Woodpeckers

[kweinert]

It's too bad they're so expensive - but I understand why they are.

The latest one I've seen is just a really slick idea: http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2084361/44608/woodpeckers-onetime-tool-mt-center-gauge--aluminum-arms-with-case.aspx

A center marker/mortise & tenon marker. I love it when you have a tool that doesn't require all the fiddly measuring and automatically adjusts to different sized work.

 

[Treecycle Hardwoods]

I agree why do they have to be so dang expensive!! I got a coupon in the mail from my local woodcraft but when I saw how much they were the coupon went in the trash!

 

[kweinert]

I agree why do they have to be so dang expensive!! I got a coupon in the mail from my local woodcraft but when I saw how much they were the coupon went in the trash!

In theory it's not only a one-time tool - it's a one time buy. They are high quality and should last you a life time. That and the fact that they're custom machining a limited run of tools certainly adds to the expense of making them.

I won't argue with you about the cost being a deterrent though.

 

[Mike1950]

Especially when you know it probably costs 5 bucks to make. Should be at least sterling silver at that price.........

 

[Treecycle Hardwoods]

You know how it is when something comes out they charge an arm and a leg for 'em. Tormek had their grinding system locked up for seven years with their patent now that it is up the price has nudged down a bit I am sure it will continue to come down over time.

 

[DavidDobbs]

My brother in law my a made bunch like this 20-25 years ago. I have one of the proto types somewhere. His own idea an all but when checked into the patents. There were others already.
I have 1/4" - 1/2' drill guides also somewhere for drilling centers for dowels that work the same.

 

[barry richardson]

Yikes, cool jig, but at that price I think I would try to make one myself first, out of wood or a composite.

 

[Schroedc]

Every once and a while I find one of the Woodpecker tools on the clearance shelf at the woodcraft near me, Extremely well made but until they hit clearance I can't afford them on a regular basis. As far as cost, when you factor in that it's likely the last one you'll buy of whatever it is, as long as you'll use it regularly it's probably not too bad but my wife has a mean frying pan swing if I spend too much on tools. From what I understand they are all machined one at a time here in the US of A as well.