Buy New Tools or Build 8020 Shop Cabinets?

[Bugsysiegals]

I've ~$1,000 to spend and am wondering whether to buy more tools/accessories or 8020 Aluminum Extrusion in which I'd build several mobile shop cabinets.

The more expensive tools on my short list are ...

• MFK 700 (I've OF1010/OF1400 and the adapters for edge band trimming so not needed but could be nice to have)
• WoodPeckers Squares (450/660mm) (I've the 12" triangle and square I use for my guide rail so not needed but may be marginally better)
• TSO MTR-18 Triangle (not needed but could be nice to have larger than 12")
• TSO GRS-16, GRS-16 PE, or the Combination (I've engineered my Seneca/Incra parallel guides with lead screws like their TS fence system for absolute precision so I'd only use this for squaring my 3000 length guide rail which I currently square with a 12” WP triangle.)

I'd use the 8020 to make benches similar to "Garage Work Systems".  At ~4' each they'd be plenty strong to be their own bench and would only be on casters in case I ever move or needed to clean behind them.  I'd probably use the caster/feet combo for mobility with ability to level them for a miter station.

So do you have a messy shop?  Do you prioritize more tools over a good looking/feeling organized shop or the other way around? 

Here's my current mess but happy to be in wood shop ...

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[cpw]

I think a TSO rail square is "gotta have", but I don't like my MFT for cross cutting.  You have a nice incra fence on yours, so maybe it wouldn't be as big a deal as it was for me.

 

[rmhinden]

My initial answer is "both"

However, looking at the pictures, the open breaker panel with all of the wires hanging out of it looks pretty scary.  Suggest you spend some of your cash fixing that.

Bob

 

[Thompmd]

It makes me smile when I see others having to make similar decisions. I’m 56 , retired 3 years ago and got the first shop in my life 1yr ago and bought err got my first Festool from Santa last year .  I’ve bought a lot this year and going to spend a few thousand next week and instead of buying more Festools I’ve chosen to replace some logs that have begun to rot.

My shop is a log cabin that was added to the barn 20yrs ago. I’ve decided to add another window, sand logs re-stain, seal, chink and also add some veneer stone panels at the bottom of the exterior.

If it helps but even though it’s not more tools, I’m excited. I don’t think you can go wrong as long as you keep going in the right direction.

I buy/sell Walnut slabs and the money is dedicated to the above.

Good Luck and let us know what you decided

 

[Bugsysiegals]

My initial answer is "both"

However, looking at the pictures, the open breaker panel with all of the wires hanging out of it looks pretty scary.  Suggest you spend some of your cash fixing that.

Bob

The wires hanging out are the Emporia energy monitoring system. They clip around the wires to measure energy usage, log it, and make it accessible to an app so I can find energy inefficiencies. Yes it looks terrible and will come off once I find out why I’m spending $250 a month in energy for a 1,200 sq. ft. home.

Emporia Vue Smart Home Energy...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYJCDYT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[RobS888]

Hey Bugsysiegals,

Could I ask how much, approximately that table under your MFT was?  I would like to build another outfeed/assembly/MFT exactly like that but table saw height.

TYIA

 

[Imemiter]

I'll go with finding a used MK700 and getting a new rail square.

My shop can be tidied up some, but only if I've got most of my tools out on a jobsite. Some tools on the site with others in the truck is the best. At that point I have room to clean. I either need to build a shop or a shed for anything in the shop that isn't a tool. 

 

[rvieceli]

I like your shop, very nice. Two suggestions come to mind for me.

It looks like your MFT cart is to low to be a proper outfeed table for your saw. I'd figure out a way to fix that.

Then I'd suggest you take a look at some better shelving options. You should be near a Menard's somewhere. I  really like these Xtreme Garage components that they have.
https://www.menards.com/main/storag...ing-units/steel-component-shelving/c-9540.htm

They are kind of like mini pallet racks. I went with a 72 inch height and 24 deep since I have some container that I use that are 24 deep. I went with plywood for the actual shelf.

Then I think maybe some of the TSA stuff

Ron

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Hey Bugsysiegals,

Could I ask how much, approximately that table under your MFT was?  I would like to build another outfeed/assembly/MFT exactly like that but table saw height.

