zumjam

Man, dido on the radial arm saw. I can remember years ago I must of spent months trying to figure out weather to buy a radial arm saw or table saw as my first major purchase. Which one would be the most versitle? Which one would I get more bang for the buck? etc. Gary hit the nail on the head about the accuracy and risks. I ended up buying a used contractors table saw for $80. Amazing what you can do with a little tune up and jigs. Never regreted that decision. As Gary says, its great for cutting crooked cuts. I used my father in laws radial arm saw many times only to be dissappointed. I never could get the thing consistantly dialed in.

Enough on the radial arm saw. Just recently decided to start arming up with wood working equipment. And I find it funny how it falls in line with Rogers advice. Maybe a coincidence, but a few weeks ago I bought some cheap chisels along with wet stones to keep em razor sharp. AW has some great how to videos on how to sharpen. Wet stones are easy to maintain and use. I reccomend a honing guide as well. Razor sharp chisels and planes are the bomb!!!! I revived an old block plane I've had for over 25 years. Amazing how a sharp blade brings it to life.

And finally, I just purchased a bandsaw two weeks ago. A great addition.

Another recent great tool addition, a Veritas shoulder plane.

Currently working on a garden bench with lots of mortise and tenons.

But looking back, these weren't my first purchases. My first were very similar to what's mentioned below. Circular saw, electric drill, router, etc. And slowly over the years you figure out what you need next for that next eye popping project.

Nice bench!!!! I chuckled a little when I saw this. I just completed the same bench about a week ago. Isn't it awsome!!! The only difference is the vice I put on is blue. The amazing difference for me is having the ability to fasten things down to work on them. I absolutely love it. Cant wait to build a couple bench hooks and other accessories. Nice bench!!!!!

Very nice set. The dovetail construction looks great! Nicely done!!