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#1
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power tools -- price vs quality?
Keep up with the internet and magazine article reading. Have you considered
any used tools? If you are patient, you may sometime come up with some nice machinery at a fair price. Try estate sales, auctions, newspaper ads, garages sales. I've upgraded a quite a few times using these sources. Plus when you buy used, you can get your money back out when you sell. Also I hope you aren't going to buy all this equipment at one time. You will learn better care, techniques, when you spread out your purchases. Even with new equipment, feel free to wait for a sale, or rebate. Hope this helps! |
#2
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power tools -- price vs quality?
I had the attitude a couple years ago that all these folks who were down on
cheap and/or imported tools were a bunch of out-of-touch snobs. Then I actually bought some. At least with the experiences I had, I would never, ever again buy anything slightly off-brand or cheaply made. I lost a lot of money and ended up with pretty scrap metal. Grizzly is as far off the beaten path as I'd go, and I wouldn't buy their cheapest stuff. The bench grinder I got from HF was useless. I only buy used qualilty tools these days. I've been getting DeWalt 18V drills for $25-35 off eBay and table saws for free around here. It's amazing what you can find. GTO(John) I'm a potential newbie woodworker, trying to ascertain the likely cost of getting into this. I'm persuaded by all the advice on this newgroup that it's worth springing for a good table saw first and foremost. But I don't have a sense of when it's worthwhile paying more for better (brand?) for other types of equipment. I check the catalogs and, as you all know, there is a considerable spread in price for a given type of equipment. Obviously, I want to be able to get good results so I don't become frustrated and disillusioned with the hobby. On the other hand, I really want to minimize the expense. I'm probably most likely to be doing cabinets, bookshelves, desks, furniture types of things. So, any advice on the following equipment would be appreciated. (Apologies if some of my comments seem naive, but don't hesitate to correct me.) DRILL PRESS -- It seems to me that as long as the 'table' can be set square (or at a set angle), and locked tight, anything else is a matter of convenience. So, I'm thinking like a 8" 5-speed Harbor Freight (Central Machinery) or Grizzly for $70-$80. Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? BELT SANDER -- Same rationale. I would think there isn't a lot of reason not to get an inexpensive unit. E.g., a combo 6" disc/36" belt for about $60 from Harbor Freight. Same question: Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? JOINTER -- 6" with a square fence that locks well. Popular Woodworking gave the Grizzly model 1182HW ($305) an Editors Choice award. Yet this is pretty much low-end of the price range (except for benchtop models). Is there any reason to pay for more than this? ROUTER -- I don't understand the ins and outs of routers, but I gather it's worth buying a better unit, though I couldn't tell you why. What are the minimum capabilities I should look for? What brands are adequate for my purpose and what likely price range? PLANER -- (sometime down the road perhaps) It seems like the wisdom is to buy something that produces smooth results with blades that aren't too hard to change. Probably a 12" portable model. Price range perhaps $300 for a decent one. Sound right? DUST COLLECTION -- a very early investment. I've done quite a bit of reading on this so I think I understand the cost/quality issues. Many thanks. |
#3
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power tools -- price vs quality?
"BobAtVandy" wrote in message ... I'm a potential newbie woodworker, trying to ascertain the likely cost of getting into this. You will get plenty of answers and opinions. Consider used tools if you can find a decent deal. Don't buy cheap junk. It is just not worth the hassle. These are tools that can last many years and will make your life simpler. You don't have to drop $10,000 the first time out; but you easily can. Buy what you need as you need it. Consider hand tools over power tools to save money also. Yes, there truly is a difference in the quality of the big names compared to Harbor Freight and the close out stores. DRILL PRESS -- It seems to me that as long as the 'table' can be set square (or at a set angle), and locked tight, anything else is a matter of convenience. So, I'm thinking like a 8" 5-speed Harbor Freight (Central Machinery) or Grizzly for $70-$80. Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? 8" is a bit small. Go for a 10" or 12". Cheap tools are cheap tools. Even a simple drill press. How easy does it adjust? Do you turn a crank to raise and lower the table or do it by hand and hope to get a close adjustment? How good is the chuck? Is there a lot of runout on the chuck making it difficult to make an accurate hole? How easily is the stop set to get the hole depth right? You don't want the bit to slip in a cheap chuck either. BELT SANDER -- Same rationale. I would think there isn't a lot of reason not to get an inexpensive unit. E.g., a combo 6" disc/36" belt for about $60 from Harbor Freight. Same question: Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? What about the table to disc alignment? You do want a perfect 90 degrees, and you want some adjustability. ROUTER -- I don't understand the ins and outs of routers, but I gather it's worth buying a better unit, though I couldn't tell you why. What are the minimum capabilities I should look for? What brands are adequate for my purpose and what likely price range? Smoothness of the motor, how it feels in your hands and how easily it will adjust. Take a look at www.patwarner.com for router info. PLANER -- (sometime down the road perhaps) I use my planer a lot and don't have a jointer yet. It is the easiest way to get the wood the thickness I want. You can use hand planes also. |
#4
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power tools -- price vs quality?
