My father and I are trying to find out the all-around best 18″Bandsaw, Tablesaw, and Planer on the market that is of practical use in a typical woodshop. We call the companys and all they have to say is that thier product is best. At somewhat of a dead end we decided to get on and post the question to all you wood veterans on this website. So Any feedback from you would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Jesse
Edited 11/30/2004 2:41 pm ET by JC Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Sawstop Miter Gauge
It has a toothed angle-setting rack that is extremely solid, accurate, and easy to use, and it offers all of the features I love in a miter gauge, including the ability to add an auxiliary wood fence, and a flip-stop that will accommodate it.
Tried & True Original
For the ultimate warmth, glow, and clarity, in a hard-wax oil, Adam Godet recommends Tried & True Original. To get there, however, you’ll need to buff it between coats.
The clear winner here is Festool’s CT 48 Dust Extractor. It has amazing capacity relative to its size, and unmatched suction power. It packs in a number of subtle but very helpful design touches, like a clever foot brake and easy hose and cord storage.
Makita 2012NB Planer
Of the planers with two-knife cutterheads, the Makita produced the best surface quality. The knives are very narrow and a bit tricky to change, but Makita provides two magnets for lifting them off the cutterhead, and these make it easier. The machine’s dust port is an odd size, with an outside diameter of approximately 2-7/8 in. I used an adapter to connect it to a 4-in.-dia. hose, but dust collection was only fair. Finally, a full revolution of the height-adjustment wheel moves the cutterhead 3/32 in. The other machines move 1/16 in. with a complete revolution of the handle, a dimension that’s much easier to work with because the most common thicknesses for furniture are in multiples of 1/16 in.
Diablo ‘SandNet’ Sanding Discs
While Diablo’s SandNet disks perform similarly to conventional paper abrasives in terms of material removal and surface prep (with some exceptions at the lower grits), they make keeping your work surface and work area clean much easier, thanks to the great dust collection possible with them.
Replies
JC,
Before everybody gets all stirred up about different products, please tell us what your combined budget is for the three items you mentioned. The reason I'm asking is that you can spend anywhere from about $2200 to $10,000 for all three. Also, how much do you plan to use the equipment and what is your overall objective; i.e., pieces for family and friends or do you intend to build furniture for sale. All of this makes a big difference in recommendations.
For instance, I'm basically a price/value guy; best tool for the cost. Others will try to steer you toward the most expensive version of every product every time; nice if you've got the money to toss around.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
I can only attest to the table saw. I looked for months and finally pruchased a powermatic 66. I looked at the Delta and the Jet. I was fortunate enough to have all three available, in a row, and ready for my personal testing. I used the Jet first and liked it, then went to the Delta, which I liked more and then I made the mistake of going to the powermatic. This saw is so sweet. I mean, no vibration, smooth tilt and height adjustment great fence. This saw will last me the rest of my life at which time will go to my son and will last him many years. You have to use one to believe the difference in the different saws, and there is a difference. Quality counts.
Joe Tria
I bought a Powermatic Model 66 3 H.P. about 15 yrs. ago. I use it daily.Never had any problems with it .
oh man, ask this question over in Knots too!
Figure out the tools you would love to have and then check the classifieds. I bought an 18" Jet Bandsaw in great shape for about half of retail. Same with a Powermatic 8" jointer. Needs a tuneup but hardly used. But do think about how much wood these tools will see. Often for just a few boards it can be just as easy to use well tuned hand tools. And a good table saw and blade and a few clever jigs can take the place of a jointer in some cases. Of course if money is no object...
Ditto on the above post. I also think that the Powermatic 66 is the BEST american made table saw made today. Good luck
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