Just got my bonus, what to buy?

Hi Erik,

Buy what y’all need, and no more.
Don’t make my mistake, and wind up selling stuff you never got around to mastering.

But a Leigh jig would be good all the same!

John (UK)

-- Semper Fidelis - I started with nothing; I still have most of it left.

Have you considered spending some of it on lumber? You could always build a few things with the tools you have, sell them, and then have even more money for new tools.

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

I know where you could send some of that bonus if you are finding it difficult to spend!!!!! Welcome aboard….

I would consider a good 8” jointer

-- Max "Desperado", Salt Lake City, UT

Hmmmm, Some suggestions.

An Air Compressor and Finish Nailer
A router table
Jointer/Planer
Bandsaw

I would look for a used 4 and 1/2 bailey plane and get a set of hock blades

I have and would recommend the Lie-Nielson low angle block plane, but would probably put it below a jointer and a planer in priority given your tool list.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I like the wood idea.. increase the tool fund

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

And a belt sander
I’d get a lot of hand tools(the basics), just good ones they don’t have to be great. New and second hand ones. Maybe take some time and shop around.
Air guns and compressor!

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

Erik,

First of all, you can start by purchasing me a jointer. Then a …

Just kidding. Actually, buying a bunch of lumber won’t do you any good without a jointer and planer. I would actually purchase those before a new table saw since you already have one. The reason is because you can purchase rough sawn lumber from a local mill at a much cheaper rate than say Menards.

I didn’t see that you have a band saw in your midst either. Those are always nice for cutting curves and also re-sawing lumber. I will often use my band saw to cut a small log to fit on my lathe or I’ll also use it to split a thick board in half and then plane the two pieces to the desired size. This can save money as well.

Good luck with your cash, if you can’t figure out how to spend it, just send it my way! :)

-- There are three types of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't!

I can honestly say that by far the overwhelming consensus is a planer and a jointer, tools I don’t have.

The reason I am considering a new table saw is because I’ve got the $99 Ryobi job from Home Depot, that my Dad got for me a few years back as my first “real” power tool. I’m at the point now where I am either going to spend the time and money to build jigs and devices to make that saw workable for my level of woodworking (novice, but getting better), or buy a new saw. Meaning, I’ve already put on a new Freud blade and I’m just about to finish building a Biesemeyer-style rip fence to fit my little saw. Next up is a wraparound outfeed table. Add up all that and I’m way over the original $99 cost. But the saw works. Part of me says get something I don’t have, like good hand tools or a bandsaw or planer & jointer, and part of me says get a bigger better table saw to replace what is arguably the weakest tool in the shop.

Thanks for the advice and comments, please keep em coming.

Erik, dazed and confused for the moment

-- Erik garagewoodworker.blogspot.com

Another option is to look for good used tools on Craigs list . A table saw upgrade should be pretty easy to find in the Denver area.

This Jet for $500 is a good example. I would guess it is already gone…

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

and don’t forget to check out what you can get through LJ so that Martin can get some income to support the site.
Gotta cover all of your options!!

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

If you decide on a Bandsaw, check on this one.Rikon

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I know how you feel, I got my bonus and I wanted to go out and buy tools.

It looks like you’ve got a decent start to your tools. The can certainly do many things you’d need already. I’d second the need for a planer. If you don’t want a jointer too, you can always cobble up a jointing sled for a planer (I’ve done it with fair success, but if you’ve got a lot of stock or long stock, it’s gonna take a while)

I would really recommend a good router table. A solid table with a good split fence and some t-track for miter gauges and other attachments can open up whole worlds of possiblities. There are decent models to buy, plus a lot of plans. If you’ve got space, think about a complete router cabinet – it’ll give you storage and control dust/noise. I didn’t build it, but I hear a lot of people like Norm’s from New Yankee.

For what it’s worth though, some of my bonus kinda, sorta went to an Xbox 360. Hey, the controller could be considered a hand tool, right? Anyone? However, the rest is probably heading for a shed, a much needed electrical upgrade (I couldn’t plug in bandsaw right now!), new roof, fence for the sheep, etc.

