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1K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  Bobert 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I just. got a great table saw (Ridgid 2424). What is the next bench tool to get? I was looking at a planer/jointer combo.

Shop equipment list:
  • Table saw
  • Scroll saw
  • Small drill press
  • Miter saw
 
#2 ·
Welcome to LJs, Bobert, and congrats on your new saw. Depending on what type of lumber you deal with and what types of projects you build, you will get different responses. Certainly a planer and/or jointer can be essential pieces of equipment, depending on your needs. I would say that a bandsaw, router (possibly with a table), and some sort of sander (disc/belt/spindle) might also be considered.
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
If you don't already have one, a good blade for your TS is important. Good blades start at about $30 if you're selective.

A jointer and planer for dimensioning lumber to precise dimensions is a pretty sweet addition if you use lumber, as opposed to sheet goods. Flat, square, straight boards make for predictable joinery. The jointer flattens a reference face and squares a reference edge 90° to that face….everything else builds from those reference points. The planer gives consistent thickness, and makes one face parallel to the other….if the planer is fed a flat reference face (usually the bottom face), the top will also be flat, but it's worth noting that the planer doesn't really flatten boards without help. The two tools work best in tandem, but if I could only buy one to start, I'd get the planer…because with the help of a jig called a planer sled that provides the flat reference face, you can coax the planer into doing one of the jobs a jointer does - flattening a face (aka face jointing). Then you can edge joint with a router or TS.
 
#10 ·
Bobert: The table saw is a great start. At least you have a great looking shop dog. My Golden was my shop assistant that kept me calm. He has been gone for 15 years and I still miss his calming effect whenever things are not going so well on a project.

Next tool, a good router combo with a fixed and a plunge base. Try the Dewalt or PC. I would definately recommend the Bosch, but it has a hybrid router bushing system unlike the other two mentioned. I own one of all three plus a 30 yr old B & D, a Dewalt trim router and a big PC, Makita and a older model Ryobi ( Pre Home Depot) all 3 1/4 hp mounted in tables. 8 routers, go figure. Now if you win the Lotto, then you can use the winnings as collateral for a loan to buy a Festool :)

Bandsaw next, then a planer and jointer. In whatever order you deem necessary. I would get the planer first. Look at the Dewalt. Do not get a table top jointer. Save up for a good floor model. Grizzly has a great selection of 6" and 8". Good Luck and welcome to the club. As far a TS blades go, try a Freud, or save your pennies for a Forrest WWII. In the long run you will save money by having Forrest resharpen them. My first Forrest is 12 years old and has been resharpened several times at $25 a pop. Hope my humble opinionated input helps.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
Depends on what you are going to make. Big stuff or little stuff? Personally I find having a jointer 6" is a must for getting a flat starting point. Planers are not so great in my opinion unless you're building furniture where the boards need to be the same thickness. Joiner and Band saw would be my next move if I were you.
 
#13 · (Edited by Moderator)
Bobert,
I have been putting together my shop for about 30 years, I started with a Radial Arm Saw (RAS) and a Drill Press. At the time Sears told my wife and mother that you can do it all with the RAS … kind of like a Shopsmith. So that is what i got for Christmas along with a Drill press.
Fast forward 20 years … The RAS is long gone and replaced with a Grizzley 1024 table saw, then added a 6" jointer. I had a Craftsman 12" bandsaw (birthday present) for a while.
I had to sell off a bunch of stuff when hard times struck.
But now some years later I have a Rigid 2424 Table saw, (bought used) the old Craftsman drill press, a new this year Ricon 14" band saw, 6" Rigid Jointer, (bouhgt used), and a thickness planer also bought used.Sanders and sanders and sanders, and four routers.
I use every tool that I own and I purchased them as I needed them to do the next project I had in mind. There are no tools collecting dust or on display in my shop, they are all used, some more than others of course.
Only YOU will know which tool you need to buy next. And later on you might change your mind and replace one piece with another.
Good luck with your endevor and I hope to see some of your projects displayed here.
 
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