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First post: Advice on new table saw, jointer, and planer

3K views 17 replies 11 participants last post by  jonah 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
hello! I've been lurking here for a while and thought I'd finally join in now that I'm actually moving forward with re-starting up wood working. A decade or so ago, I was having fun woodworking with my father-in-law using his Shopsmith. I've built some tables, shelves, and speakers. Nothing terribly fancy, but was fun and learned a fair bit.

Fast forward to now, and I'm looking at getting into woodworking again now that I have my own space (small space, but still my space!) and budget to get my own gear, especially since I moved no longer have access to the old shop. The goal is to build furniture for my house.

Right now, I have about a $2000 budget for a jointer, saw and planer. Because of my space situation, everything needs to be mobile to move against the wall when not in use. I also only have 110v access and cannot accommodate 220v. I've done some due diligence and came up with three pieces of equipment that I think are a smart move, but was hoping I could get some re-assurance since this isn't a trivial purchase for me.

Saw: Delta 36-725 ($650 w/ tax from lowes)
Jointer: Grizzly G0452P ($575 shipped)
Planer: DeWalt DW735X ($700 shipped incl stand)
(I don't live in a big metro, so craigslist is usually not very successful)

note: I already own a Dewalt 12" sliding compound miter, Bosch router/table, shopvac with cyclone kit and makita track saw. I have no brand loyalty. Just get what works well.

Many thanks on getting me started in the right direction
(btw, are any of the online/magazine woodworking subscriptions really worth the money?)
 
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#2 ·
Even though you say you are in a rural area, I have to think you can do better than $575 for a 6" jointer. There should be decent medium to long bed jointers on the used market for between $150 and $400 around you, no matter where you are. The trick is going to be to find one. Fortunately, many people that buy 6" jointers later regret it and upgrade to 8", because lots of rough lumber you buy is 6-8 inches wide.

You can do a bit better at Lowes with 10% off coupon, and you may even get lucky and be able to use a Harbor Freight 20% off coupon (it's completely up to the discretion of the manager whether or not they accept the coupon).

You can also get the DW735 for $650 from Amazon with an extra set of knives and the infeed and outfeed tables. Make your own mobile base with a 2×3, a few scraps of plywood, and some $2 locking casters from a big box store or Harbor Freight. Do not be suckered in by the Dewalt mobile base - it is way, way overpriced.

Given your budget and needs, I would get a used jointer for $200, save $100 by forgoing the Dewalt mobile base for the planer, and spend the extra on a Grizzly hybrid table saw and mobile base. I'd spend the extra hundred or two to get something better in a table saw.

Down the road, you might find that a 6" jointer doesn't do it for you anymore, so the less you spend on it now, the less money you're out when you get rid of it and upgrade.
 
#3 ·
What Jonah said makes sense to me, the Grizzly hybrid will be a good upgrade to the Delta. I don't quibble with your choice of the jointer or planer, but I do think you will be able to find a used one (jointer) that will serve you well for less money.
 
#4 ·
Harbor Freight actually has a mobile base kit that works very similar to the ones that are sold online.(cheaper, too) From what I hear it gets pretty good reviews. With the equipment that you already have, you should be able to help yourself save quite a bit of money in that direction.

Like you, I have an issue with Craigslist. Most people in my area seem to use it to unload their junk at exorbitant prices, or with the lack of much oversight, it's become a haven for commercial sellers. Which is what it was not designed to be. I have been able to find a deal or two, but it takes days or weeks to weed through the dreck, and find something actually useful. I found a Craftsman Pro-6" jointer and a Dewalt 734 for $300. Both will do me good service in my small shop, as well…..
 
#5 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have been able to find a deal or two, but it takes days or weeks to weed through the dreck, and find something actually useful.
"Days or weeks" is usually not long enough… sometimes it takes months or years if you are looking for a specific piece of equipment at a bottom dollar price. However, if you are patient, you can easily outfit a shop with every tool you would ever need for a fraction of the cost of new (and much better quality as well). Notice the key there, besides patience, is knowing what you want - so you can pounce when it does show up.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I think you're list looks good. Unless you stumble into some great used deals, I think you'll have a rough time finding much better at that price in new tools. Set aside $30 for a decent blade for the saw….stock blades pretty much suck.

If you needed to shave some costs, I'd consider the R4331 planer (not to be confused with the former R4330). It's not that it's a better planer than the 735, but it could be argued that it offers more bang for the buck for similar capability.
 
#7 ·
There are two questions I've learned not to ask on LJ ;-)
1. What tool should I buy?
2. An electrical question of any kind.

I know you've done some research, already , but I would just start looking at some reviews.
I don't know if they have one on a saw like this, but I have confidence in Fine Ww'ing's tool reviews.

Just do a Google search and you'll have more than you want.
I would only caution you if going for a contractor saw, there's a wide spectrum of quality saws suitable for fine ww'ing. For example,

oh forget it…...
;-)
For a little bit more money, Grizzly has a hybrid saw.

I do agree with the poster on CL. I suggest you expand your search!
 
#8 ·
Seems like I saw an email for the DeWalt 735 planer, table extensions and stand for $569 or something like that. That planer should work for you for a long time. My 734 has planed a lot of rough lumber.

Wood Bandsaws Machine tool Tool Engineering


Made my own stand. It houses several dust collection hoses. Works great to keep them out of the way, yet right where I need them.
 

