MLCS/Penn State Ind catalogs

[gimpy]

OK, quick question. Yesterday, I received two separate catalogs in one package, an MLCS router bits catalog and a Penn State Industries catalog. I have never bought/used either one of these products, so don't know how I come to getting their catalogs. Anyway, after looking thru them, there seems like there might be some good deals, but I don't know anything about the original pricing. Anyone else get these catalogs?

For instance, the MLCS catalog has two or three different Dovetail Jig sets, starting at about $60 (list price at $150), another dove tail template for $90 (list price is $399--yes, $399). These sound like really good deals, but, again, I know nothing about them.

Again, I don't know why they sent me those two catalogs (together).

Frank

[agent511]

Everybody gets these catalogues, and they always come both together. I did not get this latest issue yet, so I cannot comment on the particular sales you mentioned.

These companies enjoy a very good reputation, but they don't usually deep discount anything, so without even looking, I question the 'list prices' on the items you named. You should do some exploration in other catalogues or on the internet.


The two companies are sort-of like brother and sister. In reality, it is actually husband and wife companies. (was that a secret?)

[LCHIEN]

They have some relationship, I always guessed friends or relatives or business associates, if Agent511 is right then that may be it. Anyway thay have for many years shared mailing expenses (it's probably as cheap to send one as it is both and the router bit user probably needs or wants at least some penn state woodworking products.)

I would not be surprised if they got your name from A) a magazine you subscribed too or B) some other company from which you bought woodworking supplies/equipment or C) went to a woodworking show or D)entered a contest where woodworking stuff was or tools were the prize. Selling mailing lists is big business and targeted ones (i.e. where this is a list of people known to have bought or be interested in woodworking stuff) are extra valuable to places that also sell the target items.

[lcm1947]

Can't speak for the Penn part but I think MLCS is fine. Maybe not the highest quality but certainly good for the money. Most of my bits have come from them and actually just got in my two latest sets today from them. One being the roundover set and the other being the flush & pattern bit set. I am pleased with them. Now saying that let me admit I haven't used them all that much but they seem to do the job for what I needed them for and appear to hold up fine. I also have some WoodCraft ones and while they do seem to be a step up in quality over the MLCS for the price I see nothing wrong with the MLCS. So until proved otherwise I'll continue to buy them. My 2 cents.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

My PSI and MCLS always come in the same package. Guess it saves on shipping. I am not sure if they are jointly owned or not. They are both located in the greater Philly area. PSI has decent cyclones and very good duct work selection. Their retail store also sells used tools. They usually have a annual sidewalk sale.
I have never ordered anything from MCLS or visited their store, though the do enjoy a good reputation for their entry level bits. I am not sure about their Kanatna (or whatever it is) line, but would probably go Whiteside/CMT which are proven brands.

Edit : Changed that quickly. I just ordered the 1/2" collet extension for my RT. Found that Rail and Stile bits were not quite long enough with the thicker sled I built. I'll let everyone know how that works out.

[agent511]

The two businesses share a building outside of Phila. They have a small factory outlet in that building, where they sell the stuff from the catalogues as well as returned items. The staff is knowledgable and friendly. Since I believe they offer free shipping from the catalogue, there is no special advantage in making a trek here. By the way, I consider free shipping to be a big plus for any catalogue outfit.

I believe they sell the returned items for a 10% discount, which I do not believe is sufficient for a factory outlet. Regular retail stores put brand new things on sale all the time at 10% off, and I barely consider that a sale. And this stuff is returns, not new.

They have a sidewalk sale about once a year. Being accustomed to sidewalk sales where most things are on clearance for 50% off or more, I can tell you that their's is a big disappointment in terms of pricing.

They also sell used tools there. I don't know if they take things on consignment, or they buy and sell. I never asked. I do know that most of what you see there is stuff you would not want, and the price they ask is crazy high. Most of the stuff is very obsolete. I buy used stuff, and have never seen anything there I would consider purchasing. With services like Ebay and Craig's list, I have to think that the people that buy used stuff there do not know what a computer is.

As I mentioned before, they are basically the same company, MLCS being the newer operation of a family firm.

[gimpy]

Thx, that's good to know. I have read good things about the bits, and to a lesser extent, good things about PSI. And, again, some of the items offered "sound" like a good buy, whether or not they are. Even though it is Christmas time, I am not really looking to buy anything from them right now. Some of their prices "sounded" good, that's why I put it on the Bargain Alerts forum.

Thx, Frank

[Santa Clarita Len]

I have been buying from MCLS for years and love their free shipping and their warranty is unsurpassed. I broke a bit once and they sent me a free replacement, no questions asked.

[Andrew Benedetto]

I have been buying from MCLS for years and love their free shipping and their warranty is unsurpassed. I broke a bit once and they sent me a free replacement, no questions asked.

Same here, excellent CS. I had a carbide bit break in use, no questions a new one was sent n/c.

[tedkitch]

I purchased a whole bunch of my dust collection ducting and connections from them. Very good help and I'll second what agent511 said about the used tools. Unless you are a tool collector I haven't seen anything there yet that I would buy, lots of old tools, but as far as dust collection goes, these guys know what they are doing and will answer any questions that you have.

I don't have any experience with MCLS.

HTH,