Ditto
Most of us have been down the road of "cheap", usually because that's all we could afford and the Sear's ad came every Sunday with the paper. But having tossed too many tools with very little hours on them, we learned. But some thoughts just the same... Drill press is nice to own but not necessary...whatever you buy will most likely come from the same factory in the far east...I loved my old Delta 16-900 and hate it's big sister that replaced it. Belt sander is also nice to have but not necessary...I had an AMT model with 9" disc and 6x48 belt that worked great. I think the 48" belt is better since the underlying bed is longer. Watch for belt availability (check the catalogues to see what is a "common" belt"). Jointer...don't know about the Grizzly but at the cheaper end I'm guessing there is probably not much difference between them and Delta or Jet...I have the Delta and was totally disappointed with certain aspects of the design that made set-up a total PITA but it works ok...able to adjust to keep the fence square to the table and that is the important part. Router...buy a good one...lesson learned the hard way by me (2 Crapsman in the trash)...I got a PC 690 and was amazed at the difference when I hit the trigger...good ones have 1/4" and 1/2" collets (spend the bucks for bits for the latter if you can) and now come in kits that lets you interchange a plunge base a with fixed base... Good luck!!! "GTO69RA4" wrote in message ... I had the attitude a couple years ago that all these folks who were down on cheap and/or imported tools were a bunch of out-of-touch snobs. Then I actually bought some. At least with the experiences I had, I would never, ever again buy anything slightly off-brand or cheaply made. I lost a lot of money and ended up with pretty scrap metal. Grizzly is as far off the beaten path as I'd go, and I wouldn't buy their cheapest stuff. The bench grinder I got from HF was useless. I only buy used qualilty tools these days. I've been getting DeWalt 18V drills for $25-35 off eBay and table saws for free around here. It's amazing what you can find. GTO(John) I'm a potential newbie woodworker, trying to ascertain the likely cost of getting into this. I'm persuaded by all the advice on this newgroup that it's worth springing for a good table saw first and foremost. But I don't have a sense of when it's worthwhile paying more for better (brand?) for other types of equipment. I check the catalogs and, as you all know, there is a considerable spread in price for a given type of equipment. Obviously, I want to be able to get good results so I don't become frustrated and disillusioned with the hobby. On the other hand, I really want to minimize the expense. I'm probably most likely to be doing cabinets, bookshelves, desks, furniture types of things. So, any advice on the following equipment would be appreciated. (Apologies if some of my comments seem naive, but don't hesitate to correct me.) DRILL PRESS -- It seems to me that as long as the 'table' can be set square (or at a set angle), and locked tight, anything else is a matter of convenience. So, I'm thinking like a 8" 5-speed Harbor Freight (Central Machinery) or Grizzly for $70-$80. Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? BELT SANDER -- Same rationale. I would think there isn't a lot of reason not to get an inexpensive unit. E.g., a combo 6" disc/36" belt for about $60 from Harbor Freight. Same question: Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? JOINTER -- 6" with a square fence that locks well. Popular Woodworking gave the Grizzly model 1182HW ($305) an Editors Choice award. Yet this is pretty much low-end of the price range (except for benchtop models). Is there any reason to pay for more than this? ROUTER -- I don't understand the ins and outs of routers, but I gather it's worth buying a better unit, though I couldn't tell you why. What are the minimum capabilities I should look for? What brands are adequate for my purpose and what likely price range? PLANER -- (sometime down the road perhaps) It seems like the wisdom is to buy something that produces smooth results with blades that aren't too hard to change. Probably a 12" portable model. Price range perhaps $300 for a decent one. Sound right? DUST COLLECTION -- a very early investment. I've done quite a bit of reading on this so I think I understand the cost/quality issues. Many thanks. |
#5
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power tools -- price vs quality?
