I've equipped five shops during my 50+ years of woodworking. I currently have two. The observation I've made in retrospect is that no matter how many tools you have, you'll need one more for the next project. Don't stress -- tools don't cost money, they save money. Enjoy making dust and noise.
Buy the best tools you can with the money you have at that time. Great video - thanks for the insights and helping us learn from your school of hard knocks.
Great video, I threaten people with my wife all the time (over 42 years). Just over a year ago I bought a house with a basement and my wife asked me what we were going to do with it. I asked her if it would be okay if I used it for a new hobby (passion) and she said yes. So, I recognize the journey and some of the frustrations that you went through. Love your videos.
Excellent Video. I think it shows a lot of what people can and can't do with 15K. Just a note to others. I have watched many people build many things with a Jig Saw, Simple Table Saw, and maybe a small Miter Saw. Make money with smaller and cheaper tools first. Then upgrade to better tools as you need them.
I was broke as hell working part-time for UPS, saved up for a little starter tool kit after my bed frame broke because it was actually cheaper to build a new one rather than buy, plus tools to do stuff. From there I started my 8-year journey to being a woodworker out of a bedroom in East L.A. with that exact Delta contractor saw and DeWalt lunchbox planer. Took a field trip to Oxnard to buy a used delta 6” jointer. Never looked back and with all the little projects I sold, paid them off. Almost a free hobby if not a side-gig if you play your cards right. This video was excellent as I also have my own regrets setting up my shop but it’s the journey that rules.
All the questions I've had while watching your videos (shop related) were answered today! Think about all the many hours you spent thinking about what it would be like to have your dream shop and pat yourself on the back for the hard work and determination you put into making your dream become a reality , good job my friend!
I am glad you had no regrets about your wife! Sounds like a great lady to have right there by your side. I went down that same rabbit hole when I started, thanks to Norm and the New Yankee Workshop. Regrets? No. But I did not need everything at once. Thanks for taking the time to share. Really appreciate it. Give the wife a hug!
Thank you Sir for this video. I can say i just "got into" woodworking. Did some projects for my wife and i am starting to love it. I am thinking of doing this as an extra job. Thank you again for this video and all explanations. Good tips. God bless you and good luck.
You had better say no regrets about that feisty Italian girl. I started my shop over 30 years ago and I have no regrets about what I bought. Prices were a LOT less back then. I'd like to upgrade some but at my age (74), why bother? It's served me well so far and will keep on doing it. Bill
Very well thought out video. I must say, if someone is purchasing a jointer, get at least 8" helical head with a bed as long as you can get. I bought a Grizzly and love it. It's my favorite favorite tool and wish I had bought it earlier. Also, I too hired a professional electrician who put in a 100 amp so panel. I would suggest laying out the shop and plan ahead for future tools so you know where you will need 120 and 240 circuits. When you think you have enough circuits, add more. I wish I had I stalled some ceiling outlets.
I’ve been slowly buying tools for my work shop over the last year. I’ve got some that I shouldn’t have and some I should have got years ago! I have a 10” Dewalt contractor table saw for now, will upgrade later, a new 13” helical planer, not so impressed with ( can’t eliminate all the snipe ). I’m using a shop vac and a small onida dust deputy till I can get a bigger dust collection system. Looking to buy an 8” helical jointer, 14” band saw and complete my outfeed table with drawers and an end vise. It takes time and I’m trying to do projects to sell to offset the cost of the new equipment. Slow and steady
As a fellow Michiganer I wanted my workshop in the basement as well. However, the house we bought came with a 1.5 car detached garage, and my wife said there was no way i was going to have a shop in the basement, LOL. I have a jobsite sawstop saw, and an old used bandsaw. Hope to upgrade my tools as i use them more, and heat the garage. It gets cold in winter here.
Thanks for sharing this I’m just starting out and don’t have much money have boughten a lot of used contractor tools to get started and a few hand tools biggest thing I need is dust collection still. Any suggestions
I have a less than $300 Wen drill press that looks exactly like the Jet Drill press for about $200 less and it has worked like a champ for 4 years. I did get a Sawstop with the support of my wife and I am so happy I did,.not only the safety aspect of it but it is a damn nice saw.
I too was wondering if you looked at used tools. You live in MI, home to many engineers who do woodworking, get old and leave their maxed out shops for the taking!
One of my newest tool additions is a Wahuda 10" spiral (not helical, but better than blades) benchtop jointer. I then built a mobile stand for it. Works great. Sure, I can't easily joint 6' long boards, but then again, I don't build things that big, so it's all good. I do not regret spending the extra $$$ for the 10" as opposed to the 8" or 6" versions.
You bring up an excellent point I should talk about in the future. If you make smaller projects, maybe you don't need the giant tool. Thanks for the reminder!
