Last week we launched our first of the Walter Meier tool and machine brand names with the addition of Powermatic parts to our inventory.

eReplacementParts.com is now proud to announce the addition of Wilton and JET brand replacement parts as the newest additions to our online inventory, rounding out the Walter Meier triforce of manufacturing machine products.

No, not like

from Office Space…

And not like

,the ball.

And not like

,the band…

Or like

…a jet.

We mean JET and Wilton, two of the finest producers of metalworking, woodworking, and power tool products in the industry.

(With all of the recent expansion, we thought it would be a good idea to clear up any possible confusion.)

Like Powermatic, the Wilton and JET names include large shop machines. But unlike Powermatic, its counterparts are not exclusive to large machines only, as they also include power tools as part of their product lines.

Parts for JET bandsaws, drill presses, dust collectors, grinders, jointers, lathes, mortisers, sand rammers, sanders, and table saws can now be ordered from our website.

Wilton parts are also available for their lines of bandsaws, cold saws, drill presses, grinders, and sanders.

Although even simple things (like names) can sometimes be tricky to keep straight, we at eReplacementParts.com keep the needs of our customers in mind by organizing and categorizing thousands and thousands of parts for thousands of tools.

Our detailed tool breakdowns, parts lists, and streamlined search features transform the would-be chaos of tool and machine parts replacement into a fast, enjoyable, dependable service.

We’ve expanded our inventory and product selection once again here at eReplacementParts.com, this time with the addition of parts for large Powermatic brand shop machines!

In 1921, Powermatic’s founder, Leonard F. Smith, Sr., began manufacturing planing machines with a combination of innovation, quality, and entrepreneurship. One of the things that makes this company unique is that it has kept its manufacture exclusive to heavy duty woodworking machines over the entire course of its long history.

This makes Powermatic a very specialized company that services an equally specialized industry of woodworking professionals.

In a continuing expansion of our tool and machine parts services to as many brands and corners of the industry as possible, parts for Powermatic bandsaws, boring machines, cut off saws, dovetail machines, drill presses, dust collectors, jointers, lathes, panel saws, planers, powerfeeders, rip saws, sanders, shapers, and table saws are now available for order here on eReplacementParts.com.

Powermatic machines are heavy duty (to say the least). Many of their products are manufactured from cast iron, heavy gauge steel and other “no-expense-spared” components throughout, so these machines are expected to handle very heavy workloads for years and years.

Any high quality machine is still a machine; luxury sports cars still need repairs and maintenance to stay on the road, and it’s safe to say that even something like an armored tank could use a pit stop every now and then.

Likewise, and especially considering the daily, professionally-sized workloads they power through, Powermatic woodworking machines need users who are ready to work on them and replace the occasional part.

Powermatic does an especially great job of making detailed information regarding their products available to customers, including information on use and maintenance.

Their commitment to do more for their customers by putting information tools in their hands is another factor that makes them a fitting addition to eReplacementParts’ lengthening list of supported manufacturers.

That someone would be wrong.

As a heated debate continues about the widespread use of gas-powered leaf blowers, these power tools do more than just sweep up leaves; they also kick up a some political compost.

On one side, there are environmental concerns because of gas usage, and advocates are pushing for cleaner technology. They are also concerned about noise pollution concerns involved with loud leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods.

On the other side of the argument, lawn and garden business owners stress the industry’s dependency on the machines, as they sharply and necessarily cut down on labor costs. Strangely, they are joined with a number of enthusiasts who just think that leaf blowers are cool.

Manufacturers are responding by providing more power options for blowers, as well as low noise designs.

Although the power of gasoline blowers is still needed for commercial use, models like The Black & Decker NS118 18 Volt Cordless Broom Hard Surface Sweeper are well-reviewed for homeowner use, being electric, efficient, and low on noise.

Then, in a completely different leaf-blower-universe it seems, an equally epic clash of turbulent ideas regarding leaf blowers is under way.

For some, the question isn’t “How should leaf blowers be powered and when?” but rather, “How can I optimize this magnificent air displacement to entertain myself?”

Although it would be best if leaf blowers were left to their real jobs, some of the bright, dim, and/or bizarre blower uses out there deserve a mention.

Here’s some youtube videos that sample these alternative blower use techniques:

The Blower + Spinning Chair Method

The Belly Crater

The Blower Hovercraft

Whether a blower is being used to make someone dizzy or get some real work done, just make sure to be safe and to keep those tools in good condition.

