Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-6, страница 13

Workshop Income

Starting a Business: Part II

In this, the second feature of our two-part Workshop Income column looking into the subject of starting up a woodworking business, we examine what tools to equip a shop with, where to locate the shop, and how to finance the shop. We expect that the information on tools will be of interest to all woodworkers, whether or not they have plans to start a business.

There is probably no more discussed subject among woodworkers than their tools. Most adhere to the old adage "you know a workman by his tools," and consequently take considerable pride in the tools they use. Not surprisingly, however, our survey revealed many differing opinions. If there were an area of at least general agreement, it was in what specific tools you will need.

In addition to a 10 in, table saw, our respondents recommended an 8 in. jointer, a 12 in. band saw, a drill press, a 12 in. lathe, a combination belt-disc sander, a 12 in. thickness planer, and a router table, along with the usual assortment of small power and hand tools. A saber saw, a 3 in. x 24 in. belt sander, a dual-action pad sander, and Vt in. and Vt in, drills were those small power tools that everyone agreed were a must. The woodworkers we surveyed also mentioned somewhat more specialized tools, that may or may not be necessary, depending on the items you will make in the shop. A shaper, a mortising machine, a horizontal boring machine, a radial-arm saw, a scroll or jig saw, and a power hand planer were the tools most often listed.

Although woodworkers in general agreed on what tools to purchase, there was no such harmony when it came to listing specific brands. Brand loyalty was high, with many of the most highly recommended small power tools being foreign-made, especially Japanese. For the larger shop tools, however, the traditional name-brand manufacturers remained dominant. Not surprisingly, nearly all woodworkers made a point of avoiding the low-priced so-called hobby tools typically offered at department and hardware stores.

Considering all the individual opinions together, we have compiled a list of those tools most woodworkers envision as the best choice for an "ideal" shop. By and large, the tools mentioned were neither the "top-of-the-line," most expensive tools available, nor were they the "bargain" variety. They were chosen as those tools best representing a balanced combination of both quality and value.

10 in. Table Saw 8 in. Jointer Thickness Planer Band Saw Lathe Drill Press Shaper

Powermatic, Delta Unisaw DeJta, Inca Hitachi, Makita, Delta Hitachi, Delta General, Delta Delta Invincible

Belt Sander Porter-Cable, Sears, Black & Decker Stationary Disc-Belt Sander Delta

Router Hitachi, Makita

Drills Hitachi, Makita

Saber Saw Bosch

Jig Saw Delta

Orbital Sander Makita, Hitachi, Porter-Cable Delta is formerly the Rockwell Power Tool Division

(continued on page 15)

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