Contractor table saws can work well for woodworkers if used with a crosscut sled and other jigs. I’ve done some pretty intricate projects with an old 10 inch craftsman.
That’s exactly what I did 40+ years ago. I took some Shopsmith classes and created a lot of furniture, art and odds and ends over the years. Now my son-in-law is learning to do the same as my old machines still get the job done.
I’m always surprised that he isn’t more handy. I know one of the running jokes is “he can’t fix stuff (but still likes to putter)” but he still gives off “can fix things” vibes, IDK.
Our community college has a wonderful woodworking shop. Anyone can sign up for night classes and work on any project they want. Really, it was just supervised use of the tools & machines. And a qualified person to ask for advice. I completed several beautiful projects without ever buying a tool. (I had no place to store them anyway.)
Yakety Sax about 1 month ago
Watch some This Old House reruns. They do a bit of both. For woodworking, try The New Yankee Workshop.
uhohlol about 1 month ago
Put this on pause and get the shopping done!
morningglory73 Premium Member about 1 month ago
Good advice. Will he take it?
grange Premium Member about 1 month ago
Our community centre has a really good shop. I used it a lot while assembling my own.
Aardvark17 about 1 month ago
Contractor table saws can work well for woodworkers if used with a crosscut sled and other jigs. I’ve done some pretty intricate projects with an old 10 inch craftsman.
NRHAWK Premium Member about 1 month ago
That’s exactly what I did 40+ years ago. I took some Shopsmith classes and created a lot of furniture, art and odds and ends over the years. Now my son-in-law is learning to do the same as my old machines still get the job done.
DarkHorseSki about 1 month ago
There’s nothing he would be building that needs “woodworking” tools based on the definition above. That table saw is more than adequate.
brigidkeely about 1 month ago
I’m always surprised that he isn’t more handy. I know one of the running jokes is “he can’t fix stuff (but still likes to putter)” but he still gives off “can fix things” vibes, IDK.
Linda Schweiner Premium Member about 1 month ago
Our community college has a wonderful woodworking shop. Anyone can sign up for night classes and work on any project they want. Really, it was just supervised use of the tools & machines. And a qualified person to ask for advice. I completed several beautiful projects without ever buying a tool. (I had no place to store them anyway.)
markkahler52 about 1 month ago
Try cartooning… that’ll learn ya!!