Your best tools purchase of the year?

[C Scott McDonald]

Well, another year is coming to a close all ready!

What was your best addition to the shop this year? Dollar amount doesn't matter.

Mine was a Hammer Winner table saw closely followed by wixey digital calibers of all things. I wish I would have bought the calibers sooner.

Scott

[Randy Dutkiewicz]

Mine was a Grizzly G513P bandsaw and the Grizzly G0440 Cyclone that I will be receiving on Monday!!!!!:D

[Steven DeMars]

Mine was a ONEWAY 1224 . . . used, but like new . . . :D

Also:

12" JET DISC SANDER with stand.

Steve

[Larry Anderson]

Jet 16-32 drum sander.

[C Scott McDonald]

Mine was a Grizzly G513P bandsaw and the Grizzly G0440 Cyclone that I will be receiving on Monday!!!!!:D

Cool I have my eye one a g0440. Post some pics and opinions when you get it up and running!

[Damon Stathatos]

Old Oliver 12" Jointer (8' bed), upgraded from Delta DJ20 (8").

[Keith Westfall]

A used Delta Midi lathe! (plus numerous accessories!)

Just started turning this fall and am having the most fun in my life ever!!

[Joe Jensen]

Technically I paid in 2009 but I did take delivery in 2010. I upgraded to a Felder KF700SP saw/shaper combo in January. The saw and shaper have 5HP 3 phase motors with variable speed drives. They also have power raise/lower mechanisms with digital read outs. In the pic below I have just assembled it but it's not in it's final location in the shop.

When I decided to upgrade I didn't realize that it would necessitate a complete re-layout of the machines in the shop, wiring, dust collection, and air. I also redesigned my wood rack to free up more floor space for the big slider. I also had to make mobile bases for some machines and I built a new bench on wheels so I could use one stall of the garage when not woodworking. In all, it took me 5 months to get back to where I was shop effectiveness wise before the upgrade.
h
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w99/AZEngineer/Felder%20KF700SP/IMG_2080.jpg

[Philip Johnson]

Was kind of a slow year here no big tools but I did pick up a Festool track saw and a few chisels and Akeada dovetail jig and a couple routers to go with it, maybe snuck a Lie-Nielsen block plane in there someplace, a pin nailer and an arched cabinet door pattern set. Maybe it wasn't such a bad year. My new years resolution I will try and buy more tools.

Phil

[Victor Robinson]

Sawstop PCS. The big tool purchase of 2011 will hopefully be a 16-32 drum sander and maybe a midi lathe. :D

[Caleb Larru]

A byrd head for my 8" jointer. No question. I love that thing.

[Mike Heidrick]

All the parts to build my Joes CNC 4X4 rack and pinion hybrid - cutting area 62"X49". Have about $3600 in it not including computer or software, paid cash for everything, and have made over $1500 back just messing around since May 20th. Ordered plans on April 9th.

If DIY does not count - Buying my used 132" belt Vega Oscillating Edge Sander from Rich.

On deck for 2011, adding a K2 8" Linear Z axis and air clamping with 4 zones to my CNC, more spiral and nordfab ductwork, benchtop buffer setup, and possibly a Byrd for my DC580.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e169/BloomingtonMike/CNC%20Router%20Build/echain1.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e169/BloomingtonMike/CNC%20Router%20Build/ergo2.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e169/BloomingtonMike/CNC%20Router%20Build/12stjudesigns.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e169/BloomingtonMike/IMG_9355.jpg

[John Sanford]

Bosch PS-30, finally got a functioning cordless drill again. My old DeWalt 12v's Nicads gave up the ghost, and I was torn between rebuilding the packs, or buying a new drill. Bosch finally came out with the 12v sub-Compact drill. I already had two of the 1/4" drivers and the impact driver, so it was a no brainer.

Second would have to be the Delta 14" bandsaw I scored during the Lowe's clearancing of 'em. Haven't used it much yet, but it's good just knowing I have it now.

[John Fabre]

My Oneway 2436, Dougs 1-1/4 roughing gouge - very nice, 24 of Sorby's tools - didn't know about Doug's then, Vicmarc chuck, Jet Mini lathe and a Nova G3 chuck promo deal. Maybe a second Jet mini lathe, the year is not over.

[Rick Fisher]

Best purchase this year was probably the Work Sharp 3000 with the leather strop disc. Finally a way to keep chisels sharp with no hassle.

[Russell Sansom]

I stumbled onto a TS-65 Festool track saw at an excellent price. It opened my eyes both to Festool and how accurate and neat a track saw actually is. I had no idea. It changes everything working with big sheets of plywood. Also I was able to make a pattern of a "rectangular" vestibule out of paper, taped the paper to some linoleum flooring and subsequently came within 1/32" or better of the paper pattern using the track saw.

[Bud Millis]

Man! After seeing the equipment you guys added I feel like I just :confused: Anyways I added a 20" Powermatic planer, a 12 x 48" Delta Lathe, HF dust collector and some LN planes. I'd like a CNC but I don't know if I'd use it a lot.

[John Grossi]

I agree with Larry, my new jet 16-32 drum sander. Lost out on a couple of used ones, but got one on sale last week, $200.00 off.

[Phil Rose]

An Oneida dust collector ... of course the new Jet 1642 isn't here yet...

[Ben Abate]

I'm thinking a JTL panel clamp that I purchased from a buddy of mine. It's been such a great help with glueing large panels.

[Norman Pyles]

Easy rougher carbide cutter. Purchased the cutter, and built the rest of the tool, got the idea from Captain Eddie off YouTube. I'm a newbie at turning, and this tool really sent my turning into overdrive.

[Keith Outten]

CAMaster Stinger II with the CNC Lathe is my best tool purchase this year.

[Mark Woodmark]

I have three. First a Felder K500 Pro slider followed by an Agazzani B20 bandsaw and lastly a Scheppach (Grizzly) 16 inch combo planer/jointer

[greg a bender]

Well, this is going to sound ‘ugly’, but here goes:

New Shop – insulated & wired
New Delta Unisaw
New Grizzly 17” BS
New ShopFox 2hp Shaper
New Jet 1642 2hp Lathe, Nova Jaw & EWT Rougher & Finisher
New Makita 10” SCMS
New Jet JJP-12 Jointer/Planer
New HF Dust Collector
New Older CMan RAS (40 years old, still in box)
New Older CMan 20 Gal. compressor
Makita circ. Saw, portable planer, angle drills,sanders etc.
300 BdFt of old walnut.

Yeah, it was a good year:D



GB

[Jim O'Dell]

Like Joe, I paid in the last few days of '09, but didn't get until the first week of '10. My Grizzly G0691 table saw was my best tool purchase of 2010. I might possibly get a Ridgid oscillating belt/spindle sander, after Christmas...depends.
Yeah it's not a euro slider, I can only dream of one of those, but it is a great saw, worthy of more than it's price.
I was give a Stanley No 5 plane from a fellow woodworker on another forum that I need to find time to tear apart and clean up. The Masterplate I got after borrowing Bill Huber's, and the Align-it Jr I got to set up the new saw are also great items. Jim.

