I’m planning to build my first serious workbench this summer and am working on a list of things I still need (probably more likely want) to purchase before I get started. I’m planning on building a Paul Sellers workbench - after a lot of reading it seems like it will best suit my current abilities without really compromising on functionality.
I have a dozuki, ryoba, and Lowes 20” panel saw (blasphemy, I know, but it sure can cut!).
Having seen a Paul Sellers video I am going to give the Spears and Jackson saw he recommends for beginners a go, along with a saw file to refine the teeth of the saw for a rip cut. The Lowes special crosscuts REALLY well, rips so-so, so I figure for the time being I think the Spears & Jackson panel saw will serve my needs once refiled for rip cutting. As a side note, I am going to a pretty big antique tool event in my area in June so if I find any old saws I may go with one of those instead - this is just the plan assuming I can’t find anything.
The real question I have is this - the main joinery on the Sellers bench is some mortises and tenons for the legs. I could make do with my Japanese saws but I don’t feel like I have as much control with them (as much as I’ve practiced) as I do even with my Lowes special. I know that tenons require cross and rip cuts but I wonder, if I could only purchase one, which one might see more use - I know the first answer a lot of people might give is - “it depends on what kinds of things you plan on making” but at this point I’m really open to anything and everything post workbench build, and I like trying new techniques. My thought is a carcass saw because as much as I’m wanting to try many different things, I don’t see myself doing a bunch of big projects - a tool chest (maybe Dutch style) might be the biggest thing in my near future.
Which one do you use the most? At this point my brain is just on overload trying to make decisions and plan.