Roy_Harding

Although I have a well equipped and large shop, I still keep a few of my old benchtop tools around for a variety of reasons.

I love the little 9" bandsaw for small jobs - my 20" monster is set up for re-sawing, having the little one around means that I don't need to change out the 1" blade on the big one for a single cut.

Although I have a big edge sander, I still use my little benchtop belt/disc sander for small jobs that are just too dangerous on the big machine.

I have a few other "miniatures" of my larger floor machines around as well - they are very handy when I have a set-up dialled in on the main machine and need to make a quick "one off" cut/bore/whatever.

It needs to be said that I started building furniture 25 years ago with nothing more than a benchtop Mastercraft "table saw", a jig saw, a bunch of hand tools I didn't know how to use properly, and a lot of enthusiasm. Some of those original pieces are still in use and look remarkable when I think of what I had to build them with.

Like most folks, I started with what I could afford and went on from there. There's nothing wrong with bench top tools - they are an excellent and affordable introduction to woodworking for the budget strapped enthusiast. As one's aspirations (and projects) become more detailed, you'll add the required machines as the budget allows - or, as in the case of some of my friends you'll discover the joys of powerless woodworking. Either way - benchtop tools remain useful in any shop.