Tools and technology

For a couple of years now I have been looking for some specific tools that would make my boat building activities much easier, more efficient and more enjoyable.

The main tools I am after are a CNC Router and a variety of small hand and power saws.

All of these things exist elsewhere in the world but are incredibly difficult to find in Australia - why?

* Japanese saws are a clever, simple and ancient technology that makes the process of cutting plywood simple, accurate and easy. But the few OZ suppliers that I can find want between $65 and $100 for a single saw - this is way over the top. So I went direct to the Japanese manufacturer and managed to get as many as I want for around $15 each. Surely there is an opportunity for an enterprising Australian to import these things and charge say $30 in the local market. Why hasn't it happened?

* The portable power saws that are available are usually big and heavy and range between circular saws, jig saws and reciprocating saws. I already have these and want a small, lightweight easily manipulated small diameter circular saw. Now these exist and have been available in Europe and the US for decades - why not in OZ?

* CNC Routers are workshop tools used to quickly and accurately cut complex shapes from plywood and other materials - they are particularly useful in a boat building enterprise. But there are no Australian manufacturers - most CNC routers come from Asia or the US and are outrageously priced - especially after the shipping companies and other middlemen have touched them. Another big opportunity for an enterprising Australian - why isn't it happening?

I had written a few paragraphs on why this stuff isn't available - but then I realised that no-one actually gives a rats. Most Australian's don't make things and the few who do are only interesting in making bland box like things like houses. And they are all OK thank you - because we have become conditioned to paying too much for their blandness.

The biggest problem with this country is that we don't seem to have enough people who ask "why not"?