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The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

10K views 27 replies 21 participants last post by  kiefer 
#1 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
 

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#2 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
I have no complaints with them either. They have a toll in every one's price range. just need to be aware of what you are buying. Probably not the place to go for production tools ;-))
 

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#3 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
I have many Craftsman tools including the bulk of the C3 19.2 volt collection. Very few of those fail to perform.
The trim saws are like baby worm gears and I love them with a good blade. Battery life, you say? I got more batteries than God so I swap whenever i need to.

Off the woodworking path, but the new line trimmer, blower and shrub trimmer exceeded my expectations.

My corded Craftsman belt sanders, palm and random orbit sanders, planer, reciprocating saw, portable router table with router, bench grinder, bench top belt and disc sander, etc. are all champs for my purposes.

Even Dewalt (Black and Decker with yellow paint) has some dog offerings: Their compressors are not what they used to be. Their 18 volt stuff is pretty good if you can afford the batteries. Their miter saws are the industry standard in my opinion.

Yes, you are right. Craftsman serves a purpose. You win a lot and lose a few, but like you said: It's easy to get a refund or a replacement if it's a dud. I can usually tell if I have a dud sooner rather than later.
 

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#4 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Sears basically subcontracts other manufacturers to make everything they sell. Sometimes its an identical unit that's just cosmetically changed to make it look like one of their brands. Other times, they actually spec out something that's different. In the end, the quality is dependent on who the manufacturer was. Since I feel like i'm playing roulette when I buy craftsman, I choose to avoid them and stick to brands where I know the quality I am getting. That being said, I buy from HF and Ryobi when I need a cheap tool that I don't expect to use often. I put craftsman into that category because even though they do have some good tools, the hit or miss nature of it forces me to discount it.
I will say that those old all metal craftsman tools that your father or even grandfather used are the tools that the Craftsman brand was built on. They literally lasted a lifetime.
That's just my 2 cents.
 

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#5 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
What would America be if their hadn't been a Sears and Roebuck ?
 

Attachments

#6 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Great topic! I am no expert, run no production, and have a very limited woodworking budget, but am finding that just like in everything else, you get what you pay for. With Craftsman I can honestly say I have usually gotten a little bit more.
Thank you for posting.
 

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#7 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
When I started my apprenticeship as a machinist over 40 years ago the master that I worked under gave me a rusty file and a dull hacksaw and told me when I could learn to use these tools I could move up. Of course these tools had some severe limitations but it did force me to learn to rely on my skill rather than the tool. Now my hobby wood shop is populated with Sears and Ryobi tools and my skill is increasing by the day. If I were a professional shop that needed to do production work I would have pro quality tools
 

Attachments

#8 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
My home shop is full of Craftsmans' tools. They have built some great projects. Just look at my projects photos, all built with Craftsmans'. They have been getting a bad rap for a long time but for those of us on a limited budget they are great.
 

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#9 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Craftsman tools are great! You just have to be aware of what you are buying there. if you can't spend a lot of money buy the 15.95 jig saw. It has a 90 day guarantee! Or choose the $75.95 Pro quality Jig saw, it also has a 90 day guarantee. Either one will "run forever or, if you work it hard enough, crap out before the guarantee is expired.

I have many craftsman tools, one in particular is a 21 year old 3 1/2 HP variable speed plunge router that has had 3 new sets of brushes and is my choice for a table router. I'll put it up against any other for power and control. I also have a cordless drill driver that is the "pro" version of their series. It is about 2 years old and will twist your wrist until it hurts if you aren't careful!

What more can you ask? Granted not all of the craftsman line is perfect but, neither is delta, porter cable, or dewalt.
 

Attachments

#10 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Ha! Just look at my avatar LOL!
Here is my table saw:

Wood Electric motor Machine tool Gas Engineering


Still works great even after 50+ years of service. Maybe its the license plate motor guard LOL.
And that "bench saw" was designed with homeowner use in mind.

