Replies

1. 
   Frank Vucolo | Dec 19, 2008 07:02am | #1

   I can recommend the Delta 17-959L. I recently got one and love the woodworker friendly table. It is over-sized, very adjustable and has built in T-Tracks for jigs and hold downs.

   I don't know much about the Steel City, but I am sure it's fine. Look at the two and focus in on the tables.

   Here's a photo of my Delta in action

   Frank

   
1. 
   CalebL | Dec 19, 2008 05:41pm | #6

   Thanks, I am leaning toward the Delta also. They both seemed about the same to me but the delta had better eye appeal to me.

2. 
   davidbrum | Dec 19, 2008 11:10am | #2

   I have the Shop Fox 1741 jointer. It's a solid performer so far. I really like the built-in caster, as I store it under my miter saw bench (I'm tall).

   If I had it to do over, I would not buy a 14" bandsaw with a 1 hp motor. You can do much more with a 1.5 hp. You might want to check out the Grizzly G0555X 14" Extreme Series Bandsaw. It has some really nice features for $575.

   Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

   David B

3. 
   MGelder | Dec 19, 2008 04:55pm | #3

   I would echo the point about getting an 8" jointer.  I started with a 6" and it was ok for the first few years that I was woodworking, but it always seemed to never be enough capacity for me.  Have you looked at grizzly tools?  Most of my tools have been purchased from them and I am very happy with them.  Another forum that I would recommend if you are looking for advice on equipment is http://www.forums.woodnet.net .  There is a great search function and there are tons of posts about everything woodworking and really great folks on that site.

   good luck

   matt

1. 
   CalebL | Dec 19, 2008 05:45pm | #7

   Yes, I looked at Grizzly also but I don't like that I have to order it from the internet and have it shipped to me. I like being able to deal directly with someone in case something goes wrong. From what I was told, Grizzly and Shop Fox are pretty much the same machine only marketed differently. Thanks for the link, I will check it out.

4. 
   bones | Dec 19, 2008 05:11pm | #4

   Take a look at the Grizzly tools. I have the grizzly TS BS and jointer all excellent tools and a lot of bang for the buck.  I would echo the 8" .vs. the 6".  I had a 6" and upgraded to the 12" The Grizzly jointer have excellent reviews.  Good luck and welcome.

    

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
5. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Dec 19, 2008 05:13pm | #5

   If you are looking at Shop Fox you need to know that their machines are the same as Grizzly. On some machines you can get the Grizzly equivalent for less even with shipping to your house/shop. Speaking of prices, some of the prices you quote seem low to me according to the prices I see on the Internet, i.e. Steel City drill press, Shop Fox W 1741, Delta 28-206. Are you sure that your prices are correct?

   Band saw-Good choices. You should be fine with any of them

   Jointer-Yes, 8" is much better than 6" if you can afford the difference.

   Drill Press-One thing to consider here is quill travel. Withe the Steel City's 6" stroke, you can drill 30% deeper than most drill presses in this class, plus you get the extra depth required to accommodate jigs and fixtures.

1. 
   CalebL | Dec 19, 2008 06:03pm | #8

   Yes, the prices are correct. The distributor is a guy that sells as a hobby and has little to no overhead. When I looked at the Delta and Steel City, they both had a 6" quill travel, or so I was told. Is that not correct?

1. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Dec 19, 2008 06:20pm | #9

   Delta 17-959L 17 Inch Laser Crosshair Drill Press Quill Stroke: 4-7/8" according to Woodcraft website specs.http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=835031&FamilyID=21039

   Edited 12/19/2008 10:21 am ET by basset-hound

1. 
   CalebL | Dec 19, 2008 06:30pm | #10

   Thanks Basset.

6. 
   nboucher | Dec 19, 2008 08:07pm | #11

   I recently bought the Grizzly G0555X bandsaw and highly recommend buying it along with the optional riser kit. It is a fantastic machine.

7. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 20, 2008 03:11am | #12

   Welcome Caleb,

   I've owned three bandsaws so far - a 1/4HP hobby saw, a 3/4HP Delta 28-276 and currently, the 1HP General 90-100M1. Obviously, 1/4HP is inadequate for anything but scrolling. 3/4HP is a little better, but don't get your hopes up too high for cutting thick (~2") stock. 1HP is what I would consider to be the bare minimum for resawing. I've resawed 8" wide dogwood (harder than hard maple) with the General, but it took forever. I stall it too often with it wired at 110V. Perhaps 220V would solve that. Perhaps not. I'd recommend at least 1-1/2HP if you are thinking about resawing hardwoods. Go for 2 or 3HP if you will be doing a lot of resawing.

