Hi folks I thought I might do a bit of unsolicited review for this Product If You haven't seen or heard of it before.
I was an past employee of 10 years there , 2-5 year stints as a Machinist Assembler,Practical designer and Support. Over all it is a good time tested machine. It has some inherent flaws, drawbacks.shortcomings,limitations E.C.T. as all machinery does. Through the years folks have made a living relying mostly only this little machine. For instance: picture frame makers, moulding makers and restotation folks. It has been endorsed by "This Little old House" and "Yankee Workshop" on T.V. Some finish carpenter restorators have been able to duplicate Mouldings long since out of production with the support of the Custom Knife dept. The Heart of W&H Specialty. The machine Itself is reasonably rugged in todays terms posibly more rugged than the Imports. Like automobiles they do wear parts and require repair and refurbrishing, The parts Support is comprehensive but not inexpensive. The overall cost of the machine and it's model variations on the other hand is not so compeditive and is the machine's drawback. Still it probably is a worthwhile investment for the Specialty Woodworker that is prepared to accept some of these shortcomings.
I am reviewing this machine not for the purpose of the W&H Buisness Profits. Merely, I introduce it,if there is a specific need, You here at this site have,for such a product. Do shop the competition, it is out there. Grizly has a similar version that was built upon this need as well. I asure You I feel the W&H Custom knife dept. is the very best of the equation. Be careful of nails and metal because they are not inexpensive. They are made with great steel, machihed ,ground and heat treated to perfection.
I myself do not own one since I have very little need to substtantiate it's cost. I hope this may be a helful revue for those of You who have need of such a product. rick B.