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I am about to build my first workshop, what tool first?

03:22PM | 12/10/02

Member Since: 12/09/02
4 lifetime posts

I am about to build my first workshop, what tool first?

Hi,

Just about to get married and good old Dad says he'll buy me ANY tools I want for my new house as long as I promise to stop taking his! Now I have a great cordless drill, and regular drill, circular saw, jigsaw and the rest of the small stuff but can't figure out what I should start with(I do have to work with a $2000.00 budget). Do I go for a sliding compound miter saw or a table saw? Do I need a drill press? Do I want a compressor and nail gun????? You get the point. I have recently dicovered the joy of fine carpentry and realized much to my surprise that I have a knack for it.
So, where do I start if I am building a life long hobby room???

Need advice fast(and brands/models wouldn't hurt either) cause the day is coming up fast!

Thanks,

Rob

mini me

04:05PM | 12/10/02

Member Since: 12/09/02
66 lifetime posts

personally I would start w/ a table saw...and if you are looking for a great tool at a reasonable price try the new saw from ridgid tools available only at the home depot... the ridgid ts3612 has an all cast iron top and extension wings...36" rip capacity and a base w/ wheels so you can move it off to the side when not in use...all this for less than $600 makes it a must have...not to mention the lifetime warranty

since my experience w/ ridgid tools has been nothing but spectacular i would recommend and do use them throughout my shop

as for the other $1400 i would probably buy a thickness planer aprox $400...an edge jointer and a band saw

w/ the rest of the money i would buy the new router kit from porter-cable that includes both a fixed base and a plunge base w/ an interchangeable moter for $200 and spend any remaining money on blades and accessories

mini me

04:07PM | 12/10/02

Member Since: 12/09/02
66 lifetime posts

oops...all that and i forgot to mention a compound miter saw...and if you are set on getting a slider go with the 10" makita slider it has received great reviews and is in my opinion the best on the narket...and everything i have just told you about is available at the home depot

MarZ

10:32AM | 12/11/02

Member Since: 12/09/02
4 lifetime posts

Thanks for the reply. I always shop at the Depot, it's just easy for everything.

Thanks!

Rob