On Sat, 20 Dec 2003 11:55:12 GMT, Expert Woodworker
wrote:

Then you will have the self-procalimed experts (like some of the regulars
of this newsgroup) who will tell you to start out with only the best. This
is nothing but pure liquid hogwash! There is no reason you need to blow
your life savings on power tools to get started as a woodworker.

Agreed!

I have put together a list of medium-caliber power tools

Whaaa?

$119 US General - TABLE SAW (with stand)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46987

A high quality handheld circular saw with a good rip guide would be a
far better investment than this POS.


$79.99 Chicago Electric - 3 HP PLUNGE ROUTER
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=37793

Sounds too good to be true. This is scary.

$24.99 Chicago Electric - 1/2'' VARIABLE SPEED REVERSIBLE HAMMER DRILL
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45338

Everyone needs a drill, and this one is cheap. This _may_ be usable,
if it's better than the Chicago Electric tools I've fondled.


$49.99 Dewalt - 1/4 SHEET HEAVY DUTY PALM GRIP SANDER
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1284

Why a 1/4 sheet over a ROS? A Porter Cable 333 can be had for a few
bucks more and would be far more versatile.


$39.99 Central Pneumatic - 1/4'' AIR SCREWDRIVER
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45266

What beginner NEEDS an air screwdriver? A standard screwdriver is $3,
and screws can be driven with the cheapo VSR drill you've already
listed. How is this air screwdriver going to be used? Should the
beginner blow in the air hole to get the blade spinning? Or is it
intended as a doorstop until a compressor is obtained?


$6.49 Chicago Electric - GLUE GUN
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47445

WHY?

$39.99 Chicago Electric - BISCUIT JOINER KIT
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38648

A good dowelling jig is more accurate than a cheap plate joiner at the
same price.

$39.99 Wagner - POWER PAINTER
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=30760

Now the BS is getting really deep. G

$34.99 Chicago Electric - 7-1/4'' CIRCULAR SAW
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46866

Not needed if the PSO table saw is dumped in favor of a high-end
circular saw.

You will want to buy better blades for the 2 saws,

Good advice.

Keep in mind, this is not high end
stuff, but then again is is not the bottom of the barrel.

Umm, yes it is... G

You can check
around the HF site, but I would go with the list above. They sell cheaper
models for almost each tool on the list, but these have all been tested by
a professional with more than 40 years experience, yours truly!

Experience at what? Unloading containers from China at Harbor
Freight? How about posting photos of some of your work?

Are you associated in some way with Harbor Freight? It certainly
looks like you are.

IN THE NEXT EPISODE 2: How to use your table saw

I just can't wait, please hurry!

Barry