Mark Ashmeade
01-03-2011, 1:55 PM
Explanation of the cliches:
I went to go and see a Delta 33-411 RAS today, that's been on Craigslist for a long while. It was on at $700, including a 3-phase converter and a 12inch Dado set. Seemed a good deal, since they're over $6000 new. I needed to replace my RIDGID RAS, which is just not accurate enough. I thought the 750lb cast iron behemoth would overcome the inaccuracy of the existing saw. Well, unfortunately not. The saw was the black-and-grey color scheme, which probably dates it to the 80s or 90s. Sadly though, the blade wobbled from left to right as I pulled the action. Which took both hands, it was that unwieldy. Having looked at the cost of the track rods and bearings ($128 x 4 for the rods, $125 x 4 for the bearings), even if I could find them at a discount, I'd still be over $500 in replacement parts. So I decided this was a bridge too far, and politely declined. In fairness, the guy was asking a fair price, that saw would be ideal for some applications, but not as a general purpose cut off and miter machine in my shop.
So I decided the monster 16" RAS was not an option at all, and went to have another look at the Bosch GCM12SD glider at Peachtree Woodworking, which was not far out of the way home. As I walked in the store, I didn't see the floor model I'd seen with green eyes the week before Christmas, so I asked, and was told the story. It turns out they were having the roof redone, and a mishap occurred, and some water fell on the box for the floor model, which was the only one they had. The tool itself was perfect, and just out the back. The box was not bad either. They couldn't sell the saw as perfect because of the box, but the tool itself was perfect. I always kicked myself for not buying a RIDGID 12" dual bevel three years ago that was on a returns shelf at HD, half off and not a scratch on it. I wasn't going to make the same mistake again! I got a good discount for the "imperfect", but still got a fully warranted product.
So now there's a Bosch GCM12SD sitting in my garage waiting to go to the shop, and I am a very happy bunny, as is my wallet, and therefore my wife :)
Pics maybe later if I get it set up tonight.
I went to go and see a Delta 33-411 RAS today, that's been on Craigslist for a long while. It was on at $700, including a 3-phase converter and a 12inch Dado set. Seemed a good deal, since they're over $6000 new. I needed to replace my RIDGID RAS, which is just not accurate enough. I thought the 750lb cast iron behemoth would overcome the inaccuracy of the existing saw. Well, unfortunately not. The saw was the black-and-grey color scheme, which probably dates it to the 80s or 90s. Sadly though, the blade wobbled from left to right as I pulled the action. Which took both hands, it was that unwieldy. Having looked at the cost of the track rods and bearings ($128 x 4 for the rods, $125 x 4 for the bearings), even if I could find them at a discount, I'd still be over $500 in replacement parts. So I decided this was a bridge too far, and politely declined. In fairness, the guy was asking a fair price, that saw would be ideal for some applications, but not as a general purpose cut off and miter machine in my shop.
So I decided the monster 16" RAS was not an option at all, and went to have another look at the Bosch GCM12SD glider at Peachtree Woodworking, which was not far out of the way home. As I walked in the store, I didn't see the floor model I'd seen with green eyes the week before Christmas, so I asked, and was told the story. It turns out they were having the roof redone, and a mishap occurred, and some water fell on the box for the floor model, which was the only one they had. The tool itself was perfect, and just out the back. The box was not bad either. They couldn't sell the saw as perfect because of the box, but the tool itself was perfect. I always kicked myself for not buying a RIDGID 12" dual bevel three years ago that was on a returns shelf at HD, half off and not a scratch on it. I wasn't going to make the same mistake again! I got a good discount for the "imperfect", but still got a fully warranted product.
So now there's a Bosch GCM12SD sitting in my garage waiting to go to the shop, and I am a very happy bunny, as is my wallet, and therefore my wife :)
Pics maybe later if I get it set up tonight.