Conference 7.286::home_work

    
    The Skil brandname still exists, but I personally would not buy
    any.  They are definitely cheap "homeowner" type tools.  Black 
    and Decker makes many tools of different grades.  I think they
    have 3 diffent lines.  Porter Cable is an American company with
    a reputation for making quality (industrial grade) tools.  It's 
    been recommended to me by a couple of carpenters.  Milwaukee is
    another American company that has been making industrial grade 
    tools for some time, but they and quite heavy.  
    
    

  Makita is possibly the most successful Japanese power tool vendor in
  the US at the moment. They make a wide range of industrial/
  professional tools which are considered to be better than or at least
  as good as any competing products. As mentioned, Milwaukee and Porter-
  Cable are American companies that are considered to be in pretty much
  the same quality range, as is Hitachi. Rockwell has a more limited
  line, some items of which are considered good. Delta also has a
  limited line of industrial tools. Black and Decker has lost a lot of
  its market image, and most of its product line is now aimed at the
  consumer market, rather than industrial/professional. Its consumer
  tools are in the same class as Sears/Craftsman, Wen, and a couple of
  others.

    All the tools I have purchased in the last couple years have been
    Makita, any builders and most sales people are really high on them
    I have had excellent luck (I don't think it is luck I think it is
    QUALITY). The only problem I have is being left handed I am always
    putting the "lock on button" on by accident.  I have used Milwaukee
    and there quality seems to be quite good.
    
    Paul

    
    I have a couple of very old drills by Craftsman which are excellent
    tools. Built like tanks. These drills are at least 20 years old.
    Rockwell was considered the cadilac of powertools until they got
    bought out about 10 years ago. Ten years ago their drills started
    out at $90 and went up from there. There stuff was excellent. Now
    the top end stuff seems to be Mikita and Milwaukee. Delta is pretty
    good also. B&D in my opinion always made cheap stuff. In Syracuse
    NY there is a B&D store. I've gone there and looked at there BEST
    7" power hand saw, and it wasn't even as good as the BEST Sears
    saw.
    
    Mike

This is interesting.  I am in the market for a drywall screw gun, and
just yesterday called the NH Tool Outlet and asked for information.  The
gentleman I spoke with was very helpful and seemed knowledgable.

He said that he used to carry the Makita 3.5amp gun, but that it was too
weak and that many users had clutch problems with it, so they dropped it.
However, Makita apparently does make a 5amp gun as well.  I am concerned,
though, about the amount of plastic Makita uses in their tools.  They don't
feel as rugged as the Milwaukee stuff (I have a Milwaukee 3/8" drill).

He also carries Milwaukee and Black and Decker.  From other sources, the
B&D professional models are quite good, and the equal of the Milwaukee.
(The consumer stuff is junk, I agree).  He told me that the pros who buy
the guns seem to show a preference for the B&D.

					Steve

    re: .1
    
    Skil makes several grades of tools.  I have an "industrial strength"
    worm drive circular saw and also a drill which I used professionally
    for a year and they held up.

    	There's NO power tool that is tough enough to survive begin
    BORROWED!  >-(
    
    	I have a Sears "Industrial" reciprocating saw ("Sawzall") that I
    can't kill even though I have routinely loaned it out.  I have had a
    half-dozen power saws over the years, and my favorite and longest lived
    is a Milwakee.  (I guy who borrowed my Rockwell saw broke the shaft by
    sawing a board supported at each end.  Idjut.)  The heavy-duty Makita
    screw gun did fine until borrowed by a plumber for "Just 5 minutes".
    Stripped the clutch.  I have a Milwakee that is not as nice, because it
    doesn't have the variable speed trigger...
    
    	Mostly, I've found that power tools are as good as the price and
    as bad as the user.  People who lug drills down so slow that they smoke
    and drive 3 inch screws into hard-wood with screw guns and cut boards
    supported in the middle will always be buying more tools...!
    
    Don
    
    p.s. Rockwell bought out Port-O-Cable round ten years ago, then
    Port-O-Cable split off again and is now it's own brand.  I don't know
    if Rockwell is still a re-seller of tools built by Port-O-Cable...