[Paul McGaha]

My best purchase this year was an upgrade to my dust collector. Installed a 2 HP Oneida Dust Gorilla and duct system thruout the shop.

It replaced a much smalller Delta portable.

PHM

Edit-Agree with Kent, Greg you do suck!

[Kent A Bathurst]

1985 PM1150VS
Colt forstner bits


EDIT: BTW - Greg - you suck. :D

[Randy Dutkiewicz]

Suh weeeeet!!!!!

[Randy Dutkiewicz]

Cool I have my eye one a g0440. Post some pics and opinions when you get it up and running!

Will do. I've been saving for this for a while now and can't wait for it to get here!! I'll definitely post some pics and comments.

[John Morrison60]

I stumbled onto a WoodMaster 25" drum sander that is a great
tool to ease the drudgery of sanding.
I also installed a Byrd head on my MiniMax J/P.
What a great upgrade.
Life has been good this year.

John

[John McClanahan]

I bought a woodworking bench at an auction for $60. Same bench sells new online for just over $1000. Same auction, an 8" Jet jointer for $150. A dust collector that sits on a trash barrel for $10.

Woodworking is just a hobby, so this was a good year for me.

John

[Thomas Hotchkin]

Lowes close out on a Delta Drill Press, CL pick up on a Mini-Max 16" band saw.
The Kids went together and pickup a 3 HP Oneida Super Gorilla for Father's Day.
( I'm still working on the ducting) My best friend pass away last year and his wife
gave me his Delta Unisaw along with many his hand tools, very bitter sweet. I would like nothing more then too still have Cal here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you on SAWMILL CREEK. Tom

[Jim Andrew]

Haven't received it yet, but ordered a G9983 sander. And it is in stock. After reading the thread about the guy losing the bandsaw off the forklift, plan to put a strap around the sander to the back of the frame of the forks.

[Rod Sheridan]

Hammer B3 Winner saw/shaper...............Regards, Rod.

[David Hostetler]

Tough call. Either the Grizzly G0572 hanging air cleaner with remote, OR the clearance item Closetmaid heavy duty shelf standards and 18" brackets that serve as my lumber rack now. Totally sweet deal there! Really helps me get the shop organized!

[James Boster]

First up was my "new" edge sander, Ekstrom Carlson 112A:
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m283/woodhick/P1010154.jpg
Picture is when I first unloaded. Cleaned up real nice but dont have a pic of it cleaned up. That was in late January.
Then comes April:
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m283/woodhick/oliver.jpg
Oliver #66 lathe, as picked up at sellers.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m283/woodhick/P1010286.jpg
After getting home, cleaned, painted.
Also picked up a milling machine. Not a bad year.

[Matt Meiser]

Best overall--Grizzly G0441 cyclone which is amazingly powerful. Best deal--Dewalt DW745 table saw for $240 new on a Black Friday + competitor coupon deal at Lowes.

That's not including a few free items I've gotten from some very generous members here, which I guess makes being a contributor here the best deal.

[Darius Ferlas]

I haven't bought many tools this year so but today I got me a little score in HD. I literally bumped into a HD fella carrying a bunch Ridgid 6" ROSanders. Regular price here is $139.00. I got this beauty and the beast in one for $100.

[Joe Cowan]

Festool vac with boom arm and Oneida Dust deputy. No worries about the bag filling up so I end up using it for other clean up duties as well as sanding etc.

[Jim Fay]

For me, I finally joined the modern day woodworking world and added an Air compressor this year. I absolutely don't know how I got along without it. Man does it make things easier.
Jim

[Callan Campbell]

In the stationary machine dept., my Delta 20-950 VS drill press. In portable tools, my Festool 15+3 cordless drill kit.

[Bill Huber]

I have not bought much this year, I did buy a new screw drive and an awl.

I guess the Jessem dowel jig would be one of the ones at the top of the list and then the new Dewalt 611 is kind of nice.

[Will Overton]

SawStop 1.75 PCS

Jet 16-32 a close second

[David Helm]

Best was my G1023RXL, second was the 18/36 Grizz drum sander. Best deal was a factory refurbished Dewalt DW718 slider for $400 (the saw was actually brand new but had a paint blemish). Bought numerous other tools this year, courtesy of my HO insurance company and a hit and run driver that demolished my shop last November.

[Mike Zilis]

Best purchase was a complete set of LN bevel-edge chisels and a set of LN mortising chisels.

I'm also very happy with my new Jet 22/44 drum sander and Powermatic PM2800 drill press.

Mike

[Steve Griffin]

Best thing about my tool purchases last year was there wasn't very many.

The two best, are by far the cabinet lift from EZ-Lift, and a knob jig made by True Position. The next best thing to a tool which increases the quality of your work is a tool that saves you time. These two are HUGE time savers.

-Steve

[Jim Rimmer]

New F150 Lariat - great for hauling wood.
169445
Best "real" tool - 14" Bandsaw - Grizzly G0555X

[Cary Falk]

I was pretty fortunate this year. I think I am most happiest with my JessEm Mast-R-Slide. I should have done that a long time ago.

[Don Bullock]

I finally have a regular size router table in addition to the little bench top one I have.

No, unlike many of you, I didn't build my own. Rockler had some fantastic sales this year and I put several together so that the table top, legs, lift and Porter Cable router motor were all on sale. Currently I'm adding an Incra fence that I also got on a very good sale. The casters for the stand, also on sale, are on their way from Rockler. I'm also working on building a cabinet around the steel Rockler stand. Once it's all together I'll post pictures in a gloat.:D

Much more important than purchases, I'm finally getting my shop organized. When my wife and I moved to our new home a year and a half ago I had many projects that had to be done to make the place more comfortable for us, my mother-in-law and all our basset hounds. In addition we had a litter of puppies that took a great deal of my time during the summer months. While I used my tools for carpentry work the shop was a mess. Many things were still where the movers placed them. My wife and I, along with the help of some contractors, finally got all the "must do" projects done and we started on organizing the workshop in October. It's starting to look like a workshop rather than a dumping place for stuff. I still have a long way to go before I can post any pictures, but I'm excited again about the new shop and have actually started on working on my tables that I started over three years ago before we bought the new home.:D:D

2011 looks very promising.

[mreza Salav]

A mini-max FS-350 16" jointer/planer. And a clearvue cyclone and PRL router lift.
Have not been able to use any of them as I'm away from my shop...

[Van Huskey]

Hard to say I love my three big purchases about equally, MM20 bandsaw, 38' Woodmaster drum sander and PM2000 table saw.

