Wood working power tools

[Ian Gills]

For all my woodwork I use a handsaw and the occassional chisel.

But Christmas is coming soon and some carpentry power tools might be good for the list.

Any recommendations?

[Tyman 2]

Are you serious?

[jadnashua]

What do you want to do? You talking finish carpentry? Fine furniture? Big things like a bedroom set in hardwoods, or painted built-in shelves? Without knowing what you want to do, how much room you have, and some sort of a budget, it's a total WAG (wild a.. guess).

[FloridaOrange]

I was supposed to get a tablesaw, bandsaw and a jointer last weekend for free. Checked out the stuff on Thursday and told the couple (neighbor's of the wife's grandparents) that I would pick them up on Sunday when I had a couple of strong backs to help.

Got there Sunday and their son found out and came and took the bandsaw and the jointer. I got the tablesaw but I already have one, I was pissed but of course didn't let them know.



I'm still pissed about that.

[Ian Gills]

Thanks to all the replies so far.

I am being serious.

I am remodeling my basement so want to be able to cut pieces of wood for flooring, stairs (prbbaly pre-made but will need trimming), window trim etc. Simple sawing stuff.

So, what sort of small table saw would be good? Are jigsaws useful? Any other stuff? All the essentials a basic DIYer should have, not a wood shop pro.

I really do not know what is available out there.

[FloridaOrange]

For floors I would say you should get:
1. miter chop saw, one that slides is better. ($200-400, mine was ~$200, miters one way)
2. 10" table saw for ripping long peices. ($150-350)
3. jig saw (for cutting around door jams and such. ($60-150)

I've got all these if you feel like taking a trip south Ian. I got my stuff for putting down wood floors.
I'm assuming you're doing engineered wood as opposed to laminate. I have laminate - I wish I would've dropped the extra coin for engineered.