OT--- Next woodworking power tool

[bmuir]

Looking for that next power tool for woodworking. I build speakers but would like to build a set of shop cabinets and then move to making simple furniture from oak and maple.
Currently have: direct drive Craftsman 10-inch tablesaw, 12-inch Rigid chop saw, Craftsman 10-inch radial arm saw, PC router, router table, cheap biscuit joiner, cordless drill, belt and palm sanders. So, what is the next tool?
13-inch benchtop planer?
6-inch jointer? (I think I can do jointing on my router table)
12-inch bandsaw?
Upgrade the biscuit joiner?

I have about $250 to $350 to spend.

Any comments welcomed. Thanks

[alann]

[mch]

Well I think you should think about a medium sized drill press. I bought one and built a cab for it to sit in (with adjustable heights) so that I have a larger flat surface to work on. I can utilize small drum sander bits (like 2" and 1")to sand various curves with the aid of the bigger flat surface that is perpendicular to the sanding drum. I build a lot of furniture stuff besides speakers and found my drill press setup invaluable. Just being able to drill holes perpendicular is a tremendous bonus. The price is really good for this type of versatile tool (about $100 CAD)

[mch]

Hopefully these pics will work.

<A HREF="http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5848/drillpresscab25jy.jpg">http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5848/drillpresscab25jy.jpg</A>

<A HREF="http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5581/drillpresscab40cj.jpg">http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5581/drillpresscab40cj.jpg</A>

[paul_n_oneal]

> Looking for that next power tool for
> woodworking. I build speakers but would like
> to build a set of shop cabinets and then
> move to making simple furniture from oak and
> maple.
> Currently have: direct drive Craftsman
> 10-inch tablesaw, 12-inch Rigid chop saw,
> Craftsman 10-inch radial arm saw, PC router,
> router table, cheap biscuit joiner, cordless
> drill, belt and palm sanders. So, what is
> the next tool?
> 13-inch benchtop planer?
> 6-inch jointer? (I think I can do jointing
> on my router table)
> 12-inch bandsaw?
> Upgrade the biscuit joiner?

> I have about $250 to $350 to spend.

> Any comments welcomed. Thanks

A nice jointer is invaluable for making table tops etc. They allow you to get a perfect edge so when you use biscuits to glue your two pieces together, the two pieces line up exactly and you really have to look hard to find the seam. Here's one:
<A HREF="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=60009-32764-JT360">http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=60009-32764-JT360</A>

[edlafontaine]

> Looking for that next power tool for
> woodworking. I build speakers but would like
> to build a set of shop cabinets and then
> move to making simple furniture from oak and
> maple.
> Currently have: direct drive Craftsman
> 10-inch tablesaw, 12-inch Rigid chop saw,
> Craftsman 10-inch radial arm saw, PC router,
> router table, cheap biscuit joiner, cordless
> drill, belt and palm sanders. So, what is
> the next tool?

> 13-inch benchtop planer?

If you go this way factor in material handling and whether or not you will be drying lumber. Potentially great savings (sweat equity).

> 6-inch jointer? (I think I can do jointing
> on my router table)

Yes, jointing can be done very well with a straight edge that is long enough.

> 12-inch bandsaw?

Do you need curves? Will a good saber saw satisfy?

> Upgrade the biscuit joiner?

Money well spent. An "investment" in time saved and quality in the assembly process.

> I have about $250 to $350 to spend.

I also would think you would have a drill press on the list somewhere.

Don't overlook the auctions for bargains. I invested in a 3-phase converter. 3-phase equipment is cheap and built a LOT better than standard duty equipment.

> Any comments welcomed. Thanks

[rodh]

I agree with the others about a drill press. Another good thing would be either the bandsaw or a good scroll saw. I use my old Delta scroll saw quite a bit.

Rod

[jeffman]

If you really can join with your router, the nix the joiner. Otherwise that's next. Then a planer. You simply cannot make quality furniture if your wood is not square and true, and all the pieces that should be are of equal thickness. That lumber you buy at Lowes? Forget it. The tolerances are so far off you'll kill yourself once you know what you're doing.

And while you're out there, look for a supplier of rough-cut lumber. You'll pay for the tools in no time.

Jeff

[Mr.Thomas Aaron Hero]

Get a compressor or a 6x48 disc,belt sander,But dont buy Craftsmen,I recently bought a sander from harbour freight for $150 and it is ten times the machine sears sells for more than $300,Craftsmen compressors are also junk,Check out H.Freight.I would be lost without my compressor and sander! Aaron H

[randogdavis]

[alexb]

[johnastockman]

> Looking for that next power tool for
> woodworking. I build speakers but would like
> to build a set of shop cabinets and then
> move to making simple furniture from oak and
> maple.
> Currently have: direct drive Craftsman
> 10-inch tablesaw, 12-inch Rigid chop saw,
> Craftsman 10-inch radial arm saw, PC router,
> router table, cheap biscuit joiner, cordless
> drill, belt and palm sanders. So, what is
> the next tool?
> 13-inch benchtop planer?
> 6-inch jointer? (I think I can do jointing
> on my router table)
> 12-inch bandsaw?
> Upgrade the biscuit joiner?

> I have about $250 to $350 to spend.

> Any comments welcomed. Thanks

Hi Bill, I would also recommend the drill press. I finally moved into my new home near Chehalis, WA and now I have a big shop for all my motorcycles and speaker building stuff! I went with a radial-head drill press...The head moves forward/back from the main column and also rotates up to 90 degrees left/right in relation to the table. The whole head/motor assembly will rotate 360 degrees around the column. Even though I got mine at Harbor Freight, it is well-built, solid, and the tolerances are tight and precise (not loose or sloppy like some of their other offerings). This is a very versatile tool, and I've had mine for over 2 years and haven't had any problems with it. It stays in alignment and once I set it up, I haven't had to fiddle with it. I think Bridgewood makes one also, maybe a better choice for quality, but with higher price,of course. Let us know what you decide!

John A.