Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 23, 2010 05:48pm | #1

   tool ordering

   In my view, you listed the tools in the right order - TS, bandsaw, drill press. I haven't checked the specs for the specific models you listed, but you may find the 14" bandsaw limiting. There, I'd get the largest model you can afford. I have an 18", and it's still too small at times, corcing work-arounds. I also question putting a router on the TS extension. What happens when you need to cut a piece of wood after you've spent an hour setting up a precision operation on the router table? Oops.

   If you usually have a helper available, and have a nice big outfeed table, you can certainly wrestle with sheet goods on the TS. If you need to work alone, however, the first time you use the Festool circular saw iwth the guide rails (and, preferably, theeir dust extraction units), you'll be glad you spend the money. I bought the TS-55 for sheet goods, and love it. I've since stopped ribbing Festool owners for the cost of their tools.

   For drawers, I'd also suggest you look at a dovetailing machine, either Porter Cable or Leigh, and a couple of good routers with both fixed and plunge bases. I use the PC 4215 Dovetail machine and PC 690-series routers for hand-held routing. The PC 4215 handles widths up to 12" and has both standard and mini templates for through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints. If you anticipate needing to work with wider stock, look at the 24" PC OmniJig. I also recommend Pat Warner's precision (clear) router bases to replace the stock black bases on the routers.

   http://www.patwarner.com/index.html

2. 
   hianupam | Dec 25, 2010 11:54am | #2

   Thanks for the advice

   Ralph, thanks for the insigh...especially on the router table mounted on the ts.

3. 
   Frank Vucolo | Dec 27, 2010 02:50pm | #3

   Trio

   As a beginner, I think the first order of business is being able to prepare stock that is properly dimensioned. That is, a flat surface on one face, free of twist, cup, etc; an opposite face that is flat and parallel to the first, and two edges that are 90 to the face, straight, flat and parallel to each other.

   There are two primary routes to this end. One is to have considerable skill with hand tools, the other is a trio of power tools: Table Saw, Jointer, Planer. 

   So my recommendation would be to go that route: Table Saw, Planer, Jointer. A 12-13 inch bench top planer is fine. An 8" jointer would be great, but a 6" is a good start. 

   After you establish the trio, i like the idea of a bandsaw, drill press and router table. And I agree with Ralph. Go with a separate router table if possible. 

   Good luck!

   Frank

4. 
   roc | Dec 28, 2010 12:46am | #4

   Just one man's perspective

   Usually when one of my friends or acquaintances starts talking about women and dating and "getting back out there" I usually say oh forget about all that and take up a nice hobby . . .  like fine woodworking.  In the end you'll thank me.

   In your case I would say forget about purchasing all those additional power tools . . . 

   Take up dating, find a nice girl ( who already has a shop full of the tools you listed ) and settle down.

   :    )

   hope that helps

5. 
   Knotscott | Dec 31, 2010 06:25pm | #5

   Everyone's methods and tool requirements are different.  There's really no right or wrong. Most of us use what we have until we can get what we want/need.  A good TS has always been the primary tool in my shop, and it looks like you've made a good choice. (alignment and blade selection is the key to good performance for all of them).  

   A BS and DP are both useful tools, but they were much farther down my list.  Planer and router are more important to me.  A planer is key step towards dimensioning hardwoods...it's best when used in tandem with a jointer, but it's a good first step.

   A router table is pretty useful too.

6. 
   bmwz3coupe | Jan 01, 2011 11:48am | #6

   Go the Craigslist route

   Use Craigslist in your surronding areas to wheel and deal to upgrade all your tools. Be willing to travel 50 - 100 miles for the extra special deals. There are some killer deals out there if you keep daily looking for them.

7. 
   blopar | Jan 02, 2011 11:05am | #7

   Some may recall an artical by Gary Rogowski in an earlier tools and shops where he suggested that the table saw is only an "essential" when making case pieces(pararhrased of course). He suggested a band saw, jointer planer, router and drill press with a TS added later. Like most my first large tool purchase was a tablesaw and thought that it truly was essential. However two years ago when we decided to move I had to downsize to just a few tools and chose a band saw, jointer and planer as well as hand held power tools and hand tools. Much to my surprise I found that I could do everything with those tools that I did with the table saw without much sacrifice. I had regularly sized sheetgoods with a shop made straight edge saw guide before and found that dadoes could be reproduced with a similar guide and router in far less time.

   I now consider these tools essential and only use the TS to rip stock and sheetgoods to final dimension.

8. 
   roc | Jan 02, 2011 03:46pm | #8

   I was trying not to say anything this time but glad you said it.

   >band saw now TS added later<

   I agree. 

   I bought TS first but really needed the bandsaw first more than the TS. I wanted to make drawers from stock thinner than out of the lumber rack. I hand resawed but don't recommend that past small size stuff; and there was more waste than if I had resawed on BS.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 03, 2011 10:56am | #9

   forward planning

   Had you planned ahead, Roc, you would have nourished the trees with thin water, so they would grow thin boards.  ;-)

1. 
   roc | Jan 05, 2011 03:50am | #10

   Planning. Did I mention my file drawers . . .

    full of notes and project planning.  And some day I will buy that last perfect tool that will make them all materialize with ease.

    Now you see why it takes me so long to make stuff.  I gotta wait for the thin water trees to grow to maturity.

   :   )