The Power Tool Price Watch Thread

[ChadTower]

I haven't done it yet but I'm waffling on that too.  It's a small risk.

[ScottS]

On a test done by fine woodworking the 50-760 got the highest marks for air suctioning power and best value (because of no add-on accessories being needed outside of hose and fittings). I have it and love it.

I've got the same machine and would echo NiteWalker's review. One caveat: mine seems to be relatively power-hungry at start-up. I've got it connected to a 15A circuit and I've flipped the breaker more than once when powering up the DC...

[NiteWalker]

It's not just yours. Mine does the same thing sometimes. I think it draws 16-18 amps on startup. I was thinkin about rewiring it for 220 and using my dryer outlet.

[DrewKaree]

When I worked in a restaurant, they had some thingamabob that plugged in between the machine we would use (a mixer or a chopper - big monsters) and the outlet that would "ramp up" the speed to help lessen the chance of tripping a breaker.  I dunno if they make 'em for home use, or even what they were called, but it was a box about 2-3" square.  Mebbe Grainger or some electrical house like that might know what they're called or what they are.  I know it isn't much help, but if you can find one, it might put an end to the occasional trip.

[ChadTower]

Almost sounds like a capacitor.

[Rusty]

I think at that price I'll forget about the 10% moving coupon so there's no issues using the PC rebate.  The gift card is separate so I should have no trouble getting that as well.

I just don't want my recipt to show the 10% discount such that PC might deny my rebate clame.

Unless anyone has gotten the rebate and used the 10% moving coupon?

I picked up the Dewalt sander using a coupon, and after looking over everything, I don't think they have any reason to deny either rebate.  I'm not sure how the Porter Cable rebate reads, but the Dewalt one only says "Not valid with any other Dewalt offer or promotion."  No mention of coupons or anything.

And as for the Lowe's gift card rebate, it prints on a second "rebate receipt" showing only "Items qualified for rebate:" with a product number, description, and price.  Though it does say "Not valid with any other offer, rebate, or promotion." there is no indication of a coupon or other promotion being applied.  It does show the price, but doesn't say anything about being purchased for XX dollars.

Again, I'm not saying these rebates will come.  I'm just sharing exactly what it says on my rebate forms.  As it is, I'm only worried about the Lowe's card.  The manufacturer's rebate show go through no problems.

[DrewKaree]

Almost sounds like a capacitor.

Hey, you used to work in a donut shop, right?  Did you guys have the big floor-stand Hobart mixers?  That was one of the things that got plugged into it.  Biscuit mix would infest EVERY nook and cranny if someone accidentally turned it on and it was on high before we got those things, as well as the other stuff whipping out all over the walls and floor.

[NiteWalker]

I worked at dunkin donuts for 4 years and the big hobart was hardwired directly into the wall. I don't recall the thing you're referring to, drew. Maybe it was a phase converter?

[DrewKaree]

I worked at dunkin donuts for 4 years and the big hobart was hardwired directly into the wall. I don't recall thew thing you're referring to, drew. Maybe it was a phase converter?

I dunno what it was, all I know is that it was a nice smooth windup.  The hardwired-to-the-wall thing was prolly code for your area.  All of our fryers had to be hardwired to the wall until we got our certificate of occupancy, and 5 minutes later, the electrician was wiring the plug back into it. 

[ChadTower]

Hey, you used to work in a donut shop, right?  Did you guys have the big floor-stand Hobart mixers?  That was one of the things that got plugged into it.  Biscuit mix would infest EVERY nook and cranny if someone accidentally turned it on and it was on high before we got those things, as well as the other stuff whipping out all over the walls and floor.

Yeah, a few donut shops, actually.  I don't remember a ton about the electrical setups, though, as I was a teenager and didn't know jack about it (nor did I care).  I do seem to remember the BIG stuff like fryers and ovens being hard wired because I used to slam my head on the wall mounted box while cleaning the traps.

[DrewKaree]

I do seem to remember the BIG stuff like fryers and ovens being hard wired because I used to slam my head on the wall mounted box while cleaning the traps.

   They had a timer on one of the vent hoods for a grill that I just could NOT stop banging my head into.  I've got a scar from hitting it so many times on the same spot

[ChadTower]

Yeah, those traps are nasty.  Set into the floor under the sink, just a foot deep of sludge that never comes off once it gets on your skin.

[fixedpigs]

black & decker wm225 workmate portable project center

$59.99 with 20% instant rebate and free shipping right now...end result = ~$48...

[ScottS]

black & decker wm225 workmate portable project center

$59.99 with 20% instant rebate and free shipping right now...end result = ~$48...

Sadly, it looks like the price is now $83. With the 20% off that comes out to around $66.

BTW, for a few bucks more I think the WM425 is a much better tool. It was one of the first tools I bought when I was getting into carpentry/woodworking. Sadly, the top was made out of MDF and mine got rained on...

[ChadTower]

Cut another!   

[NiteWalker]

The WM425 is quite tempting for $67.99...

[Chris G]

Guys, I just picked up the Dewalt DW618PK router kit and the Bosch 1295DVSK orbital sander last night.  Even though I got a decent deal, the fact that I have purchased them virtually guarantees that they will now go on super-sale very soon, so keep an eye out... 

[ChadTower]

Nice.  Where did you get them?

[Chris G]

Lowes - I caught the last day (last hour actually) of the 15% off sale, plus the moving coupon.