"BobAtVandy" writes: I'm a potential newbie woodworker, trying to ascertain the likely cost of getting into this. More than you want to spend.G Isn't that always the case? If money spent for tools is a primary issue, find another hobby. I'm persuaded by all the advice on this newgroup that it's worth springing for a good table saw first and foremost. But I don't have a sense of when it's worthwhile paying more for better (brand?) for other types of equipment. I check the catalogs and, as you all know, there is a considerable spread in price for a given type of equipment. Who was it that said, "Figures don't lie, but liars can figure"? Obviously, I want to be able to get good results so I don't become frustrated and disillusioned with the hobby. On the other hand, I really want to minimize the expense. I'm probably most likely to be doing cabinets, bookshelves, desks, furniture types of things. What you are considering building is not trivial. You will need good equipment to get good results. So, any advice on the following equipment would be appreciated. (Apologies if some of my comments seem naive, but don't hesitate to correct me.) DRILL PRESS -- It seems to me that as long as the 'table' can be set square (or at a set angle), and locked tight, anything else is a matter of convenience. So, I'm thinking like a 8" 5-speed Harbor Freight (Central Machinery) or Grizzly for $70-$80. Garbage. Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? Reliability, repeatability, ease of setup, ease of use, etc, etc. BELT SANDER -- Same rationale. I would think there isn't a lot of reason not to get an inexpensive unit. E.g., a combo 6" disc/36" belt for about $60 from Harbor Freight. More garbage. Same question: Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? Same answer, see above. JOINTER -- 6" with a square fence that locks well. Popular Woodworking gave the Grizzly model 1182HW ($305) an Editors Choice award. Yet this is pretty much low-end of the price range (except for benchtop models). Is there any reason to pay for more than this? Depends on what you consider acceptable. They wouldn't meet my standards, but then maybe I'm just fussy. I also don't have a lot of time to waste. ROUTER -- I don't understand the ins and outs of routers, but I gather it's worth buying a better unit, though I couldn't tell you why. What are the minimum capabilities I should look for? What brands are adequate for my purpose and what likely price range? Porter Cable worte the definitive standard. If you can beat their performance, at a lower price, then do it. PLANER -- (sometime down the road perhaps) It seems like the wisdom is to buy something that produces smooth results with blades that aren't too hard to change. Probably a 12" portable model. Price range perhaps $300 for a decent one. Sound right? Maybe, as the song goes, "The times they are a changin". Wait to you want to buy, then ask again. DUST COLLECTION -- a very early investment. I've done quite a bit of reading on this so I think I understand the cost/quality issues. No comment on D/C, don't need one. One final comment. You need to buy some cheap crappy tools and try to use them to get rid of what I call, "The Harbor Freight Syndrome". After you have been burned, you will understand why lots of folks on this list including me, suggest you only endure the pain once and buy the best tool you can afford, when you need it. HTH -- Lew S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the Southland) Visit: http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett for Pictures |
#6
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power tools -- price vs quality?
On Mon, 11 Aug 2003 21:19:50 -0400, "BobAtVandy"
wrote: DRILL PRESS -- It seems to me that as long as the 'table' can be set square (or at a set angle), and locked tight, anything else is a matter of convenience. Run out. A 1/8" hole should be a 1/8" hole. Too much run out will destroy your accuracy. A perfect drill press will turn perfectly true, one with too much run out will cause the tip of the bit to wobble. BELT SANDER -- Same rationale. I would think there isn't a lot of reason not to get an inexpensive unit. E.g., a combo 6" disc/36" belt for about $60 from Harbor Freight. Same question: Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? Dust collection capabilities! Sanders make a LOT of dust, so this is important. JOINTER -- 6" with a square fence that locks well. Popular Woodworking gave the Grizzly model 1182HW ($305) an Editors Choice award. Yet this is pretty much low-end of the price range (except for benchtop models). Is there any reason to pay for more than this? All you need are flat fences and flat tables. I picked up a Ridgid for the same price as the Grizz delivered, and it's great. Nothing sexy about a jointer. G It's either accurate or it's not. There are folks here with the Grizz 6", so I'm sure you'll get information. ROUTER -- I don't understand the ins and outs of routers, but I gather it's worth buying a better unit, though I couldn't tell you why. What are the minimum capabilities I should look for? What brands are adequate for my purpose and what likely price range? Do a Google search on 1617EVS, Porter Cable, and Dewalt. This is a whole topic in itself. You can get a great unit, suitable for table mounting or hand held use, with multiple bases for ~$200, from any of the three companies. I prefer the Bosch 1617EVS, others the PC 693. I don't think you'd go wrong with either. PLANER -- (sometime down the road perhaps) It seems like the wisdom is to buy something that produces smooth results with blades that aren't too hard to change. Probably a 12" portable model. Price range perhaps $300 for a decent one. Sound right? Right. Remember, the jointer and the planer go TOGETHER! G I'm very happy with my DeWalt 733, which is currently being redesigned. There are plenty to choose from in the $300-350 range, all work great. Barry |
#7
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power tools -- price vs quality?
