What are your top 5 'most used' expensive tools

[Mike Ontko]

Which machines get used the most?

Jointer (Grizzly 8" G0586 with Byrd shelix head)
Planer (DW745)
Tablesaw (Grizzly G1022ZF, 10" @ 2hp, w/Shop Fox fence)
Compound Miter Saw (DW705 12")
Bandsaw (Grizzly 17" G0513X2BF)

Honorable mention goes to my mini router table, a Bosch RA1171, that I use with a PC690.

(edit) didn't even think about the dust collector (Jet DC1100A, modified with a Wynn can filter and P.Thein baffle), which I got used off of CL for about what I'd paid for the CMS above.

What expensive tool did you invest in that sits mostly unused?

As a general rule (and everyone on this board knows about these kinds of rules), I don't buy tools until I actually have a specific need for using them. But...I have an older model (D1258R) Leigh dovetail jig that I found on CL and then upgraded with a kit from Leigh. I had expected to use it for building some dresser drawers that are planned for a future project. Right now, however, it sits on a shelf while I'm struggling with my first set of hand cut half-blind DTs...go figure.

What are you making?

Furniture, in general, and hopefully of the "fine" variety (only time will tell). But my first official project was a set of holiday deer displays for the front lawn, based on plans I bought out of Wood magazine.

last project - traditional Japanese style tatami platform bed, standard king size, in solid ash with poplar support slats
current project - coffee table, inspired by an italian made (Selva) model, made from solid european beech and beech ply.
future projects - makeup table/vanity in chestnut or ash, bookcases in cherry and doug. fir, barstools for our kitchen counter, other beds, dressers, chairs, etc.

[Jim Dwight]

I have no combination machines or slider table saw. I have a benchtop hollow chisel mortiser and use it but not as much as other tools. My most expensive tool is probably my tracksaw which gets used the most currently. I am mainly doing house stuff with an occasional set of shelves. I need to make a bed or two. Before buying this house I made 5 bedroom sets, 12 chairs for kitchens, one complete set of kitchen cabinets, all the interior doors of one house, etc.. I use my table saw (Ryobi BT3100), RAS (another Ryobi) and CMS (Hitachi) a lot too. My 4 decent routers see regular use as do my pneumatic nailers (23gauge to framing), cordless nailer (Ryobi 18 gauge) and biscuit joiner (Skil). I don't have a domino but may get one someday. My Rigid shop vacuum/dust deputy combination gets used with the other tools and may thus see the most use.

[glenn bradley]

Most expensive investment used the least - wife number 2

That's funny right there.

And nervy. I'm impressed

[Jim Becker]

I guess the cyclone however would be my most used expensive tool as it gets used for every machine in the shop.

Ah...I completely overlooked that on my own response. Very good point. Same for me in actuality.

[Rick Fisher]

SCM Wide Belt
Griggio Planer
Felder Edge Sander
Griggio Jointer
Felder RL-160 Dust Collector

[Rick Potter]

When answering, it dawned on me that except for my 10 year old 36" drum sander, and my fairly new SawStop, my Onieda DC, with plumbing, IS my most expensive tool.

We are now designing a shed outside the shop to put it in, which will make it the most expensive, if we do it.

[Dave Cav]

What expensive tool did you invest in that sits mostly unused?

As a general rule (and everyone on this board knows about these kinds of rules), I don't buy tools until I actually have a specific need for using them. But...I have an older model (D1258R) Leigh dovetail jig that I found on CL and then upgraded with a kit from Leigh.

I had the same experience. I bought a Leigh setup, including a router, I think (I'm not sure, routers are SOOOOO hard to keep track of), but I'm on my second batch of drawers in a couple of weeks, and I used the Keller setup for both of them. Maybe one of these days the Leigh jig will get used, but not this month.

[Jim Bowers]

Mine are Multi-split AC unit, Table saw, Dust Collector, Planner, Air Compressor. I listed these in the order of use.

[William C Rogers]

Mine are:

Most Used
cyclone DC
Sawstop
wood lathes
jointer/planer
miter saw
router table

least used

scroll saw

[David Helm]

Jointer, Table saw, Band saw, Drum sander (Because I mostly use highly figured wood this replaces the straight knived planer).