Yes, at least up to now I have been partial to brand, for a few reasons.
Hand tools have been Dewalt. 18 volt and 110 volt. Reason: they are just fine.
Machinery has been Grizzly. Reason: quality vs. price… absolutely no complaints with their small shaper, 8” jointer, and 15” planer. I just received one of their table saws (
http://www.grizzly.com/products/G1023SLWX) but haven’t uncrated it yet.
But there are exceptions.
My 19” bandsaw is Jet.
I have a 30 year old Craftsman 10” RAS that has served me well since I was a kid, but will very likely opt for the Delta 10” RAS at some point (if the deal is right).
Machinery:
After longing for the W&H moulder for years, and after a long research period, I will be ordering the ShopFox moulder (
http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0488) instead. Machine and knives are identical to the W&H. For an informative discussion on this machine, please see (
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=29695)
I have never been partial to Makita, but recently purchased their 18 volt NiCad impact driver. It’s less than half the size/weight of my Dewalt 18 volt drill, and will drive a screw to China! For finesse work, I will likely stick with the Dewalt.
Routers:
Porter Cable all the way. After their 1.5 horse and their legendary #7518 3.25 horse routers, I’ll not go back to anything else.
PC makes a better circular saw now than my Dewalt. But I don’t care. There are many superior and much higher priced machines than Grizzly machines, but I don’t care. My Griz’ serve me well.
Paul