Ok what tools 1st for my shop? What do you like and what do you hate?
Have to admit I am kind of a tool junkie. Never met a tool that I hated. My first choice would be a 14 inch bandsaw. I have a old delta, hear grizzly and jet a good ones also.
There is a bandsaw that I would buy on Craiglist in OK City for $125. This is the one I used to make my first 100 or so bows. http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/tls/1624772863.html
If you have a couple hundred more and really want something that will cut the stuff: http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/tls/1602687808.html
You'll use a belt sander a lot too: http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/tls/1599722901.html
I got started last year, first I bought an older 12inch Craftsman band similar to the one on craigs list, I put a 4tpi carbide blade on it and a set of cool blocks. it works good for me but now I want a new Grizzly 14inch 1 hp that is $524 shipped or if things go well the 1 1/2hp model..I then bought a $200 new 6x48 Craftsman belt sander with 9 inch disk sander, both of these are tools I use alot during a build..One day I will get a 80inch belt sander..I use a cheap 3/8 x 18 hand held electric band file from Harbour Freight to shape risers and a mouse sander for riser, limb and tip sanding. lots of guys use the Rigid osillating belt/spindle sanders about $200 at Home Depot..
Yeah I have to say definitely a bandsaw first. I am one of those guys that has a rigid oscillating belt sander/spindle sander and it works great for all types of different things when building a bow. Also use a fine for some riser work.
I wish I lived in Oaklahoma city great deal on the bandsaw.
My list is a bigger bandsaw, Planer, and a drum sander.
T Folts,
Have you searched craigslist? A quickie search near you found this deal: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/1638229910.html
That's a nice saw and you get the belt sandser with it.
Thanks
QuoteOriginally posted by John Scifres:
T Folts,
Have you searched craigslist? A quickie search near you found this deal: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/1638229910.html
That's a nice saw and you get the belt sandser with it.
John he's quite a bit away from Washington twp, but you're right, craig's list is the way to go. It's almost a daily thing for me to check it. I did however find some really sweet band saw deals out of big rapids, brooklyn, and flint area, plus the lansing area too. They were too far from me, however. Lots of delta's and jets.
Razor:
I'm not sure if you're building this shop pretty strictly for bowmaking, but if it's a general shop for all types of woodcrafting and home maintenance, I think the first thing you'll need is:
- a nice, big tabled (so you can at least try to rip boards (4x8's, not bows) TABLE SAW. A 10" with at least a 24" rip capacity on one side. Local tool shops usually have great deals on refurbished ones, and they could run you 200-600 bucks, but are well worth it if it's a delta or jet. Anything after a delta is just trying to be a delta. It'd be nice to pick up a sweet Sawstop, but that's like 2500! But you won't cut off your finger so it may be a trade off.
- I'd say a compressor. Like I mentioned, throw it in your loft and contain the noise. Air power is irreplacable in my shop.
- A GOOD dust collecting system!! My biggest regret is not having one in my shop. But i'll be moving soon so no point putting one in.
- You wouldn't believe how often you'll use a mitre saw till you have one. If you can, splurge for a sliding kind. Gives you the ability to cut 12" wide stock.
- This is when I would start looking at a bandsaw. I use one A LOT, but truth is since I don't just make bows, a table saw and mitre saw are just more important to me. Save yourself many headaches by investing in a decent one. The grizzly's, any of em, are bad ass, and a super great value. But if I were doing this, i'd go to craigslist, and look for a craftsman 12". Not the one you see with the tilting head that looks like it's from the 70's. I mean the new one that looks like this:
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00922400000P?vName=Tools+%26+Equipment&cName=Power+Tools&keyword=band+saw
I saw this in my area on craigslist for 150 new! It lasted half a day, but it was on there. This beast offers a bigger motor, bigger re-saw capacity, and it's a craftsman!
- A belt sander would be next. get at least something with a 9" disc. That 6" doesn't get you too far on mitred 1x4's you're making picture frames out of.
- Clamps clamps and more clamps. f clamps d clamps and spring clamps that look like clothes hooks. Those are great for solid pressure without starving the glueline.
- A winning lottery ticket, cause you just started a whirlwind of madness. The list goes on but I would have to have those things and lots of cleaners and glues to call my place a shop and not a garage.
I check there often that delta only has a 1/2 hp motor...
I would have to add at least a small bench top jointer to that list to square up riser blocks and such.
Scifres, I bought the rockwell bandsaw, looks like a great deal, thanx
JD
JD,
That's cool. Can you say "finder's fee"? I hope she works well for you. I'll be putting my old Delta to work tomorrow after cutting hedge all day today.
I am a fan of Grizzly tools. Mainly because of the cust service, but their stuff is good too.
The 9in disc, 6X48 belt sander combo is a real workhorse. Their band saws are good too, just get at least 1 HP.
yep, I owe you one bud, hows life been treating you?
Good man. Good. I am more blessed than I deserve to be. Going to MOJam this year? I can't. Starting a new job and no vacation this year. Peace.
Thanks so much for the help. Lots of good info given. I've started watching Craigslist regularly.
I'm going with the 1/4" OSB plywood for the walls and ceiling. Will a staple/brad nailer work for this? I was planning on using a 6 penny nail and hammer but a gun would be much easier.