I agree on the 'cheapness' of the B&D Consumer tools.  The Professional
series are different, well made and considerably more durable.  When
I went looking at Drywall guns, the B&D Pro model had a better feel and
balance than the other models.  Currently own the Pro model 3/8
drill, Drywall gun, and 7.25" saw.  Hope to add the sawzall in the
near future.  All the tools get some severe use also, as I've
done some major remodeling with them.

/JoeF

    re:.5
    
    Steve,
    		Get yourself an AEG screw gun, you should be able to 
    get one for around $90.  Made in Germany; I've driven 3 inch
    screws into double 2X4s like ice cream with mine.  Milwaukee isn't
    worth the money, and Makita doesn't have the balls an AEG does.
    (I've used all three)
    
    Brad.

My personal preference list is:

1) Milwaukee.  As far as I can tell, they make the most heavy-duty and
   reliable tools available.

2) Porter-Cable.  The first tool I bought was a Porter-Cable belt sander.  It
   has sanded acres of wood and still runs great.  It tracks a little crooked 
   because I once dropped it about 10' onto a concrete floor.  But that 
   crookedness was the only effect of the drop.

3) Makita, Ryobi.  I have tools by both, and they've done well.  I have a 
   Makita 3/8" drill that I absolutely cannot kill.  I decided after I bought
   it that I really would have liked a more powerful drill, but I couldn't 
   justify buying a new one while the Makita still worked.  So I've tried 
   everything to kill that drill, drilling huge holes (holes that I needed, 
   not just to kill the drill) until the plastic case was too hot to touch,
   and it still runs fine.

Paul

    Then again, my Black & Decker mid-consumer-range 3/8" drill has held up
    fine for the last 8 to 10 years or so, even when subject to casual
    abuse.  We used it (and an even cheaper model B&D) to do most of the
    drilling for running the wiring in our garage, with 1" and 5/8" auger
    bits.  Of course, we knew enough not to lug the drill, we resorted to
    a brace and bit for a couple of really difficult spots, and we used two
    drills so that each one would have a chance to cool off.
    
    If I were doing substantial drilling, or using it everyday, I'd get a
    top notch industrial drill.  Since I'm not planning on putting up a
    garage every year, the consumer quality stuff is just fine for me.  For
    crucial applications, I'll rent industrial tools.  I prefer to
    compromise on the stuff I use occasionally, and save my money for the
    top of the line items that I do use regularly (like my kitchen
    equipment).
    
    It's all a matter of how much you're planning on using the tool, and
    what your overall priorities are.
    
       Gary

    I'm considering having Santa drop a new sawzall into my stocking.
    I've been looking at the high end Bosch unit.  Anyone have any
    experience with these line of tools?

    
    I have a Bosch handheld jig saw, it's a fantastic unit. The only
    drawback I've found is that it uses proprietary blades, made only by
    Bosch. This can be a hassle sometimes, you have to keep a good stock of
    them around. You might want to make sure if the Bosch recipro saw has
    this same limitation.
    
    CdH
    

    Almost all the tools mentioned here are top shelf in their respective
    area of strength.  For example you can't beat the Porter Cable Palm
    Sander, or their handheld jigsaw (although I think this is a tie
    with Bosch -- they are each excellent but with different features).
    For my money too, I like the Makita 7 1/4 inch circular saw, the
    Milwaukee Sawzall (Makita's "sawzall doesn't even compare).
    
    I agree with all the comments about the "homeowner tools."  I also
    agree with the appraisal of the AEG tools.  I don't have a screwgun
    yet (maybe one more project) since I use my Makita 9.6 volt cordless
    for this purpose, but I've borrowed both Hilti and AEG guns in the
    past.  They both are excellent guns.  Milwaukee has a new 5.0 amp
    0-4000 RPM drywall driver -- it's a nice gun if all you want to
    do is drive wallboard screws, but it doesn't have anywhere near
    the torque required to drive longer screws into wood, etc.

    Aren't Craftsmen tools guarantied for life, if it ever breaks, bring
    it back for replacement.  It would seem that it would last the longest
    due to free replacements.  Has anyone had experience dealing with
    sears on replacements for broken tools?  I have a few and have been
    happy with them, of course the most difficult job I've used them
    for is installing an attic fold down stairway.
    
