Thread: Most useful workshop tools

What!!!!

you don't own a bandsaw yet??

I don't think you are allowed to post on this forum
until you own one of them

2K eh?

Bandsaw 0.8K or so
Thicknesser 0.6K or so
decent dusty - 0.4K or so


set up properly your router table and or table saw can be set up as a jointer....I'm not a turner so I didn't consider a lathe......do whatever you like but the bandsaw will be needed eventually...hell you could easily spend the $2K on that! Also maybe you could upgrade the triton to a cabinet or contractor's saw and buy a cheaper bandsaw too.....

Can I get your wife to talk to mine????

G'Day Ashes,
I purchased a GMC thicknesser thought I didn't realy need it BUT since I have had it I don't think there is a day in the dungeon (AKA shop) that I havn't used it. Saves hours of sanding or work with a hand plane.
I know GMC is not the best but mine has done a ton of work and has payed for its self several times over.
I have thought about a jointer but with a router and a jig for the thicknesser I can work with out one and that leaves money for other gear.

Catch ya
Andrew

Definitely a Bandsaw.

Originally Posted by Wood Borer

Definitely a Bandsaw.

Spend all of it on a Jointer

Ask yourself what you really want to do and what machinery fits your scheme.

Id say a combo or separate thicknesser and jointer.

#1 - bandsaw,bought my first one last year, I didn't realize how useful they are. I use it more than my tablesaw.
#2 - thicknesser/jointer combo or separate depending on space, it'll cost about the same either way
If you buy reasonable quality mid range stuff that will just about chew up your $2000

or

if you are patient sooner or later someone on this forum will have just what you want for sale or will post a deal they know about. You can help them - they can help you..

Peter.

Top three on your list and if you want to make pens then the lathe , but the first 3 first, $5 Hundred to $7 Hundred on each should get you a reasonable unit for the average backyard weekender but if you want to do serious stuff then the whole 2k wouldn't go far on a decent upgrade on your triton alone

Originally Posted by Ashes1

As a 40th birthday present the Mr's has given approval for the purchase of some nice machines. Luckilly she didn't pick them herself.

I've got some machine basics such as
Triton workbench/saw
Makita router/triton table
Small drill press
Makita copy sliding compound mitre saw
and usual hand tools (powered and not..)

Items on my wish list I'm considering are
Jointer
Thicknesser or combination jointer/thicknesser
Bandsaw
higher capacity drill press
Lathe

budget is around $2000 so would not be able to get all unless they were pretty cheap (probably nasty).

What would you prioritise on the list and why?

Interested in furniture making mostly and at I do have access to a few big machines at my mates cabinet making business so I don't need industrial quality in the shed. What do you think I would find most useful? Anything else?

REQUIREMENTS: The requirements will vary between available resources (money) and the projects you are building. There is not a standard that one can set as each person sees different needs and sets their priorities differently. When you are building furniture, small boxes, turning on a lathe or any other project you choose each job has special tools that are directed towards that project. I have tried my hand at all of these and many more projects but found certain tools were a must. I have found the (1) table saw (2) router (3) band saw (4) drill press to be the most used power tools in any project I have attempted. You will get the lathe enthusiast say “I use my lathe the most” or the cabinet maker say “I use my table saw the most” but you can be sure the four tools I mention will be in the serious hobbyists shop. One more thing I would like to mention is a dust collection system, this is not necessary but a very beneficial tool in any shop. There are so many other associated tools that each of us will find a balance of needs verses wants. A few of these are sliding cut off saw, router table, planner, thickness sander, spindle sander and orbital sander (plus so many more) not to leave out the various hand tools. I guess the best shop is the shop that meets “your needs” and the right tool for the job.

Good luck and good tool shopping.
Through the eyes of John

Go with the bandsaw first. I bought an el cheapo and within a year had sold it and bought a better one. As you become aware of it's potential you'll find throat size and good tracking are essential quite important so buy the best you can afford. What's left can buy a lathe. I used to use it for all the lathe things one does like bowls and goblets but now find it very handy for clamp handles table legs and various bits and pieces for the workshop.

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion .

Wow...looks like there is almost concensus out there...a first on here I'd recon

My thinking at the moment is that the bandsaw because of its versatility. Secondly probably a lathe as I'd like to have a go at some turning.

Forgot the darkside area. I know you talked machinery but do you use things like planes and chisels? Have you got decent sharpening equipment?

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion