Since imported isn't some folks cup of tea... Build a shop...

[dbhost]

Due to some of the responses I have gotten to the HF gems thread, I have been pondering if this is possible...

So here's a challenge for folks here...

Specifying only currently available new products, see if you can identify only U.S. made tools and accessories to completely outfit a complete workshop, and list the lowest retail price you have seen for the item.

Requirements are...

10" table saw to replace all the functions and features of a BT3x00.
10 or 12" sliding compound miter saw.
14" or larger band saw.
12x36 or larger lathe.
12 speed or greater 16 inch or greater floor model drill press.
Machine(s) to replace function of Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating belt / spindle sander.
12.5" or larger planer.
6" or greater jointer.
1.5 HP minimum, 1000 CFM minimum 1 micron or better filtration dust collector.
6" or larger bench grinder.
Quick Release bench vise.
2.25 HP or better fixed / plunge base router kit.
bits, blades, measuring and marking tools, clamps etc....

Now IF domestic stuff is available to fully equip a well outfitted shop, how much would that cost?

[Charlie]

Deleted by me.

[LinuxRandal]

This COULD get interesting, since some things I watch/watch out for (things like a Baldor Grinder).

But there are also different ways of working. I have moved the BT out to the unpowered garage, and have been using only my tracksaw setup.

[Charlie]

Deleted by me.

[Photojosh]

At one point (and perhaps still currently) Makita made their power tools here. So that could take care of the sliding miter saw, router, and perhaps some cordless power tools (missing from your list).

[LinuxRandal]

While you were hunting for a Baldor I snuck in and grabbed this Dayton 8 inch grinder. ( Model 1Z707 )

I missed a 10" model, locally.

[Wood_workur]

At one point (and perhaps still currently) Makita made their power tools here. So that could take care of the sliding miter saw, router, and perhaps some cordless power tools (missing from your list).

I believe that is correct. I also believe that Steel City Tools makes their stuff here, so that covers the larger stuff.

And isn't Laguna domestic as well?

[pelligrini]

And isn't Laguna domestic as well?

They're based in California, but I don't think all their tools are made there.

[Photojosh]

Jorgensen clamps are made in the USA according to the marketing material I ahve seen, so that takes care of most basic clamps.

Fuller drill bits are USA made.

Some Stanley FatMax stuff is/was made in the USA. This appears to include my favorite tape measures, the Fatmax 16 and 25 ft. But a lot of Stanley stuff is made in china or mexico also. So I would check the package before buying.

Fastcap's pocket chisels are made in the USA. Not the same style as what most woodworkers are used to. But they are pretty cool chisels nonetheless. Fastcap is a woodworker-owned company as well.

My Johnson box levels and torpedo levels appear to be made in the USA. Another of my favorite tools.

[Charlie]

Deleted by me.

[LarryG]

I believe that is correct. I also believe that Steel City Tools makes their stuff here, so that covers the larger stuff.

Eh, I don't think so. I'm reasonably certain most if not all of Steel City's line comes from China or Taiwan. Offhand I don't see any "Made In USA!" blurbs on their web site and you know they'd make a big deal of that if such were the case. And IIRC my Makita cordless drill/drivers are out of Mexico, and possibly my Makita ROS too. Can't recall about my Makita router.

[vaking]

Let's start with this:
How many table saw blades do you know made in USA? How many table saws come with the blade made in US as OEM blade? I believe Forrest blades are US made but I know of no saw that comes with Forrest blade natively. If the native blade is not made in US - I guess that already mean saw does not qualify as "made in US".

[dbhost]

I only remember questioning HF tools, Not Ryobi, Not Ridgid, Not Delta, etc. just HF. If you noticed in the HF ad for the 14" bandsaw it mentions nothing about what size motor it comes with, not all 14" bandsaws have the same size motor. Not all import tools are created equally, the same can be said for some American tools I'm sure.

I wasn't exactly referring to you in specific. I was wanting to see IF it was possible to build and maintain a shop domestically...

[dbhost]

Jorgensen clamps are made in the USA according to the marketing material I ahve seen, so that takes care of most basic clamps.

I am not sure about that. I have a pair of 36" Jorgensons I have had for about 10 years now. They are stamped Taiwan on the side of the head. They may have moved production back to the U.S. since then though. A few companies did when fuel prices go so high about 3 years ago (right before the economy went into the toilet,) I am not sure how many moved back to offshore production.

Fuller drill bits are USA made.

Never heard of fuller, where can they be bought?

Some Stanley FatMax stuff is/was made in the USA. This appears to include my favorite tape measures, the Fatmax 16 and 25 ft. But a lot of Stanley stuff is made in china or mexico also. So I would check the package before buying.

Not sure about the tape measure, but my Fat Max chisel set was U.S.A. made. Yes they cost more than the HF chisel set, but the difference in quality was pretty obvious.

My Johnson box levels and torpedo levels appear to be made in the USA. Another of my favorite tools.

Actually, almost all of my measuring and marking tools except for calipers, tapes and levels are Johnson. LOVE the quality of their stuff. Mid price range too.

[cgallery]

Not a serious contender (due to price, most of us couldn't afford these unless we won the lottery). BUT, Northfield is still manufacturered in the U.S.

Here is a link to their pricelist:
http://www.northfieldwoodworking.com...elist-2007.pdf

The band saws and table saws start at about $10 or $12k.

I'm afraid even some of the replacement parts for their vintage tools would be a hardship for me.