FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

To Return or Not??????

VaGentinMI | Posted in General Discussion on December 26, 2003 10:21am

First Christmas as a complete family in 12 years. Married in May.

My DW & son gave me a Dremel scroll saw & Delta bench top jointer. DW said ” If you feel that anything you received will not work right for you, feel free to return. My son also rc’d a leather jacket (too large). When I told DW that a planer prob. would be more practical at this stage……… you guessed it, son & I are the most ungrateful SOB’s in Michigan.

If I keep the tools, they will not be used in the forseeable future as I am working as a trim carpenter & my shop is a windy uninsulated garage that is growing smaller every week as she finds more things that need to be stored out there.

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    Mongo | Dec 27, 2003 12:26am | #1

    According to her, you're already ungrateful, so return and get the planer.

    Then, with sincerity, thank her every few weeks for the gift of the planer.

    1. Snort | Dec 27, 2003 01:44am | #3

      And, make her something nice, like a pair of nightstands out of that rough cut walnut you've been air drying for 15 years in the garage where her car oughta be parked<G>

      EliphIno!

      Edited 12/26/2003 6:01:14 PM ET by bucksnort billy

  2. YesMaam27577 | Dec 27, 2003 01:43am | #2

    Sorry to hear of your predicament -- you are truly stuck between a rock and a hard place.

    Two years ago, I told my wife that a really good miter saw would be a really good gift. She got me a $69 special from Tractor Supply Company. Keeping that thing adjusted was a major pain -- every time it was moved, it needed reset to square, and that took about 15 minutes. The only good news about that saw was that it took only 7 months for me to burn it out. And that same week, the local Lowes put the Hitachi slider on clearance. (I REALLY like my Hitachi slider.)

    Perhaps your precdicament is actually worse than mine. The Delta benchtop jointer, and the Dremel jigsaw, are both pretty good tools. You are not likely to wear them out soon.

    I guess that the good news is that once you can afford the planer, you will already have the companion tool. As for the jigsaw -- well, you'll think of something.

    Vast projects should not be founded on half vast ideas.
  3. andybuildz | Dec 27, 2003 04:52am | #4

    Do whats right///return it!

    Get what you need to get to build what needs to be built the right way for you .

    Be satisfied and honest

                                 andy

    My life is my practice!

    http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

  4. User avater
    Luka | Dec 27, 2003 06:02am | #5

    Return her.

    Live, Love, Forgive and Forget

    quittintime

  5. User avater
    Gunner | Dec 27, 2003 06:41am | #6

    Return it and get what you want. The leason here is never put tools on your list. Your the only one that knows what you want.

    Who Dares Wins.

    1. plantlust | Dec 27, 2003 06:45am | #7

      Nonono.  Keep the tools on the list BUT be very specific, like down to model and serial # if necessary. My preciousssss, I wantsss my precioussss NOW.

      1. User avater
        Gunner | Dec 27, 2003 06:50am | #8

        Nay I say. They get in the store and they don't know the difference and they start looking at the price difference, and the next thing you know your stuck with some fujimammajutsu brand that aint worth a crap.Who Dares Wins.

        1. plantlust | Dec 27, 2003 07:00am | #9

          Maybe directions too?  In the main aisle turn left when you get to aisle 10.  1/2 way down on the right side, lower shelf is what you are to purchase for me.

          You think it would work?My preciousssss, I wantsss my precioussss NOW.

          1. User avater
            Gunner | Dec 27, 2003 07:23am | #10

            Once they start staring at prices the directions get dropped in the isle.Who Dares Wins.

  6. User avater
    BossHog | Dec 27, 2003 03:47pm | #11

    Welcome to married life.

    I've always heard that the first year is the hardest. While that may not always be true for everybody, there's some truth in it.

    Keep in mind that your relationship is more important than your tools. Can't take them tools to bed with ya. And the tools will hopefully wear out long before your marriage.

    So bite yer lip and make do with the tools. Keep DW happy, and the tool thing will work itself out.

    I'd kick your a$$ but this is my best dress.

    1. DavidxDoud | Dec 27, 2003 05:42pm | #12

      I've always heard that the first year is the hardest...

      I disagree - just wait till menopause...

      1. brownbagg | Dec 27, 2003 07:08pm | #13

        gift certificate work for me.

        The best employee you can have but you wouldn't want him as a neighbor " He the shifty type"

      2. User avater
        IMERC | Dec 27, 2003 08:02pm | #14

        Monopause.... Gets real interesting.. 

        Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

      3. andybuildz | Dec 27, 2003 09:16pm | #15

        I always said..."why do you think they call it men-o-pause"?........lol

        Be well aware

                          andyMy life is my practice!

        http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

  7. SteveL | Dec 28, 2003 01:22am | #16

    My wife and I have an agreement: She gets me exactly the tools I want for Christmas that are specified on a list with make, model, description and price. I take them to use for work and they become instantly deductible. She even handed my list to the counter man one year and said "Fill this order"!

    1. Sancho | Dec 28, 2003 03:45am | #17

      Welcome to being married like BH said.  Ya just gotta learn the wifes "tool personality". My wife is  funny. If I tell I bought a tool then she gets bugged and goes buys herself something or just gets upset. But if I take her to a wwodworking show with me she not only lets me buy but encourages me to buy things I would never think of buying.

      Theyre all different bro and unfourtunately they dont come with owners manuals.. 

      BTW wait till ya start working on the house and she starts complaining the whole time about this aient right or that aient right then when your done and after the cold silence she starts talking to  ya and her friends come over to visit and she tells them how nice a job you did , they all compliment her and she brags to them about it but to you she says nothing....

      Take notes Niel...:>)

       

      Darkworksite4:

      Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN

      Edited 12/27/2003 7:48:47 PM ET by RonT

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A New Approach for Millwork Finishes

The LED-cure products from LED Coating Solutions offer a fast-curing, zero-VOC finish that works well for trim and cabinetry in small shop settings.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Sharp-Blade Solution
  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in