Very informative in how to work out how to build a shop within a budget, like you said at the end, the important thing is creativity (and safety, let's not forget that😂), regardless of the budget. Great video, as ever. I love the humour, and whatever you do, do NOT upset the feisty Italian woman you're married to.
I just finished doing the same this as you did, I spents about 18K , but I have a epoxy floor and new lights as well. I went with Harvey Table saw and Dust processor- I am 100% Happy with them both, great tools, give them a look for next purchase .
great tips but I am still confused tho whether to buy or not to buy a band saw... I needed thin wood for my project cuz in my country it is hard to find one but I scare if that it will be the only one time to use..😮
Greatly appreciate the honesty and real price breakdown in this video! I wish more woodworking channels would do this. Your insight was very helpful. As for the band saw, what are the other options you’d look at now as opposed to your Rikon? Thanks for the great content 👏
I did my best. I dug through receipts from years back to make sure I had every dime possible. The 14" Jets look pretty good. The Laguna would definitely be on the consideration list. I would probably look into a Harvey as well, depending on the budget. Someone out there may want to upgrade from a 14" to a 17" and sell theirs as a discount.
Yeah, it's pretty difficult indeed, Billy. I don't regret any of my tools, although I think about upgrading some... But it won't be soon, so who cares. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
I like and can relate to the feisty Italian girl thing, except in my case she's German. Its so easy to second guess yourself after the game is over.. I think most woodworkers have a story much like yours.
I think you are being short sighted here, the only machine that I think was worth it is your dust collector. you can get a powermatic 66 table saw for $1200, an nice used 8" jointer for $1000, a nice older delta bandsaw for $400. 14" bandsaws are really not made for resewing 12" they don't have the HP or heft. All of the hand tools you bought could have been done with old Stanley planes for a lot less and they would be better. That is where I think a lot of people are missing out, Older used stuff is a lot better made and a lot cheaper than the stuff made today. You could have done the same thing you did for $5000, and had money left over to buy a powermatic 180 planer for $2500
U sure no regrets on the fiesty Italian?? Face told diffrent story. Love thr video was nice see the process u went through. I no the deal on buyinh what u dont need a certianly haven't done that 🙄 although have just upgraded to jointer plainer combo game changer. Working on some rather large bench and tables right now at 2.5" thick 🏴👍
😂 that ending... 'one fiesty Italian girl. No regrets!' I feel you owe a lot to that fiesty Italian girl given your descriptions if tools. Also, how does one get one of those elusive members of the opposite sex? 🤔🤣
@@NewtonMakes 😂 that is definitely a theory that seems sound! I wonder if other types of girls have similar hacks to meet them? I guess some testing is in order...
@@terristroh3965 lol, that would work too. I was just trying to make a humorous reply as a perennial single guy (spending more time tinkering and making than going out and being social is probably the biggest contributing factor, lol)
You didn't include anything about sound abatement, since you are working in your basement, what do the "feisty Italian wife" and family have to say about the noise.
So basically your advice sums up to 'Marry a feisty Italian girl who knows her way around an argument' - current wife is not keen on it, but it seems like the right thing to do....
I for one completely agree. A couple new tools, maybe, but you could have spent a lot less money on a lot more tools. This would have given you a better setup to do more.
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I've equipped five shops during my 50+ years of woodworking. I currently have two. The observation I've made in retrospect is that no matter how many tools you have, you'll need one more for the next project. Don't stress -- tools don't cost money, they save money. Enjoy making dust and noise.
Buy the best tools you can with the money you have at that time.
Great video - thanks for the insights and helping us learn from your school of hard knocks.
Great video, I threaten people with my wife all the time (over 42 years). Just over a year ago I bought a house with a basement and my wife asked me what we were going to do with it. I asked her if it would be okay if I used it for a new hobby (passion) and she said yes. So, I recognize the journey and some of the frustrations that you went through. Love your videos.
Excellent Video. I think it shows a lot of what people can and can't do with 15K. Just a note to others. I have watched many people build many things with a Jig Saw, Simple Table Saw, and maybe a small Miter Saw. Make money with smaller and cheaper tools first. Then upgrade to better tools as you need them.
I was broke as hell working part-time for UPS, saved up for a little starter tool kit after my bed frame broke because it was actually cheaper to build a new one rather than buy, plus tools to do stuff. From there I started my 8-year journey to being a woodworker out of a bedroom in East L.A. with that exact Delta contractor saw and DeWalt lunchbox planer. Took a field trip to Oxnard to buy a used delta 6” jointer. Never looked back and with all the little projects I sold, paid them off. Almost a free hobby if not a side-gig if you play your cards right. This video was excellent as I also have my own regrets setting up my shop but it’s the journey that rules.
