What tools to keep, what to sell?

[Moosefire]

So I'm in the process of organizing my garage, which is all of my stuff plus stuff from her and her deceased parents accumulation of things over the last 30 years. It's really not that much stuff they left behind, but theres still a lot of things that I look at and say "do i really need to keep this?"

It's a double edged sword since they are already paid for and it costs nothing to keep, except floor space. But floor space is premium in my 20x20. Things I'm considering selling are

2 table saws
Radial arm saw with table
2 chain saws
Small workbench (cheap)
More misc stuff

I've decided on keeping most if not all hand tools, as they're easier to store away and can always use that stuff. But this big stuff.... is tough. The one table saw is a dewalt jobsite saw which I'm really on the fence about, even though i rarely ever use it it's very convenient when you do need it...

So how do you guys and gals justify selling or keeping your stuff? Am i over thinking this and just sell everything and make due later on if i need something?

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[Ton ton]

Some people use table saws for a work bench. Just drop the blade and remove the fence.

 

[Moosefire]

Yeah that's the largest piece of equipment by far, and pretty specific too. That's definitely on the chopping block

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[dacan23]

Even with my huge garage, tool shed, and small shed (for kids ****) I am always strapped for space. Mostly because I only have a small basement as the garage is underneath the house.

Recently I needed space or had to throw things, I did a big re-org project and added a lot of storage options for dead space. One of those 4x8 ceiling racks, a joisted shelf in dead space on in an area, and more storage racks.

So my advice is can you optimize your space to not have to get rid of things. It will cost a few bucks but may help.

 

[Ton ton]

I definitely understand the need for organizing but I struggle to get it done myself.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Table saws don't cross cut very well and radial arm saws don't rip very well. Most woodworkers use both a sliding compound miter saw and a table saw. The foot print of a sliding compound miter saw and radial arm saw isn't much different. I have all three. Depending on the brand of radial arm saw, they can be more accurate than a sliding compound miter saw. The nice thing about a radial arm saw, is most of the time the head is parked against the wall , freeing up bench space, were as a sliding compound miter saw takes up a lot of room behind it.

 

[sberry]

I could about do without a table saw and wouldn't miss the ra at all.

 

[sberry]

I got 80x80 and the table saw is in another building. I can actually use it as there isnt a pile of **** on it.
It's rarely needed, months between 5 minutes use. I am really a circ/sawzall type of carpenter. If I was gonna go all out would get me a sliding miter thingy.

 

[Busted Knucles]

I keep it all, you wont get much money for it and it cost a lot to replace it.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

General rule of thumb, if you don't use it, it's taking up valuable space and you can get a fair enough price for it to buy another one then it's time to sell.

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[matt_i]

I'm with getting rid of radial arm saws. I'm a circ saw and tablesaw person and probably should have a track saw....are we talking stationary saws like a Powermatic 66 or a Unisaw? A portable tablesaw can be extremely helpful if you ever have a remote or even an outdoor job, and I can't speak to whether you have that need.

Also I'd consider downsizing a chainsaw unless there is a large difference in size. I had a nice one, got stolen (long story) and then I have only needed one once in 10 years, so I don't really miss it, but I have a small field and not a small forest to maintain.

 

[Moosefire]

I'm with getting rid of radial arm saws. I'm a circ saw and tablesaw person and probably should have a track saw....are we talking stationary saws like a Powermatic 66 or a Unisaw? A portable tablesaw can be extremely helpful if you ever have a remote or even an outdoor job, and I can't speak to whether you have that need.

Also I'd consider downsizing a chainsaw unless there is a large difference in size. I had a nice one, got stolen (long story) and then I have only needed one once in 10 years, so I don't really miss it, but I have a small field and not a small forest to maintain.

Well one is a poulan from HD, it was so terrible that I went out and got a husqvarna so I could continue to cut up a monster maple tree that I had in my yard. I dont have that property anymore, and really dont need it (I think) for the new property

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[MattT]

I keep it all, you wont get much money for it and it cost a lot to replace it.

Sounds like the guy is at the get rid of **** or build a larger shop point. Taking a chance on maybe having to replace the items at some point is definitely the cheaper option.

 

[bczygan]

SELL is a 4 letter word.

Bill

 

[dodge610]

SELL is a 4 letter word.

Bill

So is Keep lol

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Depends on the quality of the equipment. A Poulan chainsaw you can toss, a Craftsman RAS, you can toss, those plastic and aluminum TS, you can toss. I said toss, not sell. But if it's Delta contractor saw, hang on for a minute . If it's old Delta Rockwell or DeWalt RAS, wait wait.

 

[Jazz1]

Keep 2 chain saws. JMHO

I been selling off tools for a few years. Tools that are obsolete or not used. Don't know how I acquired so many 1/2" ratchets but only 4 left in garage now. I like lots of elbow room in garage

 

[BMack37]

I don't know how anyone is offering opinions based on not knowing what you do with your workshop and what other tools you have...the only real advice I can give at this point is selling your doubles.

