Tool Evaluation Guidelines
Background
Way back when they called me an analyst. One of the tools we used to help with difficult decisions was known a KT analysis. A KT analysis helps you provide an objective way to make a decisions that has many subjective components. The way you do one of these analyses is to start by making a list of all the features the tool you are considering must have followed by a list of the features you want that tool to have. Then you pick a number from 1 to 10 on how valuable each want feature is to you personally. Finally, you go out and get a list of all the available contenders. From that list you immediately reject any tool that does not meet all of your must requirements. If a tool fails a must and you still want to keep it on the list, then any must it fails must become a want and get a 1 to 10 rating. Now for each tool decide on how well it meets each want requirement. Those that are worthless get a zero and whichever is the best of the bunch gets a 10. Now go through and multiply the tool ratings times the value of each want requirement then total the scores for each tool. The tools with the top ratings are your best choices if you have been fair with your ratings of your wants and the tools. If you have a tie or the top two values are within less than 5% of each other, then pick the one that best matches the colors already in your shop.
Here is a list of some of the must and want requirement that people shared and that I came up with. Give it a try, I think you will be most pleased as this technique can help you make all kinds of difficult decisions.
bill
Basics
Do I know the tool?
Have I taken the trouble to read the recent magazine reviews and gone back into the major on-line Internet woodworking forums to read over the discussion?
Have I read a good book on the subject?
Who is or are the industry leader(s) for making this tool? Why?
My needs and expectations
What will I build with it?
How often will I use it?
How many hours a day or per usage?
How soon does it need repaired if something breaks?
What is my budget?
Are there any safety issues with this tool or anything else I need before purchase?
Where does this tool fit within my long range woodworking priorities?
What minimum quality will I accept?
How hard to setup and use?
How reliable is it?
How long will it last?
What motor rating is required?
What maintenance is required?
Does it use consumable supplies?
If so, how available and expensive are those supplies?
Any special power or environment required?
What length of warranty is required?
Specific Tool Questions?
Where can I get the tool?
How much does the tool cost?
Is there an alternate tool that could be used?
Does it require a mobile base?
How much space will this tool require?
How much does it weigh?
What color is it? (LOL)
