Well here in Orstraylia we don't get the luxury of LV / Borgs and all that jazz, but once a year we get a look at a lot of goodies - and we just had our show...
I had intended to get a Domino, but instead bought a Leigh jig or two...
The Domino just didnt do it for me. The more I looked the more I thought what a magnificently built and developed device, but really - isn't it a glorified biscuit jointer/floating tenon/mortise maker?
I have no doubt seeing it up close that it is a superb example of the woodworking breed, but I just couldn't get my head around the initial cost PLUS the ongoing cost. If they hadn't pointed out the accessory kit for $300 odd, maybe I could have put up the $$ for the machine..maybe.
Anyway - the thoughts aren't fully gelled yet - but I left without the Festool gear... (Bear in mind I already have a dedicated Morticer, Biscuit Joiner, etc.)
Was very disappointed that next to nothing was available in the way of high end routers. Festool had a stand, and there was of course Triton, GMC, and Ryobi - but I already have 2 Tritons - 1 dead - 1 going gangbusters. I had hoped to review some others up close like a Milwaukie (sp?), and Hitachi/Makita etc. Ah well - no show specials on that stuff...
Grabbed some waterstones, and on the basis of recommendations on the Wreck - had to grab the Veritas MKII sharpening doover. - Loved the feel of that tool.
Swung a couple of great planes, ended up buying another HNT Wooden plane, (Aus equiv of Steve Knight I guess.)
Total $$ wounds was a lot less than it could have been - but if they had a good bandsaw and a good router - wounds would have been deeper quickly!
Send some of your good machines over here you Yankee/Canuckastani bastids!
End rant
Mike Brisbane Qld