Ocotillo_Mike

For a really close shave...

judging by the responses 50% of woodworkers take life way too seriously. The other half are invited to my house for a Margarita.

OK. I admit it :-( I buy cheap tools. If the store offers extended warranties I'll buy that. The warranties have saved my backside several times on the more expensive tools. On the other hand, I don't argue with the idea that sometimes you get what you pay for (durability And performance). BUT, not always. I have read many references to Fein, in these postings, as being worth the investment. And lot's of busting on DeWalt. I also admit that cheap tools often don't perform as well. I agree that many older tool versions were built to last. But some of those comments might be as much nostalgia as reality. I can be a skeptic, I'm told. I definitely repair, when the repair is inside my skill set. I am retired and do cabinet work for a single collector, my wife or for my own satisfaction, and bragging rights with woodworking friends. That niche has something to do with my approach to tool purchasing and repairs. If it's not interesting or fun, whether repairing tools or woodworking, why bother? This has been a fascinating comment thread and I would be interested to hear the names of other manufacturers who build tools for use over 20 years, my likely maximum woodworking horizon.
Mike