosscuts a two-by-eight with ease, and--with its extra-high adjustable fence--miters crown molding up to 6-5/8 inches nested vertically against the fence (a timesaving feature that's reason enough for some trim carpenters to buy one). The fence also slides away for bevel cuts.

What impressed us the most was the weight and balance of this saw: the blade lowers easily into the cut, bevels are easy to set, and the miter gauge swivels smoothly. The saw's nine positive miter stops (detents) let you lock into the common angles quickly, but you can still dial in a 1/2 degree off the detent without the gauge dropping back into the stop. The detent plate is made of sturdy stainless steel, too, so it's hard to imagine it developing any slop even after years of use. The gauges are easily accessible and easy to read (what's more frustrating than having to lean around the saw to set on angle?). The saw miters up to 48 degrees on both sides and bevels left to 45.

Unlike some of their competitors, DeWalt mounted their saw with a burly blade guard that retracts smoothly and doesn't interfere with your line of sight. DeWalt's D-handle design favors right-handers, although the trigger's wide enough to use fairly easily with your left hand when cutting left-side miters. The saw doesn't have a safety switch--which, frankly, is fine by us, since some safety switches can be downright dangerous--but it's something to consider if you're doing residential or remodeling work where children might stumble across your tools. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Features tough ball-bearing construction, and weighs only 40 pounds
• 15 amp motor features an electric brake for quick blade stop. Bevels 0-45 degrees to the left
• Stainless steel miter scale with 9 positive stops for cutting common angles
• Extra tall sliding fence allows 5-1/4" crown to be cut standing vertically

Reviews (63)

10 years of use without so much as a hiccup but now Dead
I bought this saw back in 1995 and have used it nearly every day since with no issues. All I can suggest is buy a quality regular kerf saw blade as I have found that a 12 inch thin kerf has too much flex and your accuracy will suffer (when doing fine work such as jewelry boxes etc.) It provides me with dead on accuracy.

UPDATE:
I originally posted this 2/05.Three months later the tool is DOA.First the electric brake made weird noises then stopped working and shortly later the motor lost power to the point it where stalls if I do not lower the blade s l o w l y .

Can I complain?Well it was 10 years old did get used a lot.Not as much as it would have if I was a frame carpenter.but in 1995 this saw cost me $499 at a big box retailer (remember HQ?).This is my second tool I've totally killed, the first was a DeWalt 5" ROS so I'm begining to wonder about DeWalt.So I guess I'm not totally thrilled and would deduct a star from my initial rating if Amazon would let me.

****MAKE THIS 4 STARS!

Someone doesn't know how to use their saw!!!
I work at a used tool store and have been contemplating buying the 12" compound miter saw.I read mostly the negative reviews on the saw; most complain about a problem with the table raising when you crank the knob.Well I conducted a little test with the six DW705's we have in stock.You'll be glad to hear that every single saw table did raise the harder you turned the knob.I was really disappointed since I could get a new saw for just $35.Then I thought, "How tight does that knob really have to be when cutting an angle other than a posi-stop.I hooked up a in/lb torque wrench to the knob and all be darned if it took less that 30 in/lbs of torque to very stoutly hold the miter in place!!!

I positioned a machinists square against the fence and found not even a smidgen of a gap.Then I attached a old fishermans scale to the knob and pulled all while starring at the sclaes reading waiting until the miter position overcame friction and slid into a posi lock position.It took 33lbs of pulling pressure to slide the miter off its original position.ALL WITH ONLY 30IN/LBS OF TORQUE!!!

So to all those people wandering if the table raising problem is as bad as some of these people say, it is; if you crank on that miter knob like a Gorilla!!!If only everyone had their own tool store this would of never been an issue.

Oh yeah, I just built a beutiful sleigh bed for my girlfriend in an arts and crafts style and made every cut I had to make with my new miter saw.It is an absolutely fabulous tool!!!

