Sorry for the long post, but I am trying to provide all the data I can think of that will help you help me.
I am trying to decide on my next purchase and if I really need to make one. The primary tools up for consideration are a bandsaw and a jointer, with a jigsaw a possibility. A quick background on what I have now and would be replacing:
- I have an old Craftsman 4” jointer that my dad gave me. I have only used it a few times due to its width and bed length.
- I have an old Craftsman bandsaw that my dad gave me, I use it more than the jointer but the opening is only about 4” and the blade comes off all the time. The tires were new two years ago and it has not been used enough to wear them out.
- I have an old Craftsman jigsaw that is way underpowered. I tried cutting some 1.5” pine this weekend, crosscut and rip. It struggled, chamfered the cuts, would not hold a line (there is actually rotational play in the blade) and I broke three blades. I am sure some of this is my fault.
Jointer needs
I have a 735x planer and use a sled with shims to face joint wood, then flip the piece to flatten the other side. Then I use a different sled on the table saw or my track saw to joint the edge and the tablesaw and fence for the other edge. With those two sleds and three pieces of equipment, I can joint most stuff adequately.
I have a bunch of 5”x18”x3/4” sycamore that needs to be jointed for boxes. I have done some with the planer sled and it is a pain. I could cut it narrower and run it through the jointer I have, but then I am wasting wood.
I have a router flattening sled for bigger pieces.
Would a jointer really be beneficial over my current methods? When I buy one, I am going to do as I usually do and cry once and get an 8”. Likely purchase is a Powermatic with straight blades with the intent to upgrade to helical later.
Bandsaw needs
I do not use the bandsaw or jigsaw a lot due to frustration with them but I have a few chair builds coming up that I will need a bandsaw and/or jigsaw so I can make the templates and then do the rough sizing before routing with the template. Could I do this adequately with a good jigsaw and save money and space not buying a bandsaw?
I am also getting ready to build a bedside table and the three drawers will be made from a single slab so they have continuous grain, so I will need to resaw the drawer fronts. I could do it on the table saw by running the piece through, flipping it, and running it through again, but would the bandsaw really be better?
I would like to start making bandsaw boxes, but that it less of a concern right now, I just think they are neat.
Likely purchase is a Laguna or Jet with 12” resaw capacity and/or a Festool 420.
I am a hobbyist so none of this is really needed. But I have free time and disposable cash; and I have gotten a lot more use out of the tools I have bought over the last year than I thought I would. I have been bitten by the woodworking bug and have made some cool pieces and want to continue. One thing for me is that if I have the tools to make it easier, I enjoy it more. That is not to say that I do not enjoy making things work the hard way. I have after-all made good use of the various sleds I have and it brings me joy to take a warped slab and flatten it.
I also have the option of joining the woodworkers guild and using their equipment. The issue is the hours they are open and that it is a 30-45 minute drive each way. If they were still in their old location, about 5 minutes away, I would join quick.
So given the above data, which tool would you say I would be better served buying in the next few months? Any strong feelings on the brands? I know which way I am leaning, but want the more experienced makers here to advise.
Thanks