New Tool Time - Question is which Tools

[SoonerFan]

I want some new tools which are moveable but I don't need portability.  Basically I just need to be able to move the tools a few feet when not in use.  I have a Kapex and built a stand with casters.  This works great for me.  I am looking for three tools specifically:

1.  Planer / Jointer Combo which can handle boards 12 - 15 inches wide

2.  Router table

3.  Smaller table saw with auto off feature.  Value my fingers a great deal!

I have most of the Festools I need (TS, router, drill, Domino, couple sanders, jig saw, MFT/3, Kapex, clamps, rails and accessories) except the LR32 hole drilling system and when funds are available maybe a VAC-SYS.  I think the addition of the three tools above will round out my needs as a home owner, hobbyist, enthusiast.  Question is which tools should I get?

Currently I am thinking a smaller Bosch saw with auto stop might be the ticket for me.  On the router table I am going with an Incra.  As for the planer / joiner combo I am just starting the search.

I'm wondering if people have suggestions on a Bosch saw or if there is a better option.  On the Incra table I am curious if people have opinions on which package to get.  Also curious if people have a preference on a router to dedicate to the table (to get the right template) and whether the Incra lift is worth the money.  Finally, very curious on suggestions for a planer / jointer combo.

My usage of the tools will be basic remodeling around the house, cabinets, a couple tables, etc.  First projects could very well be a new bed with storage underneath and/or a new closet layout with cabinets.

As for price, I want good tools but don't need the top off the line or Festool like quality.  I'd like good precision and safe tools but not as concerned about productivity.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance FOG.

 

[HarveyWildes]

I built my own router table.  It has an Incra positioner and fence, and lot of drawers for storage - you'll end up with more router bits and accessories over multi-years than you might think now.  I made the top from 1" MDF topped with Corian - but you could use almost anything instead of the Corian.  It has reasonably good dust collection built it - a 4" port out of the router compartment and a 2 1/5" port off the fence.  It's on casters.  I'm far happier with it than with any router table I've seen for sale anywhere.  Just a thought...

I have a Makita 2.25 HP router motor.  I like it a lot.  I've used bits in the 1.5" diameter range frequently in all kinds of hard woods and nothing has been problematic.  It's attached to a belt driven lift that I'm not too happy with.  It takes a lot of fussing to keep it going up and down smoothly, and when the guide posts get a little dust on them, the going gets tough and the belt starts skipping.  If I ever replace it, I'll definitely look for something with a smoother, more robust mechanism.

 

[JimD]

I also use a router table I built.  It is the basic arrangement from Norm Abraham's new yankee workshop.  I added a home made lift, however, based upon plans from an old American Woodworker article.  Most of the metal pieces came from McMaster Carr.  It rolls around on totally locking casters.  The top is a sink cutout edged with maple and backed by a piece of plywood.  The top hinges up for bit changes.  I have not seen a commercial router table with equivalent features.  Wood also helps to dampen vibration from the router. 

 

[Wooden Skye]

The only Bosch table saw with the safety feature is the Reaxx.  It is just like their job site table saw.  Your other option is an offering from Saw Stop.  As for the jointer/planer combo to do the size you want is Hammer, Felder or Minimax.  Jet may have a 12" model, but I have heard mixed reviews. 

 

[rizzoa13]

I've got the incra wonderfence for my home built router table and it's great. The fence halves are easy to position on either side of the bit and offers great dust collection through the 4" port at the far side of the fence. I also grabbed the incra version of the woodpeckers prl v2 router lift and that things AMAZING. Changing bits above the table is really simple and the coarse height adjustment is quick. The fine adjustment above the table is also realy smooth and easy and dust doesn't seem to affect its use.

On the router I got a big porter cable 7512 and do t think there's a router it it would struggle with.

If I were going to have the table in a shop I'd look at the incra clea sweep box and rings also. It's a box that covers the router from underneath with a 4" dust port on the bottom. There's then a set of magnalock ring inserts with cutouts for air flow so dust is then also pulled at the bit, really slick.

 

[bdiemer]

Buy the Bosch table saw first and then you're ready to make the router table. Incra and Kreg have all the accessories you need to build a perfectly accurate router table. I don't know about the planer/joiner . I haven't purchased a 15 inch wide board in over 25 years. My joiner is only half that capacity. I flatten wide glue-ups with an open ended drum sander.

 

[Birdhunter]

The Sawstop saw has a long track record. The Bosch is new to the market.

 

[SoonerFan]

Thanks everyone for the input. 

 

[geoffshep]

I'm in a similar position and not sure whether to go for a standalone router table or go with the Festool MFT-VL - like this:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/it's-finally-here-the-precision-plate-for-incra-positioners!!/

However, I'm going to a show at the weekend to look at Incra and Jessem tables and router gear so I might change my mind again by next week!  [unsure]

 

[RussellS]

1.  Planer / Jointer Combo which can handle boards 12 - 15 inches wide
2.  Router table
3.  Smaller table saw with auto off feature.  Value my fingers a great deal!

As for price, I want good tools but don't need the top off the line or Festool like quality.  I'd like good precision and safe tools but not as concerned about productivity.

I built my router table out of particleboard and plastic laminate.  On rollers too.  And has a couple drawers.  Works well.  I use the Porter Cable big 3+ hp plunge router with variable speed.  Raise and lower it by using a car scissor jack under the router.

For the jointer/planer combo, your goals don't really coincide.  The only jointer/planer machines in the US are the high quality, high dollar ones from Europe.  You get the precision and safety you want, and productivity too.  And Festool quality too.  There is no other choice for jointer/planer combo machines in the US.  With tools, price and quality are usually highly correlated.  Pay high price, get high quality.  Pay low price, get low quality.  Not always, but usually it works this way.

 

[leakyroof]

There have been Combo machines from the following less expensive makers...Grizzly, Rikon, and Jet.  If none of them are to your liking, then the price goes up quite a bit for the remaining machines from Felder etc.