Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

[kevin007]

As many of you must have picked up on by now is that I am a planner. Though I do not have a garage or shed setup right now I would like to put a list of tools together to start planning for a woodworking shop. So I guess the question is if you were to put a shop together for speaker cabinet making what would you get?

I figured that you would need a table saw, and maybe a chop saw, but what else would you get?

Thanks,

Kevin

[cjd]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

What's your budget?

Don't bother with cheap tools IMO.

There are really 7 required tools.

* Ear protection
* Eye protection
* dust mask - especially if you're using MDF, you want a good mask to protect your lungs.
* Clamps! Don't skimp. I'll take pipe clamps if I need cheap over Harbor Freight/Menards generic garbage. The former won't break and are incredibly flexible (need longer/shorter? grab a different size pipe. Need a weird twist in the clamp? You can do it), but have quirks. If you can swing Bessey or similar quality, do. A few like Irwin makes with the grip you can quickly tighten one-handed can be helpful, but I use those mostly for initial clamp and then line up the "real" clamps...
* A good plunge router, at least 2¼ HP - you can use this for driver cutouts, flush-trimming edges (and roundover/chamfer,) brace holes, and probably other things. Bosch or Dewalt, Hitachi also a good option.
* A way to cut sheet goods to dimension. A good circular saw + a sawboard (you can make a sawboard or two - different lengths can be handy.) This won't get quite the perfect cuts a table saw can, but planning well + flush-trim with a router gets you there. I have a Porter Cable. I do most of my cuts this way, and I have a table saw...
* A drill - for circle jig pilot holes, wire routing holes (into mid and/or tweet chambers, for example), possibly for binding post holes, etc.

From there, it gets fun if you have the budget and other projects in mind.

* router table - you'll now round over all your brace holes, it's so easy.
* Table saw - can get you more precise cuts IF you're good with it. This takes more shop space to really use well. Unless you're doing fancy cabinet work, a sawboard may be more useful.
* drill press - I use hole saws for braces, and this lets me get the circle-jig pin perfect. Mine's a floor stand model.
* biscuit jointer - handy for lining up panels, especially if you start cutting zero tolerance (no flush-trim required). Other methods exist, but I've found this immensely flexible. Porter Cable is the only one that does all the angles on a reasonable budget IMO.
* veneer press, painting/finish setup - who knows. Even better lung protection required for a spray setup
* More clamps! You can never have enough
* jig saw (hand-held) - useful occasionally or more often, depending how you prefer doing your braces.

I'm forgetting things on this list for sure.

[Soundslike]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

This thread is bound to start some arguments, but here's my opinion:

When you say that you're a "planner," I interpret that to mean that you're an analytical type. I too have that orientation to just about everything.

The standard argument we guys use when trying to justify the purchase a tool is, "Darlin', if you amoritize the cost of this tool over the years that I'll own it and use it, it really isn't that expensive." I pretty much agree with CJD, about the wisdom of buying quality tools, but applying our justification argument, you need to factor in your age -- that of course determines how much use you can expect to get out of a tool over whatever amount of time you have left on this earth to use them. I'm reminded of the guy that used to say, "At my age, I don't even buy green bananas any more.

Secondly, one needs to realistically appraise how involved he/she will be in woodworking over the rest of their life. If one is convinced that they will love woodworking, then buying high-quality makes good sense. But, one still needs to consider the third factor:

Thirdly, do I want the most capability I can get with the amount of money I can afford at the present time, or will I be content slowly building my power tool inventory over the years?

And last, what sort of shop capability am I trying to achieve?

Personally, I wouldn't rule out cheaper tools if you want to get up and running right away. There is no doubt that buying things from HF will inevitably disappoint you, but I have made quite a few purchases there that I have been pleased with. There are other things that are pitiful in comparison to a quality tool. The plastic bar clamps will fail if you apply too much pressure -- at least the older ones do. I think they've changed the design, so the newer ones may be more durable, but I'd base my decision on how much I had to spend on clamps and the number I want to acquire right away. They also have non plastic types that I've been happy with. There're not the kind of tool that you'll proudly display, or that you'll pass along to your grandkids, but they do a pretty good job. You'll find name brand tools that look to be very similar at much higher prices. I actually like the aluminum "F-style" bar clamps. The thing to keep in mind is you're going to need a lot of clamps -- how long will it take to get the number you need given your particular budget constraints?

Generally speaking, I'd avoid saw blades, chisels, planes. And there are others....

[Adam_G]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

A CNC table, a bunch of clamps, a drill, a nice shop-vac that can be attached to the cnc table. Just in case that is an option, figured I'd toss it out there.