As a seasonal tool, it’s the time of year to hang those blowers up for the winter, so check out eReplacementParts.com’s Winterizing Power Tools article.

And if it’s time for a part replacement (like a spark plug change), visit our Leaf Blowers Parts page to get started with a parts search.

Every tool page on our website also includes a discussion feature specific to that tool, a place where tool users can ask questions, share experiences, and offer advice.

Discussion features are located at the top of every tool page, and can be viewed by clicking the “Discussion” tab. There is also a discussion box at the bottom of each tool page.

Each page’s discussion feature has three options:

1. Repair Advice for that tool,
2. Repair Questions for that tool, and
3. Reviews of that tool.

Here’s what the discussion feature box looks like:

These information tools put power in our customer’s hands by creating a space where professionals and other tool users can “talk shop” on their own terms, get to the bottom of tricky issues, and give each other a heads up on product performance.

Reviews on tools and machines are especially helpful for potential tool buyers, because several perspectives of in-the-field customer experience come together to lay down the final word.

Makita products are some of our most heavily-reviewed tools and machines, and they also have received some of the highest compliments from users. We highlight three very favorable reviews below that got our attention:

• “thompson” had some words to share about his Makita HM1100C Demolition Hammer in his review post.
  

“I own several different models but this is the one all my employees love…and they have demolished more concrete and dug more holes using a spade bit than you can imagine,” he wrote. “ I would buy more if they ever stopped making them and store them.”

• “kmontana” had some strong words about his Makita 9527PB Grinder’s excellent performance record.

“Very good tool have had it for 5-6 years never no problem. And I have used the &%#$ out of it.”

• The Makita RBC251 String Trimmer has also received great reviews, and from more than one poster.

“Ted,” an experienced trimmer user says, “The [Makita RBC251 Trimmer] is very easy to work on, fires right up, and gets the job done. It is light and powerful. I highly recommend.”

“I bought this string trimmer weed eater over 10 years ago & has been by far the best weed eater I’ve ever used,” said “Todd M.”

And, professional cutter “Winston” added, “This has to be the best and the lightest trimmer I have ever purchased.”

Thanks for the great reviews everyone, including all those not highlighted here. We’re sure your advice will help other tool users get a more accurate idea of what they’re getting into with a new tool purchase.

Of course, not all tool reviews are positive ones, and opinions often differ; sometimes a lot. The same tool or machine can be a nightmare for one user, and a perfect buy for another. “Different strokes for different folks.” “It takes all kinds.” etc.

At eReplacementParts.com, we simply see the value in customer voices having a place to be heard and shared. Even in the territory of opinion, trends often develop (for bad or for good), and product reviews can at least be a starting point for heading in the right direction.

We currently offer parts for lawn mowers manufactured by Poulan, MTD, Murray, Homelite, and Weed Eater.  This is a great initial selection of parts but many more brands will follow.  As an online parts supplier we want to offer our customers a comprehensive selection of parts for their lawn mowers.  Our parts offerings will include both lawn tractor (riding) mowers and walk-behind mowers.

We hope to keep customer’s lawn mowers running well into the future by being the one stop shopping location for every mower part and accessory.  Mowing blades, filters, collection bags, and much more will be available on every compatible lawn mower.  In addition to these common parts, and to be consistent with the other parts listings on eReplacementParts.com, we will also offer every available replacement parts for every lawn mower on the website.  From cylinder rings to specific screws and bolts, every part will be findable and purchasable online.

We’ve been working hard at eReplacementParts.com adding brand new parts sections to the website.  In addition to our constantly expanding selection of power tool parts, we are working to add lawn and garden parts as well.  This entirely new section will provide our customers with parts for lawn mowers, small engines, string trimmers, tillers, and much more.

We are very excited about the addition of the Briggs and Stratton parts line to the website.  Briggs & Stratton is established as one of the top names in small engine manufacturing.  If you have a gas powered machine in your garage, there’s a very good chance that the engine was built by Briggs & Stratton.  These engines are reliable but they do require maintenance such as replacement of air filters and fuel filters and oil changes.  We carry the parts necessary for regular engine maintenance as well as for larger repair projects.

While Briggs and Stratton is an engine builder, they also manufacture complete lawn mowers under the Murray name.  We have made sure to expand our parts selection not only to Briggs, but we offer Murray Parts as well.  We think this will be an effective pairing with the existing Briggs section that should provide customers with a more complete selection of outdoor equipment parts.

