ORIGINAL: cowana
I make boats, usually out of ply, MDF, balsa, and GRP. I do a lot of electronics, too. I cut out lots of templates and things from wood. I am starting up my shop, but in what order should I buy these tools? (I can't afford them all at once).
a: Bandsaw ([link=http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=060610015&r=2127&g=116]this one[/link])
b: Jigsaw
c: Pillar Drill
d: Electric sander
I use a drill alot, but how much more useful is a pillar drill than a usual electric drill? I have a portable jigsaw, how hard is it to cut curves with a bandsaw than with a jigsaw? Lastly, with the electric sander, can't you cut bigger bits off with the jigsaw/bandsaw, then take the rest off with sandpaper?
I don't know...
Thanks for your help, Andrew.
Between a bandsaw and jigsaw (scroll saw) the deciding factor is going to be how often are you cutting the center out of the pieces ? A bandsaw will be a little faster cutting, but it will not handle tight curves or cutting the centers out of formers. The scroll saw handles the tight curves and cutting the insides out of formers, but it is slower than a bandsaw and will not do straight cuts as well as a bandsaw. If you can only afford one, I suggest the scroll saw initially, then add the bandsaw.
I am not sure what a "pillar" drill is so I will pass on this.
For a sander, I would suggest a bench unit that is a combination of a belt sander and a disc sander. The combination unit should handle your needs.
One other tool you should seriously consider is a Dremel type tool. I have found they come in very handy for any number of tasks from enlarging something on a model to cutting off a length of music wire and everything inbetween.