Which shop tool is best all around

[Rastun]

ok Guys,

What shop bench type shop tool do you think is the most usefull to have around? Or if you where starting out and could only buy one bench type tool what would it be? By bench type shop tools I mean table saw, miniature table saws, band saw, drill press, lathe, etc.

Jack

[TurboOne]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Rastun

ok Guys,

What shop bench type shop tool do you think is the most usefull to have around? Or if you where starting out and could only buy one bench type tool what would it be? By bench type shop tools I mean table saw, miniature table saws, band saw, drill press, lathe, etc.

Jack

None of the above. The screwdriver is the most important shop tool. It is the only multitasking tool out. Besides screwdriver, it works as a chisel, a hammer, a scraper, a magnet (sometimes), an edger, a lockpick, and without it we never would get our trains to work. [:D] A lot of power in one simple little tool.

Tim

[SandyR]

I'd have to say my bandsaw. It's equipped with a miter gauge and rip fence. Since I work with wood, scratchbuilding railroad cars and buildings, the precision that it gives me is invaluable. Not to mention the savings in time over cutting out pieces by hand.
SandyR

[bman36]

Hey there,
Sounds like Sandy has a nice band saw there. For me for now it is definately my Table Saw. I have made tons and tons (scale) of stripwood from cedar fence boards. VERY cheap way to scratchbuild. Cutting those big sheets down is a breeze now. Definately make use of it! Later eh...Brian. [:D]

[vsmith]

RAZORSAW!!!

[:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

Tablesaw as well, followed by my Stanley utility knife with quick blade change button,( the metal button one) Like all stuff I like they quit making it [:(!]

[Anonymous]

MATT
I like the table saw BUT I NEED TO GET BETTER WOOD WITH OUT TO MANY knots in it . I got some fingers in the saw last fall almost lost two fingers , i don't use the saw to much any more ben

[Anonymous]

Benny two things.

1. Use feather boards and push sticks and zero tolerence table inserts[;)].

2. First thing I learned- That little piece of wood ain't worth the price of your fingers!

[kstrong]

I'll throw my vote in for the band saw. It's a tremendously versatile tool in terms of the material it can cut, and how it can cut it. Ripping, crosscutting? Not a problem. Curves? Not a problem, Cutting out window openings? so long as you can allow yourself one cut to get to the opening, it's very simple. Keep a supply of different blades on hand for various materials, and replace them when they begin to dull.

I've recently acquired a used miniature table saw, which certainly has its merits and has taken over virtually all of the ripping duties formerly done on the table saw. It's no good for detailed and complex cuts common to a lot of our modeling.

Get the band saw first, then as finances permit, get the table saw for ripping/crosscut duties. You'll still find yourself going to the bandsaw for many, many cuts. (It's also much safer to use.)

In order of priority:

1) Band Saw
2) Disk/Belt Sander
3) Drill Press
4) Miniature Table Saw
5) Benchtop Grinder

This list makes the assumption that you have a Dremel or other miniature handheld drill/rotary tool. That's actually on the top of the list as far as modeler's power tools go.

Later,

K

[Anonymous]

To expant the subject....does anyone make a multfunction tool similar to to a ShopSmith that can do multiple tasks for modeling work? I know a multipurpose tool can be a pain to set up for different situations but that can be offset by the versitility of a ShopSmith if you only have space or money for one major item.

[Anonymous]

Well, I think that Kevin's list is a good choice to follow. I am happy to have all the tools in Kevin's list except the Miniature Table Saw. In that case I have a 10" contractors saw
with a 3/32" quality blade that makes grand cuts that look like they were planed. I would miss anyone of them, but my first purchase some years ago was the band saw and that's the way I would do it again. If you do decide on the band saw do a little research first and don't be to tight fisted. IMO forget the multi function tool with the exception of the dremal like tool. I'll now put up the shield incase I stepped on any toes. Man, how did I miss this great LS hobby for so long? Having a ball gents.

Matt - did look at the SPL20 brad nailer at Home Depot. The price sure seems right. Just haven't made up my mind if I want the model that will use up to 2" brads.[sigh][sigh]

[markperr]

This is tough because each tool has it's own function, but if I was forced to have just one, and it was going to be benchtop, it would have to be the bandsaw.
One: it's safer than a tablesaw and can pretty much perform just about all the functions of a table saw. And if by some chance you actually put your finger in the way of the blade, you'll stand a better chance of actually having a finger once you realize what's happening.
Two: Darn near impossible to make curved cuts using a tablesaw.
Three: Most benchtop bandsaws come with a sanding belt that will help convert your saw into a benchtop sander.
Four: Bandsaws are great for cutting out notches and "V's" and such.
Overall, it's a good utilitarian tool for modeling.

Mark

[Dick Friedman]

My vote goes for a bandsaw as well. I guess I''m lucky, I do have a (1950's vintage) Shopsmith. I use the table saw to get down to 12 by 12's, then use the bandsaw to get down to t by 4's. By varying the speed of the band, can cut plastic without mellting it, or hard or soft wood! If I had a metal cutting blade, that would work too!

Fence boards are great. Many fences in the neighborhood are pushing 25 - 30 years old, so by asking around, the supply is nearly endless!

Table saw is next. Put a sanding disk in and you'll get nice smooth surfaces.

[Rastun]

I did buy the band saw since I already own a dremel, a razor saw, a utility knife ( Matt there's one at home depot folds up like a pocket knife and has a real easy blade change to it ) and since airplanes are held together with little more than rivets and screws I think I may have a screwdriver or two around some where [;)]

My father has a shopsmith but that's a 2 1/2 hour drive each direction to cut some wood. But if I have a bunch of wood to cut and a day or two off it might be a good excuse to get there to see him.

Take care,

Jack

[TheJoat]

I think the question has to be expanded! What are you trying to build? Scratchbuild everything including wheels? Maybe the Sherline Mill would be the thing.

If you just need to cut scale lumber, then I'd get the bandsaw or a decent tablesaw. But, if I need lots of scale lumber, I order it. I've already given a piece of fle***o the saw.[:p]

I was drilling out some trucks the other day - I'd sure hate to not have a drill press. But...you can get away without drilling trucks if you buy ones that are ready to go. I do have a fondness for really perpendicular holes, however. That and holes at the right depth every time.

I'm just glad I'm NOT limited to just one tool.[}:)]

[Anonymous]

go with the table saw with a thin kerf blade, i have a lot of shop tools but thats the one i use the most.