Mikkimel Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 So, with tax return season upon us, I'm allowed to buy one new tool. My budget is around $500-$750. I have lots of tools already, table saw, lathe, bandsaw, planet, jointer, routers, dust collection, drill press, spindle sanders, as well as assorted hand tools. So the question is, what would you buy next? yoi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glen Bridges Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 I'm not sure what your needs are or what type of wood working you do but what about a 10 or 12" disc sander. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estesbubba Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Do you have a router table? The Ridgid edge spindle sander is a great tool for only $200. Do you build bigger projects? A Fuji Mini Mite would be a nice addition. Download the Lee Valley catalog and start flipping through it for ideas. That $750 will be gone by page 3! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheperd80 Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Nothing left to do but start a bctw collection. Its the only logical next step. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glen Bridges Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Do you have a router table? The Ridgid edge spindle sander is a great tool for only $200. Do you build bigger projects? A Fuji Mini Mite would be a nice addition. Download the Lee Valley catalog and start flipping through it for ideas. That $750 will be gone by page 3! Right now lee valley has free shipping until February 21st. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 41 minutes ago, sheperd80 said: Nothing left to do but start a bctw collection. Its the only logical next step. I could make a few suggestions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Chet Posted February 11, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Maybe you should just hold on to the money until you see an actual need for a tool based on a project you have coming up or are working on. Why by a tool just to by it. What if you pick something up for $400 and then never use it, then down the road you find a need for some other tool but now you are broke. Wait until a need arises. That would go a long way at the lumber yard too. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 I'm with Chet K. I have a tool fund and I no longer purchase tools until needed for a project. I also keep a tool wish list in Excel that I add items to. Most of what goes on eventually gets purchased but several have come off as well. I started using hand tools a couple years ago and a great example is bench planes. I started with a WR 5 1/2 fully expecting to get a whole compliment but after working with them most of the ones I thought I would get I haven't and several specialty planes have made there way into my shop. Most of which are small hand planes, my WR 5 1/2 is still my most used all around plane. I did purchase a LN bronze 4 smoother last summer that I love but it had been on the wish list for over a year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iliowood Designs Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 +1 on the router table if you do not already have one. I have a bench top router and I'm not a fan. I would like a nice table or even just a router lift kit to build on to my table saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedinblue Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Chet nailed it. If you need to allocate that money (to remind your wife what she gave you, lol) buy a Lee Valley gift card and use it when you actually need something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post treeslayer Posted February 11, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 2 hours ago, Chet K said: That would go a long way at the lumber yard too. sounds like you're pretty well equipped, i would head for the lumber yard if it were me. remember " wood will get you thru times of no money better than money will get you thru times of no wood" 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 A Domino is a little above your budget but a very useful tool in my shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knotscott Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 DC, 2nd router, saw blade upgrades, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmotjr Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Mesh stretcher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aknotsdeath Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 Sometimes it's better to get a bunch of small stuff with the large item budget. No clue what your situation is. Something to think about. That is a good chance to pick up more clamps, blades, drill bits etc. My 2 cents Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elrodk Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 DC, 2nd router, saw blade upgrades, etc. Yeah. +1 on the saw blades. Any power tool will perform better with a better cutter. If you use the lathe a lot you might upgrade your lathe tools or chuck. If you only use a combo table saw blade maybe get a high quality crosscut and a real good rip blade. No one hand saw, hand plane, table saw blade, bandsaw blade, etc will ever be the best tool for every job. Do you get mediocre results when you do a specific job? Which job is most difficult? Get something to make that job easier, quicker, or to achieve better results. That's the best upgrade you can do! Sent from my woodshop using duct tape, twine, and a bit of sawdust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikkimel Posted February 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 Thanks for all the input folks. i like the idea of upgrading blades and stuff. If I did that, and got some new stuff to sharpen blades with, as well as a chuck, and a router table I'll be in good shape. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aknotsdeath Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 Thanks for all the input folks. i like the idea of upgrading blades and stuff. If I did that, and got some new stuff to sharpen blades with, as well as a chuck, and a router table I'll be in good shape. I learned that a little bit ago. Sometimes it's better to upgrade the shop Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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