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Newbie...starting again..

2K views 23 replies 18 participants last post by  mIps 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Full disclosure guys..I am a 48 year old accountant that has not done any woodworking in over 30 years since I took advanced shop in my junior year of high school..

That said, I loved. Life has got in the way until now but I think I want to restart this hobby.

Guys, I am going to have about a $1000 budget to start my shop. Goals are pretty simple, build some simple projects for my 5yo daughters room, (some wall shelves, maybe some book shelves that I can girliefy….etc…)

Thinking I want a simple table saw, drill press??, Joiner/planer???? I have a Ryobi Cordless Drill, circular saw, Sander, and zaw saw as well as a corded craftsman circular saw (35 years old), simply jig saw, some simple clamps… Big restriction is I have about a 10' by 15' area in my basement with only one 110 plug…..

So, where would you invest as far as tools….
 
#2 ·
I would start with a table saw, planer, random orbit sander, and some sort of dust collection (if you're in the basement). Keep an eye out on craigslist if thats an option in your area. The above show up pretty regularly around here and you should be able to get some pretty stuff on the used market for under $1k. Even if you went with Grizzly and purchased new, you might be able to sneak in around the $1k mark.
 
#3 ·
I'd do some wiring, or have it done first. I have seen a table saw joiner combo, which would save you some space. A router would be high on my list as well. Working a small space will likely have you moving things around from time to time, so you may want to keep that in mind. I'm with Marcus on the dust collection. There are some small ones that can moved around with ease. A shop vac might do.
 
#4 ·
With that kind of budget, in that small of a space, you might consider a ShopSmith. Look for a good used one on Craigslist or EBay, and spend the left over money on clamps.

(You can NEVER have enough clamps) :)
 
#5 ·
+1 on more power first. run a small 30A subpanel, a TS is invariably teh center of most shops, so i'd start there on CL. c-man 113 series TSs can be diamonds in the rough at prices as low as $50-100. add a delta t2 or vega 40 " fence and for > ~$300, there's a first rate TS that'll do whatever you need to get done. or look for a really cheap cabinet saw.
 
#7 ·
I'll second the SS recommendation and say look for a Model 510 or 520 with the larger tables and floating tables.
This is a 5 in 1 Variable speed Machine that comes standard with Table saw, drill press, horizontal boring machines, 12" disc sander and 16" x 34" lathe.

Depending on location and condition, these can often be picked up with a 4" jointer and an 11" Bandsaw with 6" resaaw capacity.

Another alternative is to go with hand tools. I am in the process of switching to using hand tools where practical. (Of course I do wood working strictly as a hobby and as such I rarely have any deeadline issues.) The reduced dust and noise make the hobby that much more enjoyable for me.
 
#8 ·
+2 on the more power first. If that single outlet is 15A and anything else is on that circuit, you'll have dimmed lights or a tripped breaker every time you start the saw. I second the C-man 113 series saw. For small home projects I think you can get away with the standard fence. Save the money now. When you get more advanced get the better fence or a better saw. Definitly a router (buy quality bits as needed). Dust collection is highly recommended for the basement shop! Clamps, clamps, clamps and more clamps!
 
#9 ·
Don't neglect craigslist - there are deals to be had for the patient man who knows what he is looking for. Of course you will have to wade though a lot of chaff to find the wheat.
 
#13 ·
I had that basic saw for a few years. I built my corner hutch, adirondack chairs and a few other pieces of furniture with it. It's not the best but it works. If you put the fence out on those extension wings, it will not be as secure. If you can afford the space, I would recommend a used contractor saw over that. There are a lot of good ones available from people upgrading.
 
#14 ·
I think you will hate that Sears saw. Non standard miter slots with tabs sticking into the slot that won't let you use a sled or any other normal accessories. A universal motor that is very loud, won't let you use a dado blade and a useless gimmick laser. Nothing to like about it. Ryobi makes an equivalent saw for less than $150.!

Something like this Porter Cable sold at Lowes is about $299 and has standard miter slots, and can mount a dado. Much more bang for the buck.
Machine Auto part Font Automotive exterior Metal
!

And, as already suggested, look on Craig's list. A Bosch portable saw occasionally shows up there, and they are quite good.
 