TYIA

Surely ... this was made from used 4040-Lite extrusion which I purchased from the 8020Inc eBay store.  The extrusion was $307 + ~$50-$80 shipping from Indianapolis to Wisconsin.  In addition, it cost $30 for the access hole drill jig, $18 for a long spiral fluted M8 tap, $61 for 45x M8 end fasteners, $8 for 4x anchor fasteners (a few pieces were already drilled with anchor holes so I decided to use them), $85 for several different lengths of M8/M6 SS cap head screws, $15 for T-Nuts, $10 for 4 Black end caps and center plugs, $25 for 1993mm of 40mm x 40mm x 6mm Angle Profile which I cut up to make smaller "L" brackets to mount the MDF top, ~$150 for a 10 pack of 28" KV8450 soft close drawer slides, and $40 for 4x Rockler 3" Heavy-Duty Total Lock Swivel Casters.  I will not need to buy the drilling jig and tap again and I've still many end fasteners, T-Nuts, and screws leftover so future builds should be slightly cheaper.  The 8020Inc eBay store closed; however, I've a local vendor willing to give me a 15% discount which is helpful.

Regarding the height, the top of the MFT/3 is 20mm shorter than the top of the TS.  This allows me to use my crosscut sled without having to notch out the MFT/3 top and/or make sure it's perfectly aligned with the TS. 

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And to resolve the gap when using the TS without the sled, I simply put a piece of 3/4" MDF on top of the MFT/3 which leaves a 1mm gap.  I like this because it solves the crosscut sled issue above, isn't hard to reach over and add the slab to the top of the MFT/3, and if it's on a differently sloped floor in the future, I can modify the thickness of this material to quickly achieve the desired height without having to hack up the cart.  I like to keep things as dynamic as possible so this solution is perfect for me.

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Let me know if you've any other questions.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

I like your shop, very nice. Two suggestions come to mind for me.

It looks like your MFT cart is to low to be a proper outfeed table for your saw. I'd figure out a way to fix that.

Then I'd suggest you take a look at some better shelving options. You should be near a Menard's somewhere. I  really like these Xtreme Garage components that they have.
https://www.menards.com/main/storag...ing-units/steel-component-shelving/c-9540.htm

They are kind of like mini pallet racks. I went with a 72 inch height and 24 deep since I have some container that I use that are 24 deep. I went with plywood for the actual shelf.

Then I think maybe some of the TSA stuff

Ron

Thanks for your suggestions! 

With regards to the outfeed table, I made it this height on purpose and have explained the reasons in my previous reply.

With regards to the shelving, I'd considered heavier duty shelving but there's a few issues with it for me ...

• I'd have to keep the Kapex pulled away from the wall or pull it out every time I needed to use it.
• Everything on shelving would be exposed rather than being protected inside drawers.  Have a look below to see my concern ... this is after trimming just a few boards with the Kapex.  This seems mostly avoidable with the drawers.
• I'd lose a nice work table/surface to set things on such as wood/coping sled when working at the router table which I think would be nice.

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[Bugsysiegals]

I think a TSO rail square is "gotta have", but I don't like my MFT for cross cutting.  You have a nice incra fence on yours, so maybe it wouldn't be as big a deal as it was for me.

I didn't like mine for cross cutting either as the stock fence wasn't accurate enough for me but I resolved that with an Incra fence.  Besides clamping things to it, it's the reason I have it ... why don't you like your MFT/3 for cross cutting and what do you use it for?

 

[Bugsysiegals]

I think a TSO rail square is "gotta have", but I don't like my MFT for cross cutting.  You have a nice incra fence on yours, so maybe it wouldn't be as big a deal as it was for me.

I only need to square my 3000 guide rail when breaking down sheet goods.  My TS is squared with the 12" WP Triangle and the MFT/3 is squared with Super Parf Dogs and validated with the 12" WP Triangle.  The only time I need to square my guide rail is when breaking down sheet goods which I'm currently using also the 12" WP Triangle.  It's pretty easy to clean cut an edge, use the parallel guides to rip to width, and then square the rail with the 12" WP Triangle from both edges and then cross cut.  I suspect it would be slightly easier with the guide rail but seems since I have a tool already to do it that maybe the guide rail itself is lower on the priority than cabinets since it creates more work for me to clean things off.  That said, I REALLY want that TSO Triangle and Guide Rail ... someday they will be mine!

 

[ChuckM]

More shop cabinets...for what?

Your shop looks good enough to me to start building the things that you really want to create (wasn't that the reason you went into woodworking?). I'd hold onto the cash and start planning, designing and making projects. If those projects require certain tools or accessories, then buy them with the cash put aside.

When the time comes that you need more shop cabinets (to store the extra tools or accessories you've since accumulated), then you can look into cabinets.