BobAtVandy wrote: I'm a potential newbie woodworker, trying to ascertain the likely cost of getting into this. Your first mistake...do not even think about money .... that is you wives job! your job will be to get into her purse... I'm persuaded by all the advice on this newgroup that it's worth springing for a good table saw first and foremost. Yep I happen to agree that the Tablesaw ranks as "kind" of important... But I don't have a sense of when it's worthwhile paying more for better (brand?) for other types of equipment. Buy the tool you need ONLY when you absolutely need it...The first tool to purchase after the Tablesaw would be a tape measure...A GOOD ONE... I check the catalogs and, as you all know, there is a considerable spread in price for a given type of equipment. Obviously, I want to be able to get good results so I don't become frustrated and disillusioned with the hobby. On the other hand, I really want to minimize the expense. I'm probably most likely to be doing cabinets, bookshelves, desks, furniture types of things. After 40+ years as a serious woodworker I still have no idea what I will be making next week... I may discover a love for turning bowls... So, any advice on the following equipment would be appreciated. (Apologies if some of my comments seem naive, but don't hesitate to correct me.) Its not my style to beat around the bush... so have no fear...but remember I sure as the devil am not an expert... DRILL PRESS -- It seems to me that as long as the 'table' can be set square (or at a set angle), and locked tight, anything else is a matter of convenience. So, I'm thinking like a 8" 5-speed Harbor Freight (Central Machinery) or Grizzly for $70-$80. Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? Waste of money... Honest... My drill presses (plural) are and continue to be workhorses I use them a lot more then most of my tools...AND not necessarily for woodworking.... My home, cars, lawn equiptment etc seems to need a lot of upkeep...and I find a drill press to be a very handy tool... BELT SANDER -- Same rationale. I would think there isn't a lot of reason not to get an inexpensive unit. E.g., a combo 6" disc/36" belt for about $60 from Harbor Freight. Same question: Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? I do have a 6 x 48 in stationary belt sander and a 9 in (I think).. disc and yes I use it...BUT not very much....in fact the disc has not had sandpaper attached to it in years... A hand held ROS would be a better choice JOINTER -- 6" with a square fence that locks well. Popular Woodworking gave the Grizzly model 1182HW ($305) an Editors Choice award. Yet this is pretty much low-end of the price range (except for benchtop models). Is there any reason to pay for more than this? Extremely hard question to answer... I still use my original Rockwell 6 in jointer I purchased 40 years ago... I would not buy it today BUT heck it works and it has lasted me 40 years.. I would be strongly tempted to tell you to fo for it... after checking out Delta,Jet and Ridgid ROUTER -- I don't understand the ins and outs of routers, but I gather it's worth buying a better unit, though I couldn't tell you why. What are the minimum capabilities I should look for? What brands are adequate for my purpose and what likely price range? I have 6 routers...even the seldom used cheap unit will do 70 percent of what I need a router for... Just buy one that has both 1/4 and 1/2 in collets...ALL routers are cheap...when compared to the cost of the bits you will end up buying... believe me... PLANER -- (sometime down the road perhaps) It seems like the wisdom is to buy something that produces smooth results with blades that aren't too hard to change. Probably a 12" portable model. Price range perhaps $300 for a decent one. Sound right? You are correct...do not think about one until you GET down that road in a few years...until then spend a few extra bucks and purchase surfaced lumber and restrict your projects to those using normal dementioned lumber DUST COLLECTION -- a very early investment. I've done quite a bit of reading on this so I think I understand the cost/quality issues. ================================================= ====== Sorry BUT I do not agree on this... I have 2 Dust Collectors and 2 air filters in my shop...BUT I worked in my shop(s) for over 25 years using a dust mask BEFORE I ever heard of any dust collectors for a home shop... FOR NOW get a dust mask IF you are concerned about your health... If it is dust getting into your house and the wife is complaning then you better deal with it ... Cheap tools are fine IF you only need to use them once... BUT unless you have a need for a tool... all are expensive... Most money I ever wasted on a tool was for a cheap transmission jack that I have never needed...BUT IT WAS CHEAP... it was a waste of money ! lol Bob Griffiths |
#8
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power tools -- price vs quality?
