Starting Over...

[Hiersekorn]

So, I'm starting over and I'd appreciate any thoughts, help, guidance, etc.

Quick Story: I had a major economic meltdown two years ago. I had to sell all of my tools just to pay bills. Worse, because it happened so quickly, I pretty much got robbed. I sold a TS-55, Domino, CT-Mini, Kapex, Rotex, Delta cabinet saw, DeWalt 755 planer, and more, for less than a thousand bucks. I never sold my MFT and MFT Mini. I also have a router table and a fairly complete set of Kreg fasteners.

Well, life is good and things turned around. I'm finally back in a position to rebuild my shop. If necessary, I could rebuild everything all at once. But, my wife would probably freak out. She's still a bit shell-shocked from the cashtastrophe two years ago. So, I'm trying to do this in chunks.

I'm thinking of getting a TS and CT to start. That can do just about any cuts I might need - rip, cross and miter. I can do shaping tasks on the router table and the Kreg can take the place of the Domino -- for now, at least. I was thinking of getting conventional hand tools for rest and then adding power tools as the budget/wife allows.

My first projects will likely be a set of cabinets for the shop, then a workbench. I'm also thinking about building the frame/cases for a LoveSac "sactional" knock-off.

So, here's my question. Understanding that the budget is flexible, what would you add or change? What am I missing?

Thanks for any advice. This group has kept me sane over the past couple years. I've just lurked a bunch, but it helps to see what other Festo-folks are doing.

 

[mike_aa]

[member=17426]Hiersekorn[/member]  Sorry to hear of your dilemma, but I'm glad you are through it now.  You should also look at getting some sanders like the ETS 150EC or others sooner than later.  That was my entry into the system and it was a real game changer for me.

Mike A.

 

[jeffinsgf]

In your shoes, this would be my priority list

1) Track saw with parallel guide and square guide.
2) Drill/Driver
3) Rotex sander
4) Thickness planer
5) Table saw
6) Hand Planes & Chisels

Your shop cabinet starting project is going to involve sheet goods, and there's no substitute for a track saw for sheet goods (outside of an Altendorf or Hermann sliding table saw). Doing stick work with a track saw isn't fun, but it can be done.

You never know how many holes a project takes until you don't have a way to make them.

The Rotex is the only thing on the list that is brand specific, and if there is another tool out there that combines fast stock removal with fine finishing capability as well as the Rotex, I don't know about it.

I couldn't go very long without a planer. I know lots of good woodworkers that can do a lot without one, but I'm not one of them.

I would get the table saw as soon as you could, even if it were not the last table saw you ever buy. Some of the newer jobsite saws are so much better than they used to be. Personally, I would be looking for a 60s to 70s Unisaw or Powermatic 66 before I would buy a new saw anything short of an Industrial SawStop.

The better you are with hand planes the less you'll need the Rotex.

When you're productive with all that, it will be time to get a drill press, a more specialized assortment of sanders, more and better routers, specialized joinery tools, and the list goes on.

 

[nclemmons]

You did not mention a router separate from the table.  I use one in addition to the table-based unit.

As you likely know, you can do a lot with a router, track saw and router table, drill, and a couple of hand planes.  Take your time and buy based on defined need.

 

[jarbroen]

If you're not planning on a Domino any time soon then I would say go with your Track saw, CT plan.
That's a great place to start again.
If you wanted to add one more thing I would suggest the ETSC 150.  The Rotex is great as well, but I would start with the finish sander if you're doing things like cabinets now.  The brushless sander is one of the tools I bought recently and wondered why I waited so long to get one.  Makes sanding not feel like my least favorite step anymore.

 

[bkharman]

So, I'm starting over and I'd appreciate any thoughts, help, guidance, etc.

Quick Story: I had a major economic meltdown two years ago. I had to sell all of my tools just to pay bills. Worse, because it happened so quickly, I pretty much got robbed. I sold a TS-55, Domino, CT-Mini, Kapex, Rotex, Delta cabinet saw, DeWalt 755 planer, and more, for less than a thousand bucks. I never sold my MFT and MFT Mini. I also have a router table and a fairly complete set of Kreg fasteners.

Well, life is good and things turned around. I'm finally back in a position to rebuild my shop. If necessary, I could rebuild everything all at once. But, my wife would probably freak out. She's still a bit shell-shocked from the cashtastrophe two years ago. So, I'm trying to do this in chunks.

I'm thinking of getting a TS and CT to start. That can do just about any cuts I might need - rip, cross and miter. I can do shaping tasks on the router table and the Kreg can take the place of the Domino -- for now, at least. I was thinking of getting conventional hand tools for rest and then adding power tools as the budget/wife allows.

My first projects will likely be a set of cabinets for the shop, then a workbench. I'm also thinking about building the frame/cases for a LoveSac "sactional" knock-off.

So, here's my question. Understanding that the budget is flexible, what would you add or change? What am I missing?

Thanks for any advice. This group has kept me sane over the past couple years. I've just lurked a bunch, but it helps to see what other Festo-folks are doing.

Check the Want Ads here or even post a WTB and the area you are in for local pickup.

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jeh]

Check the Want Ads here or even post a WTB and the area you are in for local pickup.
Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I second this recommendation. I have purchased several tools from FOG users and have never been disappointed. Most were in what I would consider new and unused condition or used only a few times. Most were shipped and some others were picked up in person. YMMV, but I think this is one of the safer places to purchased from others though I would be hesitant to purchase from someone who never posts.

 

[Hiersekorn]

Thanks guys. This is helpful.