Prices now and then

**chook** · 12th March 2012, 03:58 AM

I just saw an old post from 2004 which had a drum sander from Carbatec (WDS 400mm drum sander) selling for $839. And that was a show special price.

That got me to thinking who much cheaper tools are today. You can purchase the same thing at Carbatec or Hare and Forbes today for a whole lot less and by the time you take into account the inflation of wages over that time the effect is magnified even more.

There was a time for example, not many years ago where if you wanted a 12 inch thicknesser you could buy one (a Delta) for abut $1000. I bought a Delta compound slide Mitre Saw for about a $1000 and I thought I got a bargain. I doubt that too many people would consider spending that amount of cash for these types of tools today. The fact is that we never like to part with the cash but there is so much good machinery going around now and the prices are so competitive that we are spoiled for choice. Not only have prices on most machinery not really risen over the past years in many cases they have fallen. The big chain hardware stores sell power tools, some of which are very good quality (some are rubbish) with 2 year warranties.

I wish I could say the same thing about timber which just gets dearer and dearer.

**skot** · 12th March 2012, 09:12 AM

I aggree; I was talking to Alan Gregory of Gregory Machinery last month and he says that he is selling the big jointers for the approx same price as he was 20 years ago. Back then it was really only the professional woodworker who could justify a couple of thousand dollars for one but now it is in reach of any eager woodworker.

**Handyjack** · 13th March 2012, 01:47 AM

I will give you some examples and you can make up your own mind on prices.
Bosch 1/4" router - paid $120 August 1989. Makita jigsaw - paid $200 August 1990. A similar or better Makita could be bought today for about $160. Skil 7 1/4" circular saw - paid $120 February 1988. Ryobi 100mm angle grinder - paid $100 October 1989, but bought a 9" Ryobi for $150 in August 2010.
I still have all these tools and use them, but you can still buy the same quality of tools over twenty years later for about the same $ price. In those twenty years the hourly earning rate has gone up so it is easier to afford the same tools.

The only problem I have is now I am starting to buy better quality tools with dust extraction from Festool - circular saw $771 + dust extraction & guide rails. Router from $630

**skot** · 13th March 2012, 09:15 AM

Does that mean that when I reach 70 yo in 20 years time, I can buy cheap Festool gear....

**Handyjack** · 13th March 2012, 01:42 PM

Will probably be more affordable. Just remember that there will be twenty years of not using the tool.

Ask me again in twenty years and I will give you an answer.

**chook** · 13th March 2012, 02:02 PM

In 40 years time tools will be very cheap. And a piece of rough sawn pine, fill of knots and sap will sell for $100 a metre.

**AUSSIE** · 13th March 2012, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by chook

In 40 years time tools will be very cheap. And a piece of rough sawn pine, fill of knots and sap will sell for $100 a metre.

It won't matter.The young ones of today wont know how to use the tools anyway will they?

**Christos** · 14th March 2012, 12:34 AM

Originally Posted by chook

In 40 years time tools will be very cheap. And a piece of rough sawn pine, fill of knots and sap will sell for $100 a metre.

I expect that it would be more like a wood substitute that they will be buying.

**TP1** · 14th March 2012, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by chook

In 40 years time tools will be very cheap. And a piece of rough sawn pine, fill of knots and sap will sell for $100 a metre.

Well, I think Festool is bucking the trend of selling cheaper tools in Australia at least. In these days of a high Aussie dollar they are announcing a price increase.

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