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#16 ·
Watch Craigslist, you will surprised and happy hat you did. Power first, then watch for a good used TS, a floor model DP and a good jointer can be had, check Harbor Freight also, you may be able to get a really good deal at sales and then % off coupons. Build an extension out the back of the table saw (also know as a out feed table) and it will double as a work table. Shop Smith have a good reputation (I have never used one)
 
#17 ·
Good luck and welcome.

I started just in the past 2 years with a 2nd hand miter saw and a new Bosch table saw from HD. I have acquired my tools as I need them (NEED being highly subjective) for a particular project. The few that I bought without a specific need are still sitting in the box unopened….

That method has worked for me.
 
#18 ·
Guys, I am finding Shopsmiith MarkV an CL for about $750….is that in the ball park?

sounds like a lot for a SS. admittedly, i've never been a fan of that "all in one" tool approach. small tables for the TS and BS and not exactly a small footprint. i saw one once close up. made me glad i never got one.

+1 on crank's comments. i think TS's like the linked c-man are where the term CRAPSMAN originated. i've seen that PC TS and one of the WW rags recently tested portable TSs and didn't rate it terribly well.
 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
#20 ·
Henry,

The best advice I can give anyone starting into (Or returning to ) wood working is to find a mentor to assist in many of these decisions. There are a ton of variables that go into selection of tools and machines. Budget, available power, floor/shop space, style of work, projects desired/expected, volume of work just to get started. Find a local club or guild and start there, then find a mentor to help guide the decision making process to the solution that best meets your requirements. All tools and machines have their pluses and minuses and many of the perceived strengths and weaknesses are purely subjective in nature. For example a 5 HP Table saw with a power feeder and all the bells and whistles sure sounds great, until you realize that means building a new shop to accommodate an aircraft carrier with enough power to light a small city just to rip a 2 ft board, Granted this example is a bit of hyperbole but you get the idea. What works for one craftsman, may not work for another. The bottom line is you need to find what works for you in your circumstances.

Here are my recommendations.

Spend some time soul searching on what you want out of your wood working experiences and what kind of wood working suits you. Lots of people really dig scroll saw work, it's not my thing, (I Like turning and using hand tools) Do you want to make this a part time income thing? Do you just want to turn out projects as quickly as possible? Are you a closet tool junkie and the real hobby is collecting and maintaining tools? These all lead to a particular style which influence tool and machine purchases.

Find a local wood working club/mentor (Who doesn't want new friends?)

Don't go out and spend a truckload of money on "The Best" (Unless you really want to). Piecemeal your tool and machine acquisitions based on need and budget.

Don't rule out:
Hand tools (Quieter, less dust, Can be less expensive and IMHO very enjoyable and satisfying)

All in one tools like the Shopsmith (For anyone that thinks a SS can't perform please check out work done by the following LJers shipwright, Gene Howe and 8Iowa)

Benchtop tools smaller is not always a bad thing.

Vintage tools and machines. Lots of good stuff that is more than 50 yrs old there.

I wish you the best, please keep us informed on your decisions and progress.
 
#22 ·
I have seen this question over the last several years on here. Everyone gives thier advise, "you should start with X,Y,Z tools and then get A,B,C tools". Here is the way I see it, take it for what it's worth.

You have a project you want to do. Research the project, see what tools you will need for that project. If you can afford the tools to make the project easier get them, (hence, right tools, right job). If you can't afford that certain tools to make the job easier, research it and see how it was done before high tech tools where made. This will increase your knowledge of woodworking and when you can afford the "big toys" you will appreciate it more.

I am a woodcarver. I have seen people starting out in carving, go out and buy the big sets of tools just because they wanted all the fancy tools. they end up only using half of the tools.

All in all, I suggest, buy what you need, when you need it and soon you will find out what you truely need. It's a trial and error.
 
#24 ·
As one new woodie to another, here's my opinion. You've actually got a decent start. You can do a LOT with the tools you already have as long as you make a couple of accessories (like a straight edge for your circle saw). Overall, though, I would agree with MyWay. Figure out a project you'd like to make, what tools you need to make it and compare that to what you have. If there is a MAJOR tool missing (like a router or planer or jointer) see if you can get one.
That being said, a decent quality table saw, band saw and router would be a really good start in my opinion.

Welcome back to sawdust land.
 
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