The Delta SS250 Type 1 Scroll Saw is one of Delta’s lower end scroll saws, however, it offers excellent value for your money. The hobbyist, beginner, or established woodworker not requiring a ‘production-style’ machine will enjoy the features of this small saw.

Some exceptional features are the Delta SS250 needs only minor assembly, and has the added safety feature of the ON/OFF switch assembly that allows you to place a special padlock that can be inserted to prevent the machine being switched on or used when you are not around. At eReplacementParts.com we applaud this awesome safety device! It’s great if you have curious young ones that sometimes sneak into the shop on occasion. Some users do report that the air nozzle set up is hard to position.

The Delta SS250 performed well with a wide variety of thickness cuts. Its maximum cut capacity is 2″ high, which is pretty much standard for machines of this size. One must remember that the throat size (16″ on the SS250) is something to consider if you plan to scroll saw larger pieces.

Specifications

The following power tool replacement parts are now available at eReplacementParts.com:

Ridgid Plumbing Tools and Vacuums

We already have a great selection of parts for various Ridgid Power Tools, and with our newest additions you won’t have to go to different places to find the Ridgid parts you need.

We now carry parts for: Piping Tools, Pipe Threading Die Heads, Drain Cleaners, Rodder Machines, Roll Groovers, Vacuums and other Miscellaneous Tool Parts.

Dremel Power Tools

Dremel invented the first high speed Rotary tool over 75 years ago and has become well-known in the Rotary Tools industry. Their popularity is why we now offer genuine Dremel replacement parts.

Parts are available for these tools: Corded Multi-Tools, Cordless Multi-Tools, Grinders, Moto-Flex Tools, Routers, Sanders, Scroll Saws, as well as other Miscellaneous Parts.

RotoZip Power Tools

RotoZip specializes in tools for cutting materials such as drywalls, ceramic wall tiles, and floor tiles among many others. RotoZip is part of the Bosch Tools Corporation, for whom we are a trusted parts distributor.

We currently have parts available for RotoZip Routers.

Fein Power Tools

Fein has been producing power tools since 1895. They specialize in power tools for specific tasks, but have a wide variety available on the market today.

We have parts available for most Fein Power Tools.

Most people know about the older Ridgid plumbing tools and shop vacs.

(They are great tools, and vacuums by the way.) We do not currently sell parts for these tools, as they are seperate from the electric power tool division. They are sold by Ridge Tool which in owned by Emerson. This is actually where the original brand name of Ridgid comes from, as they have been in business sonce 1923. We are looking in to the possibility of selling parts for the vacuums in the future.

We do sell parts for their power tool line. This includes drills, saws, grinders, impact drivers, planers, jointers, nailers, sanders, and routers.

Many people associate Ridgid power tools with the Home Depot brand. In is commonly thought that Ridgid is a Home Depot house brand, but this is not correct.

The plumbing tools have been traditionally offered as a high end tool for the professional contractor and tradesman. The power tool line is aimed a little more for the high end home use and for lighter end contractor use. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but these tools were definitely not aimed for the highest end of the professional contractor market.

We are a newly authorized Ridgid service center, so we do not have a lot of experience with repairing these tools. As we get more of them in for repair, we will let you know our thoughts. Whether it be good or bad, we will try to offer an honest viewpoint of what we like about them and what we do not like about them.

As always please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions.

Ryobi is one of the worlds largest manufacturers of power tools. Ryobi tools are aimed mostly for the homeowner and hobbyist. For example, they sell a surprisingly affordable line of 18V cordless tools under their ONE+ line. This line has over 35 different tools that will work with the same battery platform.

More recently, they have come out with a lithium ion powered line of cordless tools. Again, they are aimed more for the home user than for the professional contractor. However, they do provide a good value for your power tool dollar. For example, they have a 4 piece 18V combo kit ( Model P843) that sells at Home Depot for about $300.00.

That compares to a Makita combo kit (Model LXT407) that sells at Home Depot for around $449.00. I have never used the Ryobi lithium ion tools, but as we start to do repair work on them, we will let you know how well we think they work.

We are an authorized service center for Ryobi so feel free to ask us any questions related to repairing your tools at our tool repair forum.

We will be putting on more parts diagrams and parts lists over the next couple of weeks, but if you do see anything we have missed, please let us know.