Now what to buy?

[ufg8r85]

I have a bt3100 TS, and a router. LOML has a honey do list which includes a hope chest, curio cabinet, adirondack chairs, and bunk beds. Which is the next major tool purchase I should consider. Oh yes, she has crown molding planned too, I've got a recon Dewalt DW716 on order., which tool(s) next?
Thanks,
Steve

[Warren]

I take it you're talking about big, hulking power tools, not hand tools.

The two most used power tools in my shop are the drill press and band saw, in that order. Dust collection is also a thought, although I don't put as much stress on that as some. If you're going to do a lot of molding and soon, a compound miter saw is nice. If not a lot of molding, then the table saw will do nicely.

I'd really suggest a drill press for the projects you have listed. Lot of precise drilling needed. And, a project for you should be a router table.

[bigsteel15]

Ditto what Warren said.
and a jointer would be nice to do some really nice work on those heirloom pieces.

[SARGE..g-47]

How many clamps are enough Steve?...............

One more than you need and you're always one short!

If ya don't have em, you will before you finish any of those projects. You can purchase a power tool (hopefully you at least have a power drill), but it is a case of "pay me now.. or pay me latter". You will need clamps on nearly every project you do even if you're working strickly with hand tools.

Good luck...

[Knottscott]

I'd go planer, followed closely by jointer and DC.

[gary]

Before answering, do you want to use rough lumber or buy if machined?

[ufg8r85]

machined lumber from the big box stores, can't find a lumber store around here that has oak, maple, etc for projects. Any suggestions on this, I'm in south east Fla

[LarryG]

machined lumber from the big box stores, can't find a lumber store around here that has oak, maple, etc for projects.

No suggestions other than to look harder. The prices the bix boxes get for good lumber is highway robbery, and most locations have only red oak, poplar, and clear pine. You might look into ordering from one of the online dealers, or even try Woodcraft if you have a local store ... you probably can't do any worse, price-wise.

[gary]

machined lumber from the big box stores, can't find a lumber store around here that has oak, maple, etc for projects. Any suggestions on this, I'm in south east Fla

Try woodfinder website to look for other sources of lumber.

Being you're using machined lumber, I'm going to go against the grain here and recommend you get a large compressor (~ 12 SCFM). With it you can spray finishes, run nail guns/staplers and even run a vacuum press for veneering. It'll let you do a lot of different things.

[Luckbox]

Well also from being from SE Florida I can tell you that wood selection is pretty slim. I have called a few lumber yards but the closet I found was in Indiantown. I am pretty limited to Lowes and HD for wood. I still find the Planer and Jointer very useful. Even machined lumber has a fair amount of variations.

[radhak]

machined lumber from the big box stores, can't find a lumber store around here that has oak, maple, etc for projects. Any suggestions on this, I'm in south east Fla

Check this thread http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=21277

The discussion was plywood in SE Florida, but various options were thrown around that also offered lumber.