Need help deciding on tools for box making

why do you not want a table saw. For making boxes, I would think that would be a #1 priority.

You mention a planer. Do you need to re-size the wood thickness? Are you using rough sawn lumber?
Planes are always good, but how did you plane to use them for box making?
How big are the boxes? I would think a circular saw would only be helpful if they are bigger in size. For small boxes, if you don’t want a table saw, buy a good miter box.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

The problem with boxes is that they are never simple, despite what you think. It’s a true test of a craftsman’s skills. They require precision, especially where their joinery is concerned. Flaws are too easy to see on a box. A table saw gives the repeatability you will need to make your boards the right size…and nothing else really works for that repeatability. Plus, it allows you to build a jig to do box joints…or to do beveled/mitered joints. Heck, you could cut splines as well.

I hate to say it, but of all the tools you mentioned, not many of them will be useful for you in box making. A stationary belt sander is better than a disk or random orbital sander. A planer or hand planes is only useful for customizing the box dimensions/stock thickness (kinda optional), and a router isn’t much use unless it’s in a table or is used with a dovetailing jig.

I’m with Don on this one…you could built an entire box with ONLY a table saw.

Your local Rockler and Woodcraft stores have lots short/thin stock of nice and/or exotic woods than would make quick work out of things. You might have to plane some boards down to match (see eBay for an old No. 5 jackplane), but otherwise it will give you some readymade options without doing a whole lot of thicknessing work.

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com

Get a table saw! You can make all your cuts, box joints, miter joints, etc with it and a few shop made sleds. All of my early projects were done with an inexpensive table saw and a random orbital sander.

-- " I'll try to be nicer, if you'll try to be smarter" gfadvm

I should say that you could certainly make a box with a fine selection of handsaws. There are other alternatives to a table saw, but they really require some skills.

Now, with a band saw, you could make “boxes.” Just search “bandsaw boxes” here at LJs to see what I mean.

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com

Table saw will be needed, plus it will allow for other projects from all types of woodworking to home improvements as well. I think a table saw is the most important and versatile tool to a vast amount of woodworkers. Good luck.

Ok, any suggestions for a good quality starter table saw?

The best place is look on Craigs list ….

Are you limited by space? If you have the room a used contractor style saw with an induction motor. Ridgid, jet, powermatic or delta would be worth considering. Should be able to pick something up serviceable for less than $300 including a decent blade, which can make a huge difference.