Must have wood working tools

[rmousir]

Hey all,

Long time lurker with only a few posts to my name.

I am gearing up for my face lift on my garage. I have a basic idea of how I want to do things (thanks to this place).

For the most part I turn wrenches and work on cars. I store my '66 mustang and my small pop up camper along with the mower and the kid's bikes in the garage. I am going to make things smaller now by adding all of my wood working tools. My long but narrow bench that I am going to build will allow me to have easy access to my power tools and be able to swap them out from the work surface when they are not in use. I hope this all goes as planed.

Anyway, aside from a router table (won't be on the work bench), ban saw, and a sander I think I have most everything I will need. I am in the process of buying jigs now. Planning on a dovetail jig purchase next week.

So before I start buying materials to build my bench, what are the 'must have' wood working tools for a shop like mine?

Here is my list (off the top of my head)

Table saw (won't be on bench)
Miter Saw
Mortise machine
drill press
dove tail jig
wood vise

I also have a nice selection of hand tools but as you know the collecting goes on.

other suggestions? I hope to be sure I can include what ever I don't now in the plans of my bench for future purchases.

Thanks.

 

[gary300]

A planer is essential, unless you are always going to buy the exact thickness of wood for each project. I also have found that a pocket screw jig is very nice to have for cabinet work. The table saw and band saw will be your main workhorses. A belt sander might also prove useful. Don't forget a shop vac and compressor with blow gun to clean up all the wood sawdust and shavings.

 

[rmousir]

Excellent additions!!

The planer is on my list and has been for some time now. Just need to save the bucks. I do have everything else you mentioned including the pocket hold jig. Just picked that up last weekend. I hope to use it a lot on my new bench.

 

[rsanter]

RIGID makes an oscilating drum/edge sander
I have one and it is an excellent tool

bob

 

[Hylke]

What else are you going to build? We used biscuit joiners a lot in cabinetry, though we call those biscuits lamello's. Looks similar to that mortise machine but slightly different.

 

[rodnok1]

A jointer, stand alone belt/disc sander. Def on pocket screw kit by Kregg. Also a biscuit joiner is very handy. Clamps, clamps and more clamps...

 

[lilredex]

Table saw, drill press, wood vise,sliding mitre saw would be a good start. You may not need a router table, depending upon what you intend to make. I keep a rectangular base plate on my router and clamp the router in the wood vise across the handles, find it is sufficient for much of my routing jobs (Without the table) A foot switch comes in very handy with that set up. Just accumulate things as needed.

 

[gary300]

A jointer, stand alone belt/disc sander. Def on pocket screw kit by Kregg. Also a biscuit joiner is very handy. Clamps, clamps and more clamps...

Yes, clamps and more clamps including various length bar clamps, different sizes of spring clamps and "C" clamps. Also invest in a good quality combination square. Saftey glasses and respirator should also be high on your list.

 

[DHCrocks]

clamps, you can never have to many. I like the Jet parallel clams, they have a larger face, easy to grip handle and they quite often go on sale.

 

[wormwood]

.. I also have found that a pocket screw jig is very nice to have for cabinet work. ....

I agree; the pocket screw jigs are a game changer. I finally bought one before a kitchen project a few years back:

http://pages.villagephotos.com/page.asp?page_id=3957

they are inexpensive and cut the carcass construction time in half.




.

 

[rmousir]

What else are you going to build? We used biscuit joiners a lot in cabinetry, though we call those biscuits lamello's. Looks similar to that mortise machine but slightly different.

I have a hand biscuit cutter. I think that is what it is called. It cuts the slots for the biscuits. Then I have a big container of biscuits.

I also have a nice collection of clamps coming along. I find that the HF ones are pretty decent and I always pick up a few when they are on sale.

What else are you going to build?

Last thing I made was a very nice cradle for my sister in law. I attached a picture.

Next is a vanity for my daughter and maybe a grandfather clock.

I keep a rectangular base plate on my router and clamp the router in the wood vise across the handles, find it is sufficient for much of my routing jobs (Without the table)

That is a great idea on the router. I could easily do that with a vise.

 

[csp]

Might help to know what you plan on building.

Fine furniture demands different tools than a workbench, for example.

Biscuit joinery and pocket screws pretty much eliminate the need for mortise and tenons, IMO.

