I've pretty much just gone through the same scenario that you're
describing, only I'm about 2 years ahead of your curve. I just
finished equiping my shop with all of the things you want to get. I've
probably got as many name brands as tools I own including: Delta,
Grizzly, Craftsman, Harbor frieght, Ryobi, Hitachi, porter cable,
Yorkcraft!

I've come to feel that certain tools represent bargains, others are a
waste of money (i.e. cheep but not worth it). I suggest you do google
searches on this site to get testimonials on the major tools you want
to buy, then e-mail some of the owners and see how things held up.
Most people will mail you back. I found this approach to work pretty
well for most tools. Example, the Harbor Freight dust collection unit
which regularly goes on sale for $150 represents one of the great
bargains (in my mind anyway). Keep in mind the amount of time you will
be using each tool and also use that to consider how "high end" you
want to go. Finally, I would recommend getting the Grizzly catalogue,
They sell everything you will want, most of it at good prices and
pretty good quality. (Consider Yorkcraft for your 6" jointer: that
too represents one of those bargains!)
Good luck




Justa Beginner wrote:
Hi everyone, been lurking around for week or so now trying to get the
gist
of the group. Anyhow the wife has given me the go ahead to start
buying
some woodworking tools for my new hobby. For the last 10 years or so
have
not been able to do much physical work because of some illnesses but
within
the last year I have been doing quite well. So now with the signing
of a
new contract at work I will be getting a few thousand dollars in back
pay
which wife is allowing me to spend on my new hobby. Was looking at
outfitting my entire shop. Table saw, jointer, planer. dust
collection,
band saw, drill press, dust collection, some air tools and a
multitude of
hand tools, ie, biscuit joiner, drills, sanders, circular saw, jig
saw,
clamps, router, etc. I've worked as a carpenter for a number of
years when
i was younger so I have a pretty good idea of safety, how to use
tools and
what the different tools can be used for and not be used for. Now
sinse I
do not have a whole lot of money to go out and buy top of line tools
I have
been looking at the Delta Shopmaster line and thats pretty much the
direction I am leaning to. Where I live in Canada, norwestern
ontario,
there are not alot of options as to where and what brands of tools I
can
purchase and see before purchasing but have seen Delta tools at a few

places. My projects are not going to too detailed to start with.
The wife
wants a new garbage can and maybe some toyboxes for the kids, and
maybe a
new tv stand for the rec room. Anyways was just wondering what you
folks
thought of the Delta Shopmaster line of power tools. Good? Bad? or
just
useless? Thanks in advance for any insight or comments and sorry for
the
longish post.