re: Favorite Power Tools Brand?

My Ridgid R4512 table saw is the best machine I’ve ever owned. My Craftsman 14 inch band saw is sweet as well. It’s been my experience that until you get up into the real high end still like Festool, brand names don’t really matter that much. You have to do your research and see what people are saying about each tool. For example, Craftsman has been selling a lot of crap lately, but my research told me that their current 14" band saw is actually a Rikon 10-321 with a different paint job.
I’ve had surprisingly good luck with Harbor Freight tools, but again, read the reviews. They have a few stinkers on the shelves.
Black and Decker almost always sucks, but their Workmate line seems to be ok. I’ve been using one of those for years. Most of the other B&D stuff I had I gave away because my conscious wouldn’t allow me to charge money for useless crap. Ryobi sanders are perfectly acceptable, but I’ve never seen any other Ryobi products worth a darn.
It’s really a mixed bag. You have to read up or you’ll end up with junk.