Recent posts

#71
The Outhouse / Re: The meme thread
Last post by Smit - June 18, 2026, 06:16 PM
#72
The Outhouse / Re: The meme thread
Last post by Rstewart - June 18, 2026, 05:00 PM
For Incog:



#73
The Outhouse / Re: The meme thread
Last post by Rstewart - June 18, 2026, 04:58 PM
#74
Industrial / Re: (Tungsten) carbide prices
Last post by kccadcam - June 18, 2026, 07:48 AM
Example:
Helical 81310 3/4 aluminum rougher
Was $322.00 in January, just jumped to $465.00
69% increase in cost per tool.

Ouch.
#75
Music / Re: What tunes are you listeni...
Last post by megatronprime - June 16, 2026, 10:49 AM
#76
The Outhouse / Re: The meme thread
Last post by Smit - June 15, 2026, 09:03 AM
#77
Industrial / Re: (Tungsten) carbide prices
Last post by SuperHoneyBadger - June 15, 2026, 06:55 AM
Quote from: Here's Johnny! on June 12, 2026, 12:13 PMGot an email from a wood working supply company (Lee Valley)...

A true stand-up bunch of guys over there. Used to go often for specialty tools, forstner bits, Festool saws, etc. Been out of the wood game for about a decade now, but I still go in to see cool stuff and buy gifts. Hope they make it out of this
#78
Music / Re: What tunes are you listeni...
Last post by gcode - June 13, 2026, 08:53 AM
#79
Industrial / Re: (Tungsten) carbide prices
Last post by Here's Johnny! - June 12, 2026, 12:13 PM
Got an email from a wood working supply company (Lee Valley)...

"Dear Customer,



So far, this has been a year of tremendous turbulence for all retailers. We have all seen the recent price changes at the gas pumps, but there are many more distortions working their way through the global economy. Our suppliers are increasing prices, telegraphing shortages and extending lead times. As an example, the price of tungsten carbide used in bits and blades has increased more than 600% since January. The warning signs are also flashing on products that contain plastics or have any dependency on the price of oil.



We know that the competition for your attention has increased as every retailer chases after the discretionary spending of cost-conscious consumers. So, what does this all mean for us?

1) You will notice more promotional activity from Lee Valley. While offering discounts has never been our preferred approach, it's become table stakes for participation in today's market.



2) You will see more items become unavailable. We are reviewing the breadth of our inventory, simplifying where appropriate, and ensuring we focus on supporting the core products you have come to depend on us for. When things settle down, we will all be able to loosen our belts again.



3) You will continue to see a focus on quality and utility. The best value for a consumer is always a product that actually gets used and remains useful for a long time.




These do not represent a change in our long-term philosophy, rather an accommodation of current economic realities. We remain committed to offering fair, predictable everyday pricing on our core woodworking and gardening tools, along with the quality, expertise and service that have always defined Lee Valley.



Sincerely,

"
#80
Industrial / Re: (Tungsten) carbide prices
Last post by kdg - June 12, 2026, 11:54 AM
Let's not forget copper prices.
$36K for the stock (moldmax hh, ~7x14x22 inches) for the core insert I just finished programming.
More than half the volume of the block will end up as chips. Not what the scrap value is.