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
What about the table to disc alignment? You do want a perfect 90 degrees, and you want some adjustability. I don't agree on this point. My 36" belt/disc sander is the only tool I have where I really shopped around extensively to see what was what. As far as I can tell, HF, Grizzly, Craftsman and Delta all sell exactly the same 36" belt/disc sander. Minor variations on the plastic bits, and not all of them come with a dust collector port, but the castings and metal bits seemed quite identical. I bought the Delta because I caught it on sale for less than any of the others, but I don't feel like I got a better sander because of the Delta nameplate. They're all MIT, all assembled/adjusted exactly the same way. The motors might be different I guess. I didn't look at the motors. -- Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621 Confirmed post number: 17173 Approximate word count: 515190 http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/ |
#9
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power tools -- price vs quality?
BobAtVandy wrote:
JOINTER -- 6" with a square fence that locks well. Popular Woodworking gave the Grizzly model 1182HW ($305) an Editors Choice award. Yet this is pretty much low-end of the price range (except for benchtop models). Is there any reason to pay for more than this? Think about an 8" model, rather than a 6". I bought my 6" jet to edge joint the lumber, not realizing that I needed to surface-plane the face of the lumber before running it through the planner - big mistake. |
#10
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power tools -- price vs quality?
T'all depends on what you're planning to build (which you did identify
in your post) and what style, among other things. How much solid wood work are you thinking you'll be doing? It's quite possible, for certain styles, to build furniture almost totally outta plywood with little solid wood. Wood can be bought S4S and even pre cut to your needed widths if you find the right supplier (NOT HD!). Where I'm going is, you might get away, initially, without a table saw. Or jointer, or planer. Or some other big ticket items. Rather, (to present another idea) get a good circular saw ($100-150), good blade(s) and good router( ~$200+). Plus some router bits (more $ than the router potentially). Maybe throw in a good jigsaw (Milwaukee or Bosch (THE name in jigsaws, Leon) ~$150+) in the mix eventually. Oh, and you'll need some sanders - a ROS and 1/4 pad. A drill too. Maybe a small (or not so small) drill press, particularly if you're gonna be drill those shelf support holes in cabinets and bookshelves. Some hand tools too, prolly. This way you get a feel for the hobby without too major an investment, are able to build some things, and can add equipment as you figure things out and are financially able. I'd stay away from cheap stuff cause you usually get what you pay for. ANd, end up paying for it in other ways. Read the other comments for more on this. While you might get away with HF clamps on certain projects, you ain't gonna get far (I'd guess) with a HF power tool. Besides, the differences in functionality, ergonomics (for lack of a better word), etc. are usually quite noticeable between the cheap tools and the better ones. Can't forget the day I first used my new Bosch jigsaw after putting up with the el cheapo B&D jigsaw (it wasn't a frequently used tool so I didn't justify a new one for quite a while) - like nite and day. Not to say you have to go overboard and get the ultimate like maybe Festool, but do spring for the semi/pro stuff. Just a couple cents worth Renata On Mon, 11 Aug 2003 21:19:50 -0400, "BobAtVandy" wrote: I'm a potential newbie woodworker, trying to ascertain the likely cost of getting into this. I'm persuaded by all the advice on this newgroup that it's worth springing for a good table saw first and foremost. But I don't have a sense of when it's worthwhile paying more for better (brand?) for other types of equipment. I check the catalogs and, as you all know, there is a considerable spread in price for a given type of equipment. Obviously, I want to be able to get good results so I don't become frustrated and disillusioned with the hobby. On the other hand, I really want to minimize the expense. I'm probably most likely to be doing cabinets, bookshelves, desks, furniture types of things. So, any advice on the following equipment would be appreciated. (Apologies if some of my comments seem naive, but don't hesitate to correct me.) --snip-- |
#11
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power tools -- price vs quality?
