Here’s the situation:
I own a contractor’s saw, six routers, two compound miter saws and a few other minor woodworking power tools, and I plan to set up a shop in the next year (starting with the building this spring). What I want to do is 18th c. furniture reproductions, and some limited cabinetry (built-in’s, studies, high-end kitchens).
I’ll need a fair amount of machinery, probably including a cabinet saw, and am wondering how should I determine what order I should buy these machines. I see a need for a jointer, a planer, a shaper and a bandsaw; sizes are up in the air, really.
I’m considering a jointer/planer combo machine, primarily for its frugal footprint and the jointer’s width (at least 12″), but am a little unsure of the convenience (or inconvenience) of preparing stock in this type of set-up. Maybe switching between functions isn’t that big a deal.
As for a shaper, I think a tilting arbor is a must, but a sliding table isn’t something I can’t do without. I’d think 3hp is the least I’d go for, but I’m not sure about brands; I’d go USA-made or European long before Taiwan on any machinery.
As for a bandsaw, should I buy one big saw (18″ to 24″ or so) and use it for everything, or would I be better off to pair it with one of the ubiquitous 14″ saws (which seem cramped to me) or a 16″?
I’m not a millionaire or anything, but I can afford quality machinery; I just can’t splurge and buy it all at once. I don’t like to buy small and trade up; I’d rather do without until I can afford the bigger, better machine (which is why I kick myself about the contractor’s saw; it’ll turn into a Model 66 before too long)
Thanks for any input you guys can share.
Replies
Pretty lofty aspirations there, good luck! I would probably say buy one at a time, and buy good stuff. I might say Planer, then Jointer at first. Then follow up with the shaper, bandsaw, and cabinet saw as you think you need. For 18th century repro, you will probably need the jointer & planer the most. A lot of work uses moldings which point to shaper, but your routers can fudge that. Bandsaw would probably come in more handy maybe?
Tom
I'm not sure about the combo machines. If space were and issue, yes; but I think these machines are something of a compromise. (They all seem too "cramped" to me with their small tables.)
Why a tilting arbor on the shaper? One can easily change the angle of the stock by building a jig. Unless you go with custom shaper cutters, you're rather limited in the number of profiles available. Why not a standard shaper and add a planer/moulder instead? The knives are relatively easy to make and the number of profiles almost unlimited.
I'd go with the bigger bandsaw. I like my 14" Jet, but when it comes to resawing I'm really pushing it to get the job done.
If you want U.S. made but don't want Craftsman or Ridge, you'll probably have to look at the used stuff. There's a lot of it out there and most of it beats the hell out of the new machines.
Jeff
Thanks for the tips...I suppose you're right about the shaper & angling the stock; a jig would reproduce it more consistently and faster than tilting the arbor. As for the molder/planer, I have so much easy access to W&H's at work and other carpenters I work with, it's a moot issue unless I end up moving away!
As for the combo machines, my economical side likes the "2 for 1" jointer/planer combo, but my production side says stop fiddling with the machine and get something done! I've never liked the tablesaw/shaper/kitchen sink affairs, ever since I saw a ShopSmith as a kid! So, I'd rather have a separate jointer and planer, but I want a nice, wide jointer, and they're not cheap!
I figure the smallest bandsaw I'd be interested in is 16". I like the European models, Meber/Laguna in particular. I'm just not sure if I'd be happier with a larger saw, capable of resawing & blade capacity down to 1/8".
Thanks again for the tips!
I saw a jointer/planer combo recently (can't seem to recall the manufacturer) and for a 12" capacity, the price wasn't too bad. There was really no changeover to speak of, as the jointer was on top of the planer with a shared cutterhead. As a planer, 12" is so-so, but the attraction is the 12" jointer. You would probably pay double for a similar sized dedicated jointer. My problem is that the fence was a little small and the beds were too short for a jointer of that width. Also, the cutterhead guard was fussy to use. All in all, if you are prepared to sacrifice length for width, then it might be worth checking out. Of course, there's always hand planing...
Just passing on some thoughts that I've had after reading posts here and articles and reviews in FWW. You already have a contractors saw and compound mitre saw, do you really need a cabinet saw? As an alternative you could get two band saws. The set-up Í've been toying with pairs a Hitachi Resaw Bandsaw with a 14" or maybe an 18" bandsaw. The Hitachi has a 3" (yes 3 inchs) wide blade specifically designed for resawing and can cut material up to 12 1/2 in high. Have others found their thinking going in this direction?
I say look at a Unisaw or a Jet, Unless you are really wanting a PM 66. As far as the planer/jointer affair, I would look long and hard at an 8" Grizzly, not the Z but the $700 G1018HW. It will be all the machine a one man shop needs. As far as the Planer, you will be buying Taiwan unless you buy Euro. I say look at the 15" or 20" Grizzly, Sunhill, or Jet. The Big PM Planer is the same as the Jet.
As far as a shaper, I would choose Grizzly or Delta. If you want to spend more $, then Delta.
You got a 3HP DC? Again, probably cannot beat the Grizzly. Might look at the Penn State. It's what I got.
You will need some hand planes. Here is where I would not hesitate to spend the money. Lie-Neilsen all the way. I would get the regular block, low angle block, the rabbeting block plane (60-1/2R), a #3, #4, #5. If you want/need a #7, I would look for a pre-war Stanley.
You will also need a ton of clamps. I love the K-bodys. Jorgensen's Cabinet Masters look good. They have some nice features. I would look at throwing at least $1500 to clamps. Doing this 18th C stuff, you might want 3 or 4 band clamps also.
Just tell me what you want and give me the money. I will have everything for you in 2 weeks.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled