It’s easy to put off buying tools… they are expensive. However, getting tools that either make you more efficient, more precise or enable you to do new things is usually worthwhile.
What to buy?
I often see posts on Facebook groups from people asking for recommendations on what tools to buy next. There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. It entirely depends on the kind of work that you are doing at that point in time. I am finding success in making cutting boards right now. I have many happy customers who have purchased the 18″ x 12″ boards that I have been making.
Given this success, it makes sense to expand my portfolio. I was limited to making 12″ wide cutting boards because that was the widest dimension I could fit through my thickness planar. Also, the thickness planer is not ideal for making end grain cutting boards as the rotating knives can lead to tear out in the end grain. So, I bought a 25″ drum sander.
This allows me to surface cutting boards that are larger than the limitations of my thickness planer, plus sand end grain cutting boards to thickness without worrying about damaging them.
Here’s an example of what I was able to do with the new drum sander. This is a massive 24″ x 18″ cutting board that I’ve made for my cousin. It is the same walnut and maple design as the boards that I sell on Etsy, but much larger. I will start offering this size soon on my Etsy store, now that I have a means to produce it.
Now, this is clearly more tool than I need just for cutting boards, but as my business expands, I expect to be making other items that this extra capacity will make manageable. I am a firm believer of buying quality and buying beyond your current needs. Buy once, buy quality and keep it forever if possible. I am hoping this will be the case with this sander.
What’s next?
Tough to say. There is one fundamental tool that I am missing that many woodworkers claim to be invaluable: a bandsaw. At this time, I don’t have an immediate need so I will hold off on that one. I’m leaning towards proper dust collection. It’s easy to make a mess of the shop very quickly when I’m using my shopvac as my primary source of dust collection. A dust collector is not as sexy a tool as the drum sander, but it will help keep the shop and my lungs clean.
What will I build now?
Stay tuned to see what new items I am able to build with this new addition to the shop. If you are interested in knowing what new pieces I am adding to my portfolio for sale, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, check out my Etsy shop or subscribe below to get my blog updates.
‘Till next time…