You'll appreciate everything you have because of this amazing journey. 👍👊
All the questions I've had while watching your videos (shop related) were answered today! Think about all the many hours you spent thinking about what it would be like to have your dream shop and pat yourself on the back for the hard work and determination you put into making your dream become a reality , good job my friend!
Man, glad that it helped! I spent way more time on this video than I ever expected. A lot of research, pictures, emails, etc.
I am glad you had no regrets about your wife! Sounds like a great lady to have right there by your side. I went down that same rabbit hole when I started, thanks to Norm and the New Yankee Workshop. Regrets? No. But I did not need everything at once. Thanks for taking the time to share. Really appreciate it. Give the wife a hug!
We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We woodworkers know how expensive stuff can be and don't want to cause the family undue hardship.
Thanks. I think you did a good job with this video.
Great video, I’m currently in saving mode to upgrade the table saw and jointer
Thank you Sir for this video. I can say i just "got into" woodworking. Did some projects for my wife and i am starting to love it. I am thinking of doing this as an extra job. Thank you again for this video and all explanations. Good tips. God bless you and good luck.
You're going to tumble down the woodworking rabbit hole. Good luck on your journey!
You had better say no regrets about that feisty Italian girl. I started my shop over 30 years ago and I have no regrets about what I bought. Prices were a LOT less back then. I'd like to upgrade some but at my age (74), why bother? It's served me well so far and will keep on doing it.
Bill
That's a good place to be. There are things I'd like to upgrade but not much. I don't really "need" anything. Pretty good with what I have.
No regrets on my 8" helical jointer. It's something I take for granted when I am working a place that has no jointer.
It's crazy the clean finish you can get from a helical head!
Very well thought out video. I must say, if someone is purchasing a jointer, get at least 8" helical head with a bed as long as you can get. I bought a Grizzly and love it. It's my favorite favorite tool and wish I had bought it earlier. Also, I too hired a professional electrician who put in a 100 amp so panel. I would suggest laying out the shop and plan ahead for future tools so you know where you will need 120 and 240 circuits. When you think you have enough circuits, add more. I wish I had I stalled some ceiling outlets.
I'd kill for a 12" jointer! Like an aircraft carrier in the shop!
I’ve been slowly buying tools for my work shop over the last year. I’ve got some that I shouldn’t have and some I should have got years ago! I have a 10” Dewalt contractor table saw for now, will upgrade later, a new 13” helical planer, not so impressed with ( can’t eliminate all the snipe ). I’m using a shop vac and a small onida dust deputy till I can get a bigger dust collection system. Looking to buy an 8” helical jointer, 14” band saw and complete my outfeed table with drawers and an end vise. It takes time and I’m trying to do projects to sell to offset the cost of the new equipment. Slow and steady
You've got some solid tools already in your arsenal.
As a fellow Michiganer I wanted my workshop in the basement as well. However, the house we bought came with a 1.5 car detached garage, and my wife said there was no way i was going to have a shop in the basement, LOL. I have a jobsite sawstop saw, and an old used bandsaw. Hope to upgrade my tools as i use them more, and heat the garage. It gets cold in winter here.
I really like this style of video.
Thanks! I worked way too hard on it so this comment means a lot.
Thanks for sharing this I’m just starting out and don’t have much money have boughten a lot of used contractor tools to get started and a few hand tools biggest thing I need is dust collection still. Any suggestions
I have a less than $300 Wen drill press that looks exactly like the Jet Drill press for about $200 less and it has worked like a champ for 4 years. I did get a Sawstop with the support of my wife and I am so happy I did,.not only the safety aspect of it but it is a damn nice saw.
I could have been easily happy with a Wen. I completely overbought. And I've always heard the SawStop is a great saw in general.
Another enjoyable video.
Always helpful
Interesting video, worth mentioning if your willing to get used items you could definitely have stretched the budget a lot further.
Absolutely agree and I should have addressed that in the video. That's on me.
I too was wondering if you looked at used tools. You live in MI, home to many engineers who do woodworking, get old and leave their maxed out shops for the taking!
One of my newest tool additions is a Wahuda 10" spiral (not helical, but better than blades) benchtop jointer. I then built a mobile stand for it. Works great. Sure, I can't easily joint 6' long boards, but then again, I don't build things that big, so it's all good. I do not regret spending the extra $$$ for the 10" as opposed to the 8" or 6" versions.
You bring up an excellent point I should talk about in the future. If you make smaller projects, maybe you don't need the giant tool. Thanks for the reminder!
Great video! I also have my workshop in my basement. How much fun was it to get the jointer and table saw down there?
Very informative in how to work out how to build a shop within a budget, like you said at the end, the important thing is creativity (and safety, let's not forget that😂), regardless of the budget. Great video, as ever. I love the humour, and whatever you do, do NOT upset the feisty Italian woman you're married to.