[r-carpenter]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

big difference in tooling is if you are planing to buy rough sawn lumber and process it yourself or if you are going with joined 4 sides.
Rough sawn opens up the road to more involved woodworking with more exotic woods and so on but you will need a jointer and a thickness planer.
As far as base tools for the shop go.
The most important one is the table saw. That's where you want to sink bigger part of the budget. Jet, Powermatic, Delta contractors models or heavier duty. Often, older 20-30 year old machines are build better so used market is a much better deal for mid-range priced woodworking tools. Good fence is a must.
Second is the router. You don't necessarily need the most powerful one on the market unless router table is what you want. Smaller routers are often easier to run. The limitation is of cause the bit size. Router, I would buy new.
Other then that, clamps, protection, dust collection.
Then you can get more tools as you need them.

[biff]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

Good circular saw with clamps and straightedge has been more useful to me than my table saw, especially when dealing with larger panels. Decent plunge router, one that accepts 1/4 or 1/2" bits and maybe even interchangeable bases (fixed and plunge). Good bits and blades, top and bottom bearing flush trim bits. More clamps. Mentioned above, worth repeating redundantly.

Although not really tools, sacrificial materials and table top. I use cheap luan doors for torque boxes, nicely square and flat and much less chipout when using the circ saw than having to overhang. Also eliminates the bump when using your jasper jig to cut openings by drilling the pin hole into the surface and clamping material by holding the cutout in place until you lift.

And my savior on some projects has been a set of Japanese style hand saws that give extremely fine kerfs and can conform to curved surfaces to follow the face at compound angles.

[kevin007]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

This project of putting together a shop isn't going to happen soon. I am not a cabinet maker, yet... So I wanted to put a list together and start putting money aside to start getting what I would need to create my own cabinets.

So my question really isn't about brands, but what do I need to create my own cabinets?

Thanks you guys for your help!

Kevin

[bolland83]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

Besides the usual safety gear, you can do quite a bit with the basics. A circular saw + homemade saw board, cordless drill, router + circle cutting jig, and as many clamps as you can get your paws on. I did my first Tarkus build with just these basic power tools, and a lot of patience. Other basic shop essentials, an orbital sander, a good shop vac, and a jigsaw. Of course you may want a few hand tools too, like screwdrivers, a rubber mallet, chisels, straight edge, squares, a pencil compass, and most important of all, a good tape measure!

Another thing to consider is where you will be working, supporting your work up off the ground will make life much easier. A dedicated work bench is awesome, but depending on your space, you may prefer something more portable like a set of saw horses and a sturdy folding table, or a jaw-horse clamping work stand. In my situation, I work out of my garage, so I have some space to work with but I still need to be able to park a car in there. I combined my table saw with a workbench that also acts as an out feed support, and the whole rig is on locking casters so it's easy to move out when I want to use it, but tucks neatly against the wall when I'm done. It also makes cleanup easy since I can roll it out of the way to sweep under it.

I'm learning that no matter what power tools you have, there's a lot of things like benches, storage cabinets, and jigs, that you are going to have to build yourself to fit your space and your needs. Every shop is different, and everyone's technique is different. Once you figure out what works best for you, you're on track to building your perfect shop. It can be compact and portable, permanent in a large, dedicated space, or anything in between.

[kevin007]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

And my savior on some projects has been a set of Japanese style hand saws that give extremely fine kerfs and can conform to curved surfaces to follow the face at compound angles.

Do you have a link to the hand saws your talking about?

Kevin

[cjd]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

This project of putting together a shop isn't going to happen soon. I am not a cabinet maker, yet... So I wanted to put a list together and start putting money aside to start getting what I would need to create my own cabinets.

So my question really isn't about brands, but what do I need to create my own cabinets?

Thanks you guys for your help!

Kevin

With some variation, you'll probably want to start with the list I posted then. It will tuck away on a shelf, in a corner. I have no permanent shop so do 90% of my work with the tools outlined - and I could do 100% if I didn't happen to have other tools sometimes better suited to the work at hand.

Brands are more about how well they work. And while I have given up on cheap tools, I've been there. $50 or $150 for a circular saw, my old one lasted one and a half projects and the bearings went (it sat ~10 years too). The new one has already lasted longer and done more projects. If it's NOT something you'll use again, clearly the investment may not be worth it.

C

[mattsk8]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

I agree w/ cjd and bolland83 for what to get starting out, although I might add getting a decent sliding miter saw as well. A decent RO sander is a very useful tool as well.

I won't get into brands because that'll start a war, but if you're serious about it don't buy cheap. The problem w/ woodworking is you have to start somewhere. I'm not sure how well off you are, but buying everything in my shop would cost a LOT of money right out of the gate. Plus, for me to recommend brands and styles might not be good for you; everyone has their favorites or what works for them.