Horribly engineered - accurate only for simple tasks
DO NOT BUY THIS SAW.The lock-down mechanism for the miter table is designed so it produces *upward pressure* on the leading edge of the table, which causes the table to move out of square with the miter fence!

This is a stupid, stupid design that even a 1st year mechanical engineering student would know to avoid.I should have sent this saw back, but since I got a good price on it, I ended up carefully grinding a new profile edge on the front of the miter table, so the locking mechanism presses *downward* against it.Scary, but it worked.I can now make accurate compound cuts, where before the cuts were totally off.

It was such a simple fix that I even put it in my CAD software and mailed the solution to DeWalt, no strings attached, for them to improve the design of the saw.I got a form letter back saying "thank you for your interest in our products, but at this time we do no wish to purchase your invention".Huh?I was GIVING them the solution, for free.These folks are clearly unmotivated and disinterested in their product line.

Needless to say, this is the last DeWalt product I'll ever purchase. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YNWW
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Saws    4. Miter Saws    5. (Mitre Saws)    6. (Mitersaws)    7. (Mitresaws)   

Porter-Cable 9878 14.4-Volt 1/2" Cordless Drill Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $198.21
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This cordless driver/drill from Porter-Cable has a 1/2-inch keyless chuck that is easy to adjust and reacts quickly to the trigger. It offers 360 inch-pounds of maximum torque, a 20-position clutch, and a two-speed gearbox with a maximum speed of 1,450 rotations per minute. There's plenty of power for almost any home-based project, as well as many professional applications. The battery has an extremely tough slide-on attachment design that is almost impervious to wear, and the grip is comfortable and well balanced. We especially like the rubber portions of the grip, which add friction and make it feel more secure in your hand than tools with all plastic grips. It also comes with its own plastic case, a double-ended bit tip, and a diagnostic charger with an LED warning system. Overall, it's relatively lightweight and, in our opinion, as solid as any drill/driver we've used. --Jonathon Tudor ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Includes two,14.4 volt/2 amp hour batteries
• 1/2" keyless chuck for easy bit changes
• 360 in./lbs.torque, 20 position clutch
• Two speed gear box

Reviews (23)

Rock solid performance!
About 5 years ago I started looking at cordless drills.I wanted something powerful, yet easy to hold.I am not a contractor, but I do lots of home improvement and build furniture / cabinets on the weekends as a side business.I used to be a DeWalt fan, but after reading the literature I decided on the PorterCable.I can say with confidence that this is one of the best drills around.The batteries hold a long charge and refill quickly.The drill has plenty of power for its size (3/8" lag screws max it out, but lets be reasonable about the weight to power ratio).Durability, unsurpassable.I have dropped the drill onto concrete from 8 or 10 feet more than once and I have seen my girlfriend run it over when it gets left on the floor and it still works just like new.Value, I figure it has cost me less than a penny per screw or hole drilled and I see no reason why it will not last at least another five years.

Bottom line I have become a PorterCable man.I now have the palm sander, 12" compound miter saw, Biscuit cutter, router with table, and tiger saw.Everything else will be replaced with PC when they die or just because I want something better.

the best cordless drill period!
I am a carpenter who uses his drill everyday and in my opinion this drill is better than Dewalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch.
The drill is light and well balanced. The torque output is greater than Dewalt's 18v. This drill is not a hammerdrill but they do offer it (Model# 9877).I reccomend the 9878 to homeowners because they don't need the hammerdrill for around the house.Contractors will love the 9877 for light to medium concrete drilling (ie:Tapcons,thunderbolts and hammerdrives.)
The run time on this drill is excellent, more than adequate to complete any project without waiting for the batteries to recharge.
I have found only two problems.First, the head of the drill is too long to fit into small cabinets when mounting them.
Second, The battery charger will not charge the batteries when the battery or the charger are colder than 40 F or warmer than 90 f.The temperature problem was intentionally designed that way to maximize the life of the batteries because most cordless drills' batteries die before the drill and to replace them would cost almost as much as a complete new drill.Here's a tip, keep the batteries in the house when not in use. Extreme temperatures will diminish the life and capacity of thebatteries.
I have owned my drill for 3 years w/out any problems and will buy another when this one eventually dies.

