For both professionals and experienced do-it-yourself craftsmen, top-quality woodworking machinery is a must. For those making a living by working in wood, or others who enjoy cutting and shaping wood, a good workshop should have a variety of equipment. Those who spend most of the day with woodworking know there are a few companies that manufacture quality equipment. Among these are Craftsman, Rockwell and Milwaukee.
Craftsman Machinery
Nearly everyone, professional, expert amateur and layman alike, knows the Craftsman name. Fine tools and equipment have been sold through the Sears chain of stores for decades, to the point that thousands of people have become familiar with the brand. The company has also embraced the World Wide Web, offering its range of woodworking machinery and tools online.
Craftsman's name recognition is not an accident of numbers and advertising alone, however. The company backs its products with extensive warranties. Most tools with non-moving parts, such as wrenches, screwdrivers etc. have lifetime warranties. The company simply replaces the tool if it is defective or unusable. This customer support extends to machinery and equipment, to a certain extent.
The fine quality of Craftsman table saws, for example, allows the company to offer good warranties on this equipment. The saws are generally available in 10-inch and 12-inch models, with the typical saw having a 3 horsepower motor. Most woodworking enthusiasts and professionals find these table saws work very well for just about any woodworking project. Craftsman's portable models can be moved to and around work sites with relative ease. They are also convenient for storage.
Another of the top-quality saws made by Craftsman is the sliding, compound mitre saw, in 10-inch and 12-inch models. Equipped with Laser Trac, these saws have become popular for their accuracy in cutting. Tilting blades allow for precise bevelled edges and smooth operation.
Rockwell Machinery
Rockwell is another "great" name in high-quality equipment and machinery. This company also offers excellent warranties and solid customer support on its wide variety of power tools. Many successful workshops depend on Rockwell to get the job done. While not as widely known, perhaps, as Craftsman, Rockwell tools and machinery can last for years with the correct maintenance. Rockwell table saws are offered in sizes ranging from 9-inche to 12-inch. Some saws from this manufacturer have been in use for many years and are still considered desirable.
These two names are not the only ones associated with quality woodworking machinery. Milwaukee and Ridgid have made excellent power tools and table equipment for years, with Ridgid offering well-made contractor-level table saws, mitre saws, lathes and drill presses. Technological improvements and small but necessary changes in design have kept the company in the workman's mind for quite some time.
Milwaukee routers are popular with woodworking pros and experienced amateurs. They come with 2 horsepower or 3 horsepower motors, variable speeds and 36-position dials. Milwaukee also puts a good sawdust contamination shield on the motors. This is especially necessary with table-mounted saws that are in constant use. As with the other items mentioned, Milwaukee woodworking machinery and power tools are manufactured to give the user years of quality operation.