Don't buy all that. Firm up the motivation first. Invest in a course
at the nearest place that teaches any sort of woodworking. Having nifty tools doesn't mean you will like woodworking. (I've saved money buying barely used high ticket tools from people who wanted to make a cradle for their first baby and didn't have another spare MINUTE after that and now the kid's in school and needs braces so they're selling.) The first thing to think about isn't, "What great project can I make with a room full of high priced tools?" A better first question might be, "How do I save myself from exposure to cancerous effluent and keep all my fingers and other body parts, such as eyes -- while I'm spending money making a book case?" Review WHY you have generated the list. Look at underlying restraints. A dust collector isn't as necessary if you use HAND TOOLS, which have produced most of the items which attract people to woodworking. Consider doing it that way - hand tools first. Start small. Do a few tiny, simple projects and buy only the tools needed to complete them. It might turn out that you like one or two aspects of woodworking but not the stuff that requires the rest of the workshop. Many MANY professional woodworkers in the Middle East and Mexico make houses filled with beautiful furniture using a tool set they can fit into a couple of lunch buckets. Bring them a magazine and they can duplicate any furniture in it using only that handful of old tools. Don't assume the people you read about in magazines needed all that power equipment to do the job. If the drive to buy buy buy big motorworks is too strong, get Festool. Then if you do NOT like woodworking as a hobby, you'll get most of the money back selling used. (That's one major reason for buying big brand names, IMHO. If you need to sell, you lose less money.) While you're finding out if this is for you, you are nearly dustfree and also QUIET, so you've done little damage to yourself even if the "trial period" is several years long. If it turns out you love woodworking, you've started with an extremely fine set of tools that you won't outgrow. IMHO, that's the low risk/high value strategy. By the way, have you budgeted for the "accessories" you'll need? Buying the TOOLS is a start. What about clamps? Finishing supplies? Plans and wood? Storage for all of it during construction? Lighting in the shop (are you going to quit your day job to work on the hobby)? Cold weather and rains might be here in a few months, can you heat the space? Keep it dry? Does it need new flooring, roofing or insulation to hold those tools and works in progress safely and conveniently? Noise, safety, performance, vision, lungs, financial prudence -- these are not trivial but they are not tools either, yet consideration of these issues should inform your tool choices. Don't start with the tool list, IMHO. Look for a USER GROUP and mentoring. Easiest way to find that nearby is to take a class. Sure can't hurt, right? "BobAtVandy" wrote in message . .. I'm a potential newbie woodworker, trying to ascertain the likely cost of getting into this. I'm persuaded by all the advice on this newgroup that it's worth springing for a good table saw first and foremost. But I don't have a sense of when it's worthwhile paying more for better (brand?) for other types of equipment. I check the catalogs and, as you all know, there is a considerable spread in price for a given type of equipment. Obviously, I want to be able to get good results so I don't become frustrated and disillusioned with the hobby. On the other hand, I really want to minimize the expense. I'm probably most likely to be doing cabinets, bookshelves, desks, furniture types of things. So, any advice on the following equipment would be appreciated. (Apologies if some of my comments seem naive, but don't hesitate to correct me.) DRILL PRESS -- It seems to me that as long as the 'table' can be set square (or at a set angle), and locked tight, anything else is a matter of convenience. So, I'm thinking like a 8" 5-speed Harbor Freight (Central Machinery) or Grizzly for $70-$80. Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? BELT SANDER -- Same rationale. I would think there isn't a lot of reason not to get an inexpensive unit. E.g., a combo 6" disc/36" belt for about $60 from Harbor Freight. Same question: Are there any compelling/quality issues that should require me to spend more? If so, what? JOINTER -- 6" with a square fence that locks well. Popular Woodworking gave the Grizzly model 1182HW ($305) an Editors Choice award. Yet this is pretty much low-end of the price range (except for benchtop models). Is there any reason to pay for more than this? ROUTER -- I don't understand the ins and outs of routers, but I gather it's worth buying a better unit, though I couldn't tell you why. What are the minimum capabilities I should look for? What brands are adequate for my purpose and what likely price range? PLANER -- (sometime down the road perhaps) It seems like the wisdom is to buy something that produces smooth results with blades that aren't too hard to change. Probably a 12" portable model. Price range perhaps $300 for a decent one. Sound right? DUST COLLECTION -- a very early investment. I've done quite a bit of reading on this so I think I understand the cost/quality issues. Many thanks. |
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