I prefer Craftsman for my mechanics tools. This came from working around my father's shop over the years and he was a Craftsman user, as well as his father. That being said, I steered clear of their power tools and woodworking tools.
I have a Craftsman power miter box that my father gave to me in 1979. I graduated up to the DeWALT compound miter in '95, so I willed the ole Craftsman to a friend. I went to his house one day and the Craftsman power miter box had been sitting on his deck over night and in the rain a few times. I gracefully ask to have the tool back, realizing the sentimental value since my father gave it to me when I first started doing woodworking and carpentry. Since my friend didn't appear to appreciate it, as evidenced by not taking care of it.
Long story longer, I went to the Sears Service Center and ordered a new guard, brushes and thumb brake for the saw. I put a new carbide blade on it and it worked like a charm. To this day, that saw sits next to my high dollar, modern day DeWALT sliding compound and DeWALT compound miter saw. It works great in a pince and I will keep it until I pass on.
Like these old trucks, it doesn't have all the modern day niceties, but it gets the job done. It is officially over 25 years old and I consider it a antique survivor, like many of my trucks.
Tony
