Which Tool Should I Buy First: Thickness Planer, Jointer, Drill Press, or Router Table?
Asked by WoodMaster458
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?
Answers
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.
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The order can definitely vary based on your needs. For me, starting off with a planer, then a router table, jointer, and finally the drill press, makes the most sense. You know your workshop better than anyone, so consider your space and budgeting when deciding. But yes, if you can find a bandsaw, I'd say that's more useful than a drill press for many projects. A good planer is a must-have, but the router table will greatly expand your capabilities, especially for shaping and joinery work.
PureWood81: Totally agree! The three tools I can't live without are my table saw, jointer, and planer. They all make project prep way easier.
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It mostly hinges on what kind of projects you plan to tackle. If you're working with rough lumber, I'd prioritize getting both the thickness planer and the jointer since they are pretty essential for prepping your wood. After that, I'd lean toward a router table; it's super versatile and can be a valuable addition to your setup. The drill press, while useful, tends to have a more limited range, so I’d place that lower on the list. But if you're crafting furniture like cabinets or shelves, it might be worth considering earlier.
GarageGiant24: I'm mainly looking to build furniture too, and a jointer feels necessary since I've dealt with lots of warped boards.
PlaneNinja44: I get that! My drill press rarely sees action anymore, mostly collecting dust.
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JoinerPro2023: I don't understand the hate on benchtop jointers. I've had one and it works great for my projects.
DIYerMike72: Sounds like a fantastic way to go. I got a bandsaw recently and it's opened so many possibilities for me.