Craftsman does indeed get an undeserved bad rap. Some people assign expectations to thier product line that is pretty unfair. Take a jigsaw for instance. If I ask some people for their opnion on a craftsman jigsaw, they'll say
" steer clear of that garbage, buy a $179 Bosch. It'll cut 12/4 Hickory to 1/128" tolerance and will last 100yrs even with 24/7 use".
Well thats swell…...except…...I don't need a jigsaw to perform to that level. Indeed I've owned an Craftsman Evolv jigsaw for over a year now, have used it a dozen or so times, and it has yet to fail me. No reason to think it will eithier. I think I paid $30 for it. Sears sold a tool that met MY needs.

I also bought a 10" craftsman miter saw with stand about 18 mos ago. It was ~$100. I bought it to do a hardwood floorig project. It worked fine for the purpose even with the stock blade. And I've used it a bunch since then, again, with good results.
Plenty of the craftsman hand tools are good too. Some people claim craftsman hand tools can't stand up to daily use. BS! I had plenty of CM tools in my toolbox when I worked as an auto mechanic. I had snap-on and matco stuff too. None of it ever failed. I have a CM $20 flex head ratchet that I like 100X more than the $75 snap-on flex head I also had.

Oh that biscuit fointer you mentioned is definitely on my shopping list. It gets great reviews and looks like it'll meet my needs just fine. And I'll probably also buy a craftsman drill press….....IF the current one in my shop ever finally dies. LOL. (Its been properly mounted and restored since this pic)

Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire Fender
 

Attachments

#11 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
What a fun and interesting thread!
 

Attachments

#12 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Ted, that's quite a table saw. Nice avatar!!!!
 

Attachments

#13 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Bob, and David, you bring up a good point about the failures of other tool lines. Porter cable, bosch, and
delta in my experience have had a loser or two yet they don't seem to get the bad rap that craftsman
sometimes gets.

Topmax: "What would America Be if there hadn't of been a Sears Roebuck?" A good observation, because
they were around during the building years of this country.

Thanks everyone else, it seems I've found a lot of Die Hards on LJ's today.
 

Attachments

#14 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
There is no denying Craftsman's brand revolutionized the tool industry and once was a brand highly recommended by our fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers. Like any tool company today they have their share of good and bad. While I do have some Craftsman tools most of which are older tools the newest being my 6 1/8" jointer planer. My problem with Craftsman isn't so much to do with the quality of their tools as it is in their customer service and support when it comes to their tools.

For me they have become one of the hardest companies to deal with when it comes to customer service and support. If they respond at all they are very slow and offer very little information. Trying to get parts has led me to look else where to repair a tool. Their reluctant to even tell you who the original manufacturer is to be able to contact for information on parts. I had to wait over a month for parts for my scroll saw. They had to special order parts for my 18 ga. brad nailer and couldn't give me a estimated delivery date. Say what you want about HF but at least when I have contacted Central Machine I have had good customer service and support.

Since customer service and support are my first priority when buying a tool, Craftsman is at the bottom in my decision making process in that purchase. So when Craftsman comes out with a new tool I don't get excited because the manufacturer of the tool will generally have a spin off of it under their brand. Which is generally a company that is easier to deal with.

In the area of customer service and support in my opinion Craftsman lives up to the legacy it has been given. As to quality, like any other tool you buy you get what you pay for.
 

Attachments

#15 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Nicely done commentary, Bob. Over the years I've had many Craftsman tools and they have all served me well. I think we can all agree that the line has changed in recent years, but that can be said for all the other brands as well. It has to be a tough job today to try to sell a reasonably priced product that will provide any level of reliability. -SST
 

Attachments

#16 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
When I started woodworking in the late 70's, early 80's, I only knew of one name brand of tools-Craftsman. My father had a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw, a Craftsman metal 1/2 sheet sander, Craftsman metal hand-held drill, and a Craftsman metal jig saw, and he bought them in the 50's. He got rid of the Radial Arm Saw years ago, but he won't give up the hand tools.