Confession: I don't need my shop to look complete or beautiful, just the things that I create to be pretty.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

More shop cabinets...for what?

Your shop looks good enough to me to start building the things that you really want to create (wasn't that the reason you went into woodworking?). I'd hold onto the cash and start planning, designing and making projects. If those projects require certain tools or accessories, then buy them with the cash put aside.

When the time comes that you need more shop cabinets (to store the extra tools or accessories you've since accumulated), then you can look into cabinets.

Confession: I don't need my shop to look complete or beautiful, just the things that I create to be pretty.

The thing is, it’s much easier to get wife approval for home improvement projects than for more “expensive tools” which seem unnecessary. Since this is Christmas money it’s better used for something shop related as I don’t have to convince why something is “necessary”.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

As practice for making kitchen, dining, and laundry room cabinets, I planned to make some shop cabinets.  Then I thought I'd make them mobile so I could pull them out, re-arrange, set stuff on them for infeed/outfeed, etc., but after building the first cabinet, realized I shouldn't set anything on them.  Even though I'd already cut up all the plywood, I thought it would be better to instead make them out of 8020 since their rigid enough even to also be a workbench ... and I'd add the plywood to the 8020 for looks.

That said, I found a post recently, I believe here but can’t seem to find it, using a Husky Adjustable Height Solid Wood Top Workbench and see Home Depot has them on sale.  Another alternative could be to get two of these (8ft/6ft) for ~$600, set the the height I can use the extensions wings on top or set them to the same height as the Kapex, route a dado into the top for T-Track/Rule/Stop, and then finish these original shop cabinets to get more practice with the Domino, edge banding trimming, etc.  I'm not sure if there's enough clearance underneath and side to side to fit the cabinets and would have to go to Home Depot to take some measurement but could be a decent alternative?

My first cabinet below and initial observations/lessons learned ...

• I found out afterwards the top sags to much to have this wide of a drawer ... I'll modify them to be 6 drawers instead.
• I'm not happy with the blotchy look of the Shelac.  I definitely need some practice with this stuff.
• Mixing Shelac according to a formula but from a different Shelac flake vendor doesn't always result in the same color ... way more Orange than the Brownish color I was expecting.
• Stick with 30mm Domino's on 3/4" plywood ... I was using 40mm and forgot to change to 15mm plunge depth and blew through the end panel in several plunges before I noticed!!

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[cpw]

I think a TSO rail square is "gotta have", but I don't like my MFT for cross cutting.  You have a nice incra fence on yours, so maybe it wouldn't be as big a deal as it was for me.

I didn't like mine for cross cutting either as the stock fence wasn't accurate enough for me but I resolved that with an Incra fence.  Besides clamping things to it, it's the reason I have it ... why don't you like your MFT/3 for cross cutting and what do you use it for?

I just find it easier to crosscut things repeatedly on the table saw with the Incra sled or using my miter saw.  I find that flipping up and down the rail is a pain.  I had mine out in the middle of the shop, but now I just have it against a wall, so there isn't as much room next to it anyway.  I use mine pretty much for clamping/workholding for sanding, domino-ing, or routing.  I really do like it for that.  The clamping elements go with it really well.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Funny, I dislike using the table saw because it makes a mess ... I’d like a better suction piece over the blade.

 

[sancho57]

Yer gonna hate my opinion but here it is

Sounds to me like ya got some money thats burning a hole in yer pocket.

If ya dont know what to spend it on then dont spend it.

Hold onto it until you find a tool you absolutely need or love.

Thats how I roll.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Unfortunately I cannot just hang onto it as it’s a Christmas gift.

For those of you who make cabinets, do you use pocket hole screws?  I’ve a small pocket hole jig and love the look of the Kreg foreman but there’s mixed reviews about it. Seems it could be helpful since I’ve tons of cabinets to build but not sure if this is really needed since I’ve a DF 500 or maybe it’s good to use both?

 

[cpw]

Unfortunately I cannot just hang onto it as it’s a Christmas gift.

For those of you who make cabinets, do you use pocket hole screws?  I’ve a small pocket hole jig and love the look of the Kreg foreman but there’s mixed reviews about it. Seems it could be helpful since I’ve tons of cabinets to build but not sure if this is ready needed since I’ve a DF 500 or maybe it’s good to use both?

I prefer dominos to pocket holes.  Either with clamps or with screws through non-visible sides of the cabinetry to hold it together while the glue dries.