Hello Everyone, I am a long time follower and first time poster. I am a hobbyist when it comes to woodworking and strictly build for family and friends. I setup my garage shop about 1 1/2 years ago and have been hooked ever since. I also have the wonderful situation to have my 16 year old daughter and 12 year old son working right by my side about 2-3 night a week. They just love it, and so do I. They are very safety conscious and the three of use just went through a wonderful full day shop and tool safety class at our local woodworking store.
My current shop includes a Bosch 4100 TS, Router and table, Dewalt 735 planer, Drill press, 1 hp dust collector and various hand tools. I also have Festool TS75, 3 rails, MFT3, two sanders, jigsaw and CT33. My current work process includes a cutting table, very similar to the one Steve Jones built, to do sheet goods and long board rips over 4 feet or so (with TS75/rails). I use the MFT for most larger cross cuts and clamping/sanding. I use the Bosch with a Incra 3000 sled mainly for small cross cuts, angle stuff and under 4 ft rips. I edge joint my boards first on a cutting jig on my table and then hand jointer plane the edges to square (which I actually enjoy). I then put it in a planer sled I built and plane and flatten both faces. It has actually worked pretty well for me.
Up to this point all of our projects have been cabinets, casework and very general carpentry. My future projects will begin with some Adirondack furniture for the deck, a computer desk, end table and then leading up to a contemporary dining room set.
I have the fortunate situation (thanks to tax refund), in that I have about $4,000 to be able to take both myself, kids and shop to the next level and evolution of skills. I am really struggling with what that next step should look like. I am very protective of the kids and their safety, as I know we all are. I am really drawn to the safety that a saw stop would bring to the game. I know it won't help at all with kick back or poor techniques, but it would sure go a long way with some peace of mind for the blade protection. I also like the idea of having a real table saw in the shop (space not an issue). I am trying to decide whether to go with:
1) Contractor sawstop and a good bandsaw (like laguna 14SUV) and entry level Grizzly 6 in jointer.
2) Sawstop Professional and a lower end 14 in bandsaw for mainly curves and misc stuff
3) High end bandsaw (like MM16 or Laguna 16HD) and a small 6 in jointer
Not having have these things before, I really don't know what would bring me the most benefits to get to that next skill level. I would love any feedback, suggestions that any of you could share. I even thought about doing none of these scenarios and really expanding my line of Festool equipment, but that table saw just scares me with the kids. I did also try doing the stuff I do on the table saw on the mft, cutting jig, TS75 and rails as many of you have discussed. It just seems like the whole process is so much more time consuming, but safer. Ideas?
My current shop includes a Bosch 4100 TS, Router and table, Dewalt 735 planer, Drill press, 1 hp dust collector and various hand tools. I also have Festool TS75, 3 rails, MFT3, two sanders, jigsaw and CT33. My current work process includes a cutting table, very similar to the one Steve Jones built, to do sheet goods and long board rips over 4 feet or so (with TS75/rails). I use the MFT for most larger cross cuts and clamping/sanding. I use the Bosch with a Incra 3000 sled mainly for small cross cuts, angle stuff and under 4 ft rips. I edge joint my boards first on a cutting jig on my table and then hand jointer plane the edges to square (which I actually enjoy). I then put it in a planer sled I built and plane and flatten both faces. It has actually worked pretty well for me.
Up to this point all of our projects have been cabinets, casework and very general carpentry. My future projects will begin with some Adirondack furniture for the deck, a computer desk, end table and then leading up to a contemporary dining room set.
I have the fortunate situation (thanks to tax refund), in that I have about $4,000 to be able to take both myself, kids and shop to the next level and evolution of skills. I am really struggling with what that next step should look like. I am very protective of the kids and their safety, as I know we all are. I am really drawn to the safety that a saw stop would bring to the game. I know it won't help at all with kick back or poor techniques, but it would sure go a long way with some peace of mind for the blade protection. I also like the idea of having a real table saw in the shop (space not an issue). I am trying to decide whether to go with:
1) Contractor sawstop and a good bandsaw (like laguna 14SUV) and entry level Grizzly 6 in jointer.
2) Sawstop Professional and a lower end 14 in bandsaw for mainly curves and misc stuff
3) High end bandsaw (like MM16 or Laguna 16HD) and a small 6 in jointer
Not having have these things before, I really don't know what would bring me the most benefits to get to that next skill level. I would love any feedback, suggestions that any of you could share. I even thought about doing none of these scenarios and really expanding my line of Festool equipment, but that table saw just scares me with the kids. I did also try doing the stuff I do on the table saw on the mft, cutting jig, TS75 and rails as many of you have discussed. It just seems like the whole process is so much more time consuming, but safer. Ideas?
