I have some gift cards and I have all the basic machines, saws, drill press, etc. I don't "need" anything and I can't use the cards on wood, so what do I want … something better or something that makes you happy because it works so well or because it makes woodworking easier. Can include books, machines, power tools, hand tools, jigs, fixtures, set up tools, or layout tools. I could give examples but I don't want to color the replies, there is no right answer. Don't try to tailor your answer to me, I'm interested in what you like or makes you happy.
My band saw, a Powermatic with mobile base, riser block and tension release, was one of the greatest additions to my shop. It gets used about as much as my miter and even more than my table saw.
My lathe is just damn fun and my get away, when I need to think by not thinking about a subject.
My drum sander gets used even more than my spindle sander, but ooooh that spindle sander. Those curves are so much more tolerable to sand now,
What is it about my Unisaw? I think the smooth whirrr of the blade is satisfying, if a bit scary. Until this, I'd come to take it for granted. However, what makes that saw kick butt is what would make any saw great - a REALLY good fence.
In the end, all the above leave me in love with my dust collector(s), but that would be a quandary, since without the others, there is no reason for them.
The one tool(s) I really love simply because they have been a game changer are my Dominos. Over the years I have moved to better quality machines with more capability but the Domino is the one that provided a quantum jump in speed while maintaining or improving quality and accuracy.
I get a thrill with a really good table saw blade. When you get a perfectly smooth cut with no chips, it is amazing. I recently bought a Freud Premier Fusion and get a glass like cut. It almost gives me the shivers. (Yes, I know, I probably need help with a shrink.)
A trim router. I was in the same boat as you. I had $100.00 gift card and wanted to get another power tool that I really didn't need. Finally I remembered a trim router was something I always wanted but never bothered to get. Worked out great and the price was right.
Any big router with variable speed is going to work well in a router table. Triton made one that would allow raising the collet above the table for easier bit changes. I have a PC 7539 that's my only plunge router so it's used hand held. I have the big Milwaukee (can't remember the model #) that sees dedicated table duty and I haven't yet found any bit that will slow it down.
I'm a router nut so I agree with the router Idea ,if it's going to be dedicated to a router table think about a Triton with the built-in lift I've been very happy with mine.
Jim, those tritons are really nice. i had a chance to buy a new one for $100 but passed because my 691 keeps running strong…in hindsight, i wish i had..
I used a porter cable 690 in my router table for years and it did a good job but now I have a triton in my table saw extension and a PC 7518 in my router table with a powerlift pro .
Lots of great answers. I would add my Delta model 18 floor model drill press. lots of conveinient extras and a long quill throw. Since I have a Nova DVR XP lathe (love it), the relatively new Nova DVR drill press looks like the bees knees.
My CAD software and the laser on my radial arm saw.
The laser on the saw allows me to leave a pencil line, split it, or make it go away. It's that accurate!
I also love my new Cordoba C9 guitar. Not a woodworking tool, but it is made of wood.
I like a lot of my tools but nothing makes me smile more than my woodworking library. Every time i pick up a book i learn something new and get inspired to try new ways.
Difinitely buy books!
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