[Karl Brogger]

The best thing I did wood shop wise is moving. I moved out of my old 1400 sq/ft shop, to a 2500 sq/ft shop, I'm already out of room....

The best thing I bought in 2010 is carts and sawhorses.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs955.snc4/74845_1550279088141_1570037517_31313790_6146414_n. jpg

New door clamp is pretty sweet:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1220.snc4/155227_1577633371981_1570037517_31368997_4635090_n .jpg

Found another used dust collector for one side of the shop:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs772.snc4/67274_1534660257680_1570037517_31282735_3942533_n. jpg

Also picked up another Powermatic Model 66 tablesaw. The top was a little rough when I picked it up, but everything else was pretty much flawless. Its also an American made saw, from when Powermatic made decent equipment.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs903.snc4/71617_1542485173298_1570037517_31298400_4955596_n. jpg

I also finally put a set of 52" rails on my Delta. Had to make a new side table for it. Yeah, I know, I still haven't hooked up dust collection. I need to order a few 6" to 4" reducers to finish off a couple of things in the shop.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs471.ash2/74439_1577633131975_1570037517_31368995_7556179_n. jpg


For next year I'm hoping to add a vertical panel saw. I'd like to add a couple more shapers, but the ones I'm looking at are about $9k a piece.:( I also need to get a bigger air compressor. The variable speed screw type with a built in line dryer are ridiculously expensive.

[Clint Olver]

It was a good year for my shop. I took some jobs that allowed me to upgrade some pieces as well as purchase some "new to me" tools.

I upgraded from my Dewalt 735 to a Steel City 20" planer.

I ugraded from my CT103N to the Steel City 18" bandsaw.

I purchased a new 25" GI drum sander, and found great deals on a GI morticer and tenoning jig, a Kreg press, and Progress edge sander.

It's hard to pick a best one... they're all the best.

C

[Karl Brogger]

Clint- Did you look into a Castle Machine prior to buying the Kreg unit?

[Brian Kent]

Shapton Water Stones that made all of my hand tools sing in tune.

[Ben Martin]

Let's see:

1900's Christiansen cabinet maker bench:
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/Christiansen%20Workbench/330621040_photobucket_12816_.jpg

1940's Delta 14" to replace my 1995 model, on a CI base (fully assembled now):
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/1948%20Delta%2028-205%20Band%20Saw/702570717_photobucket_1997_.jpg

State B4:
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/330621040_photobucket_6845_.jpg

1940's Delta 1460 Lathe:
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/330621040_photobucket_6848_.jpg

Powermatic 1200:
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/1970%20Powermatic%201200/702570717_photobucket_13513_.jpg

Powermatic 100 Planer, fully restored:
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/Powermatic%20100%20Planer/702570717_photobucket_15185_.jpg

Emmert Pattern Makers Vise:
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/Emmert%20Pattern%20Makers%20Vise/702570717_photobucket_15180_.jpg

Sheldon 13" metal lathe, will help me restore WW'n machines...
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/Shelton%20Quick%20Change%20Metal%20Lathe/702570717_photobucket_7817_.jpg

And last but not least, it doesn't look like much, but will be awesome when done, a Delta 768:
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/Delta%20768%20Band%20Saw/702570717_photobucket_11689_.jpg

Ok, time to go apologize to the wife, and the year isn't even over!

[Van Huskey]

GREAT haul Ben! I really want that State OSS.

[Ben Martin]

GREAT haul Ben! I really want that State OSS.

Thanks Van, I guess I left out that it came with the full set of spindles (all 12 or 13 I forget) and the table inserts, all for $300.

Not my best score though, the Sheldon was free!

[Van Huskey]

Thanks Van, I guess I left out that it came with the full set of spindles (all 12 or 13 I forget) and the table inserts, all for $300.

Not my best score though, the Sheldon was free!

PLEASE do not tell me it was in the shape in the picture for $300!!! The couple I have looked at were upwards of $1k missing spindles and not very pretty. Depsite the fact I know they are much better I am not spending more than the $800 or so bucks it would costs for a new Jet.

[Andrew Gibson]

My best purchase... that is a tough one. I would say it would be a toss up between the stack of hand saws I aquired, including 4 Wenzloff saws and 6 or so saws of various makers, and a Stanley #4c type 19 in box... I had buyers remorse at the auction for spending $66 on it, but once home and tuned up with a LV iron I use it on almost every project.

I picked up so many vintage hand tools this year that it is the combination of all of them is my favorite purchase. I think I can get away with saying that as all of them put together only represent maybe $500 spent.

[Don L Johnson]

Mine would have to be a Router Plane from Veritas. I've found it essential for stopped daddos, cleaning up rabbits and daddos, and for precision as to the depth of rabbits and daddos.

[Mike OMelia]

Jet 22-44 Drum Sander. Right behind that would be my PC Low Profile ROS.

Mike

[Brad Patch]

Picked this up last month. Have an import Drill Press which could never drill a deep hole without the bit wandering. My new (old) Walker Turner will drill a deep hole up to its max quill depth and do it accurately. Although this machine is 66 years old, with the original motor, it makes my import machine look crude by comparison.

[Ben Martin]

PLEASE do not tell me it was in the shape in the picture for $300!!! The couple I have looked at were upwards of $1k missing spindles and not very pretty. Depsite the fact I know they are much better I am not spending more than the $800 or so bucks it would costs for a new Jet.

Umm, well, I guess I won't tell you that then. The lathe came from the same gentleman, a 80 year old pattern maker who was retiring.

[Van Huskey]

Umm, well, I guess I won't tell you that then. The lathe came from the same gentleman, a 80 year old pattern maker who was retiring.

Man do you SUCK! That is one of "those" machines, maybe not in the same neighborhood as say a Yates Snowflake but certainly in the same zipcode. If you wanna sell it I'll give you $325 so you can make a healthy profit... :D

[Don Jarvie]

1. Smart Lift Digital Router Lift on clearance from Rockler for 85 bucks

2. Belsaw 9103 Planer with 3hp motor for 125 bucks from Clist

3. Best of all. A small Workmate that attachs to the side of a bench and can be folded down. 5 bucks at a flea market.

This has been the handiest thing in the shop. Flip it up and hold something to be planed or sanded. When your done, fold it down and it's out of the way.

[Chris Tsutsui]

I am really loving the Oneida dust Deputy as it's quickly obsoleted my Ridgid 5 gallon shop vac because now I will gladly use my CT33 for everything since I don't have to worry about throwing away so many pricey bag/filters.

[Larry Edgerton]

My Oneway 2436, Dougs 1-1/4 roughing gouge - very nice, 24 of Sorby's tools - didn't know about Doug's then, Vicmarc chuck, Jet Mini lathe and a Nova G3 chuck promo deal. Maybe a second Jet mini lathe, the year is not over.