    Chris

    The Craftsman guarantee only applies to handtools.
    
    Bob

    The Craftsman guarantee applies only to hand tools.  However there is a
    sign over the door that says "Satisfaction guaranteed or your money
    back."  It seems to me that there is no equivocation there, just find
    your receipt and go on back and tell them why you're dissatisfied.
    
    I've never done this of course but I know someone who returned a tv set
    to them after a period of time.
    
    ed

    I second the .-1 reply... The guarantee only applies to hand tools.
    
    I had a problem with my saber saw once upon a time. When I took
    it in to have it replaced, they informed me of the above then informed
    me that if I desired to have it fixed to take it to the service
    center, leave it for about one month (to allow them to send it out
    for repair and wait for parts) and it would cost $$$ for parts and
    labor. I desided it was best to buy new... I bought a B&D replacement.
    
    Bob
    

    As I once heard it put, Craftsman tools are great -- except for the
    ones that come with electric cords.
    
       Gary

    One thing I failed to mension a couple replies back.... I had had
    my saber saw for approximately 10 years... So, it really owned me
    nothing. I just attempted to cash in on their "lifetime guarantee".
    
    I really have no beef with craftsman tools as a whole, just maybe
    their advertising practices/misinformation.
    
    Bob
    

  The Craftsman "Best" hand tools are very good, but, regardless of the
  guarantee, they're not the best tools around. I have socket tools by
  Craftsman, Thorssen, and Snap-On, and the Craftsman are by far the
  lowest quality of the bunch. The socket tolerances are the largest,
  the metal softer, and play in the ratchet the greatest. They're the
  most likely to slip on a worn nut. Even so, they're far better than
  consumer-grade socket tools from Stanley and others.

    
    
    re .21
    
    Agree on the sockets.........
    
    They seem to be made of a cheap white metal lately. It doesn't take
    much to break them. True, they replace them no questions asked, 
    however, when you are under your vehicle, covered with grease, it is
    a pain to try and get to a Sears store. Then hope that they have a
    replacement in stock..........This has happened several times to a
    buddy of mine. I try and use Snap-on, bit more expensive, but they have
    the same guarantee, and I haven't broken any of their sockets.
    
    Also, if you are fortunate enough to find a Snap-on truck at a DEC
    facility, they will give you the DEC discount.....(25% I believe)
    even if they have to order the thing and bring it back to you.
    I didn't realize that until I asked for a couple of items, and when he
    gave me the bill, with discount. I told him the items purchased were for
    my own use, and was told it didn't matter.
    
    We had a tech bring in a ratchet he had received from his father that
    was marketed in 194?........The guy said he was sorry he couldn't
    repair it, but gave him a new wrench.......no problem.......
    
    
    Lou

As far as power tools go, I've had great luck with Makita contractor grade 
tools, they really seem to quality built, and tough.  I have a recipro saw,
jigsaw and 3 3/8 inch battery circular saw, all excellent tools.  

 My Sears Craftsman power drill has seen lots of tough duty, including
drilling many large holes in concrete for lag bolts to hold down a wrought
iron railing.  Still works well.  ON the other hand, a Sears Craftsman
jigsaw I got for xmas last year lasted about 6 months, it died when I was
cutting through some rather hard wood.  It didn't have the orbital action
which helps my new Makita jigsaw alot.

 My hand tools are mostly craftsman, and I have no complaints so far.

 Regarding both hand and power tools, the marketing posters are one of the
 highlights of going into Spags Olde Schoolhouse tool shopping.  Makita and 
 Snap-on have the best posters!!!!!  (Ooh-la-la!)

   
 
 

    re: Craftsmen Power Tools/Tools
    
    	I once did a job on a Doctor's Office/Professional Building were I
    was "unsold" on Craftsman Power Tools.  We sided the building with
    absestos board covered with Quartz pebbles.  (This was about 12 years
    ago when, I guess, it was legal to use asbestos)
    
    	We cut the board with circular saws fitted with masonary blades.
    Lots of dust.  (Maybe I'm at risk for the Big C in a few more years!)
    Anyway, we were on the job for 2 weeks, and we burned out 7 (seven)
    Sears Best 2-1/2 h.p. saws!  Got so bad that the salesman would go get
    a new saw when he saw our man comning in the door!  (No foolin'!)
    
