Hey gang,
My wife and I just bought a home and I'm starting up my research cycles for all the projects I want to accomplish. The house is approx 2300sqf, and was updated as recently as 5 years ago with a huge addition and a garage.
Right now the only powertools I own are a Makita LXT drill and impact driver and 2 dremels. I have next to no practical woodworking experience beyond what I've learned taking classes at the local trade school.
I've got a budget of about 3 or 4k. I've listed out every project I want to do for the next 10-15 years and I want to make sure I'm investing in the right tools early. As I tackle the more complex projects I'll go ahead and purchase those tools when I need them.
In no specific order, here are some of the projects I'm interested in.
* Garden with a trellis and possibly an arbor or pergola. Cold frames will probably be built too.
* Stone tile flooring for the basement
* Install folding attic steps
* Install a whole house attic fan and vents
* Install kitchen ventilation
* Add decorative edging to all the wood moldings (original wood panels were gutted from the first reno, and repurposed as window and door moldings).
* Replace crown molding
* Replace and finish 2 stair banisters
* I see either a four season porch and/or deck in the future
* Absolutely will build a tool shed to store the riding mower and other garden equipment
* Sanding down and repainting exterior cedar shingles
* Looking into relaminating cabinets in the kitchen
- there are more projects, but these are the ones related to this question specifically.
First projects will be sawhorses and to update and finish the 80 year old workbench in the basement. These projects will more than likely be limited to weekend work only.
So what I need help with is to prioritize my purchases.
* Festool 150 FEQ sander (two sanders in one for the price of, well, two sanders)
* Festool TS 55 (I think the 75's too large)
* CT 26E (I'm ok with frequent bag changes)
* Festool Router - is the OF 1400 overkill?
* Makita Miter Saw (possibly the LXT version)
* Makita LXT Recipro saw (we'll be removing shrubs and cutting into the house)
* Makita BSS610 LXT Circular Saw (for cordless ripping and 2x# cuts)
So here's my problem - I know I'm supposed to use the right tool for the right job - but I'm having a hard time deciding if I need a Circular Saw + a track saw + a Miter saw from the start. I realize they're different tools for different purposes, but I can't see far enough into the future to know which will get used the most and early on.
As for that purchase list - I'm open to ideas for any other "must have" tools for the new homeowner.
On a side note - can anyone key me in on a decent hvlp system for finishing? I think the right way forward is with water based durable finishes but I realize that's a whole other conversation. I noticed Graco has a battery powered cup system or do I really just need to spend the bens for an Accuspray or Titan system. I can't see me doing finishing work more than a few times a year if that, and only for home improvement projects.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers
Mocha
My wife and I just bought a home and I'm starting up my research cycles for all the projects I want to accomplish. The house is approx 2300sqf, and was updated as recently as 5 years ago with a huge addition and a garage.
Right now the only powertools I own are a Makita LXT drill and impact driver and 2 dremels. I have next to no practical woodworking experience beyond what I've learned taking classes at the local trade school.
I've got a budget of about 3 or 4k. I've listed out every project I want to do for the next 10-15 years and I want to make sure I'm investing in the right tools early. As I tackle the more complex projects I'll go ahead and purchase those tools when I need them.
In no specific order, here are some of the projects I'm interested in.
* Garden with a trellis and possibly an arbor or pergola. Cold frames will probably be built too.
* Stone tile flooring for the basement
* Install folding attic steps
* Install a whole house attic fan and vents
* Install kitchen ventilation
* Add decorative edging to all the wood moldings (original wood panels were gutted from the first reno, and repurposed as window and door moldings).
* Replace crown molding
* Replace and finish 2 stair banisters
* I see either a four season porch and/or deck in the future
* Absolutely will build a tool shed to store the riding mower and other garden equipment
* Sanding down and repainting exterior cedar shingles
* Looking into relaminating cabinets in the kitchen
- there are more projects, but these are the ones related to this question specifically.
First projects will be sawhorses and to update and finish the 80 year old workbench in the basement. These projects will more than likely be limited to weekend work only.
So what I need help with is to prioritize my purchases.
* Festool 150 FEQ sander (two sanders in one for the price of, well, two sanders)
* Festool TS 55 (I think the 75's too large)
* CT 26E (I'm ok with frequent bag changes)
* Festool Router - is the OF 1400 overkill?
* Makita Miter Saw (possibly the LXT version)
* Makita LXT Recipro saw (we'll be removing shrubs and cutting into the house)
* Makita BSS610 LXT Circular Saw (for cordless ripping and 2x# cuts)
So here's my problem - I know I'm supposed to use the right tool for the right job - but I'm having a hard time deciding if I need a Circular Saw + a track saw + a Miter saw from the start. I realize they're different tools for different purposes, but I can't see far enough into the future to know which will get used the most and early on.
As for that purchase list - I'm open to ideas for any other "must have" tools for the new homeowner.
On a side note - can anyone key me in on a decent hvlp system for finishing? I think the right way forward is with water based durable finishes but I realize that's a whole other conversation. I noticed Graco has a battery powered cup system or do I really just need to spend the bens for an Accuspray or Titan system. I can't see me doing finishing work more than a few times a year if that, and only for home improvement projects.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers
Mocha