13 replies to this topic

[dez]

Hi Marc,

I've been watching your show for the last couple of years and really learn a lot. My questions is, I'm a beginner and the tools I have are limited (circ. saw, router, jig saw, and orb. sander). I need help in the fact that I want to try some of the projects you have but with the limited tool set it's limiting. I am looking to purchase either a table saw or compound miter saw from one of the 2 box stores, as right now $$ is kind of tight. But the cheap table saws don't look all that inviting, what is your opinion of which tool should I purchase first and the quality of the cheap table saws for a beginner.

Thanks
dez

[Beechwood Chip]

You can do a surprising amount of work with a circular saw. Just remember that you need a sharp blade suited for the work (rip, crosscut, plywood, etc), you need lots of straight edges and clamps to make guides (I used MDF shelf stock), you need to spend time and thought to figure out how to make each cut, and you need to test each cut.

I'd recommend the Bosch 4100 or a similar saw. It's inexpensive, but accurate enough. I bought mine refurbished for $380.

[dez]

Thanks beechwood, I have plenty of guides and clamps to be honest, that's a little out of my price range right now. That's why I was looking at a compound miter saw and wondering if I could use the circ. saw in place of a table saw and my router to joint edges. What I'm trying to do is the cutting board project and I'm trying to use what I have until I'm able to invest in more tools.

[Beechwood Chip]

I think you can do the cutting board with a just a circular saw and a router. You'll have to be extra careful that your cuts are square. I'd recommend doing one in less expensive wood first. Since all the cuts are square, I'm not certain that a sliding compound miter saw is necessary. If I was in your shoes, I might make a jig to guide the circular saw so it makes straight, square cuts, and use that for the whole project. Router w/ straight bit and guide to clean up the edges, and Bob's your uncle.

Anyone else want to chime in? Anyone? Spagnuolo?

[thewoodwhisperer]

Like Chip said, the cutting board probably can be done with a circular. But honestly, I wouldn't be all that comfortable recommending it. Circular saws aren't really known for making exceptionally clean/accurate cuts and this project requires quite a bit of accuracy and precision, despite its basic appearance. So I honestly think it would be a little dicey, especially when you get down to cutting the final strips. Just securing the workpiece alone would be a bit of a challenge.

That said, there are hundreds of other projects that your current tool compliment can handle. I agree that cheap tablesaws aren't all that appealing. But I do know many folks who make some darn good projects with them. With a good blade and a solid fence, even a cheap tablesaw can make decent cuts.

Now this is just my opinion, but I think a tablesaw is more worthy of a purchase than a miter saw. A tablesaw excels at rips, cross-cuts, and does a whole host of joinery. So I think its the more versatile tool to add to your collection. And while there is some overlap with a circular saw, I wouldn't say it even comes close to being a full replacement.

And the best advice I can give is to simply pick a project and go. I say this all the time but its true. If you start a project, the weaknesses in your tool set will start to surface. You'll find alternative ways of doing things and you'll be able to decide for yourself what might be the most useful. With jigs, good sharp blades, and a little effort, you'll be able to accomplish quite a bit with what you already have.

[dez]

Thanks, one more question.. what is your opinion of using one of the electric planers in place of the 13" benchtops?

[thewoodwhisperer]

Don't.

[thewoodwhisperer]

OK I just like leaving one word answers once in a while, lol. Honestly, those planers are pretty fun and can be useful for fairly rough leveling tasks. But for true surfacing, you really do what the power of a benchtop planer. I have one of those hand powered planers and I have yet to use it. Not sure why I even have it, lol.

[dez]

thanks everyone you've been really helpful. Can you tell me which one of your projects I could do with my current toolset?

[Beechwood Chip]

My first project was a set of shelves for holding CDs - I need something that fit a particular space. I had a router, a circular saw, a "Workmate" table, and a shopvac. Clamps, glue, and scrapwood. The shelves fit into dados and rabbets made with the router, and everything was hit with a roundover. I'm still really happy with it.

[linkmx674]

marc what micro jig grr ripper do you use in your video the gr200 or gr100 what is the difference?

[linkmx674]

dez go to startwoodworking.com they have projects for begginers using simple tools as well. they have a walnut end table project and they use a cir saw with a jig they made to use. you should check that out also!. link

[thewoodwhisperer]

linkmx674, on 05 February 2012 - 01:10 PM, said:

marc what micro jig grr ripper do you use in your video the gr200 or gr100 what is the difference?

I actually have one of each. You can check out the details here:
http://microjig.com/...er/gr-100.shtml
http://microjig.com/...er/gr-200.shtml

[dez]

thanks linkmx674 I'll check it out