What should be my next tool?

P

pghmyn

Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
163
Christmas is coming very soon, and my mom keeps bugging me about what she should get me for Christmas. I have no idea what I want specifically. I mean, well, I could use a Domino XL, Rotex, Kapex, etc. but let's get real - I'm not having my mom spend that much money on me.

I was thinking about something smaller, but versatile. First thing that popped into my mind was a 8" stacked dado set. I have a 2hp direct drive contractor's saw. I'm pretty sure it would be able to power a 8" stack good enough. But, if I can be convinced otherwise, I might go with a 6" stack.

I thought of a dado blade because I can use the flat tooth blade to cut tenons, grooves, etc. Also, my dado bit for my router is 3/4" exactly, and I need a bit for my plywood work. But, if I buy just a plywood router bit, that is all it is good for essentially.

Is there any other good all around accessory or tool that I could ask for if I decided not to go with a stacked dado? Lets say a budget around $100 or so is my goal. Less is better, but I'm looking for a good all around tool/accessory.
 
I'm not sure of your usual tasks, or work flow.  If you do a lot of remodeling, repairs, general work around the house, a Multi Master is a great tool.  From now until Christmas they generally run some good sales, not sure if it will go sub $100 though.

If you do go this route, don't get a cheapo knock off, this is a case of the original being the best.

Just thinking out loud here...

Daniel
 
No need for a multi tool.

I guess it was my fault to not say my intentions. I have a small shop in my basement. I usually do a few projects here and there like tables, entertainment centers, shelves, etc. I have all the basic tools I need, but I can improve eventually. I have a table saw, miter saw, radial arm saw, routers, shaper, drills, etc. (not the cheapest tools around, but no where near the best). I plan on buying myself a new table saw soon, however.

I'm really looking for a tool/accessory that will help my out with building projects. Which is why I looked into the stacked dado.
 
There's always gift cards  [big grin]

If she gets you a credit to some place like rockler you could always supplement the amount and have time to think about what you really need.

At least your mom wants to get you something.  My mom gave up on that years ago, now she just steals random stuff and presents it back to me during the holidays.  She learned after the first year of the new plan to stay out of the shop and truck  [doh]

Daniel
 
I think that a dado set is a great idea.  Way back when, I had  a small woodworking shop in the basement with a decent contractor's table saw and a few other OK tools.  I recived a dado set from my mother for Christmas and it came in very handy for making lots and lots of furniture. 
 
$100 will buy some first rate measuring and layout tools, maybe a 12 inch Starrett square, maybe a digital angle gauge, a good straight edge, dial indicator, set-up blocks.....
 
Jesse Cloud said:
$100 will buy some first rate measuring and layout tools, maybe a 12 inch Starrett square, maybe a digital angle gauge, a good straight edge, dial indicator, set-up blocks.....
Click to expand...
A set of engineer squares did faintly cross my mind. This is something I will think about, too :)

EDIT:
Engineer squares, or a combination square? Which would be a better choice?
 
pghmyn said:
Is there any other good all around accessory or tool that I could ask for if I decided not to go with a stacked dado? Lets say a budget around $100 or so is my goal. Less is better, but I'm looking for a good all around tool/accessory.
Click to expand...

Tell your mom to buy you one of these.
http://www.martin-usa.com/cms/_main/sawing/t75-prex.html

Oh yeah. It will exceed your $100 budget by a little and you'll need a little bigger basement, but it would be a Christmast present that you'd never forget.
[big grin]
 
If you do not have a Rotex 90 then get your mum to buy you some of the sanding sheets - probably for about $30. Or, if you do not have the Domino, get her to buy a bag of dominos; again for less than $30.

Then on 27 Dec you will be obliged to buy the tool to go with the present from your mum - you cannot let your mum down now can you?

Happy Christmas.

Peter
 
I think that a Starrett combination square would be a great addition.  A 4" double square is equally useful.  You're really going to want both of them, though.  Regarding engineer's squares, I like my 3" square for machinery set-up.
 
If you looking at lesser expensive options, but you don't have all the clamps you need, you could consider Bow Clamps.  They would help maximize the clamps you have and are available in several sizes or a set.  You can order then directly from the guy who makes them Bow Clamps or Bow Clamps at Woodcraft.com .

They are on my list this year.

Peter
 
Maybe you've got it already and/or maybe you're into building finer furniture, but a KregJig might come in handy for box assembly and what not if building entertainment centers, cabinets of any sorts, etc.
 
I second the suggestion of a Kreg jig.  Maybe the single most used accessory in my shop (other than drill/driver bits).
 
All the above suggestions are good, especialy the Kreg pocket hole jig, but I would still choose the dado set.
 
RonWen said:
Frank Pellow said:
All the above suggestions are good, especialy the Kreg pocket hole jig, but I would still choose the dado set.
Click to expand...

He'll eventually want everything suggested however I have to disagree with Frank (this is a FIRST  [smile]).  The Kreg jig can eliminate the need for dados on low to medium class furniture and also do so much more.
Click to expand...

Gotta second (3rd?) Ron on the Kreg jig. I continue to come up with new uses from mine, most recently to make some plywood "ladder" frames for a ceiling soffit and fasten the hardwood trim without visible fasteners.

[attachthumb=#]

[attachthumb=#]

Probably one of the most used $100 tools I own.

RMW
 
I know that the Domino 500 is out of the budget for the originator of this thread but I would far rather use the Domino than the Kreg for things like the ceiling ladder thingy - the Domino is quick, simple and works every time.

Peter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Advice for next tool purchase : DF 500 or TSO GRS-16 PE v2 and parallel guide
2 3
Replies
43
Views
9K
sebr023
S
O
First Table Saw: SYS 50, SS CTS or Skil???
2
Replies
24
Views
1K
Packard
P
O
What Do You Folks Like About The T-Loc Systainers?
Replies
3
Views
409
Coen
C
Crazyraceguy
Why....just why? someone should be ashamed
Replies
8
Views
841
MikeGE
MikeGE
O
Chasing Down Arborists...
Replies
2
Views
184
squall_line
S
Back
Top