My best was a NOS Lion Trimmer......;)

Thanks

[Larry Edgerton]

Picked this up last month. Have an import Drill Press which could never drill a deep hole without the bit wandering. My new (old) Walker Turner will drill a deep hole up to its max quill depth and do it accurately. Although this machine is 66 years old, with the original motor, it makes my import machine look crude by comparison.

I have two Walker Turners, one just like yours and a larger one with a huge fixed cast iron table, head raises, with oil return galleys and a threader mechanism. Best drill presses ever.....

Have $350 in both of them.....

[BOB OLINGER]

I was fortunate to grab one of the DeWalt 735 planers on close out at HD earlier this year. I'm planning to purchase a SawStop later this month if all goes as planned.

[J.R. Rutter]

I got the 10 foot Tiger Stop that I have been wanting/needing for years. It has really sped up crosscutting, and we're not even using the optimizer yet. I just did a job in metric and didn't think twice about it. Accuracy has been within a couple of thousands with no calibrations since it was installed a couple of months ago.

You know that it is a good decision if you find yourself saying "I can't believe I did it for so long without this!"

[J.R. Rutter]

I'd like to add a couple more shapers, but the ones I'm looking at are about $9k a piece.:( I also need to get a bigger air compressor. The variable speed screw type with a built in line dryer are ridiculously expensive.

You might keep an eye out for a used SCMI Class shaper. They go for $9 to $13 K. I went from 7 smaller shapers to two Class shapers and didn't give up much (if anything) anything in overall changeover time.

(I almost bid on this one, but 2 is plenty for me.
http://www.forkliftauctions.com/popups/bidders_paddle.asp?lot=171098&auction=V167D1TKQYF0X324RD2QAY3OJ1GVG6&id=13849
Looks like it went for $7100 + 10% + freight!)

Also, I got a relatively inexpensive Eaton screw compressor (German pump on far east frame and controller) and dryer that has been reliable for the last few years. Good phone tech support for the few programming quirks, very quiet, very dry air.

[Frank Martin]

The best definitely is the 3m Adflo respirator. Made working in the shop so much more enjoyable and comfortable. Next, is the Jet 22-44 oscillating drum sander, use it on every project.

There are several other things I purchased when Woodcraft cleared them, but have not installed or used yet:
* Jessem slider (still in the box)
* Walko 3 bench (assembled but not used yet)

I am also ashamed to say I purchased a used Laguna HD16 bandsaw for a good deal, but have not had a need to set up and use it yet. Similarly, I purchased one of the new Makita SCMS's but have not used it yet. I guess you can say, I just don't get enough time in the shop.

[C Scott McDonald]

I got the 10 foot Tiger Stop that I have been wanting/needing for years. It has really sped up crosscutting, and we're not even using the optimizer yet. I just did a job in metric and didn't think twice about it. Accuracy has been within a couple of thousands with no calibrations since it was installed a couple of months ago.

You know that it is a good decision if you find yourself saying "I can't believe I did it for so long without this!"

Cool! I went to the website and watched the videos that is very neat.

[Will Rowland]

Fein Multimaster. I purchased it because I needed to do some delicate profile sanding on an antique door...however, I have been amazed how much I have used it for various cutting tasks.

I have several old, pre-1925 homes that I rent out (plus one of my own), and this year I've focused on upgrading the mechanicals in the houses. The Fein has been the most useful tool imaginable for that work, particularly for plunge-cutting the holes for outlet boxes in the old shiplap. It's a tool I always wrote-off previously as "gimmicky"...but now I don't know how I managed without it.

[Clint Olver]

Clint- Did you look into a Castle Machine prior to buying the Kreg unit?


No. My neighbour won it in an auction for $100. I bought it off him for double that, then bought some missing parts to get it working.

C

[Karl Brogger]

No. My neighbour won it in an auction for $100. I bought it off him for double that, then bought some missing parts to get it working.

C

wow. Definitely worth $200. Especially when a new Castle Machine is ~$2500, and used they're about $1500 for a decent one.

[Bill Geyer]

The big changes were finally finding a good used multi-router and changing to Byrd helical heads in my jointer and planer.

[Greg Just]

My Shop Fox bandsaw

[Mike Green]

I had several...my first jointer (how did I get along without this thing), a 12v li-ion drill/driver (small, powerful and light weight...perfect!) and a Dewalt DW 734 planer (on sale cheap, awesome planer)

[Terry Fogarty]

For me its a no brainer... The Byrd helical head for my 8" jointer.

Im now doing things on it i would never have dared attempted before. Its now the central machine in my little shed. I dont know how i ever survived without it.

[John M. Cioffi]

WOW! Some great purchases this year. Who said we're in a deep recession?
New to my current line-up of toys are:
Jet combo sander, closed base.; PM2800 drill press; Veritas low angle jack plane, set of 3 spokeshaves with carry bag; Dave Shave lg.flat spokeshave. Various other items.
Everybody have loads of fun & play SAFE.
John

[Stew Hagerty]

Absolutely have to say my Vega 50" TS Fence. I put it on my classic 10" Craftsman saw and turned a "well it runs" saw into a fairly decent machine for around $350. That left me with a whole bunch of cash that I could spend on other tools and supplies since I didn't have to lay out 8 to 10 times that amount for a new saw.

[ray hampton]

a snow blade for my riding mower

[Randy Dutkiewicz]

Cool I have my eye one a g0440. Post some pics and opinions when you get it up and running!

Scott,

Well, as promised I got my new G0440 up (to say the least). I still have to run all the ductwork to all the machines and have 95% of all the ductwork. I ordered metal ductwork from both Oneida and KenCraft. By splitting it up, I saved about $500 altogether!!! Anyhow, let me start off by saying that installing the motor just about put me into an early grave! That d%$^ thing weighs well over 125 lbs!!! Unfortunately for me and as you can see, I have a completely "finished" garage with no exposed ceiling rafters. This caused me somewhat of an issue in that installing a hoist was not that feasible. Sure, I could have come up with something creative, but I thought to myself "I'll just get the help of a friend and we'll lift it up onto the carriage bolts". YEAH RIGHT!!! Well, we were able to accomplish that, but took us about an hour and about 6 different attempts. What we found out is that there is VERY little wiggle room (if any) for the amount the bolts can stick out to get the motor to latch onto them correctly. We constantly had to bring the motor down because the washers kept getting in front of the motor rather than behind it where they were supposed to be. We tried taping them, but that was little help. Finally, I think we just got lucky on about the 6th attempt. Secondly, as you can see, I mounted my filter to the left side rather than the right side of the motor. By doing this, you will have to create a stand-off distance no less than 2.25 inches from the wall when attaching the wood mounts. Mine has a stand off of exactly 3 inches, so I was good there. I did hook up a few pieces of my ducting and let me tell ya - this thing SUCKS really well!! I put my hand in front of the opening and the thing started pulling my arm into the ductwork - kinda freaked me out as to the power of this cyclone:) I a174073m hoping to install all my ducting over the next few weeks, but with the Christmas holidays fast approaching and vacation travelling starting tomo174072rrow, hopefully I'll have everything hooked up by the 1st of the year. I still have a few things to order from Oneida and KenCraft to complete my174071 kit, but that shouldn't take me long. Once completed, I'll be sure to provide a review of the G0440 in operation. Once again - I can't wait!!!!174070

[Steve Hayes]

Trend airshield pro! Love it!

