seatoe

As many have said, I try to repair a tool if it is cost effective to do so. What one respondant wrote was to update to a model with more features; The keyword here is "UPDATE". As manufacturers seek more cost effective manufacturing, they may update the features, but at the same time "downdate" the quality. The trend is more toward "planned obsolence". They really try to discourage tool repair and always have (parts are expensive). My 20 year old Makita cordless drill is still going strong because it was well built. The latest Makita drill may not be as good as my old one, quality-wise, but it will have the latest features. Some features are not worth having, being just another "bell and whistle" (built in flashlight or level for example); a nice little touch, but hardly necessary.

I cringed at the picture of peening a miter bar on a TABLE SAW. That person has no respect for tools.

Tim, I learned Autocad a few years back and am very comfortable with it, except when it comes to 3D. I tried Sketchup, but it seems my knowledge of Autocad doesn't allow me to grasp Sketchup. I'm able to do isometric drawings in Acad, but I want to be able to do 3D. How can I become comfortable with Sketchup?
P.S. I was offered a job at Bechtel back in the 60's, but when they said I had to wear a tie and suit, I turned down the job.

LN is fortunate to survive. It has carved out a niche for those few who can afford their tools. It is staffed by dedicated people frrom the area who appreciate good tools. I'm guessing that they don't belong to any union and their wages are not consistant with similar workers in other tool companies. They are also located in an out of the way area in Maine. (no state tax, I believe). If it were located in a more accessible part of the country, I don't think they would survive. They probably know that if they go offshore, they will lose any patrons they have.
I compare LN to the companies who make designer clothes and jewelry for pets. They are of the best quality and expensive but they cater to the rich. I wish LN well and hope they can continue their quest for quality, but I'm a bit skeptical about their survival.