Power tools needed????

[Jim Fox]

Ok, I kinda want to know some of your thoughts as to maybe an order I should look into getting things.

Right now I have some basic tools, maybe not the best but hopefully in the middle. I have a power mitre saw, drill, circular saw and a 2HP Craftsman Router (with Craftsman Table). These got me through my little projects, like plate racks. But I want to get to other projects. Cabinets for the work shop and office, got some furniture projects I'd like to do.

I would assume probably a table saw is the next in line?

So what is your recommended order? Something I don't need? Something I missed?

Table Saw
Planer
Jointer
Bandsaw
Scrollsaw
Drill Press
New Router Table (cause I have the Craftsman table???)

Thanks everyone, this site is great!!!

Jim

[dicklaxt]

Take a look at this Site .........

http://benchmark.20m.com

Go to Articles and then to Shop Tool Inventory, might be just what you are looking for, an eye openner anyway

Dick

[MadMark]

TS should be your #1 tool. Get the best you can afford. Upgrade the fence. Upgrade the miter slide. Upgrade the blade.

TS is core tool of most shops. If you're serious about doing good work, this is where to spend the bulk of your cash. While a high end saw doesn't guarentee good work, it certainly makes it easier and faster to do good work.

As for the rest, it really depends on what you intend to do. I normally suggest that if you have the budget, hold the cash back and run out and get a decent tool when you have the *NEED* for it. No point in spending $$$ on a tool that you might not need for a year. Pick a project. Look at what it takes to make that and buy accordingly. This allows you to spread your $$$ out over time and to get good quality for whatever you get.

There are too many variables in woodworking. Each project you attempt may require a different mix of tools. You can't just say "all shops need X, Y and X" (other than clamps! :) ) You have to look at what you want to build and go from there.

Here's a link to my shop and the current tool list: http://www.netexperts.cc/~lambertm/Wood/mytools.html

M

[Glen]

Easy; no brainer!

Just mimic the new yankee workshop, da-dah!!!!

[Boyce]

I agree that a table saw is the only thing that you really must have. I would start out with a contractor saw and there are plenty to choose from and some very good ones around $500.

There is another tool that's used on just about every single project - the drill press. On this tool, I don't think you need to get a great one. Yes, like MadMark said, get the best TS you can afford, but that's not the case with a drill press. You will need one, but you can shop around and look for a deal.

The next thing most people find that they need is a planer. This is great when building various furniture and cabinets because most of these projects require different thicknesses of stock. Additionally, you can save a little money be buying rough wood or recycling used wood.

I agree with MadMark, however. Buy one thing at a time and get your next tool when you can't live without it. That way you'll only buy tools you need and you'll use everything you have.

Good luck.

Boyce

http://members.home.net/boyce-sandy/woodshop.html

[Lou_williams]

I agree with Mark that what you build will determine what tools you want to buy.

A table saw is a good tool and most woodworkers have one as the center of the shop. But not all. James Krenov who is one of the best woodworkers of our time, never has used a table saw. He uses a large bandsaw and hand planes to make the beautiful pieces for over 50 years.

My point in this is that we all have different objectives in woodworking, different style of projects. I have a good friend that is in High tech sales. He talked to me about woodworking and started taking a class at a local high school. He fell in love with it.

But For him Hand Tools were what he wanted. He does not own any powertools.

So what should you buy next. I don't know. I don't know you. But Here is what I use in order of time and need.

Table Saw
Jointer/ Planner Mine is a combo unit but I use the Jointer most.
Bandsaw
Chop Saw
Shaper
Routers & Jigs (I don't Own a router table)
Lathe

I have a drill press, but I didn't buy a good one and it is a total waste of money. I don't use mine except as a drum sander and buffing wheel.

[mike]

I agree the table saw is number one and get a good one with a quick and acurate fence.

You mentioned that you would like to make cabinets. One thing I found out after buying several routers is that most routers are under powered for the bits used in making raised panels. Large bits can not run safely at 20,000 rpm they need to be turned down to shaper speeds around 1,000 rpm some recomend as low as 800 rpm. What I am getting at is buy a good 3 hourse or bigger router with variable speed. This will save you from buying larger equipment before your ready to.

PS. Some catelogs sell variable speed controls for smaller routers but I can tell you these are not a good idea. I found that my Porter Cable router had increase temprature and to low of horse power when it came to cabinet doors. I was fortunate and did not burn up a good router but I pitched that variable speed contol in the trash.

[MadMark]

Mike, I think you dropped a decimal point. You probably meant 10,000 and 8000 RPM not 1000 and 800... I don't know of any router that will run that slow...

M

[Mike]

You are correct sorry

[Sonny Edmonds]

God, did that make me laugh!
You card!

On topic I'd say: Lots. Lots and Lots.
But get them as you need them, not waiting until you can't do without them.
Shucks, you got to get used to it before you chew into the project you have to have it for. Otherwise you might be like me and make precision firewood.

Lordy Glen, I can't stop laughing.
Sonny
http://home.earthlink.net/~sonnypie/