Tool Purchase!!

There may be a misconception that to be a woodworker, you have to have all the latest and most expensive machinery, tools and gadgetry. Yet, not all woodworkers use or need the same tools. A woodcarver for instance, may never have the need for a RAS (radial arm saw) while a cabinet maker does without a scrollsaw.

For anyone starting out, determining which tools are appropriate for their interest is their biggest concern. Some commercial operations, through their advertisements may have one to believe that without all the new expensive machinery and gadgets that's on the market today, you just can't do the job without them. Although, they may help to simplify and improve your chances of making a better project, purchasing the top of the line woodworking tools to use on the occasional weekend is simply not a good idea. Unless you plan on becoming a professional woodworker, have deep pockets and a very understanding spouse, there are some good middle of the road woodworking tools you can purchase.

The first questions, you should ask yourself are, "which tools do I really need and how much can I afford to pay"? By focusing on the type of projects you're interested in doing, you can shortened the list of tools needed to help complete your woodcrafting projects. For example: if your interest is fretwork, a scrollsaw and a drill press are two essential tools you should consider first. However, you can always use a coping saw and a portable drill if you prefer the primitive way of doing it.

So how much should one pay for new woodworking equipment? It's really up to what one can or cannot afford to pay. Let's take a look at, for example, the bandsaw. At one of the scale, a cheap one can be bought for just under $200 and at the other end, run into the thousands of dollars. If it's to cut 4-6" thick hardwood that's 12-14" wide, the cheaper model isn't going to do the job .If money is tight and you want to cut out some small tole painting cutouts, it can be sufficient. However, it's best to wait until you've saved enough money to purchase an higher quality machine.

With most woodcrafting, you'll probably want to start out with small projects but at some point want to take on larger ones. Take this into consideration when you're looking to purchase your woodworking tools. For example, purchasing a lower-end table saw with limited space on either side of the blade, poor fence and miter gauge alignment, etc. will only add fustration to your woodworking

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