Need Advice on shop equipment

[Wilmingtonian]

As stated in my intro, I am new to wood working. I have the basic power tools:

Table saw; Mitre saw; two routers w/ table; compressor w/ framer, finisher, and brad guns; dovetail jig; kreg jig; orbital sander; circular saw; and such.

I have been seeing alot about jointers, sanders, and planers. I use my garage as a work space. With cabinet making in mind, what would you recommend that I need in a amature shop? What does the recommended item do? I have the current grizzly catelog, is this a good place to shop? Also, I am working on a pretty tight budget when it comes to tools. Any and all advise from the Gurus would be much appreciated.

-David

[Steve D]

I think you will be pleased with that planer, I have the older version and it has served me well. DeWalt Yellow and Porter Cable Gray color scheme huh? That's taking the acquisition a bit far... pretty soon there wiil be some Delta Blue sliding in ther too....

Originally Posted by Wilmingtonian

Another update,

I broke the wallet out today and splurged(sp). I went to get the Delta 12.5 planer and left with the DeWalt 12.5 3 blade planer: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/gallery/...p?i=3655&c=458

I put it to work immediately and love it. I can't thank everyone enought for all the advice. I believe every testiment now on how useful and important a jointer and planer are. Keep an eye out, I will keep my project photos current.

David

[walnutjerry]

Originally Posted by Wilmingtonian

ok, great help!! I have been looking and seen jointer/planer together. Which would you get first, the combo, the jointer, or the planer? I am looking at purchasing from Lowes, Home Depot, or Sears; any opinions on that? Thanks for you time and help!!

-David

David-----IMHO I would go with dedicated machines. If something does go wrong you will have 2 operations shut down with a combo. I have some sears machines I have been using for over 30 years. Table saw(12") and RAS I still use every day. My sears bandsaw is still in operation----I have replaced the motor and wheel bearings and blade guide bearings on it though. I bought my 12" planer through sears but it was made by Belsaw(I replaced the infeed/ out feed rollers on it one time. The belt/disc sander is still operating with a replacement motor. I wore the lathe out----but it lasted over 20 years (with a replaced motor). I gave the 6" jointer to my son about 12 years ago and it is still working---but is very limited since it only has a 36" bed. There were no HD and Lowes at that time.

The sears machines made in the 70's were good for serious hobbyist. If you want machines geared to making a living at woodworking then get away from Sears, Lowes, and HD.

All that said it still depends on what your goals are-----buy according to what you need to do what you want to do. When that is decided then buy the best you can afford the first time.

Jerry