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Permission granted I got the golden ticket! Kinda...

2K views 27 replies 19 participants last post by  BeardedDog 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
With in reason she said.

So, after about two decades I am finally graduating college! Wife asked what I wanted for my graduation gift. After being denied a Unimog, she said yes to an American Beauty (I quoted her $7500) or table saw. Now, I grossly overestimated the cost of a new table saw, but I'll be honest, the one I have I'm inclined to never use. It works, but not exactly a safe saw, by table saw standards. I have been looking at sawstop cabinet saws, but not exclusively. I could use some collective advice to maximize this, likely once in a life time opportunity. A little background, I have a fully functional shop (table saw, 8" jointer, bench top planer, band saw, drill press, compound miter saw, and lathe). However, all my major shop tools are Craigslist/auction purchases. None are new, all require more work to be perfectly functional. I want a life-long shop tool/tools. I am also not limited to 110. Did I mention I love my wife even though she won't let me get a Unimog?
 
#3 ·
Congratulations on graduation. It's good to see you you back on LJ.

I had to look up the Unimog. I wonder if SWMBO is reluctant to say "yes" is due to a lack of understanding how it would fit with your shop? The way I see it, the Unimog is an ideal "lumber retreival tool". It would also check off the "lifetime tool" requirement.

If she poo-poos that idea, I'd start looking at a Sawstop (3HP minumum), Dewalt 735 planer, JessEm Ultimate Excel II router table, Powermatic 6" long bed joiner, Oneida V-300 dust collector, a 14" bandsaw, and a drill press/mill. In case you wonder, this looks a lot like my "wish" list.

Have you looked at sliding table saws?
 
#8 ·
The idea that buying new machines will eliminate the need for "more work to be perfectly functional" may be flawed. The stories of machine defects on this site should convince you that it is necessary to check alignment and proper functioning whether new or used.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thank you for the welcome back Earl, I'm still loving my mallets you sent me. A unimog is just a dream trail rig of mine. Maintenance costs would be rediculous, being a mercedes. Only purpose a woodworker would have for it is to retrieve lumber from deep in the mountains. But that is irrelevant, its not going to happen. I am a shadetree woodworker that has a shop as a backup plan in case things dont work out in my career. I only briefly looked at sliding tablesaws. Space isn't the concern, I have a 1400 sqft shop. I'm leaning away from them because I want to maximize my investment, not necessarily improve my production time. I understand that even new tools require a certain level of finess to adjust the tool for function. However, my table saw is a no-name chinese brand cabinet saw that is 1) extremely difficult to tune and 2) not supported with parts and customer service. I bought it at auction for $50 just to get operational. It cuts straight, but I want to get a more capable setup that I can easily find service and support for. I've been looking at the sawstops, would likely lean the route of the 52" fence with a built in router table. Bonus would be that leaves room for a potential lathe upgrade as well. Passing on an American Beauty would be a tough pill to swallow. However, I have to be honest, I am not a professional turner. I'm honestly leaning towards Ken's advice.
 
#12 ·
How bout a deuce and a half? I've seen them for as low just under $3K (pretty rough but running) and you could still get a really nice Unisaw or PM66 or if you can sacrifice on quality a little, a Stapsaw works for some.
 
#14 ·
Personally I would jump at the American Beauty over a Unimog. But at that price point I would get a PM2000 and a PM3520C, or similar Grizzly offerings.

- RobHannon
Yep. If I was buying a new lathe, that Powermatic would probably be my choice too. Tablesaw would probably be either a PM or SawStop.
 
#16 ·
Man, if by Unimog you mean that Russian tank,truck,bulldozer kinda butt kicking ride, and you actually have some ground where you could rip loose, that's a kids dream all shot down. BUMMER!!!! If I had one, and enough ground to conquer I may never go back into the shop. Those look pretty much fun.

But a guy with a lathe, and a Table saw could build a soap box racer. Got any hills around?
 
