The Power Tool Price Watch Thread

[Dudeman]

It's back Dewalt DW618PK $152.81 delivered. With the $40 rebate. 112.81 total. I ordered, hopefully fixedpigs, fatfingers  and bratwurst are online!

Of course not! And I'm looking at it now and it says $226.  FUDGE.

$189.99 and the coupon is still good.

[bratwurst]

Should I wait and see if it drops more, like back to the 150-160 area or should I jump on this now?

[fixedpigs]

jump on it now...but choose pay with a check...
you have a month to pay for it...
if it drops again...then do the same thing...

or amazon supposedly credits you the difference if an item drops within a month...nitewalker knows more...

[bratwurst]

Awesome, I've done the check route.  I'm glad I turned on auto notify for the thread!

[Dudeman]

I went ahead on got it. They were offering an additional $30 off if you applied for their credit card, so I did. I'll just cancel it.

Plus, like fixedpigs said, "... amazon supposedly credits you the difference", so I'm hopping that's true.

[fixedpigs]

I went ahead on got it. They were offering an additional $30 off if you applied for their credit card, so I did. I'll just cancel it.

be sure to hold onto that card for at least six months before canceling it...otherwise your credit score will take a hit...

[NiteWalker]

Best thing to do is order it and then place it back in your cart. This will notify you of any price drops or increases when you check the contents of your cart. If you encounter a price drop within 30 days call amazon, explain, and wait for the credit.

[Dudeman]

Thanks for that tip, I'll do that (I'll just keep no balance on it). I had no clue that would happen.

You're my hero for today.

[Rusty]

Another way to keep tabs on the price is with this site.

If you end up finding the drop, just call or email Amazon and they'll credit you the difference, sometimes even after more than 30 days if you're lucky.  I've never had any problem with them.  They're usually pretty easy to deal with.

Oh, and congrats on the router! 

[ChadTower]

Nice site... I may use that.  Tablesaw would be good.

Given the type of deals we're looking for around here of late, what is the trigger point on a tablesaw for us?

[fixedpigs]

depends on the saw...

[Chris G]

I have this image of the Amazon tool price guy sitting there dropping the prices on random stuff for 2 or 3 minutes every once in a while just to piss people off.  They're local - maybe I should apply for that job - sounds like fun. 

[ChadTower]

depends on the saw...

Of course, but we are also very familiar with our needs in this community.

[Rusty]

There are two different types of table saws that are probably most useful and realistic for people on this forum.

1.) Contractor saw
     Pros: Large workspace, accurate (depending on fence), good dust collection, powerful enough for most needs
     Cons: Expensive, take up a lot of space, difficult to move (without a mobile base)
    

 Contractor saws include the Delta 979 and Jet 7083xx models.

2.) Benchtop saw
     Pros: Inexpensive, easy to move around, small size, often have stand available
     Cons: Less powerful, smaller cutting ability or rip width, less accurate (can be as accurate just as a contractor saw, but fewer aftermarket fence options)
         

 Common benchtop saws are the Bosch 4000-09, Jet, Dewalt 745, and Ryobi bt3100.


Things to take into account include cast versus stamped steel wings, right vs. left tilt, mobile bases, power, and, most importantly, fences.

A good article can be found here at Woodcraft.

[ChadTower]

Cool, thanks.  Reading that now.  Given my situation a benchtop is probably the way to go.

EDIT:

Not bad... opinions?

[Crax]

Looks like a good deal to me as long as it's in good shape.  Really wish more people would actually post the model number of what they are selling on CL.

[ChadTower]

It's another one 90 minutes from me, but with a good fence thrown in, that seems like a really good deal.  I've emailed him asking for some details.

[Rusty]

Chad, my guess is that is something like this saw in which case I'd be all over it!

[ChadTower]

Oooh.  Let's see if he answers me.

[NiteWalker]

Here's a good deal on a Black and Decker 4 in 1 sander for $28.28 at amazon. I'm sure it won't win any awards but it seems like a good deal for the occasional user.

[fixedpigs]

Here's a good deal on a Black and Decker 4 in 1 sander for $28.28 at amazon. I'm sure it won't win any awards but it seems like a good deal for the occasional user.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=63719.msg636084#msg636084

i knew it was only a matter of time before we started repeating...-=)

[NiteWalker]

Wow I don't know how I missed that one.
It was on sale at a better price too.

Thanks for the heads up. It must be decent if 2 of us posted it, right?

 

[Rusty]

A good price on Original Titebond ($4.45) for anybody needing a filler at Amazon.

