your tools

fessionals have a knowledgeable staff that can help you pick the right tool. And you can still take your purchase home immediately. Unfortunately, this personal touch and immediacy comes with a little higher price. If you choose to spend time with a knowledgeable tool salesman, don't abuse his or her livelihood by then heading to the internet for the cheapest price. If you use the information, pay for the privilege.

Catalogs and the internet offer a simple way to find the best price on a tool if you've already decided what to buy. If you need advice, you can be out of luck. Some newer sites and catalogs offer buying information, but at many sites it's superficial and spotty. Also, check to see how long it will take you to get your tool. If it's a cordless drill you stand a good chance of getting it within a week. Larger machinery can take around 10 days. And even though you saved gas, you're going to have to pay for someone's mileage. Only one cataloger that we're aware of delivers for free. A couple will ship any tool for less than $5, but depending on where you buy, shipping a 15" planer can cost you up to $100. Check the shipping charges and make sure you include them in your price comparison.

When remote shopping, make sure you check the return policy of the company. While most reputable merchandisers will take back a damaged or non-working tool without question, they may only be able to issue a store credit rather than return your money. If it's just not the tool you

thought it would be, they may be a little more stringent on their return policy. They may also have a time limit on how long you have to send the tool back. There is also the possibility of a restocking charge of 15 to 20 percent. Don't expect trouble with a return, but make sure you are aware under what terms you're buying your tool.

Also be sure to factor in the hassle you may face with packing a mail-order return. Sending a jointer back across the country because its beds are warped is a lot harder than taking it across town to a local distributor.

When buying from any merchandiser that is shipping your product, check the delivery instructions. They may use a carrier that requires a signature to release the package. If you're not home — no package. In the case of larger items you need to be aware that your table saw will likely appear at your door on the back of a tractor trailer. How you get it off the truck and into your house is your problem, not the driver's. Anticipate the problem. PW