[Bill Dieckman]

Pinewood Forge Right and Left hook knives and sloyd knife

[Ruhi Arslan]

Not necessarily in any "best" order but...

- PM 66 5HP 1-Phase Table Saw built in 2003 for $650 after deducting proceedings for PM64 contractor saw I had for the last few years
- Laguna LT16 $1200 plus a nice rear-end damage to my brand new Ridgeline
- Jet 1000RC Dust Collector w/remote and canister $250
- PM 719T no gloat here...

[Bob Riefer]

Hmmmm... This year... tool purchases.. it's been busy:
- Griz 1023 table saw - $450
- Delta 6" jointer - $150
- walker turner floor drill press - $150
- dewalt 734 planer - free from friend
- Griz G0555 bandsaw - $250
- craftsman scroll saw - free from friend
- bosch 1617 router - $200

And, if I get a free moment before the clock strikes 2011, the harbor freight 2 hp dust collector will join the stable too. :)

Hopefully 2011 will be spent woodworking instead of shop building!

[Stew Hagerty]

Well, this is going to sound ‘ugly’, but here goes:

New Shop – insulated & wired
New Delta Unisaw
New Grizzly 17” BS
New ShopFox 2hp Shaper
New Jet 1642 2hp Lathe, Nova Jaw & EWT Rougher & Finisher
New Makita 10” SCMS
New Jet JJP-12 Jointer/Planer
New HF Dust Collector
New Older CMan RAS (40 years old, still in box)
New Older CMan 20 Gal. compressor
Makita circ. Saw, portable planer, angle drills,sanders etc.
300 BdFt of old walnut.

Yeah, it was a good year:D



GB

I hate you...LOL

[Lee Ludden]

When this year started out, my shop consisted of mostly a Rigid table saw, a band saw and a small drill press. I was looking for a jointer, and found a guy selling his entire shop, so after talking it over with my wife, I was the proud owner of an entire shop of Delta tools lightly used and purchased in the early 90's.
Unisaw, 20" drill Press, 14" band saw, DJ-20 Jointer, 13" planer (not benchtop), about 3 dozen bessy and jet clamps, several routers, tormek, fein multimaster and a bunch of other tools. Oh, and this table of stuff also.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4377801396_ec1683b230.jpg

I also added a Jessem router table with lift, a nice Jet Sander 48"belt + 12" disc, a Steel City OSS, and a Grizzly 2HP DC.

It was a good year.

[Kirk Poore]

Most used:
174186

Best cost-to-value ratio:
174187
$150 vs $6500 new


Kirk

[Julian Tracy]

Long as we're all bragging...

This year I bought quite a few tools to round out a nice metal working space in my basment and enhance the woodshop already down there.

Metal working purchases:
- 6x26 Jet Knee Mill (mini-bridgeport at 900lbs)
-Logan 10x24 Lathe with QC box
-Kalamazoo 2" belt grinder
-Kalamazoo 10" disc sander
-Grizzly 1" belt grinder
-Range of Kennedy boxes

Wood working:

- 1944 Delta Unisaw, got it up and running and fitted with a Biessy style fence with 40" rip, Biessy overhead guard with dust collection and mobile base with toolbox w/ drawers
- Minimax S45 18" bandsaw - fixed a couple of broken items, tweaked and setup, cost me a total of $130 to upgrade after selling my Ridgid Bandsaw
- Tormek sharpening system, loaded with stuff, including planer blade jig - works great and is easy to use.
- Original Ryobi 10" AP-10 planer - Already have a Ridgid 13", figured the Ryobi, as it's much lighter and smaller, might be nice to take on the jobsite.
- Grizzy 12" disc sander - Nice model, very heavy duty, not listed in current catalog..

That's the major stuff, but I buy tools just about every week of the year - always upgrading and replacing as I find deals on CL. Thusly, I sell a lot on CL too.

Julian

[Dean Ousterhout]

I am amazed by the hardware everyone has... course... I am pretty lucky also. This year...

o Clearvue Cyclone ( not quite finished with the install. Perhaps by 1/1/2011? Then comes all the duct work.)
o Unisaw with 72" fence. Wow, what a difference compared to the Shopsmith. OMG... being able to set the fence and have it sooooo square and soooo accurate.... I should have done this a long time ago. I just didn't find one for $325 before.
o Multimaster... gosh.. what a nice tool I never knew how much I needed it until I got it. Now I find all sorts of useful ways to use it.


I guess looking back like this reminds one how fortunate we really are.

My project of the year is the back deck. Tore the old one out and started from scratch. About 400 sq ft with tigerwood decking. Absolutely gorgeous.

Thanks to all you Creekers for your successes, your agonies, your great stories that I so look forward to reading... and of course.. all the help with questions.. :)

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.

[Brian Kincaid]

For me it's a toss-up between my 15" spiral head planer (Grizzly) and my home-built track saw table using EZ-smart stuff.

Planing has never been so quiet and clean until now. Goes so much faster too!

Ripping, Crosscutting, and squaring panels is easy now. I just finished a nephew's toy chest with through dovetails on the sides. The long side panels were 30" x 24" approx. They were so square that I could put them on top of each other and all edges were flush. Then I took the board on top and flipped it over. All edges flush again = perfect!

-Brian

[scott vroom]

Best tool purchase for me was the Crain 555 jamb saw.....no more cutting jambs by hand. Set the blade to the flooring height then cut all the jambs in the house in about 15 minutes!

[bruce buren]

festool t55 track saw , Grizzly go513x2 17 inch bandsaw, Grizzly 3 hp cyclone G0441, dewalt 735 planer, building new house with basement walkout shop to put them all in

[Clarence Miller]

didn't buy much this year, which means I need to expand. However ease of use and how much I use it I have to go with the little 12V Dewalt impact driver. It weighs next to nothing and drives deck screws faster than my 18v drill. Bought it on sale and got an extra battery free.

[C Scott McDonald]

That looks great Randy! I didnt even consider how I am going to get it on the wall. Thanks for the heads up on that one. Did you get the sound reducing thing they sell? Was wondering if it made a big difference in noise reduction. Enjoy your new Dust Collection!

[Thomas L. Miller]

For 2010,
A Jet 22-44 Pro Drum Sander. Have a Great Christmas Holiday Season everyone and try to stay out of the Emergency Room!