[NiteWalker]

Good price on that glue.

[knave]

So all this talk of clamps I decided I needed some. (again not a power tool but usefull none the less)

I picked up this set of Colombian clamps.

They came out to $18.14 for the set.

All in all pretty good for a starter set.  They might not be the biggest and best but for less than $20 I'm super happy..

***EDIT***I forgot to mention that they come with free shipping too! 

*Update*

I wanted to say Thank you! After seeing that the clamps had gone on sale after I had ordered them. A quick email to Amazon and they refunded me almost half my purchase price.   

[Spyridon]

Hi all.  I'm new to this hobby and about to start working on my first cab.  I have no wood working experience and currently own no tools.  It's time to "man up" and own some power tools.  That being said, I'm looking for some advice on a drill, router, and circular saw.  I think those are the basics I need to create a nice cab.  Yes, I know some will recommend borrowing the tools, but I would like to own my own.  Money is not the big issue here, so I don't need to go with bottom end stuff.  However, there is the chance that after one cab, these may never get used again so I don't want to go top of the line either.  A good deal on a good item is what I'm looking for.

Any recommendations for a good starter to mid-level set would be great.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[fatfingers]

Hi all.  I'm new to this hobby and about to start working on my first cab.  I have no wood working experience and currently own no tools.  It's time to "man up" and own some power tools.  That being said, I'm looking for some advice on a drill, router, and circular saw.  I think those are the basics I need to create a nice cab.  Yes, I know some will recommend borrowing the tools, but I would like to own my own.  Money is not the big issue here, so I don't need to go with bottom end stuff.  However, there is the chance that after one cab, these may never get used again so I don't want to go top of the line either.  A good deal on a good item is what I'm looking for.

Any recommendations for a good starter to mid-level set would be great.

Thanks in advance for your input.

What...just ONE router?  ;-)

[Rusty]

If you don't plan on using these tools for anything outside of building a cab, have no woodworking experience, and don't want to borrow tools, I'd recommend looking for a woodworking class to take.  They often offer these kinds of classes a night or two a week at local high schools or community colleges.  Usually you can find information on classes like this by asking around at a local lumberyard or by calling schools.

I'd recommend this over buying your own tools for a few reasons.  You'll learn the proper techniques and have all kinds of tips and help.  Its much safer than teaching yourself how to use the tools.  You'll also have access to the proper tools, and the tools are generally pretty high-end stuff.  It'll save you money as the classes are usually pretty inexpensive (They're more to get people into woodworking and offer them an outlet than to make money.).  Finally, you won't have to wait around for a good tool deal to come around.

However, if you still plan on buying yourself tools, keep an eye on this thread (maybe set it for auto-notify) and get acquainted with prices for tools you're interested in on Amazon.  I'd also take a trip to Home Depot/Lowe's or a local hardware and examine a few tools in person to see which you like.

[NiteWalker]

First of all, kudos for going for good quality tools. A commonly overlooked fact is that tools that carry a good reputation have much better resale value than the cheaper ones.

Here's what I would start with.

Drill:
Cordless is great, but you can save more than half by buying a simple corded drill. Add a good 35' extension cord and it'll handle 98% of your drilling needs.
Dewalt D21008K
I have this drill and love it. It's very powerful and well built. So if you grabbed that and an extension cord (a good quality 12/3 25' would be great) your drilling needs are handled.

For a router I'll recommend the same I recommend to everyone, the Dewalt DW618PK kit. The one I linked to is the 3 base version. I did that because it's only $10 more than the 2 base kit after the $50 mail in rebate. It's really a fantastic router. I love it so much I bought a few kits... Once you become addicted, there's no stopping it...

As for a circular saw, any of the major brands would serve you well. Most are in the $100-$120 range. Bosch, Milwaukee and Porter Cable all produce some great circular saws.

Definitely watch this thread. All the things I linked to were on a mega sale a couple of days ago.

@Rusty:
Classes are a great idea, but not really necessary. Everything I know about woodworking I learned through books and videos. Those I do recommend, because they'll be there if you need to look back for something.

Hi all.  I'm new to this hobby and about to start working on my first cab.  I have no wood working experience and currently own no tools.  It's time to "man up" and own some power tools.  That being said, I'm looking for some advice on a drill, router, and circular saw.  I think those are the basics I need to create a nice cab.  Yes, I know some will recommend borrowing the tools, but I would like to own my own.  Money is not the big issue here, so I don't need to go with bottom end stuff.  However, there is the chance that after one cab, these may never get used again so I don't want to go top of the line either.  A good deal on a good item is what I'm looking for.