[ScottS]

The WM425 is quite tempting for $67.99...

Yeah, and as opposed to the one I had it looks like they've gone back to using real wood for the top!

[fixedpigs]

The WM425 is quite tempting for $67.99...

yeah...i _was_ going to post that one...but no free shipping on that...tack on shipping and it's back up an additional seventeen bucks...-=\

(edit)
and i just checked the link for the 225...it's showing $59.99...

[NiteWalker]

Here's a stand out in amazon's weekend sale. Normally the Dewalt DW682K Biscuit Joiner goes for $169 or more. Amazon has it for $139.99 shipped. That's an excellent deal for a really good tool. A biscuit joiner can make cabinet assembly very easy. I personally prefer pocket screws and glue, but biscuits are useful too, especially where you don't want pocket holes showing.

 

[ScottS]

I think my Porter-Cable 557 biscuit joiner is probably the least-used tool in my shop! I really should get around to selling the darn thing one of these days....

[NiteWalker]

I used to have a 557 too. I sold mine for the same reason. I just see david marks use his so much it makes me want one. Just like norm and his  brad nailers...

[Crax]

Just like norm and his  brad nailers...

I'm not sure if I have seen an episode yet where he doesn't use a brad nailer for something.  Braid nails and glue for all!

[ChadTower]

What annoyed me is that he's routing stuff in his shop and there isn't a spec of dust. 

[Crax]

I think it is pretty much impossible for most people(including me) to look at his shop and not be a bit jealous on some level. 

[NiteWalker]

I don't even need to look at his shop to be obscenely jealous.

[ScottS]

Looks like Rockler is having a sale on 50" Jet parallel jaw clamps: 2 for $50 . Not a bad deal given that parallel jaw clamps of this size are normally $40-45/ea! All of the reviews I've seen of the Jet clamps have been pretty positive...

[NiteWalker]

Nice. I thought this was in store only. That's a great price on those clamps. The Jets are the best of the bunch.

[fixedpigs]

also from rockler...a couple of dovetail jigs...34-35% off...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16384
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6552

i'm tempted to get one...but was curious if anyone had any comments about them...?

[Rusty]

That's a sweet deal on some excellent clamps.

You can also stock up on quarts of Titebond III wood glue for $7.99.

Rockler also is having a Tax Day sale: $10 gift card with $50 purchase, $25 gc with $100 purchase, or $75 gc with $250 purchase.

[NiteWalker]

Sweet deal! That means you can order 10 of the jet clamps for $249.90, add something for $1 or so and get $75 off. Your total price for the clamps amounts to $17.49. 
Of course the gift card is only good at rockler, but if necessary you can always sell it on ebay. Hell of a deal to me.


Now would be a good time to stock up.

[Rusty]

Sweet deal! That means you can order 10 of the jet clamps for $249.90, add something for $1 or so and get $75 off. Your total price for the clamps amounts to $17.49. 
Of course the gift card is only good at rockler, but if necessary you can always sell it on ebay. Hell of a deal to me.

Good idea, but clamps are limit 4 per customer. 

[NiteWalker]

Aw crap I didn't see that.

 
Could have been a killer stock up sale. It's cool though. There's lots of other things to add that make it a great sale. The clamps would have been nice though.

I also missed your mention of Titebond III. I love that glue. Great price for a quart. I paid that much 2 weeks ago at lowes for a pint...

[ScottS]

i'm tempted to get one...but was curious if anyone had any comments about them...?

If you're going to buy a dovetail jig either go whole hog and get the Leigh D4 or buy the Porter-Cable 4212. The 4212 is supposedly the best of the low- to mid-priced jigs. It's frequently on sale for around $150 at Amazon and Woodcraft...

[fixedpigs]

i think i concur...

reading the reviews of the rockler dovetail jig...people seem to not like that it's made of plastic...i see that the pc is aluminum...nice...

thanks scott...-=)

i ordered four jet clamps and a bottle of titebond iii...

[NiteWalker]

I second the 4212. It's the best of the lower priced DT machines.

If I made a living with projects that make use of dovetails I'd definitely go for the Leigh D4R. That's a fantastic machine.

Here's a great deal too for you, fixedpigs; Porter Cable 4212 Dovetail Jig for $139 + $6.50 shipping. An excellent deal for $145.50 shipped.



EDIT:
Pick up the current issue of shopnotes if you can and you decide to go for the 4212. It has a really nice plan for a dovetail jig workcenter.

[fixedpigs]

that is a great deal...

even better is the $50 rebate if it's paired up with a pc router...i was waiting for the dewalt kit to hit ~$150...but now it's tempting to pair it up with one of the pc kits...

i'd either go with the 895pk or the 694vk if i did go forward with it...opinions...?

thanks again...!

 

[NiteWalker]

Go for it. The 890 series of routers are too tall for my personal preference (the shorter the router the more stable it is), but most who have them like them. At $235 before the rebate that's a great deal. They're normally $269+.

The 694VK set is great, I used to have it but sold the plunge base. The router motor that comes with it will likely still be there and working when all that remains of civilization are ruins and cockroaches.

If you are going to get a dovetail jig you're best off getting a dedicated router for it. This one is perfect for it. That's a good deal too because it comes with a 100th anniversary bag and 2 free router bits.

I'd grab the 890 set as a general purpose router and the 690 for dovetails.