hotshot Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) This could have really been a positive post, but in my opinion, General took a step the wrong direction which will tarnish it's name with a new line of junk/cheap tools. Worse yet, it looks like their new "Scroll Saw" is a rebrand of the same saw you see from Jet/Wen/Shopfox/etc. I say that because it looks very similar to those tools, and in some ways I would say identical. In another part of Generals new site they talk about their tools being manufactured by factories completely owned by General, so I'm a little confused as it's hard to dismiss what I see. So, from a high level, General started a new "affordable/hobbiest/consumer" line of tools under the General International Star Shop brand (http://www.gipowerproducts.com). Perhaps I'm wrong, but it feels like my label for this would be the General Internation Ryobi/Harbour Freight Brand. These tools are bright red, so easily recognizable with the General International label. I think my main problem was that when I first saw the Scroll Saw, I immediately recognized it as a cheap Tawain knockoff, whether that is true or not. I was certain General would never put their name on something like that, and assumed another company was stealing their name. I checked, and it is not so unfortunately. Can you imagine Powermatic putting their name of this line of tools? Below, I'm including a picture that gives visual comparison of the various tools I believe are in the same design family, including Ryobi. This new saw, the BT8007 is available at Home Depot and other stores now. HomeDepot list saw at $92.28 or from Sears for $89.59. This new line of tools has been out there for a little while, I'm not sure how I missed it. HomeDepot has had it since at least last August. --------Randy ps: I'm not saying there is anything wrong with using cheap tools if that is what you need, but I am saying you don't slap a Cadillac sticker on a Pinto. If I had < $100 to spend on a saw, I would have to compare the top clamp of the Ryobi with this saw. It looks like Ryobi has a clamp knob, this one appears to require a tool. Edited January 21, 2016 by hotshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) I have never understood why companies with a great history of quality tools does that. Edited January 21, 2016 by Scrappile Scrolling Steve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryEA Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 Interesting info. I guess it's 'go cheap' for a throw away society. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edward Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 I haven't seen any at my HD, they just don't have scrollsaws here. edward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomsteve Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 welp, the same corporation that made the cadillac also made the chevette and vega. they are probably getting into the homeowner/hobbiest market to up their revenue. other big name tool companies do the same thing. why shouldnt they? are they dissolving there high quality line of tools? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredfret Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 Companies go with cheap stuff to increase the bottom line. It seems the finincial training now says "profits today tomarrow dosen't matter nor do the customers." I call them "Ferengi" form star trek. The only thing that matters is profit even if it kills the reputation and company. Fredfret Wichita, Ks Rant over! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotshot Posted January 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) I haven't seen any at my HD, they just don't have scrollsaws here. edward In the past, my local Home Depot has carried the Ryobi. Home Depot can have anything shipped to the local store that you see Online. Check it out here: http://www.homedepot.com/p/General-International-1-2-Amp-16-in-Variable-Speed-Scroll-Saw-with-Flex-Shaft-LED-Work-Light-BT8007/206347735. For $8 more, I'm thinking the newer green Ryobi is the better deal because of the knob used to tighten the clamps. -----Randy Edited January 21, 2016 by hotshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted January 22, 2016 Report Share Posted January 22, 2016 In the past, my local Home Depot has carried the Ryobi. Home Depot can have anything shipped to the local store that you see Online. Check it out here: http://www.homedepot.com/p/General-International-1-2-Amp-16-in-Variable-Speed-Scroll-Saw-with-Flex-Shaft-LED-Work-Light-BT8007/206347735. For $8 more, I'm thinking the newer green Ryobi is the better deal because of the knob used to tighten the clamps. -----Randy I had all dewalt battery tools 14.4v.Immediately the 18 v came out .i sold them all for a hundred and bought all ryobe and never looked back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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