The first stationary tool I bought was a 12" Craftsman Bandsaw. I have used it, maybe abused its abilities, and (knock on wood) I've only replaced blades, the tires and the key in the motor (that may not be the correct terminology…the little rectangle piece of metal…..it's been a while since I replaced it). I've had it set up to use 1/8" blades for well over 25 years and it will stay that way.

I bought a benchtop Craftsman drill press in the mid 80's. I had to replace the chuck key that was lost during a move. I have gotten more than my original investment from just these two tools.

I sold two Craftsman routers a few years ago to a former co-worker. He wanted them for parts for his Craftsman routers. I told him that he may reconsider when he got them….one of them was barely used and I had gotten it from a garage sale. The other one had been purchased by me in the 80's and just needed new brushes. I do miss the lock on that router-now I have to use two wrenches to change bits on my PC routers.

I was very sad when my Craftsman 7 1/4" circular saw quit a few years ago. I did go back to Sears for a replacement, but things changed in the many years I had my circular saw. They went to a safety feature of having two buttons to hold down in order to use the saw. Being a female with smaller hands, I was unable to use most of the saws Sears had on display because I couldn't reach both buttons at the same time….except for a Skilsaw. So, I have a Skil saw….another one of the lesser expensive name brands that gets a bum rap a lot of time, too.

So anyway, as BobG mentioned, all name brands have had their problems. Some of us wouldn't be in this hobby if it wasn't for the Craftsman name.
 

Attachments

#17 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Verna, I also have small hands and have similar difficulties trying to operate many tools. :( Do you think they will start selling bigger hands any time soon? It really sucks when I need a buddy out there to push a button so I can start the tool! My brother in law has a cheap old skil saw that is easy to use and is lighter too. I need a new circular and I am going to buy a skil because it is female friendly!
 

Attachments

#18 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Nice to see someone standing up for old Craftsman. I think we all probably have a few of their tools & I once bought a bandsaw brand new for $100 bucks to cut the heels off a pair of $200 clogs (no, they were not MY clogs). $200 pair of shoes is a bit high in my neck of the woods & I surely wasn't going to buy a Laguna for the project. I think there are several tools companies that effectively fill the gap between B&D and Hilti.
 

Attachments

#19 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Without Sears there would be only half as many woodowrkers in this country. I have had some good Craftsman tools and some better Craftsman tools. The only problem is they make tools good enough to make them last through the time they have to support them with repair parts. My first portable circular saw loved wood. It was an all metal 7 inch. It finally had a bearing go out while I was scoring concrete. The bearings couldn't handle the dust. I bought a top of the line Skil to replace it because I didn't have time to tear it down but plan to make the time. The Skil is okay but no better. I have several stationary tools and like most tools they have some shortcomings and some pluses. I have a 40 year old router that is still the tops. Craftsman tools are more than many hobby people need for sure. In everyday production they all come up short most of the time.
 

Attachments

#20 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Despite my previous glowing comments about CM, Greg does make a great point. Sears product support is basically deplorable. I've dealt with Sear parts direct in the past. I was never wow'd by the service and I've been down-right PO'd by them on two occasions. I never buy garden variety stuff from them anymore, only craftsman-specific stuff that I have no choice but to buy from them. Always slowerthan molassas. Its a good thing crfatsman doesn't make life support or dyalisis machines LOL. Parts are habitually on backorder.
Of course, these days fewer people bother fixing machines. They are often simply tossed in the garbage and replaced entirely. Putting resources into product support makes less sense in a "throw-away" society.
 

