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It appears that you have a good basis for doing the kind of projects you described. Circular Saw, Router, BT3100, Jig Saw, Drill, etc.
I don't recall if you had a shop set-up or were just having to "get things out" everytime you setup for a project.
The Ryobi 12-inch drill press is a pretty worthy addition if you don't envision a budget for a floor model. I know a lot of guys who have been perfectly happy with a bench model and Ryobi's 12-inch is as well designed as most. However, be aware that Ryobi announced a new model, earlier this past spring. The new model, although still manually belt-changed for 12 speeds, has a digital RPM indicator, LED work subject lights, and will come with a small machinists' vise. The 10-inch "new version" has been in stores for some time, but the 12-inch is overdue. You can check www.ryobitools.com for details.
If you're doing small craft or trim pieces, you might also take a look at Ryobi's $99 BD4600 bench-top Belt/Disc sander. This is a great tool for precision fitting/sanding of small components. With its cast iron housing and induction motor, this model is better than any other brand I've compared in this price range. On mine, the disc runs true and the table and angle set-ups are accurate and steadfast. It was a nice addition.
Regarding a bandsaw. I have the Ryobi BS902. It's decent and I like it and was a good price with no problems after over two years of occasional use. However, the new Craftsman 9-inch unit (made by Rikon) is built with a high level of durability and has some great features like roller-bearing guides, rigid welded steel frame, etc. It's priced around $150... but that will have to be at another time, as I know you're working off that HD gift card.
I know that most will be of the opinion that the bigger the better and one should start off with nothing less than a 14-inch beauty with column extension. Not a problem if you're experienced and have deep enough pockets to do such adventures. Usually I'm not very good at spending my money, much less somebody elses'. For me, the 9-inch bandsaw offered minimum investment, while affording a good opportunity to venture into bandsaw territory and learn its form and function, as well as find out how much I love this tool.
A previous post mentioned "sanders" and I don't recall if this is part of your current arsenal. If not, consider adding a detail sander like Ryobi's Corner Cat (in case you haven't guessed, I'm a Ryobi fan). It's a nice kit for $24!. On the higher end, you can't beat the efficiency of a ROS or the versatility of a 1/4 sheet finishing sander. In both cases I have the Ridgid models and couldn't be happier. (1/4 sheet is $50 and 5" ROS is around $70). The 1/4 is often overlooked, but from an economic (and versatility) point of view, there is a wide variety of sanding and buffing media that be selected for minimal prices.
I hope this helps,
CWS
I don't recall if you had a shop set-up or were just having to "get things out" everytime you setup for a project.
The Ryobi 12-inch drill press is a pretty worthy addition if you don't envision a budget for a floor model. I know a lot of guys who have been perfectly happy with a bench model and Ryobi's 12-inch is as well designed as most. However, be aware that Ryobi announced a new model, earlier this past spring. The new model, although still manually belt-changed for 12 speeds, has a digital RPM indicator, LED work subject lights, and will come with a small machinists' vise. The 10-inch "new version" has been in stores for some time, but the 12-inch is overdue. You can check www.ryobitools.com for details.
If you're doing small craft or trim pieces, you might also take a look at Ryobi's $99 BD4600 bench-top Belt/Disc sander. This is a great tool for precision fitting/sanding of small components. With its cast iron housing and induction motor, this model is better than any other brand I've compared in this price range. On mine, the disc runs true and the table and angle set-ups are accurate and steadfast. It was a nice addition.
Regarding a bandsaw. I have the Ryobi BS902. It's decent and I like it and was a good price with no problems after over two years of occasional use. However, the new Craftsman 9-inch unit (made by Rikon) is built with a high level of durability and has some great features like roller-bearing guides, rigid welded steel frame, etc. It's priced around $150... but that will have to be at another time, as I know you're working off that HD gift card.
I know that most will be of the opinion that the bigger the better and one should start off with nothing less than a 14-inch beauty with column extension. Not a problem if you're experienced and have deep enough pockets to do such adventures. Usually I'm not very good at spending my money, much less somebody elses'. For me, the 9-inch bandsaw offered minimum investment, while affording a good opportunity to venture into bandsaw territory and learn its form and function, as well as find out how much I love this tool.A previous post mentioned "sanders" and I don't recall if this is part of your current arsenal. If not, consider adding a detail sander like Ryobi's Corner Cat (in case you haven't guessed, I'm a Ryobi fan). It's a nice kit for $24!. On the higher end, you can't beat the efficiency of a ROS or the versatility of a 1/4 sheet finishing sander. In both cases I have the Ridgid models and couldn't be happier. (1/4 sheet is $50 and 5" ROS is around $70). The 1/4 is often overlooked, but from an economic (and versatility) point of view, there is a wide variety of sanding and buffing media that be selected for minimal prices.
I hope this helps,
CWS
. Well, I had looked at the drill press at HD. It is not the newer model listed in the Ryobi website. In fact, HD does not even list the newer one. I wish it had a price listed on its site, but I did not see one.
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