I'm new to woodworking and planning to set up a small workshop in my garage for various DIY projects, like making shelves, benches, and bookcases. I might get some teasing from my father-in-law for wanting a router table, but I recognize my limitations, especially when it comes to cutting straight lines. I already have a decent miter saw but I'm also working on designing my workbench. Any advice for selecting a router and table saw would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
The best advice I got is to buy tools as you need them, or if they're on sale! Don’t worry too much about what others say about your skills; it's all about your comfort level. I've met people who can cut perfectly straight, but I take my time and use all the tools I can find. Just remember to look at what you're trying to create; if you need a router table or table saw for your projects, watch some review videos first so you're ready. I’m currently using edge guides for now, which are cheaper and still do the trick!
When you're starting out, it’s okay to buy tools before you think you’ll need them. I found that having a router table and a table saw was really helpful when I was starting. Just respect the tools and don’t worry too much about the endless safety videos—they're important, but they can get overwhelming! And just toss the push sticks that come with the table saw; they’re not the best.
Definitely get a microjig gripper or something similar for your table saw! It's essential for keeping your fingers safe. And don’t forget about push sticks and riving knives—they're super helpful when you're working with these machines.
Make sure to dive into plenty of safety videos for both tools before you start using them. It’s crucial to understand the risks; I’ve seen some pretty shocking stuff out there, like kickback accidents and even people injuring themselves. My grandpa always reminded me to never get too comfortable while using saws. Treat them like they could hurt you, and stay alert! ?
Yeah, those tools really help with safety! Can't stress enough how much easier they make it.