I can't believe how much pride was put into these tools. The company president knows enough about every step of the process that he can explain it. I'm not an overly righteous patriot from the states but watching something made at this high of a caliber is something to really be proud of. What a shame it is that Porter Cable is a sold-out zombie of what it used to be.
I remember about the time this video was made my father (an engineer in industry) telling me how they were shipping more and more of their work overseas. Always complaining how marketing/management wanted to save a few pennies at the expense of making a lousy product. It's been so long now, most Americans have never seen a quality product.
U.S. made Porter Cable tools were the tools I learned on years ago. It's sad that the Porter Cable name doesn't stand for the same quality product it used to.
Two main reasons tools like these are no longer made in the USA...stockholders wanting a few pennies more for their stock, and we, the consumers choosing cheap "import" tools over American made tools, that forced companies oversees to compete...
Sad. For the 90s that factory was very automated. It should have been able to survive. I owned that model and it was a very good saw. Today I wouldn't take a porter cable if they gave it to me for free.
A lot has changed since this video was first broadcast. Manufacturing quality has decreased substantially; it is for all intents a different company. Very sad...
I never knew this episode existed. I have the same Speedmatic saw that is shown in the beginning, a model K-88. Porter Cable made the best quality (and most expensive) tools in the USA. The K-series saws and worm drive sanders are impressive tools! Unfortunately the line was bought and dismantled by Black and Decker years ago.
The best tools were made in the USA. Just read Porter Cables Wikipedia page and the company has a great American history. Unfortunately most of the manufacturing in the United States has ceased, tools are now made primarily in Mexico and China. This video was fun to watch and see how Quality tools used to be made.
scott oconnor I'm always on ebay looking for older USA Made Porter-Cable tools. I've found several old 690 series routers, a 330 Speed-Bloc Sander, and a 6" Right Angle Random Orbit Sander. I've also found some good older Makitas too.
the reason for manufacturing and other industry decline is they made it cheaper by being paid less and making less quality products . you by acheap power drill ,lasts for 3 years . buy better made drill ,lasts for 30 years then repair it .
I was so impressed with this tour simply because they weren't made to wear stupid hard hats and reflective vests and the manager didn't even once refer to the saws as "the product". Very refreshing. I do use Porter Cable tools and have never had one fail.
I was so disappointed with my Porter Cable power tools, I returned the roofing nailer and I threw the router in the garbage after 3 or 4 uses and less than 3 months old.
I can't believe how much pride was put into these tools. The company president knows enough about every step of the process that he can explain it. I'm not an overly righteous patriot from the states but watching something made at this high of a caliber is something to really be proud of. What a shame it is that Porter Cable is a sold-out zombie of what it used to be.
I remember about the time this video was made my father (an engineer in industry) telling me how they were shipping more and more of their work overseas. Always complaining how marketing/management wanted to save a few pennies at the expense of making a lousy product. It's been so long now, most Americans have never seen a quality product.
we need to bring these companies back to america .
U.S. made Porter Cable tools were the tools I learned on years ago. It's sad that the Porter Cable name doesn't stand for the same quality product it used to.
I wish Porter Cable still made tools in Tennessee.
Me to I have a 528 that needs parts
Two main reasons tools like these are no longer made in the USA...stockholders wanting a few pennies more for their stock, and we, the consumers choosing cheap "import" tools over American made tools, that forced companies oversees to compete...
Sad. For the 90s that factory was very automated. It should have been able to survive. I owned that model and it was a very good saw. Today I wouldn't take a porter cable if they gave it to me for free.
A lot has changed since this video was first broadcast. Manufacturing quality has decreased substantially; it is for all intents a different company. Very sad...
I never knew this episode existed. I have the same Speedmatic saw that is shown in the beginning, a model K-88. Porter Cable made the best quality (and most expensive) tools in the USA. The K-series saws and worm drive sanders are impressive tools! Unfortunately the line was bought and dismantled by Black and Decker years ago.
The best tools were made in the USA. Just read Porter Cables Wikipedia page and the company has a great American history. Unfortunately most of the manufacturing in the United States has ceased, tools are now made primarily in Mexico and China. This video was fun to watch and see how Quality tools used to be made.
scott oconnor I'm always on ebay looking for older USA Made Porter-Cable tools. I've found several old 690 series routers, a 330 Speed-Bloc Sander, and a 6" Right Angle Random Orbit Sander. I've also found some good older Makitas too.
the reason for manufacturing and other industry decline is they made it cheaper by being paid less and making less quality products . you by acheap power drill ,lasts for 3 years . buy better made drill ,lasts for 30 years then repair it .
I was so impressed with this tour simply because they weren't made to wear stupid hard hats and reflective vests and the manager didn't even once refer to the saws as "the product". Very refreshing. I do use Porter Cable tools and have never had one fail.
I was so disappointed with my Porter Cable power tools, I returned the roofing nailer and I threw the router in the garbage after 3 or 4 uses and less than 3 months old.
wow that was way more interesting than expected. I'd like to see how current chinese factories look making the same thing now
Wow, a very young Tom Silva.
Very good cameraman
Those where the days when Made in the USA is the best. Now it’s made uh i forgot. Oh China yes China.
This guy reminds me of the warden on Shawshank Redemption lol
Cool episode!
Porter Cable tools are the best!
Almost all power tools (with a few exceptions like Festool, Fein, and some others) are made by Techtronic Industries.
Excellent video thanks
Great vid and good to see made in the USA product! PC makes some of the best tools.
*Used to
D Tom Yes, sadly PC are junk now. Breaks my heart.
Back when a company gave a shit about quality.
Porter Cable tools still made in the USA?
Is that Steve Thomas or Kevin O Connor?
Tommy has BLACK hair.