Don’t piss around on a 1 1/2 hp table saw, when you cay buy a 3 HP TS for about a $1,000 and not have to upgrade for years.

I bought what i thought was a 3 HP table saw and it bogs down when cutting thick (1 1/2” or thicker) material. WAIT ! It even bogs down cutting 4/4 Oak.

IF YOU’RE DOING THIS AS A HOBBY BUY A SMALL HOBBY SIZED SAW. If you’re doing this for a living or you plan on doing a lot of different things, buy the biggest best saw you can afford so that it doesn’t become a hinderance in the future, and doesn’t consume any more thought

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

I was going to suggest sending me your bonus, but sounds like others got there first.

I would say even if you bought a new table saw, you would probably be making jigs, outfeed tables, etc. for it too. So I do not think that would be a cost saver in those terms. Does the Ryobi still fit your needs? Can it still handle the cuts you do now? Is it accurate? If so, then the jointer and planer would be first on my list. Otherwise, the table saw would be a great start. Maybe even a cabinet saw, if you have the room.

Band Saw, Air compressor, nail gun, router table, Leigh jig are all great items as well. It is just a matter of priorities and of course dollars.

Let us know what you pick.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

I would also call your local high school and find out where they buy their tools… Then go to the same source and find out if they sell used tools… Here, with timberlinetools.com they bring used stuff back from people and tools and sell on consignment… the schools are upgrading to sawstop saws and trading in barely used equipment on new stuff. I got my jointer which was new 4 months before from a guy through them who was upgrading to a 10 inch for $1000. The powermatic PJ882 jointer is listed on Amazon (these guys are an amazon supplier) for $1700 bucks…

-- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah

The most important tools used in my workshop, in order of preference, are:

1. Table Saw
2. Jointer
3. Router table
4. Clamps, clamps, clamps
5. Miter/chop saw
6. Biscuit cutter/jointer

I mostly make cabinets, so the above is what is important to me. What you are going to be making should help you with what tools to buy.

I have just started making some furniture pieces so anything to help make mortise and tenons will be on my priority wish list.

-- Fred Childs, Pasadena, CA - - - Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

Erik,

I had the same decision to make last spring. I didn’t get a bonus but i did sell a lawn tractor that was too big for my yard. I sold it for $1800. I went to Grizzly and bought an 8 inch jointer, 14 inch band-saw (ultimate), and their heavy duty bench top drill press. I use all of these and never regret buying them!!

Now I wish I had lumber, clamps, and a new table saw.

TABLE SAW, TABLE SAW, TABLE SAW 3 HP AND NEVER LOOK BACK

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

I have to agree with Obi. When I was in the exact same position as you I went back and forth over which Delta Unisaw to purchase; their hybrid 1.75 hp or a 3 hp. I opted for the hybrid to have more funds for the jointer and planer. I wish I had the 3hp though because I’m in for the long haul. However, I have had very good luck with my 1.75 hp saw. It remains to be seen if it will hold up for many years as the hybrids are sort of a new thing.

If you go the jointer planer route, I HIGHLY recommend the Delta 22-580 13” planer. I love mine. Practically no snipe! Seriously.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Lucky you Drew, most of the high schools out here are giving up woodshop. One of the two high schools in our town does not even have a wood shop. The other has tools that are mostly 40+ years old. When a part breaks, the tool is down until a part can be specially made, parts are no longer available.

Did you make that choice yet Erik?

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

I’d like to suggest you first find a project you’d like to tackle. See where it leads tool wise, and purchase tools piece by piece as needed. I love the jointer/planer ideas, but lots of things can be made with quality plywoods cut with your table saw or circular saw, including the cabinets and other organizational needs for your shop. You could reserve some of that money to use at a later date as you get into the finer aspects of woodworking where specialty tools are a must. This also make a valid justification for just about any item or tool you buy.

-- Larry, New Jersey

A good point Teach. I try to fund my purchases as I go, and get the things I feel I really need to complete the work. Then I can also use them going forward on future projects.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Hey gang,

Right now I am leaning toward buying the lumber necessary to build my “west wall” of shop cabinets and storage. Right now I think that’s what I need most. I’m thinking that experience will help me figure out what I want in the way of tools. I’m also leaning toward getting stuff I don’t have (bandsaw and good hand planes, maybe a dovetail saw), as well as tuition for classes.