    	But!  We had a $25.- "Consumer Grade" Black and Decker saw that
    kept right on cutting!  I think it must have been that the ventilation
    systems for the B&D was better than the Craftsman.  No one bought Sears
    power tools on our crew after that job!
    
    	About Sears replacement policy. I believe it's 90 days on power
    tools.  'Nuther quick story: I used compund metal shears every day, all
    day.  The spring in the shears kept breaking.  Instead of replacing the
    spring, (which they said they didn't stock) they replace the shears!
    Got 5 or 6 replacements in about a year!
    	
    Don

    
    
       Craftsman power tools are warrantied for one-year from date
    of purchase, you just have to make sure you save the sales slip.
    I just bought a reversible drill and was provided with this info.
    
                               Mark

    Emerson still sells several lines of Skil tools. Emerson is a very big
    DEC use, almost all of their plants run on DEC systems. They're like
    anyother company they sell in all price ranges.

For power tools I have Porter Cable and Skil (professional series).
I'm constantly surprised by my Skil 7.2v cordless drill. This drill
works very well and will bury a 3" sheet rock screw into a stud.
Porter Cable tools are top of the line.
Ross

	At the risk of being labeled a "hacker" for even mentioning the
viability of Sears power tools in this conference let me talk of my
personal experiences with my Sears power tools.
	When I started out as a homeowner in 1973, I got the beginning 
necessities from Sears mainly because I had their credit card and no
spare cash. That year I bought a 3/8" variable speed reversible drill, a 
7 1/4" circular saw and a 1/4 hp jig saw. 

	I have used the drill to do everything from drill, to drive drywall
screws, to driving screws into oak cabinets, to sanding bondo off a car
with one of those sanding disc attachments. It hasn't had an easy life.
I burnt out a couple windings in the armature driving screws and replaced 
the brushes and the armature. I looked up the part numbers in the manual 
that Sears provides, called up customer service and ordered the parts via 
my credit card. The parts arrived a few days later at 1/5 the cost of an 
equivalent replacement. The drill again ran like new.

When my Sears circular saw did a high dive (11 feet) during the construction
of the garage/family room addition the rip guide and "saw bed" were both
bent but the motor worked. I ordered the replacement parts and that night 
tore the saw apart and did my best with vice,anvil and hammer to straighten 
things well enough so I could cut framing lumber and sheathing the next day. 
The replacement parts arrived 8 days later.

	My policy is that stuff gets repaired if I can do it myself and the
parts costs don't approach the cost of a new replacement tool.
	I have used/abused these tools full expecting to replace them with 
a better quality tool when they died.

	I don't know if Milwaukee or Makita tools have a manual with a 
parts book to order replacement parts but it sure has been nice with the
Sears stuff. No running around town or running up the phone bill searching
for repair parts.

	Dave Carlson

  The Sears Craftsman power tools are actually excellent tools, and
  you'll hear plenty of stories about how well they hold up. The sort of
  differences I've found are in the areas of balance, precision,
  stability, control, etc. An example is the Sears radial arm saw, as
  compared to, say, a Hitachi. After a year of moderately heavy use, a
  Sears saw I was using had so much play in the bearings that it was
  practically useless. The Hitachi, on the other hand, would still make
  a perfectly straight, flawlessly clean cut, and, even though it was
  the more heavily used, it showed no signs of bearing wear. 

  I've found this sort of problem to be fairly common in the Sears power
  tools. Another example: I have Craftsman, Porter-Cable, and Makita
  circular saws. The P-C has by far the sturdiest feel of the bunch, but
  the Makita is so much easier to use (balance, control, etc), that
  there's just no comparison. The Craftsman, while it's held up well to
  heavy use, is a pitiful toy compared to either of these.

My uncle and father both own Craftsman radial arm saws and have used them 
extensivly for cabinet and finish work(part time job/hobby) for better than
15 years both still cut and work like the day they were bought.
My uncle is a master carpenter by trade and owns two brands craftsman and 
rockwell/delta.

