[TheForge] Tawainese Machine Tools

[RIES NIEMI]

on 9/22/03 6:50 AM, Woolley at wjande@erols.com wrote:

> Greetings,
> 
> Strolling  through Sears the other day I saw a 17" Taiwanese made
> Craftman drill press on clearance for $300. Quick change speeds from 250
> to 3200, 1 1/2 hp motor.  Their 20" is a nice looking machine with
> larger table, 2hp motor etc.($500).  I don't usually, if ever go for
> Tawainese tools, but at this price I'm seriously considering it.  I've
> been coaxing along an old Buffalo Forge Press that  runs out, a PITA to
> change speeds, table height etc.  This press was had for a half a day of
> welding so it doesn't owe me a thing. I use my drill presses a lot, but
> am not ready to spend $1500 for an Ellis or compatible, and I'm getting
> kinda sick of looking at used presses on the net that you have no clue
> as to their true condition etc. until you are standing in front of it
> running.  Any thoughts from Tawainese machine tool owners as to their
> value, dependability etc?  Thanks.
> 
> Regards,
> Bill Woolley
> 


I agree with Dave - Buy a Jet.
Years ago, in one of my old shops, long since moved out of, I had a big
inscription on one of the doors. Scrawled in magic marker, letters about 6"
high, it said "I will never buy another power tool from Sears- Ries Niemi,
Sept 10, 1978" or something very much like that. Sears buys from whoever is
cheapest, that year, and they do not stock replacement parts for much of
anything over about a year old. That means you are buying an orphink, as
popeye used to say, and you will be sorry.
Jet still stocks replacement parts for the taiwainese drill press I bought
from them back in 1978. And they arent going to be much, if any, more
expensive than the one at sears. Amazon often has free freight deals on Jet
power tools.

Ries