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Thread: Newbie Equipment Question
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25th September 2011, 01:57 PM #1New Member
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Newbie Equipment Question
My wife has shown a (somewhat surprising) interest in woodworking, even going so far as to start taking courses. She has some basic handtools (power drill, palm sander, chisels, screwdrivers) and also has an inexpensive/basic circular saw. She was looking at miter saws as well today at HD.
I'd like to get her something for her b-dsy or xmas, probably in the $200-400 range. Would the miter saw be the way to go? Or even spend a bit more for a table saw? Any other thoughts? I've seen some threads recommending the table saw as the first piece of "heavier" equipment, but does this unnecessarily overlap with the circular saw?
She's mostly interested in making some basic/functional items like a garden trellis, outdoor bench, etc etc.
Thanks much in advance!
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25th September 2011 01:57 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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25th September 2011, 07:46 PM #2
It is always difficult to buy tools for someone else to use. With out knowing your exact situation and the amount of space you have I would not suggest to get one thing or another.
I will suggest two things though.
One: safety gear if the user does not have or is likely to need with the purchase of additional tools (or for other family members who might be watching at a safe distance). Even a dust extractor can make a big difference to the work environment and the time spent cleaning up if it is matched to the tool(s).
Two: A gift voucher from an appropriate store so they can choose what they need and can handle. As I do not know what HD stock (I am in Australia) I can not advise if they deal with trade tools, or the lower end of the market.
What ever you do I hope they enjoy using it.
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25th September 2011, 09:42 PM #3Novice
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DN, I would probably err towards Handy's suggestion of a gift card to a dedicated woodworking supply store. This shows you support her in her new quests, but gets you out of the possibility of stuffing it up, she may already have something she wants in mind. You could always just call into one of these stores with wife in tow, and see what she picks up and oohs and ahhs at, or what hints she might give.
If you do want to go with the personal touch and get something, then I would possibly lean towards the table saw. This will give her much more versatility than a drop saw, and if the interest waines in the perceived future, better resale value.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
h2k3
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26th September 2011, 08:58 AM #4
G'Day & welcome to a top forum.
Congratulations on such a great wife who is a woodworker.
I was reading in the November 2011 issue [#208] of the Wood Magazine from the USA which had a couple of pages on "savings tips for your woodwork" and they suggested to "CONSIDER THE SECONDHAND" tool sales.
Personally I've purchased quite a few from Tool Repair Shops, Garage Sales plus private sales and have had very good success to increase my range of tools at very reasonable prices.
I hope that helps you & your wife in the woodwork shop.
Cheers, crowie
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