I've gotten a $1,000 allowance from the LOML to use on whatever I want!
I'm trying to figure out what I would like to buy, and it's tougher than I thought it would be. There's nothing I would say I "need" right now but there are many things I'd like to have. I'm only a hobbiest woodworker and enjoy my time in the shop and the only deadlines I have are from my wife. To give you an idea of the projects I build, it's mainly furniture with some turnings thrown in, with my next projects being a couple side tables for the living room and a chest of drawers for the bedroom, and down the road I'd like to build a bed frame. I have a pretty complete shop right now, but there are a number of things I'd like to upgrade. Here's my list of major tools right now:
14" Delta/Rockwell BS with riser kit
Delta benchtop mortiser
Delta 1.5hp DC with Thien seperator & wynn filter
Delta ambient air filter
Dewalt DW734 planer
Dewalt 7790 RAS
Bridgewood cabinet TS
Shop Fox 8" jointer
Jet 1442 lathe
Grizzly belt/disc sander
Shop made router table
20gal compressor
The three items I'm thinking about are a bigger bandsaw, bigger planer, or a Domino.
Bandsaw: I'm pretty happy with my Delta and don't do much resawing. Its clearly underpowered, but again I don't resaw much, so this is pretty low on the priority list.
Planer: I've had my DW734 for 6-7 years or so and it's performed admirably. The main issue I have with it is that the cutter head slips ever so slightly as I process material. I'm thinking a 15" floorstanding model. I could get a brand new Griz for about $1000, but I'd like to find a used one for $500-$600.
Domino: I'd love to have one of these, but it is quite an investment. It seems like an amazing tool, but the time saving aspect is not big for me, and it would eat up the entire $1000.
I suppose I could also look into other joinery systems like Dowelmax or MortisePal, AND get a used 15" planer, with some money to spare?
I think writing this out has helped me figure out what I want, but what would you do?