Any recommendations for a good starter to mid-level set would be great.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Spyridon]

Thanks for the advice Rusty.  I'm a little impatient and want to jump right in and start building but the class is a good idea.  I just won't let that hold me up.  I've been watching this thread for about two weeks and almost pulled the trigger on a few items.  I just couldn't decide if it was too high end for me on a few items.  

Anyway, I'll keep my eyes open on this thread and jump on a good deal if I see one.  (or maybe I'll just start buying some based off of some previous recommendations).

[Spyridon]

Thanks NiteWalker   

Those look like good items.  I'll research a bit more and keep an eye on this thread.

I was watching that sale a few days ago.     Why didn't I jump on it then?

[Rusty]

@Rusty:
Classes are a great idea, but not really necessary. Everything I know about woodworking I learned through books and videos. Those I do recommend, because they'll be there if you need to look back for something.

Yeah, I learned everything on my own or with the help of friends, too.  But I already owned or had access to the tools.  I was more suggesting the class because it generally cheaper and easier than buying and reselling the tools.

I'm not sure how the classes are everything, but the local one here isn't so much a class in the traditional sense of going there and they show you what to do.  Its more a place to use the tools (in the high school shop) and then they can help if you need it.  If you have no desire to own the tools past a certain project, I still think that's the way to go.

[NiteWalker]

I just couldn't decide if it was too high end for me on a few items. 

If it doesn't say Festool on the label it's not to high end.

If you have a rockler or woodcraft near you they do offer classes that are decently priced. I probably would have went to a few but there's no woodcraft or rockler within hours of me.

Here's another thread where the same question was asked. It has some pretty good recommendations in there.

@Rusty: Oh ok what I think you may be referring to there is a woodworker's guild. As you said, that's an excellent way to gain access to otherwise unobtainable tools. In fact I'd favor a guild over a class for that reason.

[Crax]

Oooh.  Let's see if he answers me.

Well?  That was a great deal, did you end up getting it?

[ChadTower]

Well?  That was a great deal, did you end up getting it?

Sent a couple more queries, never got a response.

My clamps came in from Amazon, though, good heavy clamps for a great price.   

[NiteWalker]

And the deals are back! Every weekend amazon has a tool sale. Here's some stand-outs this weekend.

First up is the Dewalt DW618B3 3 Base router Kit. Those who know me know I love this router. It's a fine piece of machinery. Right now at amazon, $203.46 shipped and it has a $50 mail in rebate bringing the price to $153.46. An excellent deal. When I bought my first DW618PK 2 base kit it was $149.99. So go ahead, spend the extra $3.47 and get an extra base too.


Next up is another router, but this one is very suitable for a router table. In fact it's the same router I have in my router table. It's the Porter Cable 3 1/4 HP locomotive router. This thing is fantastic. One of the best router table routers out there. Right now it's $225.32 shipped. That's less than I paid for mine last year ($236). Not a necessity for any shop but if you want power and reliability under your router table this is one of the best out there for that.


Last up for now is the Bessey BTB30 Tradesman 30-Piece Bar Clamp Assortment for $200.84 shipped. These are excellent clamps at a very good price. This one set could possibly handle all the needs for a hobbiest for a long time. The initial price may seem a bit high, but not many places can you get 30 clamps of this quality for $200.


 

[Rusty]

Great deal on the clamps!  Cheapest I've seen them lately was in the $230 range.  Anybody interested in these should take the reviews with a grain of salt.  Most of them claim about the inept packaging of the set, but the more recent reviews seem to state that they're finally packing them better.

Same for the three-base Dewalt set!  I'd be on it if I didn't already have it.  (Hint to any of those guys that missed out on the 2-base set last week. )

Amazon's sales have really been coming around lately.  They have some sweet deals again this weekend.  If only I didn't spend all my cash last weekend I'd probably pick up the Delta jointer they have.  There's a nice Delta radial arm saw, too.

[Spyridon]

Dewalt DW618B3 3 Base router Kit. Those who know me know I love this router. It's a fine piece of machinery. Right now at amazon, $203.46 shipped and it has a $50 mail in rebate bringing the price to $153.46.

Missed it.  Price is already back up to $259.95

[NiteWalker]

Yep the clamp set comes in two boxes now.

The price on the 3 base kit is from grizzly, give it another day or so and check if amazon has em back up. They do that sometimes when they sell out.

[Spyridon]

Router deal is avaialable again at Amazon.  I have placed my order.  This will be my first entry into the wonderful world of routers.  Thanks for pointing out the good deal.