Good at first, but didn't hold up
I bought this drill as part of the kit with the 6" circular saw in advance of purchasing a house that needed some major renovations. For about the first year, I used this drill frequently on weekends for everything from drywall screw driving to drilling 1" holes in studs, hole saws, metal drilling, you name it. I was pretty satisfied overall, and I gave it a fair amount of abuse from a homeowner standpoint, but not as much as it would see on a jobsite. Right about as the one year warranty expired, I was working on a furniture project, and noticed that with longer drill bits, there was an unacceptable amount of wobble at the end of the bit. Made it difficult to start holes and the drill would shake a lot once the bit was deep enough into the hole. So I sent it to the factory service center for a diagnosis, thinking they might replace the chuck or something. The service center was absolutely unsatisfactory. They agreed something was wrong, but said there was nothing they could do about it. "These things just happen, there are a lot of plastic parts in there, and it's normal wear and tear." They said that I should just deal with the obvious wobble in the bits, and sent it back to me. I am disappointed that I only got 1 year of useful service out of the drill. I will relegate this tool to beater status and buy a Bosch or Makita. By the way, the cordless saw is useless for anything except where it is impractical to bring the corded saw.Update: Since writing the original review, (above) the drill performance has deteriorated.The wobble is worse, and now the motor makes a weird smell when in use.Doubt it will last too much longer - hope it makes it 'till Xmas!! ;-) ... Read more

Asin: B0000302Q5
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Cordless Tools    4. (Volt)    5. (V)    6. Drill-Drivers   

Porter-Cable 362VS 4" x 24" Variable Speed Sander
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $478.80
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

We didn't want to put this one down, and that's not our usualreaction to a belt sander. But we would have happily refinished ahardwood floor with Porter-Cable's 4-inch belt sander. It feels greatin your hands thanks to the attention Porter-Cable paid to ergonomics.The front grip is perfect and the handle is comfortable, with the speedcontrol perfectly positioned for on-the-fly changes. It's heavy, butthe weight of the 12 amp motor is centered right over the platen, sothe balance is perfect and you can let this hummer do the work for you.The variable speed will let you cover from 1,000 to 1,500 surface feetper minute. We loved the quick-release belt-change lever and wonder whyno one thought of it sooner. Belt tracking is controlled with afingertip knob, and it worked like a dream in our tests. All that wouldbe enough to win our vote, but get this: it has a large-capacitydust-collection bag that swivels 360 degrees and will never get in yourway. Two thumbs up on this one. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 12.0 amp motor provides 20% more power than before
• Motor is located over platen for maximum performance and perfect balance
• Designed for flush sanding up to vertical surfaces
• User-friendly design with ergonomically correct handles
• One year warranty/30 day performance certification

Reviews (21)

almost good
I've owned this sander for a couple years, but not being a big fan of belt sanders it has spent much of that time wishing I would notice it. Sporadic use made me feel that it was a worthwhile addition to the toolset, but it wasn't really tested until recently. Retired now, I volunteered to install an unfinished red oak floor in my son's family room, and having the time I decided to use the PC 362VSK for the sanding phase. I consider this a serious use of a belt sander. Here are my thoughts so far:

The tool is heavy (as we all know), so its weight (combined with the proper belt grit) provides the necessary "pushing down" force. Belt change is easy. Belt tracking is also easy to set and even if tracking wanders (not often) the easily-accessible knob makes it a non-issue. The balance seems to be good. After doing the entire floor (3 grits) it was still going strong.

