There’s one thing all woodworkers have in common-tools. We couldn’t ply our craft without them. But, where, why, and how we acquire those tools is another matter, and the Internet is having a big effect on these choices. I asked our visitors, “Where do you buy your tools, and why? And, what drives your tool-buying decisions?”
“I buy tools from Woodworkers Warehouse, Home Depot, and wood shows, mostly for the project that I’m going to build. Advice from WoodCentral has guided me on major purchases.”
“Web sites have been essential to my learning about tools that I do not own and have not used. My few stationary power tools are from local classifieds, and many hand tools are gifts or from big box stores. A really big project would definitely drive a major tool purchase.”
“I’ve never purchased a tool that I couldn’t actually put my hands on. Online forums have been a valuable source for information. Woodworking shows have also been a source of purchases, though prices have become less attractive over the years.”
“I usually buy large toys (oops, I mean tools; from a local Woodworkers Warehouse, and I also buy annually at a local tool show. Smaller items, I buy mail-order, but I don’t buy on the net, Ebay, flea markets or auctions.”
“I buy entirely new. I enjoy working wood, not fixing tools, Big stationary tools, I always buy locally. Delivery is easier, and I want a human that I can discuss issues with. I reject any tool made in mainland China. Otherwise, I expect the vendor to stand behind their quality. I find magazine recommendations tainted and rarely accurate. Internet forums could be a great tool if people would review their tool purchases impartially.”
“I buy my big tools from Jet. I like the quality and service that i have received. Portable power tools, I get from the box store with the best price. Never shopped Ebay. I might end up buying an empty box and would have to hate myself for it. As for the information on WoodCentral, my woodworking has never been better.”
“Woodworking shows usually hook me with some spur-of-the-moment purchase. I try for small tools at garage sales, larger tools from a regional tool dealer and from big box stores as a last resort. I use the internet to guide me, but I don’t buy without having held it in my hands.”
“I buy tools on sale, wherever the best price is. I look for closeouts and refurbished ones. I use all sources, but I only purchase known quality tools–no off-brands.”
*Large expensive tools, I buy at IWF, where I can view multiple brands and prices. For standard power tools, I go with whom. ever is the cheapest. I buy specific tooling by mail-order or on the internet.”
“I bought my large tools via classified ads, regardless of budget; you don’t get a second chance on the good stuff. Smaller tools are from mail order and big box stores, or an occasional flea market foray, Country of origin is not a decision-killer. If a country can build arms or a nuclear warhead, chances are they can make a decent woodworking tool.”
“I buy my large machines from a local industrial supply and my smaller stuff via mail-order and through the Internet. I buy from big box stores only due to immediate need, and I get old hand tools from flea markets or antique stores once in a while. I only buy specialty tools as needed for a project.”
“I purchase the best tools that I can afford. Advice that I obtain on WoodCentral is very important. People here are not trying to sell me a tool. Though somewhat biased by what they own, I’ve found their advice to be honest, and it has been the determining factor in my purchases.”
“I buy power tools when I need them. I had a wish list, but found that I ended up buying tools that seemed useful on the surface, but didn’t fit into the way I work. Now, there must be a pressing need before I buy anything, which usually eliminates used tools.”
“My strategy is to know what I want to buy and be ready to grab it when the right price comes along. I like Delta-they’ve never let me down. Big influences are magazine reviews and opinions on WoodCentral, but if a magazine praises everything, I don’t trust it.”
“I will mail order if my local vendor is too pricey. I usually buy power tools new to get the warranty, since the used price is often close to the same as new. Hand tools, I buy used, and often get better quality, Antique iron sells for a fraction of new price.”
“If I want a tool and don’t really have a need for it, I will create a need. Sometimes, I learn new stuff; sometimes it’s a disaster. I just had to have the Leigh jig, and it has hung on my wall for seven years. I’ve only used it once, without success.”
“A project decides what I need, and how often a tool is going to be used has a lot to do with how I budget. I prefer European or Japanese tools over Taiwanese or Chinese; American tools are somewhere in between. Knowledgeable sales people help, though pretenders are bad. Advice from the forums is very influential, but it helps to know where people and their ideas are coming from.”
“I buy power tools new, but hand tools used-on the internet mostly. For big stuff, I buy by the job, and don’t care about the country of origin. Advice from forums is very influential; there is nothing like hearing from users.”
“I buy tools only as a response to immediate need to get products built. I have no brand loyalty; and knowledgeable sales help is not a factor. People who make a living selling tools rarely have anything in common with people who make a living using tools. Internet forum advice is critically important.”
“I buy from everywhere: the Internet, Ebay, hardware and lumber stores, big box stores, garage sales. I use magazines and web site forums for reviews and comments. These people often bring up issues a magazine reviewer has missed, because they didn’t use the tool an extended period of time.”
What are your thoughts on this? Add your comments below!