Central Machinery Tools - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

tstagman · 12-02-2008, 05:32 PM

I have an opportunity to buy a whole truckload of woodworking tools at a very reasonable price. Most are Craftsman and there is a Makita sliding compound miter saw, but there are 3 Central Machinery tools, the brand sold at Harbor Freight Tools.

I'm not accustomed to buying off brand tools since most of my tools are Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Porter Cable. I'm OK with the Craftsmen Tools but I have no idea if the Central Machinery brand are decent tools or not.

There is a 12"x36" wood lathe with 2 chuck heads, a shaper, and a 3HP plunge router that are Central Machinery brand.

Does anyone have experience or any input on these tools.

Keep in mind they won't get a huge amout of use other than preparing or finishing scroll wood. I may try some bowls on the lathe also, but they definitely won't get daily use like my scroll saw does. The shaper will probably be used occassionally for making fancy picture frames.

Ocelot · 12-02-2008, 06:55 PM

I've had a couple of Central Machinery tools that I got as gifts. For the most part they are very cheaply made with rough fit and finish. Having said that, for the occasional use, they do work. I have a biscuit jointer, a palm sander and a bench top drill press. The drill press is mostly used for pilot holes and isn't too bad. I've only used the biscuit jointer once, and while it did the job, the crappy fence took forever to get adjusted right.

sawduster 81 · 12-02-2008, 07:16 PM

I agree that the fit and finish of Central Machinery is poor; I have a 5 speed benchtop drill press that looks identical to the Craftsman but was 50 bucks less, with the 50 bucks I bought a 1" belt sander and still had change.

Generally, I'm a purist when it comes to tools that will be used heavily, but the occasional tool, frugal is good.

12-02-2008, 05:32 PM	#1
tstagman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 810	Central Machinery Tools I have an opportunity to buy a whole truckload of woodworking tools at a very reasonable price. Most are Craftsman and there is a Makita sliding compound miter saw, but there are 3 Central Machinery tools, the brand sold at Harbor Freight Tools. I'm not accustomed to buying off brand tools since most of my tools are Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Porter Cable. I'm OK with the Craftsmen Tools but I have no idea if the Central Machinery brand are decent tools or not. There is a 12"x36" wood lathe with 2 chuck heads, a shaper, and a 3HP plunge router that are Central Machinery brand. Does anyone have experience or any input on these tools. Keep in mind they won't get a huge amout of use other than preparing or finishing scroll wood. I may try some bowls on the lathe also, but they definitely won't get daily use like my scroll saw does. The shaper will probably be used occassionally for making fancy picture frames. __________________ Terry http://www.scrollsawer.com/gallery/s...0/ppuser/12859 The Hurrier I go, the Behinder I get!! Last edited by tstagman; 12-02-2008 at 05:35 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-02-2008, 06:55 PM	#2
Ocelot Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY Posts: 487	I've had a couple of Central Machinery tools that I got as gifts. For the most part they are very cheaply made with rough fit and finish. Having said that, for the occasional use, they do work. I have a biscuit jointer, a palm sander and a bench top drill press. The drill press is mostly used for pilot holes and isn't too bad. I've only used the biscuit jointer once, and while it did the job, the crappy fence took forever to get adjusted right.

12-02-2008, 07:16 PM	#3
sawduster 81 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: AZ Posts: 51	I agree that the fit and finish of Central Machinery is poor; I have a 5 speed benchtop drill press that looks identical to the Craftsman but was 50 bucks less, with the 50 bucks I bought a 1" belt sander and still had change. Generally, I'm a purist when it comes to tools that will be used heavily, but the occasional tool, frugal is good.