Now for the negative, no stars (not even a glimmer) ratings: the dust collection is pathetic. That useless bag sticking up there getting in the way, coupled to the tool with an ineffective ball thingy that's difficult to use (and has no seal) is..well...pathetic. The dust bag will eventually fill, but this is purely coincidental...not to be confused with a dust collection system that actually works. And as far as I can see the port isn't designed to be connected to a separate vacuum...I duct-taped the hose of my Fein vac to the port and that worked well, but c'mon...duct tape?? (BTW if you take this route also tape the power cord to the vac hose making it essentially one unit...much easier to manage).

The other major issue is the sanding shoe...it warps, as another reviewer reported. Mine became convex, so the sander "rolled around" on the platen digging in and not sanding flat. Some time ago I had purchased some carbon impregnated fabric from Woodworker's Supply that was designed to be used on sander platens, so I took the metal shoe off, fitted a piece of this stuff to the cork shoe, and it worked fine. I wouldn't recommend this machine until PC includes the carbon shoe as standard. If you do buy it get the carbon shoe at the same time and send the metal one to PC with some appropriate suggestion as to what they might do with it.

This tool can do the job, but out of the box I don't consider it ready for a serious sanding project. You have to figure out how to deal with dust collection because Porter Cable hasn't, and you have to get rid of the metal shoe. It's probably one of the best 4x24s out there apart from these issues, but if mine ever goes to the boneyard I'll be tempted to try the Bosch.

"poor"ter cable design
I own one of the larger solid surface shops in the Washington DC market. I'm a big fan of all Porter Cable routers(we have over 40) but the design on the wisper series belt sanders(we have 12) is by far the worst so called improvement they could have made. It is quieter, however they put the bearing for the fan that cools the motor outside the housing where it is subject to every particle of dust that passes through the machine and into the dust bag. We have a life of only 2 or 3 weeks of reasonable use before we have to have it serviced for a bearing replacement. If there were other issues I might consider abuse of some sort, but that one bearing is costing me a fortune. Also the fitting for the dust bag could use some type of "O" ring to keep dust from blowing from the poor connection from the tool to the dust bag. I will be talking to my tool repair guy to see if there is a better design from another manufacturer.

Great sander
This is a beast of a sander but it is still very manageable.I am still amazed at how quiet it is (you still need earplugs) compared to some other belt sanders that I have used.The controls are very well thought out and easy to operate.

This sander is POWERFUL!Don't accidentally set it down while is running or you might very well sand a hole through to China!

If you want to remove a lot of material, this machine is for you. ... Read more

Asin: B0000222XD
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Sanders    4. Belt Sanders   

JET JTAS-10XL50-5/1/708668PK 5 HP, 1 Phase, 10", Left Tilt Xacta Saw with 50" Xacta Fence
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $2,379.00 -- our price: $1,949.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Two-year limited warranty
• 5 hp, single-phase, 230-volt motor
• Left-tilting blade
• 50-inch total rip capacity, 12-inch left-of-blade rip capacity
• Large 27-by-40-inch table

Reviews (5)

Great While It Lasted
I liked how this saw was heavy and stable and it cut beautifully...for the 15 minutes that the motor lasted.Burned out before I got through cutting up one sheet of plywood.

I understand that these things happen and WMH and ToolCrib/Amazon were very good to order a replacement motor for me.However, since it's coming from Taiwan, it would have taken 2-1/2 months to get here.Again, WMH and ToolCrib stepped up and agreed to pay for shipping the saw back to ToolCrib/Amazon for a full refund well after the standard 30-day return policy.So service wasn't the issue, it's the availability of replacement parts that is the concern.

So I ordered a Powermatic to replace the Jet (hey, you've got to upgrade whenever possible, right?)

Also, the documentation that comes with Powermatic and Jet are pretty scarce in the details.It's important to note that these 5HP beasts pull alot of amperage.WMH recommends a 40amp breaker for both the Jet and the Powermatic.This necessitates an 8-guage wire from breaker to outlet.Pretty beefy, but it sure beats a fire...

