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Steel City is no more

3K views 25 replies 17 participants last post by  MCTTS 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Just saw in a woodworker's Journal survey they were doing that as of 3 31 2015 Steel City has shut it's doors. understood some in Canadian outfit was moving everything up there but it kinda sounded like it was not going back into production any time soon if ever. I feel for those that have their products as it didn't say that any support for the products was being offered by the manufacturer guess they are just passing any thing back to the dealers to handle. hope it isn't true but when someone like woodworker's journal says it I'm afraid it must be.

wish all the luck possible to those who have any of their equipment.
 
#2 ·
I tried buying a table saw from them about 4 years ago, it was evident they had major issues on multiple levels after speaking with them a few times. Best bet I was told was to drive to Bolingbrook as they had some discounted floor models.

I imagine some interchangeable parts for some of their tools as many of the models are similar to other brands offerings.
 
#5 ·
I love my Steel City TS and BS. I am a bit concerned about replacement parts, if I ever need any. I spoke with the distributor that I purchased from and was told that General International bought them out and was moving them up to Canada. Of course this could mean that they may never go back into production. I hope not. I have been pleased with my purchases.
 
#6 ·
Not really surprised by the news, I needed a small bandsaw while waiting to buy something bigger and picked up their 10" model. I wasn't expecting a lot and still ended up with something worse. It couldn't even track a 3/8" blade, the lower wheel was just too far out of alignment and no amount of adjusting could fix the problem, from conversation it didn't seem to be an rare issue. Rather then them dealing with it as a defect it had to go back through amazon as a return. Obviously I didn't try anything bigger from them.
 
#7 ·
As a dealer, from what we have been told, there is no indication that SC products will be back in production. It's possible they will be, I suppose, but no signs pointing that direction.

There is a company taking over parts and service. The old Steel City customer service number (888-304-8840) is being switched to that company (I haven't had any official notification of who it is) and should be active and in service soon, if it's not already.

I'm very disappointed they didn't make it, they were a good company to deal with. Like a lot of smaller companies, they sometimes had supply issues and a lot of the products were entry level, but overall they provided good quality equipment at reasonable prices. (Russ, I agree that their bandsaws had issues, but the table saws, planers and other tools we sold were generally good) We sold quite a few tools to customers that wouldn't have been able to afford most other alternatives, but were able to get a Steel City so they could do woodworking.
 
#8 ·
Rats. I put off getting some replacement parts for my mortiser, never a good approach. Will have to make it a point to call that number, JayT, and get the two parts on order this week. Thanks for the detail.
 
#9 ·
They have had or there Chinese supplier had copyright issues, they had to stop selling some of their some of their bandsaws because of it. At least that is what someone who worked there told me. The bandsaw that Ridgid now sells is almost identical to what SC had to stop selling.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have that saw, in the 50" version. It's a good saw but a pain to get set up. I still don't have it how I think it should be.
I am looking for something that I can do some more upgrades to such as add a sliding table saw attachment which is rather difficult to modify a piece of granite to accept.

Looks pricey for being no more in existence. But what do I know.

http://www.amazon.com/Steel-City-Tool-Works-35955/dp/B00A5U1X3S

- ohtimberwolf
 
#15 ·
I ve got one of their fences on my Unisaw. It works like a champ. It was the cheapest Besimeyer clone I could find.
I wonder if Delta is next to go under…

- Gentile
I've been wondering the same. Their offerings have slimmed down quite a bit. When the new management took over they advertised several tools that never seemed to make production and availability seems reduced.
 
#16 ·
You're right, the reason I mentioned granite is because the photo is the granite top saw and the price is inline with what I paid for mine so I just looked at it and didn't pore through the descriptions.

Love your subtle sense of sarcasm btw…

Granite ? I didn t see that in the ad. In fact I looked again and they don t mention the word granite so they must be saying it in some obscure way. Amazing!

- ohtimberwolf
 
#17 ·
AZWoody,
I absolutely meant not sarcasm at all. I'm sorry you read that into it, I was commenting on the lack of clarifying as t what the top was made of.

If you check my posts you will find no sarcastic post by me, not even this one as I don' believe it needs to be done on these sites. Sorry, I should have tried to make the point of my post more clear as I do see how you might take it in other ways. larry
 
#19 ·
No worries, it's not always the easiest to get a point or idea across on a forum.

AZWoody,
I absolutely meant not sarcasm at all. I m sorry you read that into it, I was commenting on the lack of clarifying as t what the top was made of.

If you check my posts you will find no sarcastic post by me, not even this one as I don believe it needs to be done on these sites. Sorry, I should have tried to make the point of my post more clear as I do see how you might take it in other ways. larry

- ohtimberwolf
 
#20 ·
Assets bought by Normand of Canada. Parts went up there. Some 40305H planers made it to the states but support and parts? Who knows.

I have heard that the original manufacturer of the portable planers and other machinery has already sent a container to the US, due to arrive by the end of June, holding some 40100, 40300H, 40200H planers and the benchtop jointers. Machines will be sold direct and via online only under their own CUTECH label. Parts and support will be here in the US too. There has also been talk of a possible 40100H and a 2-speed 40300H or 40200H? Maybe even a contractor saw? I suppose sales will dictate the future.

Former SCTW employee,
M
 
#21 ·
Assets bought by Normand of Canada. Parts went up there. Some 40305H planers made it to the states but support and parts? Who knows.

I have heard that the original manufacturer of the portable planers and other machinery has already sent a container to the US, due to arrive by the end of June, holding some 40100, 40300H, 40200H planers and the benchtop jointers. Machines will be sold direct and via online only under their own CUTECH label. Parts and support will be here in the US too. There has also been talk of a possible 40100H and a 2-speed 40300H or 40200H? Maybe even a contractor saw? I suppose sales will dictate the future.

Former SCTW employee,
M

- MCTTS
Thanks for the info. I am needing to order a set of roller for the 40200H and might as well get a set of knives while I'm at it.
I definitely would be interested in the 40200H in a 2 speed if they do come out with one. It's a great planer that has done well. My only gripe is the noise, but that's par for the course on these type of planers.
 
#22 ·
Just "saw" this thread. I have one of their table saws. Got it when they were a a new company. I have do problems with the saw. Must say I have always been afraid they would not make it. That is a tough business to break into. Lots of competition from big companies that have been around a long long time. Guess the value of my saw just dropped a great deal. Oh well, I think it will last as long as I have left.
 
#24 ·
I am not surprised at all. Bought a 13" planer from them for $700 last year and am almost willing to give it away. The bits cost $200 each time I have to replace them and they don t last all that long; certainly not as long as blades.

- mrjinx007
What were you running through it? I haven't had to flip mine yet and I've had it a year and a half with light to moderate use and running reclaimed barn boards, mesquite and eucalyptus through it mostly.
 
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