Replies

1. 
   billsams | Aug 25, 2004 07:21pm | #1

   Welcome to C'ville JP!

   I've been here since '60 and there are no good tools shops here. There is a Woodcraft in Richmond on Broad street. Some people have gone to Harper's hardware in Richmond but I have not dealt with them as yet. Pleasants Hardware in Richmond (again on Broad St) is great for brass hardware and the like. Pleasants sells mostly Delta tools.

   I did buy my powermatic mortiser through Woodcraft during a 10% off sale. I have a General TS and Bridgewood shaper both bought from Wilke Machinery in PA http://www.wilkemachinery.com

   The best of the local building supply houses is Blue Ridge Builders in Crozet (west of C'ville) on RT 250. Not perfect but better than any of the places in town.

   Hardwood source, Northlands Forest Products, in Zion Crossroads on Rt 250 East. Turn right on rt 795 after the intersection of routes 250 and 15, go the to the end.

   There are many woodworkers here and a real shame not to have more available to us all. Even good quality hand tools are not available in this town. (sorry for my rant)

   Not sure what else you may be looking for locally, but whatever I may be able to do for you let me know. My shop is near Scottsville. Where are you setting up shop?

   Bill

1. 
   Floss | Aug 26, 2004 12:01am | #3

   Thanks for the info Bill. Right now my wife and I are looking for homes in Charlottesville and we may be able to get one with a 2 car garage so that I can use it as a starter shop, however the real estate prices in town are rather high.

   I am also considering purchasing some land a little outside town and building a shop with an apartment above it so that I don't have to commute.

   I am looking to purchase a General Table Saw, Lathe, and Mortiser. Mini Max Bandsaw and SAC Jointer and Planer.

   How was your experience with Wilke? Have you ever been to Fries, Beale and Sharp near DC?

   Thanks again.

   J.P.

1. 
   billsams | Aug 26, 2004 01:54am | #5

   Your welcome JP!

   Yes land prices are high in this area, and going up. Fortunately, my deceased father purchased the property back in '62.

   If you look in Nelson County and Fluvanna county, south and east respectively from C'ville the prices are a little better. If you are not cummuting it won't matter, but unsure if your wife needs to commute?

   My experience with Wilke has been good, quality machinery, good personnel. I like the fact that they test their machinery before sending out. Not sure of where you are now, you may save some by picking up rather than have things shipped.

   I also have had for awhile a Minimax MM16 bandsaw and their FS350 jointer/planer, both fabulous machines. You are welcome to come check them out as well as the General TS, etc.

   I'm heading to Atlanta for the IWF tomorrow to check out lathes as well as all that is offered, so obviously won't be around this weekend but any other time let me know.

   I've looked into the general lathes, but have not seen them. I like the idea of a lathe with a reversing switch (which the general's do not have) so when turning on the outboard side there is not a second set tooling required.

   I have not been to Fried, Beale and Sharp...actually never heard of them???

   What type of work will you be focusing on? Don't forget about a dust collection system, I have a 3HP Oneida, worth it's weight in gold.

   Take care

   Bill

1. 
   Floss | Aug 26, 2004 04:23am | #6

   Hi Bill,

   We just looked at a lot in Ivy that is right off of 250 W. about 5 miles outside C'ville. Has some potential however I will have to see if they will allow a shop/residence combo. We have considered the surrounding counties but feel they may be a bit too rural. We're still a little urban, and really like the downtown area of C'ville.

   I'd like to see the layout of your shop, It's really helpful to see how people set up shop and the way it relates to their work.

   I just finished a two year furnituremaking program at The Furniture Institute of Massachusetts, a small school run by Phil Lowe.

   I plan on building furniture, doing repairs, and architectural millwork. I was a finish carpenter for 10 years before I went to school and still enjoy architectural work but am not too jazzed about doing installations anymore.

   I thought that the General 20" EVS was reversible. I will have to look into it before I go ahead and purchase.

   How long have you been using the jointer/planer combo? I have reservations about using combo machines because of the increased number of moving parts and the ability of such a machine to maintain it's accuracy after being changed over many times from one operation to another.

   I'm looking into Blue Tornado Cyclones for dust collection. Similar to Oneida but slightly different engineering. Although I know several people with Oneida systems who are quite satisfied.

   Thanks again,

   J.P.

1. 
   billsams | Aug 27, 2004 03:11pm | #8

   JP, I think there shouldn't be a problem with Ivy as far a combo home/shop situation.Check in with the local building and zoning laws at the County Office Building on McIntire Road

   After thinking about the general I think I am mistaken, it may have a resevse switch.

   The accuracy of the jointer/planer switching back and forth is not an issue.  There is a little tweaking for first set up ie planer bed and jointer bed leveling, but after that no issue. I did put a cast iron extension of the outfeed of jointer which makes jointing longer stock a breeze but did need to add underneath support. Mostly it's a prop easily removed and replaced. I had the combo since May of 2003.

   Congrats on your two year apprenticeship with Phil Lowe. From what I have read and heard he's a great guy.

   I also worked as a carpenter for over 20 years and have been enjoying the aspect of working in my shop and doing less site work. You are welcome to come anytime time just let me know. Contact 434-989-4304 http://www.jwsjoinery.com

   In Atlanta as I write this. My experience with Blue tornado was poor, but others may have different experiences

   Take care

   Bill

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Aug 26, 2004 05:28am | #7

   Been to Fries Beale and Sharp lots of times.  Down near Ft Belvoir.  Not a real big place.   Decent products, minimal discount.  Delta, Jet and Powermatic.  Not much else.  There's a Woodcraft store in Springfield.  10 minutes away from there.

2. 
   vacabby | Aug 25, 2004 07:49pm | #2

   Hi jp,

   There is a Powermatic, Jet, Delta dealer in Harrisonburg.   Rocking R Hardware is the name.   An old style hardware store with a good selection of toys for the woodworkers shop.   They will also be having an annual tent sale in September where some good deals can be had.    Also, Augusta lumber in the county of the same name is a good source for rough cut lumber.

   Good luck to you.

1. 
   Floss | Aug 26, 2004 12:02am | #4

   Thanks jb, I may take a drive up there tomorrow.

   J.P.