FWIW,-j

    re: last few
    
    Yeah, all my Sears power tools have done great under years of
    serious use (and some abuse).  I've rebuilt a couple of them with 
    Sears supplied parts.  As mentioned, they may not be the most precise, 
    or best human engineered, but they get the job done and don't cost an arm
    and a leg.  (A major consideration when I was a new home owner, and
    still a consideration for tools that I only need occaisionally.)
    
    One thing I noticed when I rebuilt my sander (its about 10 years old)
    is that the replacement parts were, in some cases, considerably better 
    than the originals.  In particular, the armature of the sander had 
    been supported by bushings, and the replacements for the bushings
    (which had worn badly) were good quality bearings.  Variations in part 
    quality might account for some of the differences in experience some 
    people have had. 
    
    /Dave

    What do you folks that have Makita,Hitachi, or Porter Cable do when
    you need a part for a repair? I don't want to hear about Joe's repair
    shop that fixes them. I want to know how you get repair parts to do
    your own repairs. how long do you have to wait for parts?
    
    By the way I truely believe the quality of Sears tools has diminished
    since 1973 when I bought the ones I have now. The decline in quality
    may account for the differening opinions in the two previous replies.
    
    	Dave

My ex-Sears "best" 2 1/4 hp circular saw ate it's brushes in the process
of building a deck.  So I ordered some new brushes ~$6-$7 and installed them,
(Which involves tearing the whole unit apart vs. changing external access
brushes on the better quality saws). After the saw went through a second set
while building a shed, I decided to give it away and buy a real tool.
My last Craftsman power hand tool bit the dust a couple of months ago,
(A 1/2 sheet sander). I replaced it with a PC330, no complaints.


Ross

My last reply was a bit off. I do have one last Craftsman power hand tool:
A 1960's vintage 4x24", Rockwell manuf.?, Craftsman. Good belt sander.
Ross

    Not sure about Hitachi, but you can get Makita and Milwaulkee parts
    at Currier's Lumber on 101A (the hardware store).  Also don't know
    about PC parts as none of my PC tools have ever needed any.
    
    I have yet to find Ryobi repair parts.
    

I bought a Sears power tool once.  A circular saw.  It burned out halfway 
through the second floor of my house.  I pitched it (literally - off the second 
floor deck), bought a Milwaukee, and haven't been back to Sears.

Paul

    I think it's significant that the last few replies in praise of
    Craftsman say something to the effect - Hey, I have  a Craftsman
    (insert tool name) and it works great.  Haven't had a problem in
    the 10 or 15 years I've owned it.  I'm the first to agree that the
    OLDER craftsman tools were great.  My father has a table saw and
    I have a jig/scroll saw that have lasted a long time under heavy
    use and will last a lot longer.  But, the new tools suck.  They might 
    be ok for occasional work but not for heavy use.
    
    George

    I think one of the big reasons for the decline in quality of the
    Craftsman products is mainly due to the fact that they are not built
    by the same people who use to build them. I hear that Sears is now
    having some of their former competitors build the present line of
    Craftsman products (I think I read that in this notesfile as a matter
    of fact). 
    
    So the story would go something like.... (this is an example, not
    necessarily a fact)... Sears contracts with (say) Rockwell to build
    a line of power tools which Rockwell also builds with their MARK
    on them.... Rockwell says OK and builds the line but not at the
    same quality as their own (makes sence). NOW, instead of Craftsman
    being a BRAND name as they use to be, NOW they turn into a generic
    or store brand/quality. 
    
    Now, I don't really know who they contract to build their line of
    power tools... BUT I can guess that the above is the story.??????
    
    My opinion!
    
    Bob G.
    

  You're probably right about Sears buying their tools from other
  vendors. I don't think it's a case of the vendor building the same
  tool at a lower quality for Sears, though. It's pretty hard to decide
  to build something at a lower quality. They're just building a
  different tool. But it reminds me of a cute story (a myth, no doubt):

  A DEC buyer at one of the mfg plants was negotiating with one of the
  Japanese chip vendors for a big order of memory chips. The purchase
  spec which he supplied the Japanese sales rep had a clause about "0.1%
  failure rate". The sales rep seemed a little concerned, but agreed to
  the spec. Couple of weeks later, a shipment of chips arrives at the
  receiving dock, consisting of a great big box and a tiny little box.
  The buyer calls the sales rep to find out why two boxes.