[Joe Angrisani]

My best purchase of 2010 wasn't a tool exactly. Back in January I won "34 issues" of Fine Woodworking in an eBay auction that I bid on simply as something to read. $17 plus shipping for a total of $30 or so. When the Postman delivered my prize, I quickly discovered it wasn't 34 issues, it was 34 YEARS of issues. :D A full set from Issue #1 through Issue #207. Almost $80 just in postage marked on the four boxes, so something aligned in woodworking heaven for Joe.

It's been a real education this past twelve months. I am currently on #159, and it has rekindled a pastime enjoyed with my gramps and my Dad many years ago. In the intervening time we upgraded our house, and I found a place with room to build a shop. I grin quite widely when I think of the next few decades.

In the actual tool department, I've scored a few winners off Craigy's list. A 5hp left-tilt Unisaw with a Besey fence and the big Porter Cable router on a lift in the extension table for $900. And a Grizzly 8" G0656 jointer for $500. My only disappointment has been a lack of hand tool finds, but I can't complain....

[Mike Monroe]

Nordica Speedmachine 110/120 size 27.5 and Nordica Hot Rod Pro Jet Fuels size 170 cm.

[Aaron Berk]

Hands down, my cabinet saw. GO605X :D man I love this baby

Best deal for 2010, my PM1900 DC $195.00 from craigs list

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?126342-DC-Gloat


And of course pics, cause it DID happen;)

[Bryan Morgan]

A decent compass to draw circles. The one I've been using I stole from 2nd or 3rd grade and have had it all these years... :)

[Randy Dutkiewicz]

Scott,

I did install the muffler, but I cannot honestly say whether it made a difference or not since I don't know what the cyclone sounded like without the muffler. The cyclone is a loud piece of equipment, but it's not unbearable. Besides, I wear Peltor hearing protection which are great BTW!

[Russell Eaton]

My best purchase by far was the Jet 1642 evs2. A distant 2nd was my 14" Jet band saw with riser block.

[Richard Galloway]

This year I didn't purchase any new tools, but I DID get my tools back and a shop to work in after being in AK for 4 years with only a Jet mini lathe to play with.. With every box I open or tool I get back in use I feel like a kid in a candy store!

[Rich Aldrich]

I decided to get into turning, so after about 4 months of research and deliberation, I decided to sell my trap gun and buy the Jet 1642 lathe. It is a really nice machine and a lot of fun. The lathe was the tip of the iceberg for spending. I havent spent as much on accessories as the lathe was, but by this time next year I will probably have spent 1 1/2 times the cost of the lathe on accessories.

[James Evers]

Corner Clamps. They make building speakers a breeze.

[Kevin Gregoire]

this is most of what i bought just this year and the best purchase,
although it is not yet installed would be my air conditioning unit
which will be in and running this spring!

Jet AFS1000B air filter
Bench Dog 40-110 router cabinet
Dewalt DW735 planer
Dewalt 18v combo kit - drill & trim saw
Porter Cable Pin100 23ga nailer
9k btu through wall A/C unit
Jet combo sander
Jessem router lift
Grizzly G0555 14" band saw
Porter Cable 892 router
RBI Hawk 214 scroll saw

[David Nelson1]

I would have to say although its not a tool it would be drywall, insulation, 100 amp breaker box. Fotr the tool a Luguna slider for the TS. Bought from a fellow creeker.

[Matt Benton]

Byrd head for 15" PM planer and Benchcrafted package (all of which are still in their boxes)...

[art san jr]

No large tools, Ridgid 4 pc L-ION SET, drill driver, impact drill, reciprocating saw, light. Kit was 1/2 price on a HD blow out.
Came with a real nice tool bag also, all for under $150. Recent Work Sharp WS 2000 at $42 was good too, a real non-essential tool.

Have a Good New Year everybody.

Art.

[Karl Card]

I would have to say my performax 16/32 drum sander. You can get by without one but once you have one it is hard not to have one. Makes sanding so simple and precise.

[Alfred Kraemer]

It's a three-way tie for me:

1. Ohio Tool wooden jack plane. I guess it must be > 70 years old. I finally one with a near mint beech body: no warping, tight mouth(about 1/16th of an inch with blade in place) and 90 degree sides. The handle is without damage - the most comfortable handle on any plane I have.
Only the iron needed some work but it wasn't worn a lot just not very straight at first. It holds and edge pretty well but sharpens and cuts beautifully. This is now a very good shooting plane.

2. Lie Nielsen Model maker's plane - the one with a flat bottom. I don't build models but this little plane is so handy and effective for many tasks I keep it always close by.

3. Lee Valley small router plane. Made some additional cutters from hex keys - works great. My old Record small router plane is gone and the doglegged chisel doesn't get used anymore.

[Van Huskey]

It's a three-way tie for me:

1. Ohio Tool wooden jack plane. I guess it must be > 70 years old. I finally one with a near mint beech body: no warping, tight mouth(about 1/16th of an inch with blade in place) and 90 degree sides. The handle is without damage - the most comfortable handle on any plane I have.
Only the iron needed some work but it wasn't worn a lot just not very straight at first. It holds and edge pretty well but sharpens and cuts beautifully. This is now a very good shooting plane.

2. Lie Nielsen Model maker's plane - the one with a flat bottom. I don't build models but this little plane is so handy and effective for many tasks I keep it always close by.

3. Lee Valley small router plane. Made some additional cutters from hex keys - works great. My old Record small router plane is gone and the doglegged chisel doesn't get used anymore.


Sounds very cool but since there are no cords on any of them my power tool brain heard "blah, blah, blah, Lie Nielsen, blah, blah, Lee Valley, blah, blah". Again everything sound very cool BUT none of them require a bigger electrical service nor even a new blast gate and piping so I am lost.

[Chuck Gallup]

Fein Multimaster. It's a tool I always wrote-off previously as "gimmicky"...but now I don't know how I managed without it.
I purchased the Supercut.
I got called by a contractor to relieve soffits that were fitted too tight causing bowing.
He paid me double what I asked.
I even find uses for worn blades.
I love the tool but hat the carrying case.

[Chip Lindley]

2010 was a big year for me; finding nice used machines at bargain prices. But, the winner has to be my Woodmaster 3820 7-1/2hp. double drum sander. That's one fine piece of machinery. It puts my former Grizzly 24" DDS to utter shame.

[johnny means]

Festool Domino here. Not nearly my biggest purchase, but it change my methods more than anything else.

[Micheal Roth]

A 1950's Delta Rockwell 40c radial arm saw

[Bryan Hopfensperger]

Alright, I'll play… (and come out of lurk-mode)

Jet 22-44 closed base
Grizzly G0513P bandsaw

Bought the sander (2 yrs old) for 1⁄2 price. Bought the bandsaw with a 10% off eBay coupon, and after some shop clean-up sales paid a whopping $0.00. ;)

great tools, both.

