Next machine to get after Tablesaw?


WoodNoob

Recommended Posts

I would get my own table saw. The TS is the most used tool in my shop and it would be a major pain to have to go somewhere else to use one.

Well, you're not wrong there. It is a little pain, mostly because I can't necessarily use it when I want. I'm only 5 minutes away so distance isn't a problem. Eventually I will have to, but I just feel that on a limited budget it won't progress me any further at the moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To use your lingo, thicknesser first - I am amazed at how easy it is to flatten on side of a rough board by hand enough to use the thicknesser. Plus it's a good workout.

A no.7 and some practice will get the 90 degree edge. If you have a flat bench you can use it as a long shooting board - just elevate (and clamp) your work piece a little then start planing away. You may need to adjust the blade a little to get the right angle, but it works.

Lastly, the more I use my bandsaw for ripping, the less I think I need the table saw, although I don't plan to get rid of mine anytime soon.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like your idea for using the bench as a shooting board. I'm halfway through making my first shooting board at the moment, and that will be great for ends, but long edges, not so much. Everytime I try to plane a longer edge I always end up with a reasonably flat edge, but at several degrees off 90!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sure, I'll add to the confusion :)..

 

As someone already asked, "what do you want to do"?  A bandsaw is a GREAT machine, and I love mine for ripping and doing curves (as well as trimming bowl blanks for my lathe, but you don't want to do down that rabbit-hole yet :) )..  

 

If you're looking more at building furniture, then I'd have to say planer as well, and get used to using a sled until you can get the $$s together to get a jointer (I'd advise 8")..  The current crop of lunchbox planers give GREAT bang for the buck, but don't skimp on the jointer.  As noted by a previous very wise poster, a crappy jointer is pretty much worse than none..  Plus a planer and sled gets you effectively a 12 or 13" jointer... :)  Trust me, it's really fun being able to make a kitchen tabletop with 3 planks..    Also, you noted you are learning how to use a handplane, so with that and a couple winding sticks, you can get close enough to flat to get it through the planer without a sled, and again, Bob's your uncle :)

 

Welcome to the club, coffee's at the back of the room..

 

David

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, you're not wrong there. It is a little pain, mostly because I can't necessarily use it when I want. I'm only 5 minutes away so distance isn't a problem. Eventually I will have to, but I just feel that on a limited budget it won't progress me any further at the moment.

More that 5 feet from my TS and I get irritated I couldn't imagine 5 min.... What is your budget for this next tool?  If it's some where around $10,000 i would take everyone's suggestions and buy a combo machine....

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Budget... $10k hehehe. Nope not there yet. More like $1500. I have tacit approval for more in the future, so I'm probably looking at one machine at a time, a combo would be out of my league. A decent one anyway.

I would like a bandsaw but I don't feel that's going to help me with my squaring up issues.

Canadian Bear (and others) you make pretty compelling case for a planer. I think I will go that direction next. That combined with hand planes sounds and long shooting boards seems like it will allow me to joint and flatten most things.

Ps yes I've gotta put my own TS on the list too! ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think $1500 is enough to get you both machines, granted they won't be top of line but I would much rather have a jointer and a planer than just a jointer or planer and would try to find a way to get both within my budget IMHO. $1500 is not enough to put in the premium tool category however, there are a few 8" jointer that can be had for under 1K and plenty of lunch box planers you can find for under $500. Here is an 8" jointer from Grizzly with parallelogram beds. Here is a 10" combo machine from Grizzly, I think I remember a few years ago that it got good reviews from Wood Magazine. I think Home Depot has the "13 Ridgid Planer on sale for $369, not a bad deal either and many out there seem to like it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I should clarify that is AUD in Australia, so probably not as much as it might buy in US. I will have a look at getting both though.

There's a bit of a gap in the market here between the local big box store which is strictly handyman category for power tools at the cheap end, and specialist woodworking machine suppliers at the other end. There are construction industry stores which would be better than the big box store, but only for mitre saws etc, site-based stuff. For instance we don't have access to grizzly anywhere that I can see. I think it's getting better though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I should clarify that is AUD in Australia, so probably not as much as it might buy in US. I will have a look at getting both though.

There's a bit of a gap in the market here between the local big box store which is strictly handyman category for power tools at the cheap end, and specialist woodworking machine suppliers at the other end. There are construction industry stores which would be better than the big box store, but only for mitre saws etc, site-based stuff. For instance we don't have access to grizzly anywhere that I can see....

Just had quick look and I could get both for around $1500-2000.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Who's Online   0 Members, 0 Anonymous, 51 Guests (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • Forum Statistics

    31.2k
    Total Topics
    422.2k
    Total Posts
  • Member Statistics

    23,784
    Total Members
    3,644
    Most Online
    walo47
    Newest Member
    walo47
    Joined