Thread: Woe is me - too much choice? Too much quantity over quality perhaps!?

Hi,

I will checkout the Domino, but it seem kind of pricey! I was thinking about a biscuit joiner definitely, but not a $1800 biscuit joiner ;-) Yep I know it does much more than that, but c'mon $1800 is pretty steep for a hand tool.

Anyway I will visit ideal tools and check it out while the funds are still in the bank. Who knows I might surprise myself.

However if by some strange happenstance I buy this tool and it ends up being one of the tools I never bloody use, I won't be a happy camper!

Cheers
Jason

You know that you started this thread in the morning and by the evening it has become a hot topic (Almost). It is good to feel a bit nervous in making a big purchase or a series of big purchases. There are things that I will change and things that I will do a little different but only after I started to use the tools that I had and discovered that hey this might be a little better doing it with this tool.

I am sorry but that is how you learn and discover new skills.

Originally Posted by pellcorp

However if by some strange happenstance I buy this tool and it ends up being one of the tools I never bloody use, I won't be a happy camper!

If I spend so $1800.00 on a tool then yes I will use it every single time. Even if it means just to make a hole in a piece of timber.

Originally Posted by pellcorp

Hi,

I will checkout the Domino, but it seem kind of pricey! I was thinking about a biscuit joiner definitely, but not a $1800 biscuit joiner ;-) Yep I know it does much more than that, but c'mon $1800 is pretty steep for a hand tool.

Not trying to sell you one. And I certainly wouldn't sell you mine. I WOULD, however, sell you my biscuit joiner.

Point is, there are a lot of ways to accomplish the same thing. A simple discussion about joining two pieces of wood can generate enough heat to add to global warming. (Do a search.)

Any wonder then that buying tools can be confusing?

There are many ways to join timber, and as great as I think the Domino is, it is very expensive. Don't forget that you'll need some form of dust extraction for the Domino too, so that will add to its cost.

If you make things for sale, the productivity gains a Domino can give you will help it pay for itself. For weekend hobby woodworkers like me, it's hard to justify the expense. Occasionally, I see something that I really want, and I tell myself that I don't need to justify it - I just want it. The Domino fell into that category.

Also, you should think about the electricity connection to your workshop. Most of the larger equipment you're considering requires 15 amp power circuits. It can be expensive to get this installed, depending on the location of your switchboard and access to your workshop.

ajw

Originally Posted by IanW

You can make perfectly good bookshelves and tables & all manner of things with a few good hand tools.

I know you are correct, but...

For me, part of the reason I find wood work interesting and fun is the power tools. I had so much fun with my triton and a big part of that was because it was powered.

I find hand tools, well frankly boring! There I said it. But before I get flamed, I am well aware that there is a place for hand tools even in a powered workshop. For instance, once you have glued up a panel, the hand planes are a good tool to use to level out the panel. I know that chisels are great for squaring out mortises made by a router. And nothing beats a sanding block for getting a nice smooth edge on a piece.

But what can I say, I am addicted to my power tools and I don't really want to go back to not having them. Now what I want is a bigger and more accurate set of power tools than my triton and circular saw with straight edge.

I also appreciate that as I learn more I will recognise more and more places for hand tools.

I have a reasonably decent set of chisels and I plan on getting some decent planes as well.

I like making noise and I like making dust!

Cheers
Jason

Originally Posted by ajw

Also, you should think about the electricity connection to your workshop. Most of the larger equipment you're considering requires 15 amp power circuits. It can be expensive to get this installed, depending on the location of your switchboard and access to your workshop.ajw

I actually have that well and truly covered. My next door neighbour is a sparky and he promised to "look after me". I have a $1500 budget for electrical and he has already indicated that should cover it. I am having a dedicated panel and safety switch (with heavy duty conduit from the main panel) located in the shed, with several dedicated 15amp circuits - one for the TS, one for the DC, and whatever else. We are getting fluorescent lighting installed as well.

Originally Posted by pellcorp

Hi,

I will checkout the Domino, but it seem kind of pricey! I was thinking about a biscuit joiner definitely, but not a $1800 biscuit joiner ;

$1380 is the going price.

And the dusty... 100% correct, but a $40 secondhand vacuum will be just fine

$1380 without all the stuff you need though right. On ideal tools a full kit is $1800.

I have a Shop Vac already

Originally Posted by pellcorp

For me, part of the reason I find wood work interesting and fun is the power tools. I had so much fun with my triton and a big part of that was because it was powered.

Call me a "Normite"

I think you should just trust your judgement, you have done the research. From here on, all you will hear is different choices based on the same information given to you

Originally Posted by pellcorp

$1380 without all the stuff you need though right. On ideal tools a full kit is $1800.

I have a Shop Vac already

I bought the complete kit for $1500 at the Perth show. I would think you will get good discounts if you call and haggle with dealers around the country

Originally Posted by pellcorp

$1380 without all the stuff you need though right. On ideal tools a full kit is $1800.

I have a Shop Vac already

Its like saying I just got a new Makita router for $1300 and it came with 4 quality bits, a router lift and timber for a table top. Everyone has a go at Festool because the Domino is $1800 and its not. You only need the machine (a free 5mm cutter) and purchase an 8mm cutter and make your own Domis to get started.

Well I visited Carbatec for the first time today and I think I ended up spending over an hour in there checking out all the equipment on my shopping list. The sales guy indicated that the days of big discounts are over however, I was told rather adamantly that 5% discount if I was lucky. However I could expect half price for some accessories such as blades and such.