A radial arm saw can be very useful but not very valuable, but if you don't work with wood then it's not very useful at all.

 

[chrismenke]

I'll also throw out there that if you have a RAS up against a wall and a track saw you've solved for 99% of table saw & compound miter, while generating a small workbench.

With that said, I would only keep a really good RAS (cast DeWalt or something of that quality), and I would take a good long time educating myself on how to use it safely.

 

[Parrothead]

...things that I look at and say "do i really need to keep this?"

...floor space is premium in my 20x20. Things I'm considering selling are

2 table saws - keep the DeWalt
Radial arm saw with table - first thing to sell
2 chain saws - gone, given further info you provided
Small workbench (cheap). Keep if it fits your layout.
More misc stuff

Basically keep the DeWalt contractor saw and sell the rest.

 

[zippster]

When the 2008 flood came through in Cedar Rapids you couldn't buy a chainsaw or generator, or table saw within 100 miles. Bought a chainsaw and generator once the stores were stocked. That was over ten years ago and I have not used them to this day.

 

[Squankum]

SELL is a 4 letter word.

Bill

"Hoard" is a five letter word.


(I'm not far behind ya. Right now, my benches are covered and there is a path on the floor. These are bad signs.)



_

 

[lafester]

Of course that RAS is going to sit on CL for months before anyone even cares to ask about it. I would sell the table saws first and use the ras for everything until it finally sells. By then you might actually want a good one.

 

[MushCreek]

Everybody has different needs. I find myself using my table saw and 12" miter saw the most. I had a RAS years ago; no thanks. A table saw can do very good cross-cutting with a well-made crosscut sled. That's what I use for stuff that has to be 'perfect', although the miter saw is pretty decent.

 

[nutjob]

The RAS could be worth $50 for the recall if a craftsman. This used to be $100.

http://www.radialarmsawrecall.com/

Kevin

 

[Moosefire]

Thanks for all of your opinions guys. I think I'll post up and try to sell most of the bug stuff I dont ever use... having a full woodworking shop sure would be nice but that's not in the cards for a long time... if ever.

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[Moosefire]

The RAS could be worth $50 for the recall if a craftsman. This used to be $100.

http://www.radialarmsawrecall.com/

Kevin

Wow, I'll look into that. That would be much easier than craigslist, and probably the same value too!

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[seber]

If you use a chainsaw then having two can be a lifesaver when you get one bound. On the other hand if you don't run them regularly they will develop leaky case seals and become useless. That should determine whether you keep them. Radial arm saw are huge spacetakers compared to sliding miter saw. If it is a Craftsman it has more value collecting on the Sears return policy. Keeping two table saws just doesn't make sense. Keep the better of the two. Everyone needs a workbench but if you seldom use the table saw then you already have one. Attach a removeable top and save the space. Carriage bolts from the top with hand knobs underneath make it a quick change.

 

[Moosefire]

Yeah the one chainsaw is all but useless, I'll sell that for a song and a dance. The husqvarna is much nicer, but I have really no use for it for the foreseeable future (next few years at least)

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[Parrothead]

Yeah the one chainsaw is all but useless, I'll sell that for a song and a dance. The husqvarna is much nicer, but I have really no use for it for the foreseeable future (next few years at least)

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While I’m sure the Husqvarna is much nicer, if you’re not using/maintaining it the seals and carb are going to be an issue. I’d sell it now and look into a battery powered Husqvarna (or other brand) in the future for intermittent use.

https://www.forestry.com/deep/test-husqvarna-536-lixp-video/

 

[lardy1]

You can't give a radial arm saw away around my area. I stopped doing carpentry as my income about 15 years ago and they were basically obsolete way back then. That doesn't render them useless, however. I still use tools in my personal shop that professionals abandoned long ago because they still get the job done for me.

Radial arm saws take up a lot of space, also.

 

[m6z]

I don't know how anyone is offering opinions based on not knowing what you do with your workshop and what other tools you have...the only real advice I can give at this point is selling your doubles.

A radial arm saw can be very useful but not very valuable, but if you don't work with wood then it's not very useful at all.

This.

I'm not a woodworker, so I had to google what a radial arm saw was.

Do you have any projects planned?

My current place doesn't have any trees, so I'd be getting rid of all of those chainsaws. Everyone's needs are different.

 

[Ton ton]

I remember my Dad selling a Radial arm saw roughly 5 years ago.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

A RAS wasn't very useful as a carpentry tool, too heavy to put away. On big jobs were they were set up semi permanently and boxed in at night. A cheap sliding chop saw works great for decks and sheds, that's what I use mine for. The RAS does cabinetry work.

Craftsman RAS , they are what gave RAS a bad rep for accuracy.
DeWalt RAS, cast iron once you get the 14 or so , chuckle, adjustments right, they are great.
Delta turret arm RAS, considered the as good or better than the DeWalt.

Around here you can get a DeWalt for $50 , a good Delta contractors table saw for $100. You don't have to buy Craftsman.