The $700 Woodshop

[Cowardly Toaster]

So I've been acquiring tools for my wood shop, which is currently outdoors, the tools covered with tarps when not in use.

80s Craftsman Radial Arm Saw: $75
80s Rockwell table saw: $50
70s Rockwell drill press: $300 (I overspent on this one)
Late model Craftsman Scroll Saw: $30
90s Delta Bandsaw: $100
50s Shopsmith combination tool (lathe, jointer, planer, spindle sander etc): $125. I know the Shopsmith isn't best for many things because it compromises to be vesatile. But still a great deal.
B&D Belt Sander: $10
B&D Power hand held planer: $20
80s Craftsman Router with bits: $25

I don't count my cordless DeWalt tools, they're used for projects around the house and general carpentry.

I've spent some bucks on lumber to build platforms for these tools, plus a table to go around the table saw. I just wanted to post this to show how many nice tools are available with a little shopping around on Craigslist and Facebook. And I'm confident that I could sell most of these tools for what I paid for them. It's actually nice to have inexpensively bought tools, I don't worry about abusing them a bit or theft (although a thief would break his back stealing some of these things. That good old American steel).

[lthenderson]

Just thought I would add that some of my best tool purchases have been at estate auctions. One of my best buys was buying a pile of Jorgenson bar 24" bar clamps for a bid of $5 each. I got like 20 of them. New the retail for nearly $75 each. They should last a couple lifetimes.

[Cowardly Toaster]

Just thought I would add that some of my best tool purchases have been at estate auctions. One of my best buys was buying a pile of Jorgenson bar 24" bar clamps for a bid of $5 each. I got like 20 of them. New the retail for nearly $75 each. They should last a couple lifetimes.

Yes, I didn't mention the many smaller hand tools and such I've picked up too for cheap. Second hand woodworking tools are  a bit hard to come by in a Alaska, or else I would have went that route.

I'm on a mission to prove woodworking doesn't have to be expensive.

[hoping2retire35]

I have been given a good collection of some basic power and hand tools. Just need need more house for furniture I can build! The only thing I can think to build now is maybe some book shelves.

[Dancin'Dog]

Build a shop or shed ASAP.  You don't want your nice tools sitting outside in Alaska.  ;)