All in all, although disappointed in the downtime, to be fair to the Jet, it's a nice saw that really does a good job.The service is good too.I'd like to think that this is an isolated incident, and given the other reviews, that's very likely.So take this with a grain of salt if you need to, just be aware of the wiring needs that aren't plainly spelled out in the manuals and be aware that if you do have issues, you'll likely get good service, but it may be a LONG time before you get your saw fixed.

Jet 5hp left tilt cabinet saw
Absolutely great saw.I've had it for a year now.Before I bought this saw, I used a Delta 10" contractor's saw for a lot of years.I liked that saw and cut a LOT of wood with it, but the 1-1/2 hp motor was a bit on the weak side.When it was time, I knew I wanted a Cabinet-type saw with a lot of power.The only saws that I really considered were the Powermatic, Delta and Jet.I did a lot of research to determine which was the best saw.The cheapest was definitely the Jet with the Powermatic being, by far, the most expensive.With the amount of money that I was spending, I didn't have a problem paying more if I felt that I was getting more for the money.With all that said, I chose the Jet, and I have not been disappointed in the least.This machine is a monster.You can shove a piece of 2" oak through it as fast as the blade will allow with no motor bogging.As far as fit and finish go, it's beautiful.Shipping was great.Everything arrived in perfect condition.Set-up was quick and easy once I had all the correct parts.This leads me to the only downfall to my experience.The hardware to set up the fence, (bolts, nuts, and washers), were missing.I did not want to wait a week for Jet to send them to me, so I went to the local Home Depot and purchased the items for about $4.Everything else went smoothly.Though the missing items were frustrating at the time, I certainly would not downgrade my rating after using this great saw.The one thing that I would recommend is to buy the Delta mobile base.It is built well and much easier to use than most of the other bases available.The Delta base fits the Jet saw like it was made for it.

Best saw I ever owned
In all my years of woodworking I never saw a better saw for the money. Every setting and adjustment was 100% accurate. I am very pleased with it ... Read more

Asin: B0000223L7
Sales Rank: 21114
Subjects:  1. Saws    2. Table Saws    3. Stationary Table Saws    4. (Tablesaws)   

JET 708115K / JWBS-14CS 14" Bandsaw with Enclosed Stand
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $729.00 -- our price: $549.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

JET's 14-inch band saw offers woodworkers two big improvementsover other band saws in this class. The blade guide with light springtension inside the mechanism was the first thing we noticed. It staysin place when you loosen it instead of crashing down on the tabletop(or your fingers) as guides from other saws can. This allows fortwo-handed height adjustment, letting you set the guide precisely whereyou want it quickly and easily. The blade guide also offersoil-impregnated plastic parts rather than steel, so the blade stayssharp longer. We were also impressed with the blade tracking device,which locks in place so there's no need for readjustment after the testrun. The saw has a 1-horsepower motor that's fan cooled and fullyenclosed for dust protection, and computer-balanced, die-cast aluminumwheels for smooth operation. The 15-by-15-inch cast-iron table isslightly larger than tables on competing band saws, and it tilts 45degrees to the right and 10 degrees to the left.

Other advantages include a heavy-gauge metal housing and a powdercoating (rather than paint), meaning the saw will hold up to regularusage and still look good. Another user-friendly feature is thequick-connect electrical plug, so you don't have to follow long cordsto their outlets before each blade change. Band saws aren't thedustiest machines around, so the 2-inch dust port for the shop vacseems just right, but a 2- to 4-inch converter can be added for usewith a more serious shop-dust-collection system. This saw is best forshops doing smaller pieces or serious hobbyists who want to do finework. Owners will enjoy quick and easy setup by following a clear setof instructions. --Nancy Gleason ... Read more