   I'd definately recommend an 8" jointer over a 6". Not only do you have a wider cutting width, but usually that comes with a longer bed and definately more mass. If shop space is limited (whose isn't) you should also consider the fence style. Some jointer use a rack and pinion which sticks out the back a couple feet. My personal preference is the parallelogram style of bed. But many also prefer the dovetailed ways. Have a look at spiral heads too. I would have a good look at Grizzly's offerings.

   I have Steel City's 20520 Drill press without a laser and it works great. The long quill length is a great feature. While it may not be often that you need to drill a 6" deep hole, it saves moving the table up and down a whole lot.

   Buy the best you can afford and don't look back.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
   (soon to be www.flairwoodworks.com)

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

8. 
   Artex | Dec 23, 2008 11:26pm | #13

   Keep in mind that going pro and full time on woodworking requires an investment in serious hardware that will keep the pace and precision  8 hours a day 7 days a week. Even if you can´t afford everything at this time make sure every machine you bring into your shop will be able to do what you need depending on your production estimate. Don´t buy a tool because you like it, buy it because you need it. Good luck!

9. 
   aaronpetersen | Dec 24, 2008 02:02am | #14

   Caleb,

   I read the posts and know how you feel about buying Grizzly machines sight unseen. However, I have to throw it out there that they are offering the G0586 8" jointer right now for $595 + shipping through 12/31. I don't have any experience with this machine, but have been eyeing it for a while. I've been really good this year and am hoping that Santa has room for one in his sleigh. The reviews out there are very positive and the price can't be beat. Maybe some other readers can chime in if they've used the machine.

   Happy cuttings,

   Aaron

1. 
   DwayneRichelieu | Dec 25, 2008 02:15am | #15

   I have been a tooling salesman for many years, and went into all sizes of shops. If you are going to do a business I would recommend not buying cheap imports. You need good bearings and well machined and aligned tables/arbors. How easily can you micro-adjust a table or does it just loosen and you tap it a smidgen or a touch? and then you are either too little or too much? Is the handle easy to work with?

   I would recommend major brands like Delta. I own some. Look for a Delta service center and they may have reconditioned machines. Reconditioned may just mean that it has been in a show rooom for some time. These are well made and parts and service is readily available!

   For a bandsaw, are you going to need to resaw? Then you not only need horsepower, but how tall do you need it to cut, and what kind of a guide are you going to use. You would want a machine that will not have "tracking" problems on its wheels. Learn how to size a bandsaw blade to your work and need.

   For a drill press, think about what you will be doing. Do you need to add a good table and adjustable fence system for wood working. How much run-out does the machine have brand new? How easy is it to adjust depth stop, and to move the table up and down. Is the horsepower sufficient for boring your biggest holes in hardwoods?

   Concerning jointer (and planer): my original comments about square and adjustability apply here. Also if at all possible can you get a cutter head that will accept the square carbide insert knives that spiral around it? If you buy a straight knives head, you will have to take them out to sharpen and set them up upon re-installing. The little square inserts have 4 cutting edges and then you throw them away. You do not need any gauges to set the height as they are "indexed" all ready. The spiral pattern minimizes the work load on the motor since only a small spot is cutting at any one time, and it also decreases tear out. If you use the carbide inserts they will really last a long time. If you nick up one blade it is easy to turn to a fresh edge and keep going. These kind of heads work real well in planers too (even though I own a Dewalt 13" 3 knife and can get glass smooth boards on curly maple). Such heads can be purchased "after-market".

2. 
   DustyGeorge | Dec 25, 2008 08:14pm | #16

   Caleb,

   I have the Grizzly GO586 jointer and highly recommend it.  Ordering over the Internet was no problem and their customer service is very good.  It came very well packed but a &^*@ forklift driver had put a dent in the base cabinet.  Customer service got me a new cabinet in two days - no questions asked.

   Best wishes, GeorgeYou don't stop laughing because you grow old.  You grow old because you stop laughing. - Michael Pritchard<!----><!----><!---->

   <!----><!---->

10. 
    308defense | Dec 27, 2008 01:04am | #17

    Hello:
    May I suggest Looking at the tools at Grizzle. You may be surprised at the Quality and price. They have come a long way. You may want to also look at there jointer, thickness planner. I think it is either a 8" or 12". You will be surprised with how much you will like it. Band saw- I have the Delta and like it. Look at the Jet also. I have used a couple. I don't work for Jet or Grizzle.