What else do I need??

[JTimmons]

What else do you need?

A loving and supporting wife for your new hobby. If you cannot get this I suggest a shop with a nice comfortable couch inside (otherwise known as the doghouse). I might also suggest a set of earplugs for selective hearing purposes.

As Pappy would say it, welcome to the asylum!

[430752]

I had answered over in the other forum, and still stand by the argument to get the table saw accesory kit which gives you a working router table and some other minor stuff.

But, I see this is becoming a wood discussion and I have to agree that once you move beyond trim, etc. and into furniture or etc., then a planer and jointer come more in handy. Believe it or not, the wood from the BORG/Lowes is kinda rough. Well, not *rough*, but I'll put it this way, take two boards from the BORG and run one thru a nice planer (I prefer the dewalt 735), and tell me which one is smoother.

well, whatever, as far as the molding and trim work, you look well set-up with the exception of router table and dust collection.

curt j.

[Copper]

I've also just started in woodworking and keep a close eye on the classifieds. I like to watch craigslist (http://baltimore.craigslist.org/) They have listings in most major cities and if you check it regularly, you can usually find some slightly used major tools for fairly cheap. I just picked up an older model Craftsman jointer that was hardly used for $50 last week. It's especially helpful if you're not in a hurry to buy the stuff and can wait until a deal comes along.

[kmk]

My thoughts...

I think there is lot of fun in acquiring tools slowly as
you need them and as you develop your skills. When you
don't have a necessary tool, you tend to design
your own jigs etc. And, thats lot of fun and learning.

[Russianwolf]

You can bypass the jointer for the time being and edge joint on the BT3 with a jig. Then you'll only need the planer for the surfacing. Many hardwood places will even surface the wood for you for a small charge and they will STILL be cheaper and have more choices than the Large retail suppliers.

Another thing to think of add. a Dust Collector. The popular choice if the HF 2hp unit, but where you are setting up shop may dictate the collector.

[WEG]

Hi Larry David;
You're ready to 'rock and roll'... all you need now is a "Kitchen Pass" Take Loring's advice, get some wood and go to it. Being a beginner, you will find all kinds of neat things to do and learn about. That will help you decide what additional toys..er..tools you will need. I would guess you probably aren't quite ready for shapers, jointers, planers, but do look into dust collection. Even beginners need to protect their lungs [8D]. And get some safety equipment...I really like the "Grrripper" and two are better...also glasses or face shield. Just like Mum said; "Can't be too careful you know...stop running with that screwdriver!"
Good luck and welcome aboard.
WEG

[JimD]

Larry,

For you trim projects you seem to have the tools you need. I've done a little crown moulding and recommend you make a wooden block to mark the ceiling and walls with the distance you want the moulding to be installed out from the corner. I like to find the ceiling joists and wall studs first then I mark the distance out for the moulding at the joist and stud locations. My corners fit much better when I get the moulding where I want it on the wall. With a 12 inch CMS, you should be able to cut some pretty large crown upside down if you use stops. These can be as simple as a piece of straight scrap clamped to the CMS. I find it much easier to visualize things this way as opposed to flat with compound angles. I like to make up a piece of scrap 2 to 3 feet long to try the copes before cutting the piece I intend to use. Saves some frustration.

To make cabinets, you need a router table to make raised panel doors. These are pretty simple with a router table but almost not possible without it. I have made 3, each better than the last. What I started with in our current house was a setup in an extension table of the BT3100. It was pretty nice (and it used my PC690) but my new table has a built-in router lift.

I recommend you do the trim pretty much with the tools you have and then treat yourself to a mobile base for the BT3100 and a wide table kit. You can build-in a router table to the accessory table. You will then be set up to make cabinets.

Jim

[Larry David]

Thanks for all the great responses. I am going to get a dust collector next week. Not sure which one yet. The 2hp HF unit was suggested, I'll check it out. I do have a large shop-vac that will connect up to the BT3100 and my bandsaw. I'll use that in the meantime.

I was in Lowes to pickup some wood and they had a Bosch Router 1617EVSP Router and the router box was shrinked wrapped with another box for the Bosch Deluxe Router Guide all for $219. I just had to take it home.... I also bought the Bosch laminate router table that was just sitting there screaming at me to go home with the router...another $169. I'm sure they'll be happy together. I picked up a couple of Bosch bits as well. An expensive day at Lowes.

I know a few of you guys told me to build my own router table and that's what I intended to do but I wanted to use my new router as soon as possible in a table.

My youngest son (10 years old) requested that my first project should be a small "treasure chest" for some of his stuff. I have some wood, plenty of tools and machinery I think...time to make a small treasure chest..

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Thanks for all the great responses. I am going to get a dust collector next week. Not sure which one yet. The 2hp HF unit was suggested, I'll check it out. I do have a large shop-vac that will connect up to the BT3100 and my bandsaw. I'll use that in the meantime.

I was in Lowes to pickup some wood and they had a Bosch Router 1617EVSP Router and the router box was shrinked wrapped with another box for the Bosch Deluxe Router Guide all for $219. I just had to take it home.... I also bought the Bosch laminate router table that was just sitting there screaming at me to go home with the router...another $169. I'm sure they'll be happy together. I picked up a couple of Bosch bits as well. An expensive day at Lowes.

I know a few of you guys told me to build my own router table and that's what I intended to do but I wanted to use my new router as soon as possible in a table.

My youngest son (10 years old) requested that my first project should be a small "treasure chest" for some of his stuff. I have some wood, plenty of tools and machinery I think...time to make a small treasure chest..

Bosch Router 1617EVSP was an excellent purchase. Great fundamental router and the plunge base is wonderful. I use a 1617 Fixed Base in my router table and have a second 1617 I can use the other fixed base or plunge. I like the Bosch router table. I think it is way over priced (like most router tables) but it can get you routing safely. Read the manual for the router. Play with the router for a few days, then re-read the manual. It will then make more sense! Everyone highly recommends the Holbren 24 bit set. I have a set coming tommorow. You can find a discount code on BTCetnral via Search Function for the bits at Holbren. Buying the basic bits individually at Lowes is going to get VERY expensive.