[Dave Mura]

http://www.couponfit.com/stubnew/acff1af62d0f91f4be73f4857552d70c.gifhttp://www.couponfit.com/stubnew/298f587406c914fad5373bb689300433.gifhttp://www.couponfit.com/stubnew/c56a022b15250525f8b9bdfc41a13152.gif

[Kevin Gregoire]

i made most of my best purchases last year but for 2011 my best purchase
would be an Excalibur EX-21 scroll saw for $400

i did also buy a near new Powermatic 14" bandsaw with mobile base and a
riser block. not at a great price but good enough to make me happy.

[Cary Falk]

My gloat for this year would be 1hp power feed for $200.
214318

I did pick up a 1968 Delta 24" scroll saw and a 1958 DeWalt GWI RAS that I had fun restoring but they weren't gloatable price wise.

[Ryan Hellmer]

I think I only bought 3 machines this year:

Wadkin SP12 short format (5') sliding tablesaw with scoring unit...
Delta RC-51 20" planer...
Tannewitz GH 36" bandsaw...

Total cost $1100

[David Hostetler]

Been a tight year financially, but what few additions were well worth the money spent, or no money spent in one case...

#1. Harbor Freight benchtop mortising machine. I got it NIB from a coworker that couldn't figure out what to do with it. I traded a Delta 10" non slide miter saw that I cleaned up, fitted with a cheap blade that I had sharpened by a friend. I think total cost in the thing to me was something like $5.00. It works, makes easy mortises. The fence stinks, but that's okay, I can work around that...

#2. MLCS inlay bit and bushing set. Got started in doing inlay work this year. Having fun with it...

#3. 6' piano hinges from the Habitat Re-Store. Got them dirt cheap. Like $2.00 each. Used them to build my clamshell cabinets...

[Prashun Patel]

Mirka Ceros RO sander. Simply amazing: Aggressive, smooth, quiet, phenomenal dust collection. Makes me ENJOY sanding.

[Timothy Wolf]

I bought almost all of my big tools this year (I just got into woodworking in Nov 2010) so it would be hard to single out one tool but I really like my Steel City Bandsaw and 6" Jointer with a really long bed (hoping SC sticks around through this economy just in case I ever need replacement parts). I did just pick up a nice Rockwell 10" Turrent style Radial arm saw last night for $100. http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/2721582126.html I would have an easier time saying my worst tool purchase of the year Jet Drill press which is way too inaccurate. All my tools were bought used on craigslist so I had only one really bad dud. I will upgrade my drill press come tax time next year and hopefully be able to post that in the 2012 best tool purchase.

[Mark Welte]

A used Grizzly 1023z TS and Grizzly 14 band saw off of Craigslist. Both were used lightly and had been sitting for a while. Needed to replace a broken part on the band saw and put a new Vega 50 fence on the TS. Shop should be up and running in about 2 weeks.

[michael veach]

Bosch 12V max tools

[Jerome Hanby]

Well almost bought a high dollar metal cutting band saw that would have been my best buy of the year, but that appears to have stalled. The guy at the tool outlet place convinced me that the little Porter Cable Li-Ion driver was a winner and told me to buy one, keep the receipt,and if I didn't like it bring it back within six months. Let's just say he's not getting it back <g>. But, the best tool I got all year was a Festool jigsaw from a fellow 'creeker. Night and day difference over anything I've used in the past!


Bosch 12V max tools

[Kevin Gregoire]

anyone else?

[Kirk Poore]

Duro overarm router, circa 1950:
219389

[Larry Anderson]

Jet 16-32 Plus drum sander. Use it on almost every project.

[Kent A Bathurst]

LN face float and cheek float. Nothing else like them for tuning tenons, including my trusty LN rabbet block............I was "hopeful" but was managing my expectations, and then I put them to work.........way too cool.

[Will Boulware]

A truck!

I technically acquired it the last day of the year, but it was a 2011 purchase none-the-less. Traded my 1962 Galaxie for a 1991 F350. Truck runs great. Galaxie... Not so much. Hoping to put the big bugger to some good use in 2012!

[Dave Zellers]

Jet oscillating 6" belt sander. 35 years without one, and now after less than a year with it, I can't image life without it.

Now I'm seriously Jonesing for the 22-44 oscillating drum sander.

[Brian Weick]

2011 was a good year for my shop,...


AWWM 1921 16" #1 "Buzz" jointer
Oliver 1927 117A 30" Band Saw
Oliver 1929 18" 88D concentric Saw Bench with sliding table/Quadrant



And that's enough for a while...they are all getting refurbished and that is going to take some time but I had a good year with the Arn aquisision.

B,

[Steve Griffin]

Mostly little stuff this year, other than a new delivery trailer.

Finally found the perfect organizer for cabinet install screws and doo-dads. And the compact dewalt miter stand one of the best things dewalt makes.

The best investment of the year was purchasing and learning Sketchup Pro.

[Jim O'Dell]

Don't think I bought any woodworking tools last year...Or did I get the Milwaukee ROS???? Hmm...
My major purchases were the new desktop computer last Spring, and the new laptop this Fall. This year will be starting the home theater equipment. I need to stop and use the tools I already have. :rolleyes: I guess the laptop will be used in the shop from time to time. Jim.

[Dan Hintz]

Well, the year just started and I have added several hand tools, but my biggest purchase (so far) was a Robust American Beauty lathe from Bill Grumbine :D

[Kevin Gregoire]

i think maybe it should have said "best tool purchase over the past year"?

[David Hostetler]

Since my family is single income, I ended up funding my own gifts this year, although LOML picked them out and did the actual purchasing... So I need to update my first response to this thread...

Still very pleased with the HF mortiser, and MLCS inlay set. But have added a few very nice additions that really extend my capabilities. I got the Groz #6 and #7 planes, as well as a Husky LVLP spray gun. The Groz planes were dead flat with no rework needed anywhere other than the blades which needed sharpening. A radical departure from the #5 that took me a couple of hours to get the sole, frog, and lever cap flat...

[Stan Mitchell]

Humm . . . nothing big - but still some very nice tools:

* Worksharp 3000 - love them or hate them, it keeps my chisels as sharp as they've ever been.

* 15" spiral head cutter for Grizzly planer - so quiet now. They're pricy - but worth saving up for.

* INCRA LS super system - just got it a couple of days ago and am still installing it on the new/bigger router table that I built over the last couple of weeks. Can't wait to try out some of the tricky joinery that's possible - maybe this weekend.