Attachments

#21 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Tedstor, I am part of that throw away society, I think that my craftsman band saw will either end up on craiglist or in the dumpster at some point. I look at the next 10 years of woodworking where I'd be more inclined to up date
my band saw, replace my Ridgid table saw, and go into more professional grade equipment. As far as craftsman customer service, I would guess it is run by clerks and non tool users, so I wouldn't expect the knowledge base that I might expect from say Grizzly. After all Sears is into many retail decor-clothing-jewlery type things. The person
trying to help you get a bearing for a 1970's lathe, might just have worked on getting a bearing for a 1990's bike wheel. It is what it is when it comes to Sears. I don't look at it as bad customer service, more so I would guess it is a logistical nightmare. Any tool older than 20 years old especially if it sold for under 200.00 bucks, is not worth it to
any company to keep manufacturing new replacment parts. Does Harley Davidson, still make cylinder heads for there 1950's bikes?
 

Attachments

#22 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Does anyone remember way back when…. when you could go into a Sears store and in the tool department there was a place where you could actually make sawdust with Craftsman tools…table saws etc. Cut up some 2X4's and get advice and help from a real woodworker. Seems to me he always wore bib overalls. I remember going there with my Dad and spending an hour or 2 with that guy.
I was wondering if there are any other 60ish LJ's out there who had the same experience?
 

Attachments

#23 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
Bob, thanks for posting on this issue. Last summer I bought a Craftsman 6" jointer off Craig's List for $180. It had hardly been used. Before that I was using a ShopSmith 4" jointer. The Craftsman was a great upgrade for me. I'm very thankful that I have it. I'm confident that If I need anything for it I can get it either at the the store or online. From my perspective it seems that Craftsman has always tried to price their tools so that the majority can buy them. I think that's a good thing because it gives someone who desires to pick up the hobby a chance to buy some of the tools they need without having to sell their left kidney.
 

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#24 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
I think that a good portion of the reason for the "Crapsman" label has more to do with Craftsman not using another name for their cheaper tool versions. When people get irritated with a Skil product, it doesn't reflect hard on Bosch, though Skil was their cheaper brand. Same goes with Dewalt and Black and Decker. Of course much of that has changed with the Stanley purchase of these products. There is a big difference between the Craftsman professional mechanical tools, for example, than the Sears/Kmart Craftsman home versions. In the professional scale of their products, they still produce very fine machines and tools.

David
 

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#25 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
This past year I decided to upgrade my shop tools. I had some money set aside and decided to put in some real dust collection. The larger tools absolutely needed 4" dust ports. There are a number of larger and smaller Sears tools in my shop along with other manufacturers.

The deciding factors on my table saw were 120V, dust collection, cast iron wings, and decent fence. On top of that was delivery. Sears are everywhere and you can order on line and ship to your nearest Sears. I did a lot of research and found the hybrid fit my needs, waited for a sale and ordered it online. Same with the Sears professional 6" jointer. They both work wonderfully. They loaded it on my truck and I was home in 30 minutes.

On the other hand I wanted a 12" SCMS and did not like what Sears had and could care less if it had a laser, I found a Milwalkee on EBay and saved a couple hundred. In my opinion it is as good or better than the DeWalt's at HD. I was looking at Sears Spindle sanders but found the Triton had better reviews and price point, so I ordered a Triton. No dust when hooked up to a good DC.

What I am saying is a smart person (with a budget) SHOULD NOT logically dismiss Craftsman. Just do your research and find a price/performance fit that matches your needs.

This past weekend I drove 300 miles (round trip) to the nearest WoodCraft to get a Jet 16-32 on sale because according to my research (here on LJ's and Amazon) it was the best fit for me in quality and price. Aslo picked up a Jessum router table for $100 off. This is replacing my Craftsman bench top router table that was a gift and I was never really happy with. The aluminum top would always leave aluminum oxide streaks on the wood, I was constantly waxing it.

I have a Craftsman 12" planer, a Craftsman professional 12" planer, a 1950's Craftsman drill press, Craftsman 12" bandsaw and Craftsman biscuit jointer. All work great for me and when tuned (as any machine) give accurate repeatable cuts. I also love the C3 line of Craftsman 19V power tools. I use and abuse the drills all the time.
 

