Replies

1. 
   polarsea1 | Nov 21, 2004 07:05am | #1

   Grit,

   If you can learn to woodwork you can learn to repair tools (not advocating buying broken tools here-). You will need to align and probably assemble new woodworking machinery in any case. In a reasonably populous area used tools/machinery should be readily available.

   Reading the various woodworking forums will give you an idea what is worth buying. Having a knowledgable friend to take with you when you shop for equipment would probably be a good idea too. You can really save some serious money by finding tools or machinery that others are getting rid of because they are upgrading or getting out of the hobby altogether. You can probably find a used contractor's saw for half the price of new, making extra money available to outfit your shop with additional tools. Most decent home woodworking equipment never wears out because even the most enthusiastic hobbiest never puts those kind of hours on it.

   Be aware that you will get a lot of encouragement to buy sh**loads of expensive tools on these forums and that simply isn't the way to start out. If you really take it serioiusly you might think it takes a $10k investment to build a pallet.

   Good luck, Bill 

1. 
   grit | Nov 21, 2004 10:19pm | #2

   Hey Bill,

   Thanks for the advice.  Time to get reading and shopping.  Have a tasty thanksgiving!

   Grit

2. 
   WayneL5 | Nov 21, 2004 10:39pm | #3

   Woodworking tools really don't break down.  There's not much to them.  What is much more common is for cutters to be dull (as on planers and jointers), or for tools to be out of adjustment.

   If you bought new tools you'd have to assemble and adjust them, so you are no worse off with used tool.  Better off, in fact, because there is no assembly.  Resist the temptation to just start using them, rather, spend an hour or two to check all the alignment and adjustments according to the manufacturer's manuals.

1. 
   grit | Nov 22, 2004 08:23pm | #4

   Hey Wayne,

   Good point, used are cheaper and easier (no assembly).  Thanks for the advice.

   Grit

3. 
   kenney66 | Nov 24, 2004 03:02am | #5

   Also you can find some deals on ebay.  I purchase a dewalt plunge router for $30 under market price, also a Delta DJ20 jointer for under 1400 with a 5 yr warranty and another tool.  Just be patient and keep your eyes and ears open.

   Kenney66

    

4. 
   ings | Nov 27, 2004 09:03am | #6

   I've been a carpenter by profession for twenty years, and have learned that both new and old tools have value. A Delta unisaw, for example, is valuable regardless of age... but only invest in Craftsman tools if they ARE old... built in the seventies, say. An electric motor can be replaced, and is not too formidable an expense, but look for obvious detractions from value- like rust, stripped threads, and a motor sound that doesn't sing. Truly- a good table saw, band saw, drill press, planer, shaper- all should stand proud and sing when started, with little or no vibration. But please haggle- a used tool is only worth what someone will pay for it. I'm about to invest a thousand dollars in a new bandsaw, but only because I don't have the time to shop for used. Visit flea markets, but bring a magnifying glass- seriously.

   Ings

1. 
   peakbagger | Nov 28, 2004 06:21am | #7

   As an alternative to new, though more expensive than used, refurbished are also an option. Tyler Tools and Amazon usually have a few.Have fun.

5. 
   gusser33 | Dec 06, 2004 06:09am | #8

   I have always purchased new tools.  American made when possible.  But, as I think about it, when i upgraded I sold my tools.  In fact I am in the process of selling my 14" delta band saw for a larger one.  (I want to cut my own lumber)  I am selling it for $650.  I paid 850.  The accessories include, at additional cost, an upgraded fence ($129), Riser blocks ($99), Mobile base $90, and a carter blade guide ($149), so, I have about $1,250.  whoever gets it is getting a saw is perfect condition.  So, I guess you can be much better off buying used.