Features

• 1 hp, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor moves the blade at 3,000 sfpm
• Features a 6-by-13-1/2-inch cutting capacity
• Graphite-impregnated polymer blade guides deliver a cooler-running blade
• 15-by-15-inch cast-iron tilting table provides extra support for work pieces

Reviews (27)

First of Two Reviews
After hours and months or reseach and review reading I came to purchase the Jet 14" bandsaw.I am only going to review what I have seen in the limited time that I have owned it.It took about two hours for complete set up to include the mobile base, fence system, and riser block.Only very minor adjustments were made which you would expect from any new tool purchase.I encountered no problems with the enclosed hardware and the fit and finish on the machine was excellent.First time out the machine passed the nickle test with all stock parts to include the belt.

After I log some major hours on the machine I will be back with what I really think of the tool.After all it's what your money buys in the long run that really matters.

Outstanding choice
I have spent a year looking at the different band saws. At first I was looking at Delta and comparing it to the other saws. I got stuck on Delta because I own other Delta tools and I liked the quality and performance of these machines. So, I ordered a Delta 14 inch band saw. But after reading the reviews (excellent source of information) I quickly cancelled the order. Then about the same time a Jet 14 inch band saw caught my eye. It was the same price and the reviews were excellent. So I purchased it. I was impressed right from the start. I received the saw 3 days early (way to go ABF). It took a little time to assemble the saw but it went right together. After a few fine adjustments were made on the blocks and the bearing the saw was ready to go. The operation was smooth and very little vibration. Only one recommendation, purchase the mobile base at the same time. It will save time and your back moving it around the shop.

Really nice band saw
In this price range, this band saw can't be beat.I've ued mine for ripping, resawing, precision work, hardwoods, softwoods, plastics. The only time the motor bogs down is when I'm resawing thick stock.

But there are a few things I'd change:

1. The guide blocks wear awfully fast. I bought a set of Cool Blocks and they are wonderful.

2. The fence isn't so hot. After just a few weeks, it wouldn't lock to the table.I now insert a piece of sandpaper in the locking cam. It works but this could be designed better. (Fences are not new technology--this really shouldn't be a problem.)

3. The table top is just too small.

4. Buy the riser (height extender). Before long, you'll want to resaw a 10" wide board.Trust me, you will.

5. The dust control port is stupid, awful and a waste of time. The port is 2 1/2" on the exit side. But, if you look inside the port, the internal restriction is 1" x 1/2" !!! Whoever designed this should be fired. (Don't designers test their products?) You will want to cut a hole on the door and install a 4" dust port. Relatively easy to do. And it is worth it.With a 4" dust port, you could run the band saw in the living room.JET really needs to fix the dust port.

Overall, I'm satisfied for the price. ... Read more

Asin: B00006ANS4
Subjects:  1. Saws    2. Band Saws    3. (Bandsaws)   

Delta 43-437 "Limited Edition" Heavy-Duty Shaper
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $2,590.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Mobile base, cast-iron wing, and router spindle assembly included
• Powerful 3-horsepower, single phase, 230-volt motor provides the power and precision
• Large 40-by-27-inch cast-iron table supports large work pieces
• Heavy-duty fence assembly delivers superior accuracy
• 7,000 and 10,000 rpm speed settings

Reviews (5)

After 24 months
I purchased this machine with the idea that I would give up my router table.I have and use both the shaper and the router table.The shaper I use for heavy cutting application with 4/4 and above projects. It eats wood - and in doing so cuts time required for any project.As a furniture maker my projects normally require some shaping. Under 4/4 wood the router table is the primary shaping power tool I use usless we are making repeated cuts as in machining flooring - then the shaper is the tool of choice. I have run about 4,000 brd feet through the shaper. If I had the need and was looking for another shaper I would purchase this one again.

Fantastic machine
This machine is an upgrade from my previous shaper which was a Jet JWS-22CS.It cost me several hundred dollars to make the change but it was well worth it.I have been a woodworker since I was a child.My father was a master carpenter and he introduced me to woodworkingat a very young age.I have always had access to quality machines which makes me very critical of quality issues.

I was very disappointed with the JWS-22CS from the beginning but to speak fairly, I was expecting too much for the price range of the machine. I have discovered no significant quality issues with the Delta shaper.I set it up in about an hour and everything worked right the first time.The fence is the best I have ever used.It is accurate and easy to move and adjust.I must admit that with all of the safety guards and shields included with the fence in place it is very difficult to use the machine and I removed most of them.The machine has excellent power and runs very smooth and quiet.With dust collector connected and the canopy adjusted properly virtually no chips escape being collected.It is easy to make adjustments, change cutters, and change spindles. The mobile base precisely fits the machine and is adequately built to easily handle the weight of the machine.

I am digging very deep to find anything negative to say about this machine but here goes:For the price of the machine I think the 1/2 inch spindle accessory should have been included and the table extension surfaces are not finished to the same quality as the main table but the finish is satisfactory.

In summary, this is an excellent professional quality machine and would be a fine addition to any wood shop.I have several American made Delta machines and am extremely satisfied with all.If you are looking for a quality shaper at a fair price this machine is probably the best choice you could make.

Solid performer - a few set up issues
I am an amateur woodworker - handyman and have been looking for a router table for some time.I decided that a shaper would do everything that a router table could and then some.My tool buying philosophy is "buy it once, buy it right."This Delta shaper is exactly what I needed.It has the router bit spindle included - both 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets are supplied.

This is a solid, heavy piece of woodworking machinery.The fence assembly is cast iron, and the spindle adjustment has a heavy hand wheel that allows for extremely precise height control.With the exception of the fine adjustment dials on the fence, everything is overbuilt.(Yes!)It has plenty of power to spin up large cutters for panel raising and making rail and stile doors.It is very smooth, almost no vibration.

The fence and safety system take a little getting used to, but are quite effective.(Okay, I don't use all the safety shields because they sometimes get in the way.)

I have only two complaints about this machine:

One of my extension wings is not perfectly straight.(Can't get that thing level with the main table to save my life!)

The overload switch on my machine was set wrong.It stopped working on the third use.All that was required was opening the power switch assembly and turning a screw - not a big deal fortunately.

Overall I am very happy with this machine and would recommend it to anyone looking for a bit more than a simple router table.

(Oh yeah, hope you are handy with electrical wiring because you will need a 240V outlet to run this beast.) ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q7CW
Sales Rank: 16891
Subjects:  1. Shapers   

Dell Latitude CPI R-Series Notebook (400-MHz Pentium II, 128 MB RAM, 6.4 GB hard drive)
Average Customer Review:
Personal Computers

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (2)

DELL'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE WORST
I purchased this computer on August 5th and it came in on August 11th. It did not work. I contacted Dell and they told me I needed more memory, even though this computer should have had enough memory. They refused to send it to me and I was forced to purchase more memory on my own. The computer still did not work correctly I was hit by Hurricane Charley and was without power for a week, followed in six weeks' time by Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. These hurricanes left me without power and internet connection for a total of almost four weeks. When I finally got to the point where I could deal with this computer again, I contacted Dell to return it. They refused to allow me to return it because I hadn't returned it within their 15-day time period. I explained what happened with the hurricanes and they still refused to grant an exception. I am now stuck with a computer that does not work. Please do not purchase a Dell computer. You will have nothing but headaches.

Dell laptops
Dell laptop features large screen view capacity, easy lay keyboard, room to upgrade/expansion and an excellent 5 star customer service and tech support. Quality of Dell computer systems have been noted by many companies that supply systems for employees. Whether it's a refurbished system or brand new, you cannot go wrong. ... Read more

Asin: B00005O03C
Sales Rank: 419
Subjects:  1. Dell    2. Notebooks (Note Books)    3. Notebook Computers    4. Laptops (Lap Tops)