Sorry, I just re-read my post and it's terribly written. Yeah, I meant Brand names. I find it hard to justify paying more for a Brand Name parts washer when a company like Princess Auto offers one for so cheap. Like I mentioned there is a whole lot that I would pick up at princess auto, but I too beleive in buying certain tools for the long haul. For example there is no reason for me to look at a 16 ton pipe bender, or 20 Ton shop press anywhere else than Princess Auto when they offer a decent quality Power fist version for so cheap. On the other hand I don't own a Power Fist drill. What I'm saying is I always take a look at the product before I shoot it down... In the end I might be pleasantly surprised!!!

I can see it being unpleasant hearing a close relative or friend speak of their eventual passing, but it sure does sound like your pappy has whole lot of life left in him. Cherrish the moments.

Madmike33

 

Your post was fine Mike. It was just a terminology thing. Wasn't sure if you were including Power Fist as a brand name or not. That's actually a good question. What constitutes a 'brand' when it comes to tools? Do they have to be made by the same company that markets them?


Army

 

I don't know really, I think everyone somewhere has their own definition of what a Brand Name really is. In my case, I consider any name that is sold and recognized from one company to another to be a Brand Name. For example, Makita, Bosch, Delta etc.... are all sold in many different chain stores, these in my book ar Brand Names. I consider "Power Fist" on the other hand as an "In House Brand" just like "Ultra Pro" is Napa auto parts, "Craftsman" Sears, all these being exlcusive to the distributer.... these are just my personal definitions though. I might also add that there are some makes that I don't know how to classify, Husky for example. I've seen them at Home Depot, but I've been told that they sell elsewhere also, but I wouldn't consider them as a Brand Name like a Makita or Stanley. It's all very confusing though.
Having said that, I like some stuff by Power Fist and others I'll pass on, but I do that with other makes also. It's very hard to overlook the price in some cases, depending on the use.
I took the liberty to check out the Go Fast Garage, I have to say I'm a little jealous. Everything looks great, I really like your fathers homemade farm drainage equipment. I bookmarked your link. Your shop looks great, and they're never big enough. I will be building 40x50 within the next two years, I just bought land to build my house and shop on so I'll be clearing it in the fall to make room for the structures.

Madmike33

 

Your definition of 'brand' looks pretty accurate to me MadMike.

A new house and shop? Man, you're in for an exciting time. I'm jealous of you. Hopefully you'll post some info and pics along the way. It'll be a lot of work and a lot of fun.

To keep on topic, when I built the new wall in my shop I also insulated and put 1/2" wafer board on the existing back wall. I had just bought a 24" Power Fist wrecking bar and used it to pull some nails out of the 2x6's before I put the OSB up. The next day I couldn't find it. Long story short, I finally figured out the only place it could be was inside the damn wall. I only paid $10 for it so I didn't take the wall apart to get it out. Another good reason to buy inexpensive PF tools?

It's interesting you mentioned the old digger dad built. He did it because he couldn't afford to buy one of the brand names


Army

 

Funny thing is the same thing has happened to me, except, I spent months looking for it. Fortunately the wall I had built was for a temporary storage and came across it when I was taking the wall apart with the NEW wrecking bar I bought replace the lost one.
Yeah I think the house and new shop is going to be a lot of work. I'm building the house myself with the exception of the foundation. As for the shop I have enough trees on my property to build it, I bought a 30" saw mill so the lumber and labour is free. Should be of great help considering I want
to build 40'x50'. Save when you can right?
I'll definately keep you guys posted with that project. I can't wait but I still have to clear the trees and all the other prep work involved with the land so hopefully I'll start building sometime in 2008.

Madmike33

 

The old saying you get what you pay for goes well with Power Fist/Princess Auto. Some items are fine like the above mentioned pry bars and some of the power tools if they are not going to be used daily. Dad bought me an axe that after three swings the head went flying across the basement and then there was his cut-off saw that caught fire... but they did replace it free of charge after it was a year old.

Stephen