Thread: Next best to Festool

Originally Posted by handbrake

......how to build up a reasonable tool collection without "upsetting she who must be obeyed"

permission.jpg

Yep, sneak it in, then make something nice for her using the said tool and show her how you made it afterwards.
Be sure to leave a reasonable length of time between purchase and presentation, so the tool looks like it's been around forever.

I think it is a matter of buying the right tool for the job or intended use I am big fan of festool and use it in my workshop, but prefer my dewalt tools on the building sites.
Festool tools that I wouldn't be without are the dust extractor, gets rid of a lot of dust from the tools. Rail saw, nearly as good as having a panel saw. Of1400 router, good dust extraction, good depth stop setup, handy one handed operation. And my random orbital sander
I have found maktec's trimmer router to be good and reasonably inexpensive at around $100 compared to festools at around $600. You may even get away with buying a couple before getting in trouble.
I think the Makita router was a good option, my work mate bought 2-3 of them after trying a festool.
Enjoy your tool shopping.

There's the option of buying quality second hand tools and machines. Although you do need to be cautious in checking the quality of the item and the life it has had. I've only bought a Jet jointer 2nd hand, and couldn't be happier with it.

I've found the Makita tools to be great value for money; they do a good job, don't die easily and won't break the bank.
I also know of people who get Ozito stuff and just buy another one when it dies.

Does she need to know?

Originally Posted by wongo

does she need to know?

yes.

Not my quote but:........
My greatest nightmare is that after my death, my widow will sell my tools for what I told her they cost.

I think you've made a good start with brands like Makita, Metabo and Hitachi. All have good reputations. I'm a Makita fan myself. Not the cheapest, and probably not the best in every category, but reliable, solid, reasonable value for money. For different tools there seem to be different brands that regularly come out on top of reviews. There is a Metabo duo ROS that seems to have one of the best reputations in the market. Panasonic cordless drills. Makita routers. Etc. I think if I was starting to acquire tools now I would buy all Makita Li-ion cordless that take the same batteries, except for things that are better corded (like belt sanders, routers, drop saws, etc).

In my experience makits and metabo have been excellent performers. Initially when I was setting myself up I purchased a few cheap tools and a few expensive tools. The cheap tools I bought ended up failing and cost me more in the long run. If you can honestly see yourself sticking to woodworking, the hold off until you can afford the best quality you can get. It turns out cheaper in the end. Only get what you really need initially. And a good hand tool is just as good as a good electric tool. As a matter of fact you will learn more using non electric tools. Then when you can afford the electric version you will have a much better understanding of the process and produce better quality work.
YouTube is full of great woodworking videos that don't use power tools at all. It's a great way to move from being an absolute beginner to a novice very quickly.
Enjoy.

Originally Posted by Christos

yes.

Chicken.

Originally Posted by handbrake

...would appreciate broad brush suggestions on how to build up a reasonable tool collection without "upsetting she who must be obeyed"

I say be a man and buy the tools. The more you upset her, the more time you can spend hiding in the shed.

Craig

I appreciate all the advice and encouragement although I am not so sure about upsetting "she who must be obeyed" - reason is I can't cook!!!Lol

Sorry to hear.