Other power tool forums

[Orange Apron]

Are there other forums out there for power tools? The reason I ask is Im looking at some non ridgid equipment, like a bandsaw and a planer. I have this 20% coupon from HD and my tax refund coming soon. I dont want the Ridgid bandsaw and I want to get as much for my coupon as possible. I am looking at Lowes 10" Delta BS http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=33307-32764-BS150LS&lpage=none

and their Delta planer http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=36274-32764-TP305&lpage=none

and a new miterbox (brand to be determined yet). I want to get some reviews on the Delta equipment. I dont intend to use the stuff everyday, but I know I will use the quite planer frequently. I really dont want to go and blow the budget on the best quality high $ stuff, but I dont want cheap stuff either. From what Ive read and seen the latest verson of the Ryobi planer isnt all that hot.

Thanks for opinions and info

[Woussko]

While not a forum, you might try www.epinions.com as there are some reviews where you may get some ideas about which brand and models to either go for or stay away from. If you can find one in your yellow pages, look up a woodworking machinery dealer or two and visit them.

[mcarr184]

If you want to get the BEST band saw for the money a saw that will last you the rest of your life with out having to upgrade OEM parts and the like right out of the box I suguest you look at the provided link. at the behest of my dad I went a head and got one which is just like his I am 29 yo. and by the way this thing is built I will have it till I am 90. and spec for spec it is the best price out there.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0555

[BadgerDave]

I agree with mcarr184 on the band saw. The Griz G0555 consistently receives high marks from its owners. If you're serious about using a band saw you'd outgrow that Delta in no time.

Although the Delta planer is kinda outdated compared to some of the more recent offerings out there but you'll probably not be hugely disappointed in how it performs. On the other hand, the Ridgid with a 20% discount would be a great deal on a much better planer.

[Josh]

Orange Apron, I also check up on the reviews on amazon whenever I buy a new product. They have just about everything with honest reviews from customers who own them.

Josh

[woodenstickers]

Orange Apron, I also check up on the reviews on amazon whenever I buy a new product. They have just about everything with honest reviews from customers who own them.

Josh

I agree, however look out for the ones that are pissed because their order came late or not at all and they canceled without trying the product.

[garager]

http://www.forums.woodnet.net

[Botietruck]

OrangeApron, I purchased the 14" Delta that Lowes sells. When I opened the box the upper main bean was broken and the box had no damage whatsoever, meaning it was probably packaged that way. Lowes went well beyong and made it right with no hassles at all. After I got the 2nd saw set up it had a damaged upper door and the clips that keep the doors closed were broken. Delta shipped out the replacement pieces and I received them within 2 days. After I used it the first time I noticed it had a vibration and the blade adjustment shoe was binding in the mechanism. I found the upper wheel had several "raised" places in the tire. Again, Delta shipped the parts out and I received them within 3 days. After several hours of fine tuning and retightening bolts that should have been torqued properly from the factory, this saw runs like a sewing machine and I am very happy with it. The customer service at Delta was very good. If you go with Delta, make sure you go over every bolt/fastener on that rig to ensure all are tight.

I went with the Dewalt DW735 and I love that machine! Straight out of the box it was ready to go and it can turn an ugly stick into a beatiful piece of wood.
Hope this helps.

[onlycordless]

Are there other forums out there for power tools?

Try http://toolmonger.com/

There are comments below each blog.

[hewood]

There are several good woodworking forums that have power tool discussions. You're less likely to find agreement about one particular brand than you would on a brand sponsored forum, but the discussion can be interesting and educational.

http://sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?f=3
http://dgroups.woodmagazine.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=toolsandbuying
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB2
http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?redirCnt=2
http://www.bt3central.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9
http://familywoodworking.org/forums/index.php