Neal, I think he is more referring to the skills required to get by without a jointer and planer, ie hand tools. Hand tools are super useful and have lots of value, but lots of people make absolutely beautiful items without ever learning to use a hand plane or sawing by hand.
I have a 6" joiner on a stand for sale for $300. In perfect shape , new knives and an extra set.After more than six months of making no progress in developing my woodworking skills, I'm finally starting to see some improvement. It was somewhat of a mental thing. I decided that everything I wanted to build was a prototype, so if it's not perfect, it doesn't matter. While nothing I've built is perfect, I am seeing things fitting together better than in the past. If I decide to replace the prototypes, the actual versions will be better. So far I haven't need to replace the prototypes.
Since I don't have a planer, a jointer, or my band saw, I'm stuck with plywood and dimensional lumber. It's getting close to the time when I need to buy one or both of a planer and jointer. The only requirement I have for them at the moment is that they must have helical cutters. While the DW735 with a helical head is appealing, I'm considering getting something bigger, like a Powermatic. I don't have a clue what to get for a jointer. Another member here got a fantastic deal on a Grizzly from cragislist, as I recall, but that was probably a once-in-a-lifetime happening.
What would you recommend? I have 220 in the garage. Space is extremely limited, but both of these tools are essential and will justify clearing out other things to make room for them.
On an unrelated note, if you have any cutoffs or scraps of any wood or plywood (other than pine) at least 24" long, I'd be glad to purchase them from you. I want to make some jigs for my table saw. Another member gave me a bunch of hardwood and plywood scraps three years ago, and they have been very useful.
My advice since you asked for it..What would you recommend? I have 220 in the garage. Space is extremely limited, but both of these tools are essential and will justify clearing out other things to make room for them.
Those are some massive bearings! Holy cow. Nobody can argue the difference in heft, but the assertion that the older machine gives better "results" is highly questionable. Take 2 boards, put one through each planer and I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that you couldn't tell me which planer was used for each board.
Unless you keep the original straight blades on the older machine and a spiral head on the Asian import, then just look for the tear out on figured wood and that will point you to the older machine.
The heavy dustiness sure is impressive!
My woodworking skills are progressing, albeit slowly, but my tool ownership skills are zooming.Keep at it. The activity of woodworking is the focus here. The results of a finished project is little more than the end of one chapter and the start of another.
The means (tools) to this end can be subject of many fun and learning conversations
I have a 6" joiner. Price reduced to $250.My advice since you asked for it..
..decide what sorts of things you want to build in the foreseeable future. Music boxes? Kitchen cabinets? Four poster beds? Picture frames? Let what you want to build drive your choice of workshop equipment.
..decide what's a necessity versus a nice to have to build the projects you want to build. Helical cutterheads are usually a 'nice to have' unless you are processing a lot of lumber. 15" planers are a nice to have if you are only planning to make music boxes and picture frames.
..decide what your budget is for this hobby. Remember: lumber and consumables cost money too..not just tools.
..don't skimp on training for yourself. Classes, online resources, magazines, etc.
To calibrate your expectations, many hobbyists have 12-13" portable planer and a 6" jointer. That covers typical hobbyist stuff - low volume production of boxes, shelving, table/desk,.. Bought new, they will run ~$1100 for both machines, e.g. a Ridgid 4331 and a Steelex 6" jointer. Both tools can amputate fingers if used improperly.
I favor buying used machines for better value, but that's another learned skill.
-Mark
I have reduced the price to $250I have a 6" joiner on a stand for sale for $300. In perfect shape , new knives and an extra set.
what I have learned over the years, is that you never have anything out of order, just differently learned. That being said, I would need an entire shop and truck o build a house, but my grandfather did it with tools that he could carry in a one handed tool box.Ten, I'm a lifelong beginner. Most of my current interests relate to simple things, like bookcases made from pine. If I ever make a project that looks decent, I'll probably have a celebration and invite everyone over. Seriously, woodworking is a big challenge for me. I got some things out of order, such as hand tools, power tools, sharpening, lumber acquisition, and the like. Slowly but surely, I'm getting there.