Is Everything From Tandy Sub-Par?

[Art]

Like myself, a lot of folks are more than 2 hours (and a few gallons of gas, even at today;s prices a considerable amount) from their "local" Tandy/TLF. It is my impression that the Tandy/TLF tool problems have more to do with QC than design, so making the store demonstrate the tool to you will kind of enforce a measure of Quality Control. If the tool works for the folks in the store, it should work for the purchaser when they get it home. All those leatherworking tools and supplies in concentration are a boon to leatherworkers who, with a little demonstration can be assured of getting the product they need. You don't have to spend big bucks to get a good tool, just do a little QC before you leave the store.

Art

[NVLeatherWorx]

Well that is a good thing to base an existence off of, returns! The fact that Tandy is good at that type of program pretty much answers the OP's original question then. This discussion has finally solved itself. The quality of their tools today, even their "Professional" line, is well below an acceptable standard and there are several "cheap" tools out there from other sources that perform far better than the current Craftool line. In fact, Tandy should be ashamed for still using that name as it once meant quality and it was also the Gold Standard at one time. If it wasn't for the fact that the quality of the Craftool line took a dive you wouldn't have those other tool makers out there in the number that you do; they exist because we demand quality and reliability. All of this started when the Leather Factory decided to make the move on Tandy Leather; ever since that take-over it has been all down hill, and there is still some distance to be covered.

[TinkerTailor]

There is one thing at Tandy that is above par......The prices...

Here is my thoughts on Tandy:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=67396&p=447268

[johnv474]

"FYI, Barnsley burned down years ago and is no longer in business. Hale and Company sells some old Barnsley stock it has at extremely high prices. A Barnsley edge beveler never was ever worth or sold by Barnsleyr $200. The best edgers available now are those made by Bob Beard, Bob Douglas, Barry King, Ron's Tools, Weaver Leather, C.S.O., Vergez Blanchard,and Jeremiah Watt. None of these even approach the century mark as far as price goes."

Thanks for this added information. Sometimes higher prices do not correspond to higher quality. I have only heard positive things about the toolmakers listed, and look forward to upgrading to some of theirs when I outgrow what I own. So far my best quality of best deals have been well-used tools older than I am.

[Art]

There are really good deals out there, even on new tools from prominent makers like Jeremiah Watt with his QC Line of Edgers which are basically 5 edgers for $45 or so. I haven't tried these, so I can't give them my blessing, but other tools of his are very good quality.

Art