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#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have the Delta and love it. I also have a DeWalt planer, but it's the 734. I was going back and forth between the 734 and 735. The reviews for both are excellent, so I decided to save myself a couple hundred bucks. Also, good call by Jonah on the 10% off coupon at Lowes. My lowes wouldn't take the HF 20% off, so I used a Lowes 10%.

There are two questions I've learned not to ask on LJ ;-)
1. What tool should I buy?
2. An electrical question of any kind.
You've got that right!
 
#10 ·
Thanks all for the advice and info. I'll still keep an eye on CL. Most of what I see here locally, are old craftsman and harbor freight jointers. There was a decent delta, but it's a 5.5 hour drive just to get there.

If I do end up with sourcing from a local B&M, I'll try and swing the 10 and 20% coupons.

I need to call grizzly to see what delivery service I can get since freight looks to drop off with lift gate service at the end of my drive way, and from there it is about 150 ft of gravel to the garage. If I go with the grizzly hybrid that was mentioned earlier, that's 416 lbs of shipping weight I need to navigate for just that piece of equipment! fun times again. again, thanks for all the feedback.
 
#11 ·
If you have a trailer or pickup, you could do terminal pickup on the freight. They carrier will load it for you at the terminal, then you can unload at your leisure (sort of). With a friend all the stuff you listed is easily manageable. Just another option.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
The 735 is a good choice.
The jointer is okay. I like (and use) a Delta jointer, but I really consider an 8" model minimum for serious woodworking.
The tablesaw you struck out on. That saw looked flimsy to me. I would rather have a used saw that will hold up to regular use (Jet, Delta, Powermatic etc., etc.). I had a Hitachi TS that was built like that Delta, and I quickly sold it.

I think your budget is reasonable.
 
#13 ·
The tablesaw you struck out on. That saw looked flimsy to me.
If you're saying the saw looked flimsy in the store, that's because it is (in the store). The display model doesn't even have all the real parts and is put together by a guy that's never used a table saw. As a whole, the actual saw is solidly built and as sturdy as can be. It's one weak point is probably the stamped wings. Those ARE a little flimsy.

While it's not ever going to compare to a used Unisaw (or even a new one), or the like, it is more than serviceable for a hobbyist.
 
#14 ·
The problem with the Delta saw is that it's really only a little additional cost for a Grizzly hybrid saw, and you get much better dust collection, cast iron wings, etc.

I'd definitely go that route rather than buy one of the big box saws (the Delta or Ridgid) new. The used market is another thing, where you can find a quality used Ridgid 3650 for ~$250. That is more than worth it, I just wouldn't drop $600 on a new one.
 
#15 · (Edited by Moderator)
"I need to call grizzly to see what delivery service I can get since freight looks to drop off with lift gate service at the end of my drive way, and from there it is about 150 ft of gravel to the garage. If I go with the grizzly hybrid that was mentioned earlier, that's 416 lbs of shipping weight I need to navigate for just that piece of equipment! fun times again. again, thanks for all the feedback."

I have purchased three tools from Grizzly that required the lift gate option. Table saw, Band saw and drum sander.
Each time the driver (SAIA Freight) put the box on the ground and used his pallet jack to pull the box up a slight incline and into my garage! One driver has made two deliveries. Each time I helped push and we got it done.

I don't mind sayin' I tipped the guy each time. I have no problem with that kind of service.
Mike

Packing materials Shipping box Wood Package delivery Packaging and labeling


Wood Gas Flooring Packing materials Machine


Rectangle Wood Wood stain Hardwood Plank
 

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#16 ·
talking with my wife, I might be able to swing the G0715p and mobile base which by all accounts seems to be a better option (It seems better than the newer G0771 from what I read). The catch, is that my garage doesn't (I don't believe) have 20 amp outlets. BUT, my gas dryer, located just inside the house at the garage door, has a 240v 4 pole socket that is unused. Can I just get a 4 pole plug, 3 conductor #12 wire, and 3 pole plug socket to make a 20 ft extension (2xHots +ground, neutral unused)?
 
#17 ·
If I had 2k to spend on those three tools, my choice would be as follows:

-Grizzly G0771 (which I own) - ~$750 shipped
-Dewalt DW734 (I own the DW735, but I purchased it used for $300) - $360 w/ 10% Lowes promo code.
-Source a local, used 6" jointer - $350 max (as others have said, you will more than likely "outgrow" this and want a larger machine, so the less you spend now, the better)

With the extra money, you could decide to upgrade to the DW735, or purchase a drill press and/or a disc/belt sander combo. I would personally use the extra to get a drill press, used also.
 
#18 ·
talking with my wife, I might be able to swing the G0715p and mobile base which by all accounts seems to be a better option (It seems better than the newer G0771 from what I read). The catch, is that my garage doesn t (I don t believe) have 20 amp outlets. BUT, my gas dryer, located just inside the house at the garage door, has a 240v 4 pole socket that is unused. Can I just get a 4 pole plug, 3 conductor #12 wire, and 3 pole plug socket to make a 20 ft extension (2xHots +ground, neutral unused)?

- drgomer
You can absolutely make your own extension cord. 20ft should be no problem with 12AWG wire, especially since you're only going to be drawing ~10A or less at 240V. You may want to go with 10AWG wire just to be on the safe side, but its a lot more difficult to work with than 12AWG. It won't be a lot more expensive.
 
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