When I started in construction about 18 years ago, I started w/ a tool belt full of hand tools and a Dewalt skill saw (still have the skill saw!). Then got a sawzall, then a jig saw, then compound sliding miter saw, then a table saw, then a router, bandsaw, resaw, planer... somewhere in there I ended up w/ a few extra routers, a bunch of sanders; then I started upgrading... etc. It never ends.

Also, you'll never come to a point where you say, "I finally have enough clamps"!

[gabel87]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

A table saw isn't an absolute must but you won't regret buying one esp. if it's a descent one. As other's have mentioned, be sure whichever one you get it has a very good fence. A cheap table saw with a nice fence is better(and safer) than an expensive one with a crappy fence. Take time to learn how to use it and properly set it up. Preferably buy a saw that is at least 2HP with standard miter slots that can accept a stacked dado blade. Depending on budget this will generally mean traditional contractor saws< "hybrid" saws < cabinet saws, in that order.

Depending on your budget and space you may opt for a festool track saw setup in lieu of a table saw, which can be a great option and is a very nice tool to have at any rate. At the very least you will need a descent skilsaw and a straight edge/cutting guide. Good to have even with a table saw as it makes cutting down sheet goods into manageable sizes easier and safer than doing it on the table saw.

As others said as well, you will always be one clamp short no matter how many you own. The parallel ones are salty but nice to work with. Pipe style clamps are essential for very large work. And lots of bar clamps of various sizes will always be useful.

You will definitely need a router, at least 2 1/4hp, 1/2" chuck and plunge base and standard base. Porter Cable is the gold standard for routers.

Assorted router bits, esp roundovers, large chamfer, flush trim(both top and bottom bearing versions preferably with shearing cut), 1/4" upcut spiral bit, and a good rabbit bit kit with included incremental bearing guide set.

A circle jig for router. Infinitely adjustable can be useful vs preset increments, plus this feature also typically allows elliptical cutting.

A template guide kit for your router can be useful but isn't absolutely essential depending on what you're doing.

I find a good, large router table like Rocklers standard model or similar to be essential but you could live without one if you had to.

A good vacuum and/or dust collector is essential.

A 5" random orbital sander is essential, go with the hook and loop with holes for dust collection models.

A Drill

A large work bench

A shop apron

A good, sharp veneer saw if planning to use veneer

Calipers(I like the small brass sliding one), squares(all types), and good thick metal rulers with etched markings that extend to the ends(at least one end) with no "dead space"

A jig saw, cheap and useful

Painters points and a lazy susan

Bench Cookies can be useful when sanding but a carpet remnant works well too.

A miter saw is not essential, esp. if you have a good table saw. But it definitely can be handy. This is one tool, if bought, should not be scrimped on. A poor miter saw will cause more frustration than it's worth(this can be said of any precision type tool). Definitely get the sliding type and in a descent brand with good reviews. I would not bother going for a 12" unless you absolutely need to cut VERY thick stock.

All the obvious safety gear. Lung, hearing and eye protection, good deer skin or similar thin, tactile leather gloves. I like headphone style hearing protection and a full face shield is best for when at the table saw.

If only using sheet goods and s4s lumber the above list will basically do


If planning to build other more tradition woodworking projects you will find the following tools indispensable:

A planer, bigger the better, preferably with helical or spiral cutter.

Jointer, bigger the better, at least a 6" with a descent cast iron bed and fence.

Hand planes, esp classic Stanley #60 low angle or better.

Chisels

Sharpening stones, preferable wet stones.

Band Saw, at least 14" model with as much HP as possible and balanced cast wheels.

Dovetail jig if need be.

Japanese saws

Wood malet

Traditional style woodworking table with 2 end clamps and dog holes. Some dogs and hold down clamps

Drill press becomes essential, strong one with a good bearing and get a good sanding drum kit and a plug cutter kit for it.

Biscuit Jointer

[biff]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

Do you have a link to the hand saws your talking about?

Kevin

These are the ones I own, and they have been incredibly handy and in this instance the skill is in the tool.

http://www.garrettwade.com/japanese-saw-set/p/49I01.10/

One is for rips and crosscuts (one on either side), The flush cutting saw is a wonder, following curved faces, cutting dowels clean, it has made me look nearly competent from time to time.

[jinjuku]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

The only thing that makes me nervous about a track saw (which I have one I made) and a table saw is that a table saw will give me a consistent dimensional cut when I am cranking out a lot of panels. There is the chance for too much play in a track saw UNLESS I build a custom jig for the dimension I need.

[michiganpat]

Re: Calling all cabinet guru's: Tools of the Trade; What would you get?

if you have the room, watch old tool boards for a refurbished delta uni-saw....best table saw you can probably buy.