  "The little box contains the 0.1% bad chips"

    My understanding of how all Sears products are made is that a
    specification is decided on for a product.  A company is picked to
    make the product to spec and put the Sears label on it.  No products
    are actually made by Sears and never have been.  Because Sears requires
    so many of each product, they often will buy the entire output of a
    company.  Once they have this company at Sears mercy, they will force
    price reductions to make more profit for Sears.  These price reductions
    may force the manufacturer to reduce quality to produce at the stated
    price.

    Just as Digital does not make its own printers.  We buy then from a
    manufacturer of printers and have our label put on them.  The LN01 is a
    perfect example.  It is really a Xerox printer with a Digital label. 
    Side by side the only difference is the color of the strip around the
    outside and the label of the seller.

    The  comment  about "sears now VS.  sears 20 years ago" hits the  nail
    square  on  the  head.   I've got a 20 year old sears rototiller that's
    built like  a  tank- cast iron gearbox and lower unit.  My first set of
    sockets and wrenches (1/4" to 1-1/4") was bought at sears 15 years ago-
    and when I compare  them  side  by  side  with  todays  sears craftsman
    sockets it makes me want to cry.  The things they sell today are just a
    ghost of what they were.   Sears  used  to  sell  some beautifully made
    tools- but the I guess someone's short-term,  bottom  line  greed put an
    end to that.
    
    As far as sears selling "cost reduced" products:    If  you look at the
    parts  list  for a Techumsa snowblower engine, you will  find  different
    parts on the engines sold for sears VS normal Techumsa.  We had a Co-op
    student  here  who's  dad  owns  Farina  Cycle  in Watertown, they sell
    Lawn/garden  equipment.  The coop used to tell me that the sears  stuff
    they got  in for repair was designed bare-bones:  Everywhere they could
    leave out a screw/nut/part, they did.
    

    Ah, something I actually know to add!
    
    Singer at one time (maybe they still do) build the Craftsman power
    tools. I heard this on National Public Radio. The division was referred
    to as the "meters and motors" of Singer. When Singer recently got
    "raided," the raider said that they wouldn't sell the meters and motors
    because they were money makers, but have since put the division on
    the auction block. (they need the money to pay off the debt incurred...)
    
    I tend to agree with the "older is better" line that is coming out.
    My Dad has numerous Craftsman tools, and most are great. I have a
    3/8" drill, and the chuck is so obviously cheap that it refuses to
    stay tight on a bit! My Dad's doesn't have this problem. Also, we
    have a drill in a club I'm a member of, and it has taken a beating
    and is just barely holding on. The trigger has been replaced. Most
    of the screws, (have you looked at them lately? weird threads!!!)
    have fallen out and been lost. I won't recommend we get another.

    Re: .39 (defective parts separately packaged)
    
    That is a myth, at least if it happened, it didn't happen at DEC.  It's
    a frequently told story.  I'd call it an "urban legend", but it's
    not exactly urban, is it?
    
    			Steve

    
      REP -1
    
      How do you know this didn't happen at DEC? 

I don't *know* this didn't happen at DEC.  But the fact that I heard this story 
about 10 years ago, about a different company, makes be a bit suspicious.

Same thing as when someone told me that they knew someone named Nancy Anne 
Sweeny who married Michael Seancy - and thus became Nancy-ancy-ancy.  Yeah, 
right.

Paul

  Yeh, I've heard this one, and the one about "those Japanese Xes are so
  good we've never had to call FS", many times, from folks at different
  companies. They're myths now, though similar real events do occur.

    This is a continuation from the previous note.  My inexperience is
    showing in that somehow I screwed up.  
    
    My last point was that Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Ryobi and some
    others only have one product line and that is top stuff.  Them product
    comparisons can be made and a product chosen to do the job.  Even Delta
    which has long symbolized quality in the stationary tool line, is going
    with small and cheaper units to compete in the low end.  I like
    companies that identify a market and then do a good job.
    

                                        
    .40> Just as Digital does not make its own printers.  We buy then from a
    .40> manufacturer of printers and have our label put on them.  The LN01 is a
    .40> perfect example.  It is really a Xerox printer with a Digital label. 
    .40> Side by side the only difference is the color of the strip around the
    .40> outside and the label of the seller.
      
