I'm in the process of setting up my garage workshop and currently have a table saw, miter saw, a compact handheld router, and the usual cordless tools you'd expect a homeowner to have. Space is pretty tight, so I'm looking for suggestions on the order I should purchase the next tools on my list: a thickness planer, jointer, drill press, and router table. I'm considering a Wen model for budget reasons, as this isn't my profession. Can anyone offer advice on which I should focus on first and why?
1 Answer
If we’re talking about cost, the drill press is a steal compared to the others, typically around a hundred bucks. Grab a Wen from Amazon for now and you can always upgrade later. As for the jointer, it’s not strictly necessary—you can get creative with jigs on your table saw or even use a router instead. However, if you want something that'll last, consider investing in a 14-inch bandsaw instead. It'll really enhance the functions available to you in a compact workspace plus you can make a DIY router table from scrap materials, which saves some cash.