Although I did drop by Rockler today and they have the new Jet Parallel Clamps in 50in lengths, 2 for $49.00. I bought 4, as that works out to nearly a buy one, get one free deal. I promise you, those clamps will be sold out by Saturday.

-- Erik garagewoodworker.blogspot.com

That sounds like a good plan. You can easily spend too much on things you think you might need. Your approach is solid.

Man, I’m too far away from my local rocker. That sounds like a real good deal.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

So did you finally make up your mind? I was wondering how things turned out.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I got the same clamps but woodcraft was out but since the deal goes to the end of the month I think they will get more in… anyhow I got them at timberline… they matched the deal. If you are still considering other tools I would be glad to give you some ideas… I have been outfitting my garage… and have read about all there is to know about every cabnet system from Gladiator to Ultimate… If you like red there are some new ones at sears that are nice as well… Also… I have been carefully outfitting the shop with tools that I have shopped for for the past 6 months and read about off and on for 5 years getting ready to be at this point…

Drew

-- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah

To ErickinColorado: My choice would be a Ridgid 10” tablesaw with the Herc-U-lift mobil base. It has lots of power, accurate fence and blade adjustments and sells for about $ 550. at The Home Depot. It is hefty, weighing 287 lbs., but is easily moved about with the mobil base. It has a 1 1/2 hp motor, but never seems to load down… I bought mine three years ago…..and couldn’t be happier.

-- WeeWilly

Hey gang,

Thanks to all who replied. Here’s what I spent some money on:

4 Jet 50” Parallel clamps from Rockler. I got them on that 2 for $50 sale a few weeks back.
Kreg Pocket Hole jig, on sale this week at Rockler.
4 Bessey F-style clamps from Rockler, on sale (see a theme here?)
A reconditioned Dewalt DW734 planer from Tool King, on sale.

I held off on the tablesaw upgrade. The Steel City cabinet saw I really want is on a sweet sale deal at Tool King (their store is about 10 minutes from my work so I go drool over it sometimes). And I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Ridgid contractor’s saw that Willy mentions.

But, I decided not to buy any more tools right now and save some money for woodworking classes this summer and in the fall. I think at this point I have a basic set of tools that I can work with for a while, what I really need now is more knowledge and skill building. I’ll keep y’all posted.

Thanks—Erik

-- Erik garagewoodworker.blogspot.com

sounds like a perfect plan.
Oh did you buy any napkins for that drool?

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Hmm – this is all very interesting.
I am stuck in an odd situation – I have a super 12 slider with laser and all the bells (compact Hitachi) – yeah, you guessed it, miles of trim and crown.

However, I dream of building my own furniture one day (ahem, Danish born, and a furniture affectionado…).

My dilemma is this – I wish I would have put the money on the table saw over the slider – since there isn’t much furniture building to go on with a slider…
Oh, yes, the first real project a couple of years ago was a 7’ maple dining table – wedding gife for my wife. M+Ts were so sloppy that I will have to redo the base.

Sorry – rambling –
The question is – what table saw – I am probably looking at the sub $1k jobbie – Lowes are selling a Jet saw with a Biesemeyer fence and table for somewhere in the $800 range… Thoughts?

Yes, I am used to shopping at box stores, I barely know where Rockler and Woodcraft are around here.

Oh – and yes, I have a small contractors TS, but the rails for whatever reason are not 3/4” – so forget about jigs unless I put a whole table together for it – and then squaring that would be a pain…

So there you have it – my inagural question. Apologies for rambling about something you spend far too much time talking about – but all ya’all seem to have a pretty good idea what you are talking about.

Terkel

Obviously new tools is a great way to squander bonus monies, but I’d also recommend you take a look at protecting your hearing while you spend your free-time playing around with your new toys. www.sensgard.com offers revolutionary hearing protection inexpensively. Their unlike anything I’ve ever used, and best of all it doesn’t cost much. I’d Definitely take a look!!!