[Nick Fisher]

Here are some of the purchases that I got this year

-46-460 Delta Lathe, for $150 off of Craigslist, amazing shape!
-INCRA 3000 tablesaw set up(don't really like it, would trade for a good miter guage)
-Powermatic Model 30 Combination belt sander and 12" disk sander, $200 from Craigslist
-Delta 14" bandsaw, for $100 from Craigslist
-Delta DJ-15 6" jointer, for $150 from Craigslist
-13" Dewalt Planner, like new for $325 from pawn shop
-Powermatic model 75 3 HP Dust Collector, for $400 From Craigslist
-Porter Cable model 504 Belt sander, given to me free, (Great shape)prolly gonna sell it though. Just too big for my needs.

I think that's about it. I sure have been busy when I look back at it.
Nick

[carl zietz]

Powermatic 48 ' X6" belt sander combo with 12" disc sander.

[Victor Robinson]

2011 was a busy year. Among the highlights:

16-32 drum sander
Festool ts55
Festool 150/3
Festool ro90

Yes, someone got bitten by the Festool bug.

[Kevin Grady]

Does having your wife tell you to build a dedicated shop and stop fighting with limited garage space count? Moving out of the two car garage where I fight with dry goods, bikes for the family and anything else we put in there to a 18 x 20 shop with a 4 x 8 closet for compressor and dust collection. Have contractors coming out next week!

[Van Huskey]

Well, the year just started and I have added several hand tools, but my biggest purchase (so far) was a Robust American Beauty lathe from Bill Grumbine :D


Dan, are you the lucky guy that bought his personal lathe? If so you acted fast, it wasn't listed more than about an hour!

[Garrett Ellis]

Here are some of the purchases that I got this year

-46-460 Delta Lathe, for $150 off of Craigslist, amazing shape!
-INCRA 3000 tablesaw set up(don't really like it, would trade for a good miter guage)
-Powermatic Model 30 Combination belt sander and 12" disk sander, $200 from Craigslist
-Delta 14" bandsaw, for $100 from Craigslist
-Delta DJ-15 6" jointer, for $150 from Craigslist
-13" Dewalt Planner, like new for $325 from pawn shop
-Powermatic model 75 3 HP Dust Collector, for $400 From Craigslist
-Porter Cable model 504 Belt sander, given to me free, (Great shape)prolly gonna sell it though. Just too big for my needs.

I think that's about it. I sure have been busy when I look back at it.
Nick

wow, where do you live!? wish i could score some craigslist deals like that!

[Dan Hintz]

Dan, are you the lucky guy that bought his personal lathe? If so you acted fast, it wasn't listed more than about an hour!
Van,

I'm lucky, I have friends on the lookout for me. I'd say within 20-30 minutes of the post going up I had a text about it. 5 minutes after that I had sent emails to two different addresses and left a voicemail :p

[Craig McCormick]

WOW my best purchase was pretty small. Bosch cordless multi tool. $89.00 I use it more in my remodeling business. I use it almost every day. I leave the Fein in the shop now.

AZCRAIG

[Dean Chapel]

I did pick an unused performax 16/32 sander for $225. Is that a good price?......:D

[Martin Wasner]

Holy ancient thread revival.

2015 has been a very good year. We picked up a new customer in May that fed us almost another $200k in work up until now. Extra income means extra reasons to add equipment and extra capital to do so.I can't easily add anything else as I've got no room and no juice to run it.

So far this year:

New Jet/Grizzly spindle sander
Used Toyota forklift (in storage)
Used SCMi T130N shaper
Used SAC TS125 shaper
Used Ritter R46 line bore.
Used 18" Whirlwind 212L pop up saw (in storage)
Used 12' Tigerstop. (in storage)
Used Murphy Rodgers 20hp dust collector. (in storage)
All new cutters for making doors to the tune of about $7500
A new Makita track saw.
Two new Maggi four wheel feeders.
Plus I paid off the widebelt I bought last year.
I think I spent at least $40k on toys this year, maybe more like $50


Next year? A new shop. Things on the short list is a straight line rip saw, a real planer to get rid of the junk powermatic/grizzly unit we've currently got. I'm CNC shopping, what I'm looking at is going to cost around $125k with all the other stuff that is required to go with it. Also looking at a CNC dovetailer. I'm torn between buying five new normal shapers or a pair of Martin's to accompany a double ended coper. I'm not sure what order those things are going to happen in. The new shop is the priority there's some expensive things like benches that need to be equipped.

[Patrick Walsh]

This is a fun thread for me as i have been on a tool purchasing binge this year.

This has to take the cake for me...

[Jesse Busenitz]

Oh man has it been a fun year... maybe not very profitable but very fun.

Started off in March I believe, I picked up a Greenlee 16" jointer off of CL for 1300, which I then proceeded to convert to spiral head/ball bearing. And then a month or so later I picked up a PM 66, 141, and 1150 off of CL from the original owner who bought them in '67. Oh and a Blum line bore machine from the same guy. And than just a bit later I saw an add on CL for a bunch of OWWM so I called him up and he was 13 hours from my house, but had family close by. Ended up buying 10 industrial 3 phs machines, which I resold all but a PM 70, two big disc sanders, and an over head router/mill, and I got all my investment back! And needless to say I needed more shop space for all of this so increased my space by 8Xs. And wrapping up the year I've finally been able to use all of this stuff.

[Peter Kelly]

AutoCad 2015 for Mac OS. I'd thought about trying to really learn Sketchup this year but I was able to expense my license for AutoCad to a project at work. Bye Windoze!

I think anyone else that bought that Fein Drill / Driver kit when Toolnut was running the sale a few months ago would agree that it was a pretty great score too.

[Joe Calhoon]

A few years ago I was in Martin's position. Doing big jobs and buying machinery to boost production and take advantage of sec 179. Now my goal is to cut production in half for more ski, swim and grandchildren time.
My machine purchases this year were vintage Euro machines. A Wadkin DM to compliment the Maka and a Ayen drill to compliment my vintage Delta drill press. These machines will not pay back like some of the others but are fun to play with.
326032326033

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[Tom M King]

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/7/6/2/7/2/8/webimg/865468694_o.jpg?nc=706It's been a decent year of finding what I need, but this afternoon find tops it all. I actually have a need for this exact profile.

[Mike Henderson]

I was able to get an 8" jointer with a spiral head. And a Festool track saw. The jointer has seen a lot of use. The track saw, not as much, but it's invaluable for certain things.

Mike

[Shawn Pixley]

Compass Plane that I refurbished

[Robert Parent]

The best new tool purchase for 2015 is........ Bosch Glide Arm, 10 inch, Miter Saw.

Robert

[Mike Ontko]

This year's winner, hands down, is the Grizzly 17" G0513X2BF. I went with the 17" so I could resaw 8" x 84" x 8/4 ash, which went through a 1/2" 3 tpi Timberwolf like butter across a hot knife.

Equally as handy (I'm hoping), I was at Powell's Books in Portland this past weekend and picked up new newly released SketchUp: A Design Guide for Woodworkers by Joe Zeh.