    Excuse me ??!!!
    
    Sorry to get off on a tangent, but I happen to know that Digital
    engineers put a lot of effort into developing many of our printers
    - particularly our high end printers (PrintServer 20 and 40).
    Although the manufacturing of the print engine is done abroad,
    we design the controllers, controller firmware and all the 
    software except the page description language (PostScript),
    In addition, much of the print engine and cabinet is designed
    and reviewed by Digital engineers.  By the way, Digital has
    not sold the LN01 in *years*.

    
    
    Would anyone happend to know anything about Chicago
    Brand of tool..specfically Radial Arm Saws..
    
    I have never heard of them.
    
    Thanks
    
    

Probably Chicago Pneumatic - try looking in the WOODWORKING_AND_TOOLS
conference....Use KP7 to add it.

Dave

    I think there is also a Taiwan import line that uses the brand name
    "Chicago" (no doubt trying to sound like "Chicago Pneumatic").
    Could be wrong about that though....
    

Chicago Electric - house brand of Harbor Freight, made in Taiwan

CdH

    FWIW:  Chicago Pneumatic, which always sounded real American, is really
    a subsidiary of Atlas-Copco of Sweden.
    
    KO

Problems with Sears rebuild of older radial arm saw...
    
Cross posted from woodworking....

   <<< NOTED::DISK$NOTES1:[NOTES$LIBRARY_1OF5]WOODWORKING_AND_TOOLS.NOTE;3 >>>
                           -< Woodworking and Tools >-
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Note 953.6               Blade brake for Radial Arm Saw?                  6 of 6
SMURF::PINARD                                        23 lines   6-OCT-1992 15:14
                            -< Repair problems... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I have the opposit problem, Sear's added a brake where a drill chuck
    use to be. Long story... but basically I have an older Sears radial arm
    saw that had an accessory drill chuck on the right side.
    I sent it out to have the bearings replaced, and they sent it back
    with the chuck lying in the box next to it. They replaced the bearings,
    and bang up the shaft threads so the chuck wouldn't go back on...
    So we sent it out again, (I kept the drill chuck) and this time it
    comes back with a new shaft with a manual (push button) brake where
    the drill chuck went... I guess they didn't understand or read the
    repair directions... So now I can't use the accrssory drill chuck for
    sanding disk etc... Oh they ordered me a new motor and it has the 
    brake on it too... They are refunding my repair cost...
    They say they don't make it like that anymore and can't provide me
    with what I had... Manager is suppose to call me when he gets back from
    vacation...
    
    Does anyone have and older RAS 1970's... 113-29350 which has a drill
    chuck on one end like this?
    
    Does anyone have the manual for this RAS...
    
    Thanks
    Jean

I've got a Sears radial arm saw with the drill chuck shaft - what part of the
manual do you want?

			Steve

    Well I guess I don't really need it anymore, I took another look at the
    brake they installed. I thought they had changed the shaft and put a 
    shorter one on but they just fixed the threads, and added the brake.
    I think the shaft is still a little bent though, so I'm going to take
    them up on the new replacement motor... (It looked like when they 
    originally replaced the bearings they hammared on the shaft and
    mushroomed it some and bang up the threads...) Looks like they just
    ran a die on itbut I think the mushrooming makes it a little bent...)
    
    So I'll be getting a new motor for free and an optional brake which
    I didn't have before...
    
    Sears in Manchester will have a used rebuilt motor someone can probably
    get cheap... :^) COst to rebuild is $76, new is $275...
    
    If yours matches mine, 113.29350 you could send a copy of the parts
    breakdown... Thanks   Jean Pinard  ZKO1-1F22
    
    

    Hi,
    
    	There's only three days left, how many of you got DeWALT power
    tools for Christmas, and haven't filled in the Preferred Contractor
    Program cards yet?
    
    	I'm looking for three people to place me on their card as a referral. 
    I have two cards that I can 'trade' refferals with.  
    
    	Please, anyone mildly interrested, give me a call or send mail...
    
    						.dave.
    
    Dave Marra
    DTN 226-6893
    SAMUEL::MARRA