Andy H wrote:
Hi Gang,
Heres some background. I work in my garage(SHOP!!) and I have a
nice 50" Jet TS and an old Dewalt RAS and crappy ryobi router.
Lately I have had delusions of grandeur, thinking about doing some
more serious side work. I have a commission to do 7 small carts and
another to do an entertainment center. These are from the same client.
I am in a position to invest in the shop a bit and I can justify
about $5-$600. Im thinking of getting a 2hp Dust collector (Shop Fox),
a Triton 2-1/4 HP Router, and a forrest WWII blade.

Im getting a PC nailer set out of what I make for these 7 carts.
i dont have a jointer or planer but I dont have much need for them at
this moment. Althought I do have a bunch of raw Black Walnut boards
that need planing.
My work is pretty varied. A bunch of cabinet stuff, but I want to
get into some fine blanket chests, furniture n stuff.


Im open to other suggestions. Help me spend my money!

I'd say hold onto your money until you really know what you _need_ to do
what you're trying to do, myself. (I know, like LRod, I'm up for the
heresy stake! ).

I agree w/ Leon for what it sounds like you have/intend, the DC early on
would seem to be a luxury that probably won't accomplish that much in
terms of what it can actually capture at the source which is their real
advantage.

OTOH, for what I typically do/way I've become accustomed to work, the
jointer is probably the secondmost used of the stationary tools behind
(barely) the tablesaw and planer. But, I reclaim a lot of old stuff
that isn't that flat often unlike Leon don't much care for the trouble
involved in trying to do that step w/ the planer.

I don't know what you're using for a blade on the TS now, but while I
agree the WWII is excellent, there are others less expensive. But, if
your heart is set on it, I won't say you would go wrong there as an
investment.

For the router, can't comment too much on Triton; never had opportunity
to see one even--been satisfied w/ the Hitachi and Makita I have (and I
can't think of models, undoubtedly they're now old enough to be out of
production anyway) but for most stuff I use the shaper rather than
router anyway unless it's smaller or need the plunge or the mobility of
working on fixed pieces.

But, as rare as it is in the rec, I really think when you know what
you need is the time to go shopping, not just when you have a whim. IOW,
start on your projects and see where you're stuck doing something the
hard way and then decide what it takes to solve that problem. You'll
probably be happier in the long run.

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