I've just finished building my shop - it's 22' x 13' (~280sq ft), not yet insulated/heated, and I have a mitre saw along with a few basic power tools/hand tools. I've been given some money to help me get set up, so I'm looking for advice before I spend the money, so I can be wise with it and a) start myself off as best as I can, and b) show the most respect for the money I've been given.
I mostly get orders for tables right now, and do the odd bed/kitchen island/repainting job. These are mostly of the 'rustic' variety, which is popular in my area and has a low entry requirement in terms of skill. Also, I've been given access to a giant old animal barn and can disassemble it at my leisure. Most of the boards are oak, from 1 1/2" to 3 1/2" x 8" to 12". Incredible stuff, with huge 6"sq posts as well. I hope to use this to make many tables and beds, with some of it quite raw in style and others somewhat modern after having heavily planed the boards.
So - I think I need, in this order, a table saw, planer, jointer. Band saw can wait, compressor can wait, dust collection can wait. They have to, really.
How would you best spend $1000 if you were in my position? I'm looking on Craigslist (around Memphis/Jackson TN) and mostly see Craftsman 10" 'contractor' table saws, the old delta/ridgid. Should I keep looking for a cabinet saw, or settle for a contractor style base and save money in the short run? Similarly the planer, I think I'll be happy enough with a portable 12" thickness planer for now, and a small 6" jointer, but what should I be looking out for? My shop has both 120v and 240v, so there are no concerns there.
Thanks all for your help.
I mostly get orders for tables right now, and do the odd bed/kitchen island/repainting job. These are mostly of the 'rustic' variety, which is popular in my area and has a low entry requirement in terms of skill. Also, I've been given access to a giant old animal barn and can disassemble it at my leisure. Most of the boards are oak, from 1 1/2" to 3 1/2" x 8" to 12". Incredible stuff, with huge 6"sq posts as well. I hope to use this to make many tables and beds, with some of it quite raw in style and others somewhat modern after having heavily planed the boards.
So - I think I need, in this order, a table saw, planer, jointer. Band saw can wait, compressor can wait, dust collection can wait. They have to, really.
How would you best spend $1000 if you were in my position? I'm looking on Craigslist (around Memphis/Jackson TN) and mostly see Craftsman 10" 'contractor' table saws, the old delta/ridgid. Should I keep looking for a cabinet saw, or settle for a contractor style base and save money in the short run? Similarly the planer, I think I'll be happy enough with a portable 12" thickness planer for now, and a small 6" jointer, but what should I be looking out for? My shop has both 120v and 240v, so there are no concerns there.
Thanks all for your help.