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Ok, this is going to sound like a weird post, but what tools would you say are the best from Sears or Home Depot? My broher has a tool allowance where he works (huge company which I'll keep anonymous), and if he doesn't use it, he loses it. So, he's letting me use up his tool allowance. The only catch is the tools need to come from one of a few main places like Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. If you had a few hundred bucks to spend, what would be the first tools you'd go for at these stores? Of course I have most of what I need, but I find it really hard to pass up free tools. I'm not sure which tools are good quality from these places.

Thanks!

John

The nice thing with Sears and craftsman tools are that they are guaranteed for life (isn't that true?). So if you have to stay with one of these two places I would get as many craftsman tools as I could seeing as I could always replace them if needed.

Do you have a large drill press, that's one thing I don't have that I wish I did.

An oscillating spindle sander (even the ridged at HD would suffice if free)

I could always use more laminate trimmers to leave set up in what ever jig I use one for.

Than there are consumables like saw blades, router bits.....

That's a start I guess.

Edit

Oh and what about all new compressor set up. High power, large tank, HVLP gun, filter, regulator....Rod True39043.0947106481

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Sears over HD here!

Sears 15" floor model drill press is on sale right now for $299. I have one it is a good value

Clamps are always good. HD has a good selection of the Quick-clamps which are really handy, they also have the Bessey clamps. HD carries most of the top brands for portable power tools too - Porter Cable, Dewalt, etc. Not at all impressed with their hand tools though...

-Mark

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HD's Ridgid oscillating spindle sander just took "Best Overall" and "Best Value" awards by Fine Woodworking magazine. I've been looking at it, but I'll have to sell my Jet first.

If you don't have a laminate trimmer router they are a very good size for doing lots of work around a luthiers shop.

And as above, clamps are always welcome...

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Craftsman's top end (an oxymoron, I know) drill presses, band saws and table saws are now sourced from better companies, one being Rikon for the BS, IIRC. I have one of their "zip code" table saws and it's really quite decent. If only it didn't have the C-word in big red letters across the front!

Oops, just noticed you said a couple hundred.burbank39043.4688773148

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I'm with Serge...Sears over HD for me. I have one of the Craftsman (Rikon) bandsaws and it's been just awesome. In fact, I have lots of Sears stuff, and I have zero complaints.

People make fun of it, but it's more than functional.

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Well, I just got back from the store--boy is Sears and Home Depot a waste! I have all the power tools I need so I was looking for some quality hand tools. Neither of those stores really have anything as far as handtools. I ended up with some disposable items like a couple Freud table saw blades, a 1/2" blade for my Ridgid bandsaw, and a Blue Marples Japanese pullsaw. I don't mean to sound like an ingrate because I was very glad to get some free tools, but boy, these large chains definitly specialize in high voume, low quality. Guitar building really has a way of raising your standard for tools.

John

Like Bill on the bandsaw, i have the 14" Craftman( probably Rikon?) and it runs smooth and quiet, i just love it!

Can never have too many router bits and sawblades
Cheers
Charliewood