On Mar 20, 8:38 am, "Mike Marlow" wrote:
[snipped for brevity]
but there really are some pretty good alternatives out
there for less. I just don't recommend big box stores for them. Local
dealers need the business.

They deserve our business. They're professionals, so are we. They know
what they're talking about (with a few exceptions of course.)

I have stopped asking questions at big box stores...all I get is this
vacuous look and I get to see the back of their heads through the
FRONT of their eyes. Again, there are exceptions.

IF the brick-and-mortar guy charges a wee bit more, he:
a) needs it to stay in business
b) deserves it for his knowledge
c) keeps an expensive inventory of readily-available spare parts
d) will often do trade-ins
e) will often sell your saw for you
f) will often have a good refurbished used one for sale.

On a tool of that class, you make 500 dollar decisions, not 50 dollar
decisions.

I have a couple of 'Bigger' box stores as clients, and a nice group of
smaller guys.. I get up in the morning looking forward to that cup of
coffee with one of my small dealers, discussing a project; he's all
'up' because he sold a kitchen, I'm all 'up' because he's happy with
my service....the big box? Not so much. Just a stack of forms. And 60
to 90 days to get my money. (Again, one huge exception, but it is
privately owned.)

It is time we took back our way of life. Train the kids in school to
be craftsmen. To be small engine repair specialists. Etc.

But I digress

r