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#26 ·
The Crapsman Legacy is a Farce

Craftsman-Sears, is like Charlie Sheen, either you love them, or you hate them. But I fall into a category that I
think many fall into: The quiet MAJORITY. We know what we want, can afford, and can live with. Each time I get a new tool, I increase my productivity and ability to overcome problems with workable solutions because I have the tooling that allows me to use alternative techniques. As a new woodworker, with only six years experience, Craftsman, has been a big part of my wood working experience, and I have done well with there products. Not all of there products lived up to my expectations, but even then the tool added to my woodworking capabilities even thou it may of had limitations. When I buy a tool, it is usually when I know I'm going to run it into the ground
starting on day one. Giving me the opportunity to return it to the store for an exchange or refund. Sears, has always treated me fairly.

Every wood worker wants reliable tools to work with. Not every craftsman tool has been that for me, even
with the failures I have gleaned a little bit of usefulness. My craftsman jig saw at best can rough cut holes, but I know it is way past time to replace it, the most disturbing thing about this jig saw is that it doesn't blow the dust off the cut line. 3 seconds into the cut and your pencil line is buried under a heap of dust.

Automotive tire Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design


As a start up shop price is always important. Craftsman tools always has scratch and dent, 50% off, and sales with the proverbial incentive to buy. With few exceptions, no matter who I buy from I always look for these deals.
Craftsman tools always have some good price going on. Today I was working on book cases that I'm building
for a guy, my biscuit joiner I bought from Sears 4 years ago at 50% off. What's a biscuit jointer but
a miniature circular saw blade. I paid 65 bucks for it and it works great.



the biscuit jointer was an outstanding purchase and has paid for itself in time and in need!!!!

I needed the ability to cut shapes, and on a very rare occasion maybe re saw. I purchased this band saw with 7" re saw capability for under $300.00 bucks tax included.

Electrical wiring Gas Wood Automotive exterior Machine


Over this past 4 years of ownership, the saw has only needed a switch replaced on it. I bought the new switch from sears on line and it was delivered within 5-7 days. I have dozens of hours on this saw, and use it very often. The largest re saw it ever did was 5" max, but I bought it mostly for quick cuts and cutting shapes and even with the craftsman blade it has given me exceptional results when you considered what I paid for it.

Many new wood workers have to live with the fact of there budget will only allow so much. But the ability to add new tooling and increase productivity is still central to their work. I have 19 volt drills, sanders, circular saws, clamps, strait edges, and routers, all craftsman that work as good or better than I hoped or expected.

Handheld power drill Drill Power tool Hammer drill Wood


Automotive lighting Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle Bicycle part


Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and the big box stores, have given a lot of options to the wood working community. Without them there may not have ever been a Lumber Jocks Web site. These are places you can buy your tools, and if they don't work you can get your money back now!!! If they do work you can create and grow your skills in wood working. I am not very fond of the term Crapsman, because I feel they
have brought so many good tools to the woodworking community. I consider Sears and the other stores as a building block for working yourself up to better more high quality tools in the future. And with many of the craftsman tools I own, I find no reason to upgrade or change what I have.
I also began my woodworking with Craftsman tools. A circ saw, a drill, a belt sander. I did a lot of projects with those three tools. The belt sander is gone, as well as a router. No repair parts available. the drill works great and the circ saw has a granite cutting blade. I have a Craftsman Hybrid table saw and I really like it. All of my tool purchases in recent years have been other brands, mostly Delta. Good prices and reasonable quality. I was so disappointed that Sears didn't carry replacement parts for my router that I seldom think of buying their tools. the replacement router I got from them lasted a month and it's replacement is junk. I really like the saw! For a 1 1/2 horse, 110 volt saw it cuts well with a good blade.
 

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