 

[User_Name]

Clamps. Lots of them.

Don't go overboard on machinery yet. Lots of guys crank out nice work without using Norm's workshop. A table saw, a router and a thickness planer are a good start. Depending on where you buy your lumber you might be able to get them to joint and plane one face and one edge for you. After that all you need is a thickness planer and table saw to get boards into usable shape.

Chop saws, mortisers, dovetail jigs, and all the rest can be purchased when/if the need arises. When you get more experience with wood you'll learn whether a machine is worth the investment.

 

[ddawg16]

Miter saw.....get a sliding compound miter saw....works as well as a radial arm saw and takes up a lot less space....

Yes on the pocket hold jib (Kreg) as well as the biscut cutter....the biscut cutter is great for joining planks of wood together for larger sections....and of course you will use the pocket holes for cabinet face frames....

Routers....I have 3....including one plunge router. Go with the 1/2" Shank...

I have the Ryobi table saw...it's easy to put away when I don't need it and the side sliding table has an attachment for a router....hence, one of my routers stays there.

A couple of orbital sanders come in handy as well as a portable belt sander.

I would like to have a planer...but I don't have any trouble getting wood the thickness I need so I don't have that much of a use for one...

Before you get too hung up on Dove Tails.....you might want to check out some of the job shops that do drawers....I can buy a drawer with dove tail cheaper than what I can make it....when you factor in time, material and quality of work....I would rather use my time for other parts.....same for cabinet doors.....some of those router bits can get real expensive....

 

[A_Pmech]

I would look at making your bench the most versatile WITHOUT customizing it to specific tools. Your tools may break, wear out, or simply change and then that custom space may become a useless void. The fact that you're not even sure what tools you want or will use further suggests to me that you shouldn't "customize" it.

Instead, focus on building a versatile, quality piece of shop furniture. Doing so will hone your skills and the result will always be usable, no matter what direction your woodworking interests take.

 

[foghorn]

Sounds like you do furniture, and cabinets mostly? I highly recommend a jointer/planer for this kind of work, especially if you do a lot of glue ups. Also, once I got a thickness plainer, I never bought surfaced lumber anymore. Rough cut is way cheaper, and you get more control over your thickness. A stationary belt/disk sander is an often used tool as well.

As for the drill press, I have a large floor unit that I almost never use. I bought a Delta 12" table top unit a few years ago, and it's the one that I always use. I also bought a Delta mortising attachment for my small drill press, and I like it a lot.

Be sure to get, or make mobile bases for all of your stationary tools so you can move them around as necessary for the project that you are doing.

Finally, don't forget dust collection. It'll be better for your health, and you'll love the way it helps keep your shop clean.

 

[Gary S]

I have a Shopsmith. That takes care of about 90% of my needs. What the Shopsmith won't do, I get done with a stand alone thickness planer and a hand router.

 

[Abbott]

A dust collector. Harbor Freight has the best deal out there at the moment for their 2hp unit.

 

[rmousir]

Dust collection. I totally forgot dust collection!

 

[PassnThru]

I'll go against the grain here and say that a table saw shouldn't be on the top of your list. If you aren't doing fine furniture then a circular saw with a good straight edge will take the place of a table saw for most things. Understand that a properly set up table saw will eat a huge amount of floor space. I second the biscuit joiner suggestion - I use mine for lots of things.

 

[oldgoat]

I use the radial arm saw, router & table, drill press, random orbit sander, palm sander, pocket drill jig, 12" sliding miter saw and the bench top table saw on a stand the most. I've never been a big fan of a table saw because of the amount of room you need to use one. I would like to have a planer though. I leave the radial arm saw set up for 90 deg cuts and I have a 12" sliding miter saw and a 10" regular miter saw for angle cuts. The 12" is nice, but if you get the 10" make sure it will cut through a 1 x 6. Of course clamps, cordless drills and screwdrivers I also use a lot. Depends on what room you have and what you want to make though. My garage gets used for both auto work and woodworking and isn't big enough at 22 x 26 to do and have all that I would like.

 

[lawfarm]

If you have to choose between a Kreg Jig and a biscuit joiner, get the Kreg jig. I have both, and the Kreg is more versatile, and produces a stronger joint. Even if you want to have a 'fancy' joint, you can get wood plugs for the holes that either match or contrast with the wood of your project...sand them flush and voila.

As far as the table saw / router table issue goes, I have very limited room in my garage, but wanted to have both a table saw and a router. I ended up getting this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921829000P

On sale for $370 when I got it. It is a reasonably sized table saw, that folds for easy portability, and includes a router mount. You use the fence as a router guide...it works incredibly well. I was concerned it would be a jack of all trades and a master of none, but it works for my needs. Also, you can fold it up and store it out of the way. I actually keep mine up on a workbench right now (space issues).

As far as miter saws go, I really wanted to get a dual bevel sliding miter, but I couldn't find one that I was confident was really sturdy...or that had good long-term reviews. I ended up getting a Dewalt dual bevel 12" miter. It is deadly accurate, easy to use, durable, and I'm confident it will outlast me...unlike the sliding miters. That's my opinion, anyhow. It will not cut a 1x10 in one shot, though.

 

[ddawg16]

Here is a pic of the work bench I made for my radial arm saw and compound miter saw....I put a piece of wood on the top to show how either saw can cut it....they share a common rip fence....

What I really like about it is that I can cut some pretty long pieces of wood.....from the blade of the radial to the wall I have a little over 4'....which means I can cut an 8' piece of wood from either side...if one end needs to be over 4'...and it's a really long piece...then I use a roller support.....though I am thinking about making a fold down one that attaches to the wall....

I'm really pleased with how it has turned out...lots of storage....the little 'rack' below the miter saw is great...I toss all my short left over pieces there...longer stuff gets stored on brackets on the wall...

BTW....the radial arm saw is a Craftsman...about 30 years old...got it for $100.....I threw away the base when I built this table....

And this is my table saw....Ryobi....I have used the dog **** out of it....had it 9 years...my lovely wife bought it for me to do the kitchen cabinets....it's only downside is that it's a bit of a challange to rip anything accuratly over 25" wide....riping a 4x8 sheet of plywood is not an issue...but if I want to accuratly rip say a 12" piece...then my wife has to help me support the sheet as I feed it....

As you can see from the fold down extension table attached to it that I use it for a lot of things....especially those that include painting....it makes for a nice work surface.....

On the side is the table for the router....I don't use it that much but it does use the rip fence of the table saw....works well....well enough that I can't justify buying just a router table.

I'm working on plans now to make a new base for it...something that rolls around easier...and has storage under it....I think I can make something that combines the table saw and a woodworking table in one.

 

[rmousir]

super great info. I can't see the pictures at work so I will check this tread again when I get home tonight.

 

[twostory]

I think the table saw is the most important tool. My wife's 900 sqft wood shop has a 5 Hp cabinet saw in the middle, and it is the most used tool in the shop. Yes it takes up alot of room, but I rip lumber and cut plywood on it all the time.

If you have the space, make a big usable area for the table saw. Ideally you should be able to cut a 4x8 plywood sheet with out having to move anything out of you way.

Other big tools are: 8 inch joiner, two router tables, 3 bench top belt sanders, scroll saw, drill press, sand flea (sander), mini lathe, two band saw (resaw blade & skinny blade for curves), a second table saw set up just to do dadoes. two chop saws (one to just do very precise 45 degree cuts on small pieces)

Last bit of advice, put everything on locking caster wheel. This way you park everything against the wall, and move it out when you need it. Having fixed stations takes up a lot of room.

 

[rmousir]

some great advice here. The locking caster wheels have been mentioned here more than once and they are on my list. I was thinking, should I put my bench on those as well? Or is that over kill? I figured that it would make it easier to rearrange my garage when ever I needed to.

Keep in mind that I store my mustang and my trailer in there when I am not doing projects.

Also, I am not sure I worded this correctly but these are the tools I already have:
Table saw (fold away portable from Sears)
jointer
small drill press
mortise machine
mitersaw
belt sander
orbital sander
finishing sander
sawsaz
corded drill
2 cordless drills (cheap and will be replaced soon)
jig saw
skill saw
router
lots of drill bits, router bits, chisels, clamps (you can never have to many)
a small collection of jigs including my recently purchased pocket jigs.
shop vac
two small work tables

I plan on building my bench with a drop spot for the miter saw and a rip fence. On that bench I was thinking I could put a drop in plate on one side to be shared by my drill press and my mortise machine. I also originally planned on a drop in plate for my router but someone mentioned using a vise for that so I may reconsider. I would also like to build a router work station on wheels. That would be awesome.

Tools that I think I will pick up in the future:

wood vice
dovetail jig
plainer
sander station
ban saw
more clamps
more jigs
dust collector would be a nice addition

I have seen lots of pictures of the 'general' work bench but anyone got any pics of wood working benches?

 

[MN4x4]

If you are going to be doing 'fine' woodworking - like furniture - consider getting a drum sander. I have the 37x2 from SuperMax (http://www.supermaxtools.com) and it is one of the top 5 most-used machines in my shop. Once you own one you'll find uses for it that you never imagined. It can often take the place of a planer - in fact I almost never use my planer any more. It can also:

• Flatten twisted or warped boards - including crotches - without tearout, which you cannot do with a planer.
• Clean up old wood (flooring, beams, trim) that you would never put through your planer for fear of ruining the knives.
•*@#$Sand faceframes (typically 34.5", which is why I got the 37x2)
• Level uneven glue-ups. Think cutting boards, door panels, etc.
• Even out drawer tops and bottoms - just run the assembled drawer through the sander and you have perfectly aligned surfaces which you can then round over or finish as you see fit.
• Almost eliminate hand sanding on flat items

I thought I would use the machine "once in a while" but once I had it, I couldn't believe how much I used it. I will never be without one again. In fact, if I had to equip a new woodworking shop for whatever reason, my first 5 stationary machines would be:

Table Saw
Band Saw
Drum Sander
Jointer
Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Full disclosure - I used to work for the predecessor company Performax, before Jet bought them and turned the Performax line into Taiwanese **** sold at Menards. Jet discontinued the big machines several years back, and two of the former employees bought the rights and started SuperMax Tools. If you are interested in their products, call them up and ask to speak to Warren.

 

[woodie]

A work bench you may want to check out...

http://christophermerrill.net/ww/plans/UTS/Tool_Stand_1.html

Seems functional and practical in a space saving design.

 

[rmousir]

A work bench you may want to check out...

http://christophermerrill.net/ww/plans/UTS/Tool_Stand_1.html

Seems functional and practical in a space saving design.

That is a pretty nice bench. Great for wood working! Gotta like that. Thanks for posting that.

 

[JC23]

I agree with twostory. When I got my Cman table saw, my game jumped up 500%.

If you need to buy a mitre saw, take the plunge and get a slider. I didn't at first so now, I have three mitre saws. Guess which one I use the most.

 

[cashishift]

I would buy a jointer before I would buy alot of the other stuff you listed.

 

[cashishift]

also, check craigslist for used equipment.. i've saved a zillion dollars on that site.

 

[Ender-DI]

ddawg16: HUZZAH to you good sir!

Making a recess in your workbench for your compound miter saw is BRILLIANT. Having done 99% of my finish carpentry out in the field, my saws have always been on stands. I never thought about doing a built in like that for my own home.

I may even take it a step further and build a box that will fill the recess when I'm not using the saw.

I'm just about to build my big work bench and this was perfect timing. Thanks!!!

 

[digdug18]

I'd add a nice lathe to the above list.

 

[cnc-me]

Nice job, on the cradle.
Here is three more for your list-
Pin router
Edge sander
Bandsaw

 

[Jeff]

One of the best purchases I made for woodworking was a Grizzly Mini Shaper. I have the older model which accepts 1/2" and 1/4" bits. I handcraft 16"x20" wooden frames for my photography and this shaper has proven itself over and over again. I also make small wood boxes and cubes.

This is a 6" cube. I used the mini-shaper to campher the edges.

I also throw my vote in for the Kreg Jig. I made my oak dining room table last year with the Kreg, which was my first piece of large furniture to craft.

 

[JC23]

Sharkin,

That table is sweet! Is it white oak? Kinda looks like it. What did you throw at it for a finish? I'm old scholl enuf to use orange shellac with a protective clear on my oak stuff. And where did you get those yellow triangle thingies? I need a set of those.

 

[csp]

Rockler and Woodcraft both have the little pyramids.