Clifton link

[Anonymous]

Anyone got a link to Clifton's website?

I read that their planes are hard to get hold of, anyone experience this? know why?

Ta

Tony

 

[llangatwgnedd]

Unfortunately Cilco do not have a website at the moment, but for more online information have a drool at this

http://www.fine-tools.com/G303774.htm

and for those that have bought a cilco replacement blade and it does not fit, Here`s the answer

http://www.fine-tools.com/clift.htm

I had no problem or wait when I bought my #6.

 

[Chronosoft]

I used to be involved with a new media company and through my woodworking interest I got a meeting with Mr Clico himself - however the thing that put him off was he convinced himself that email was inseperable from a web presence and so didn't want to be bothered by the users of his planes emailing him with questions. Hence no website.

So much for customer service eh. Which is where Lie-Nielsen wins in my opinion as I am going to Boston later this year and I contacted the company regarding retail outlets for thier planes. I got a reply from Tom Lie-Nielsen himself (it had his name on the email) inviting me to the factory to see how they are made and try them out before I buy.

Try doing that with Alan Reid. In my experience (oh boy this is gonna cause a backlash) many British Managing Directors are more interested in making sure that the car they drive has leather seats as opposed to investing in a point of contact and customer service.

Feel free to comment people :twisted:

 

[Alf]

Now I don't this for certain sure, but my understanding is that as far as Clico are concerned, the planes are a side-line. Their main business is tooling after all. I also got the impression the whole plane thing was almost a hobby for one of the MDs, so possibly not Mr Reid? So essentially making web sites for the benefit of a few woodworkers just ain't where the money as far as they're concerned. But perhaps times are changing a little, as they've taken to advertising recently.

But your right, Tom Lie Nielsen will go to exceptional lengths to make customers happy. As will Rob Lee of Lee Valley/Veritas. I've not yet come across anything to match them in this country, but I'm willing to be surprised.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Anonymous]

Absolutely right Alf,

but the website was intended to be a product profile for the whole group. He was at pains to stress that tooling was their main line of business and the woodworking arm was just a tiny fraction of their business. That being said, they were having information requests from the states for specialist aircraft cutting tools and they were faxing or posting out brochures - which to me is crazy as the whole thing could have sat on a website and probably would have paid for itself in a year in printing, postage and telephone costs - plus its instant and always there (I shall shut up now).

My main point I guess is that customer service from certain manufacturers just isn't a priority - and if the whole of cliftons woodworking operation is nothing more than a hobby then charge hobby prices, not those matching a professional operation such as one that Tom Lie-Nielsen runs.

My next plane will definitely come from the states as opposed from Sheffield.

While I am ranting about presentation of information - how come axminster can manage to get the pictures of the product into print but can't transfer that image onto the website - really ticks me off !!!! - probably crossing over to another thread.

 

[Chronosoft]

Its me above as Guest - silly old fool i forgot to log in.

Cheers

Chronsoft (Dave)

 

[Alf]

Dave,

You're quite right, it's daft. It amazes me how many people still seem to think the web is a flash in the pan and if they ignore it long enough it'll go away. Especially crazy if you do business internationally, as nearly everyone does these days. And why? Hmm, could be all that internet access... :lol:

Now don' t get me started on Axminster. :roll: In addition to the pics, why they can't put all their stuff on is a mystery to me. Often I've wanted to top up an order with a drill bit, woodturning blank or whatever, and there they aren't :evil:

Oh well, if only we were running the world eh? :wink:

Cheers, Alf

 

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately Cilco do not have a website at the moment, but for more online information have a drool at this

http://www.fine-tools.com/G303774.htm


I had no problem or wait when I bought my #6.

Drool indeed :shock: :shock:

I want one now!!! Not on my birthday, that's still 6 weeks away.

However, I am now thinking of deserting the cause and buying a quality tenon saw instead. Brass back etc. Any recommendations?

 

[dedee]

You're quite right, it's daft. It amazes me how many people still seem to think the web is a flash in the pan and if they ignore it long enough it'll go away. Alf

I do not think this attitude will change until the MDs of these companies are replaced by people who have grown up with the technology. Give it about another 5-10 years!!

AndyP