#18 · (Edited by Moderator)
+1 ^^^^

I'd opt for vintage iron over anything new as well (and did)... but if it's got to be new, a Unisaw or PM2000 would not only cost less, but provide a lower long term cost of ownership and greater longevity than a Sawstop - leaving much more green to focus on a new lathe.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#19 ·
Man, if by Unimog you mean that Russian tank,truck,bulldozer kinda butt kicking ride, and you actually have some ground where you could rip loose, that s a kids dream all shot down. BUMMER!!!! If I had one, and enough ground to conquer I may never go back into the shop. Those look pretty much fun.

But a guy with a lathe, and a Table saw could build a soap box racer. Got any hills around?

- therealSteveN
Yes, upwards of 13k feet altitude, several breaking 11k. Let's just say there's a lot of space to roam out here….. up, down, north, south, east, and west.
 
#20 · (Edited by Moderator)
+1 ^^^^

I d opt for vintage iron over anything new as well (and did)... but if it s got to be new, a Unisaw or PM2000 would not only cost less, but provide a lower long term cost of ownership and greater longevity than a Sawstop - leaving much more green to focus on a new lathe.

Cheers,
Brad

- MrUnix
I'm not opposed to this idea. However, availability to those quality vintage tools eventually must be considered. I have, and will continue to keep an eye out
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
Congratulations on graduation. It s good to see you you back on LJ.

I had to look up the Unimog. I wonder if SWMBO is reluctant to say "yes" is due to a lack of understanding how it would fit with your shop? The way I see it, the Unimog is an ideal "lumber retreival tool". It would also check off the "lifetime tool" requirement.

If she poo-poos that idea, I d start looking at a Sawstop (3HP minumum), Dewalt 735 planer, JessEm Ultimate Excel II router table, Powermatic 6" long bed joiner, Oneida V-300 dust collector, a 14" bandsaw, and a drill press/mill. In case you wonder, this looks a lot like my "wish" list.

Have you looked at sliding table saws?

- EarlS
As usual, Craigslist is potentially coming through. What are your thoughts on minimax sliding saws? Found this add relatively nearby. https://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/d/placerville-minimax-sliding-table-saw/7024958295.html. I have little knowledge on what to look for with these tools. If I go this route I'll need some significant input on what to look for.
 
#22 ·
My pre retirement purchases were a new 5hp unisaw, Delta drill press, Rikon 10-325 bandsaw, Rikon disc/belt sander
Rikon 12" variable speed lathe, 6" long bed jet jointer and a supermax 16/32 drum sander. All the machines listed have served me well with no issues. I can go to my woodworking club shop for a large lathe, 15" planer, a larger drum sander and fellowship. Since retirement I have purchased a scrollsaw, ridgid oscillating sander, second bandsaw and a Kreg router table. My wife has no idea how much I have invested. All she knows is I am out of her way during the day playing in the shop.
 
#25 · (Edited by Moderator)
Wood Flooring Hardwood Machine Musical instrument


Update. Sorry its been so long, things got crazy…. as I m sure did for most of you. I opted for the Laguna 18/36 and couldn t be happier.

- BeardedDog
thatsa funny lookin table saw.ya gotta put a blade on a direct drive motor and freehand all yer cuts??
or
did i miss where the plan changed from the beginning of this thread?
 

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#26 ·
SawStop has it's followers. Seems like a solid saw and the best safety features, but the premium is very high. I want a PM2000, but am also looking at a Harvey depending on the results of their band saw I just ordered. I know nothing about lathes. If I bought a new drill press, it would be a Plamgren. Planer would be the DeWalt with aftermarket spiral cutters. Happy with my 6 inch jointer, but with the budget, might get an 8.

You did not mention dust collection and ambient air filtration These are CRITICAL safety features. You can live missing a couple of fingers. You can't live missing a couple of lungs.

If I had the price of a Unimog, I would be putting in a 5 axis CNC and go in business doing ash frame replacement parts for old cars. Morgans, MGs, etc.
 
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