She knows how to get rid of the bodies! I hope she doesn't monitor this comments section. 😟
@@NewtonMakes, 😂🤣. Stay safe, my friend. Oh, and hide all the really sharp objects...just in case.
I just finished doing the same this as you did, I spents about 18K , but I have a epoxy floor and new lights as well. I went with Harvey Table saw and Dust processor- I am 100% Happy with them both, great tools, give them a look for next purchase .
I was going to talk about epoxy but I felt the video was getting long. It would have been nice to do that while the shop was empty.
Nice. Really enjoyed this one
Thanks!
@@NewtonMakesyessir!
great tips but I am still confused tho whether to buy or not to buy a band saw... I needed thin wood for my project cuz in my country it is hard to find one but I scare if that it will be the only one time to use..😮
Greatly appreciate the honesty and real price breakdown in this video! I wish more woodworking channels would do this. Your insight was very helpful. As for the band saw, what are the other options you’d look at now as opposed to your Rikon?
Thanks for the great content 👏
I did my best. I dug through receipts from years back to make sure I had every dime possible. The 14" Jets look pretty good. The Laguna would definitely be on the consideration list. I would probably look into a Harvey as well, depending on the budget. Someone out there may want to upgrade from a 14" to a 17" and sell theirs as a discount.
@@NewtonMakes awesome! Thanks for the help!
Putting mine together for 2.5 years, about $15k into it, still not done $7k to go maybe more. At least CAPX is deductible!
Yeah, it's pretty difficult indeed, Billy.
I don't regret any of my tools, although I think about upgrading some... But it won't be soon, so who cares. 😬
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Oh, I often hear the siren's song calling to me, "buy a bigger planer".
I like and can relate to the feisty Italian girl thing, except in my case she's German. Its so easy to second guess yourself after the game is over.. I think most woodworkers have a story much like yours.
Oh completely. I worry about buying the wrong screwdrivers sometimes. It's a really common problem.
I think you are being short sighted here, the only machine that I think was worth it is your dust collector. you can get a powermatic 66 table saw for $1200, an nice used 8" jointer for $1000, a nice older delta bandsaw for $400. 14" bandsaws are really not made for resewing 12" they don't have the HP or heft. All of the hand tools you bought could have been done with old Stanley planes for a lot less and they would be better. That is where I think a lot of people are missing out, Older used stuff is a lot better made and a lot cheaper than the stuff made today. You could have done the same thing you did for $5000, and had money left over to buy a powermatic 180 planer for $2500
Great video! Love to see a maker on RUclips that didn’t get $30K worth of high end tools for free.
U sure no regrets on the fiesty Italian?? Face told diffrent story. Love thr video was nice see the process u went through. I no the deal on buyinh what u dont need a certianly haven't done that 🙄 although have just upgraded to jointer plainer combo game changer. Working on some rather large bench and tables right now at 2.5" thick 🏴👍
A feisty Italian has benefits! The downside is a person may be yelled at from time to time. That person may be me. I may deserve it...
@@NewtonMakes that's not just fiesty Italian wife's Scottish wife's are just as bad oh and yea I sometimes deserve it although not always!🙄🏴👍
How much did Guido's daughter cost and did she negotiate or simply make Rockler an offer they couldn't refuse?
That could never be disclosed in a comments section. So...I don't know what you're talking about. 🤷♂️🤫
One feisty Italian girl - No regrets - YET -- She knows her way around an argument.
😂 that ending...
'one fiesty Italian girl. No regrets!'
I feel you owe a lot to that fiesty Italian girl given your descriptions if tools.
Also, how does one get one of those elusive members of the opposite sex? 🤔🤣
I'm no expert, but I think if you get into an argument loud enough, a feisty Italian girl might seek you out. A theory at least.
@@NewtonMakes 😂 that is definitely a theory that seems sound!
I wonder if other types of girls have similar hacks to meet them?
I guess some testing is in order...
Go to Italy?
@@terristroh3965 lol, that would work too. I was just trying to make a humorous reply as a perennial single guy (spending more time tinkering and making than going out and being social is probably the biggest contributing factor, lol)
You didn't include anything about sound abatement, since you are working in your basement, what do the "feisty Italian wife" and family have to say about the noise.
I need to find one of these feisty Italian women that knows her way around an argument
So basically your advice sums up to 'Marry a feisty Italian girl who knows her way around an argument' - current wife is not keen on it, but it seems like the right thing to do....
Damn, I need to get one of those feisty Italian girls.
Looks like the most useful one is your wife 🥰
My opinion is that you spent too much buying brand new and not used.
Buying used is always a solid option.
I for one completely agree. A couple new tools, maybe, but you could have spent a lot less money on a lot more tools. This would have given you a better setup to do more.
You sure your wife’s name is not Karen?