Where to Buy Woodworking Tools?

[PapaBear]

i'm starting out with some woodworking projects... where can i buy quality tools and equipment? thanks!

(quality, i mean, in terms of reliability and bang for the buck for a newbie DIYer... the projects are not meant for professional purposes)

[bbn]

I hope you haven't given up on getting a reply PapaBear. To answer your question, I'd start in the mall hardware stores and the home depot type hardware stores but this only to get an idea of the cost. Next, I'd try to find a nearby industrial supply. These stores are not your typical hardware store that sell materials. Most of them are of course in Binondo but there are some scattered all throughout the metropolis. Me, I usually stop here but if you have time, effort and patience to deal with Binondo, this is of course the best place in terms of prices. I factor in my transportation cost, my "poor-service" cost so my local industrial supply wins out.

Where are you located? Maybe I or the guys can point you to the stores we buy from.

[bbn]

PapaBear, I hestitated to tell you this since you said you were a newbie but I think I should let you decide for yourself. Another place to get bargain tools are from HRM along Pioneer St. in Mandaluyong or from their Save-On-Surplus stores in the malls (non-SM I think). These guys sell GMC, Ryobi, and Ozito brands of power tools.

The tools are not bad, my workshop is filled with them, but I would not push them too hard. These brands are Made in China for the Australian market so they're OK for medium to light use in my humble opinion.

There are also other surplus houses selling these brands but you should be very careful since you are a newbie. I actually buy very surplus units and repair them which is why I have so many tools, too many according to the wife. If you have the inclination by all means give it a try, you can save a HUGE amount.

Good luck.

[B2Bomber]

try paying Fineline (along Alabang-Zapote Rd) a visit one of this days. Look for Tyronne, he's a very accomodating chap and they've got alot of stuff to ogle at. great discounts too...hth

[PapaBear]

thanks for your answers!

i've been surfing the internet while i waited for some answers here...

i guess what i need to ask now is: what tools and equipment do i have to buy that are essential for my workshop? ;D

[bbn]

I am tool crazy so my answer is anything and everything.

Seriously, I would suggest you start with a few basic tools: saw, hammer, chisels, block plane, carpenter's square, tape measure, clamps, and a drill. All of the above are manual tools, except for the drill.

One thing you must learn is how to keep your tools sharp. Sharp tools make a world of difference. Tool sharpening however is an art on to itself, which I have not had the time to learn. So what I used do is bring my tools to a sharpening shop. Now I have sharpening jigs but these are hard to come by.

Try to find a small saw. The regular saws found in the malls and hardware stores are difficult to handle. Take a look at what carpenters use, their saw are only 1/2 or 1/3 the size of the ones in the stores. My big saw was literally split in two at a sharpening shop.

Likewise, a smaller hammer than those commonly available is better for all around woodworking use.

Up until about 5 years ago, Stanley or Record style block planes were not available. These types are easier for us weekend woodworkers because adjusting them is easier than the wood body planes the pros use. There are several brands available, costing from P150 to >P2500. I got my first at P1700, it was a KYY or KYK brand. The thing to watchout for is low quality castings.

I really don't suggest someone starting out use power tools right away. They can be very dangerous. If you insist though, I would buy a 7-1/4 circular saw first with a thin kerf blade. Next would be a planer then a jigsaw. Someday you'll also want a router.

Oh, and if you have a chance buy a Japanese saw. There is no manual saw like them.

[PapaBear]

I am tool crazy so my answer is anything and everything.

Seriously, I would suggest you start with a few basic tools: saw, hammer, chisels, block plane, carpenter's square, tape measure, clamps, and a drill. All of the above are manual tools, except for the drill.

One thing you must learn is how to keep your tools sharp. Sharp tools make a world of difference. Tool sharpening however is an art on to itself, which I have not had the time to learn. So what I used do is bring my tools to a sharpening shop. Now I have sharpening jigs but these are hard to come by.

Try to find a small saw. The regular saws found in the malls and hardware stores are difficult to handle. Take a look at what carpenters use, their saw are only 1/2 or 1/3 the size of the ones in the stores. My big saw was literally split in two at a sharpening shop.

Likewise, a smaller hammer than those commonly available is better for all around woodworking use.

Up until about 5 years ago, Stanley or Record style block planes were not available. These types are easier for us weekend woodworkers because adjusting them is easier than the wood body planes the pros use. There are several brands available, costing from P150 to >P2500. I got my first at P1700, it was a KYY or KYK brand. The thing to watchout for is low quality castings.

I really don't suggest someone starting out use power tools right away. They can be very dangerous. If you insist though, I would buy a 7-1/4 circular saw first with a thin kerf blade. Next would be a planer then a jigsaw. Someday you'll also want a router.

Oh, and if you have a chance buy a Japanese saw. There is no manual saw like them.


wow, sir... i'm writing all these down... ;D

thank you, i really appreciate your help!

a japanese saw? i read about that somewhere... is that available here in the philippines?

[bbn]

Sorry Papabear, I've not seen them being sold here which is why I said "if you have a chance". They are a bit expensive. My Japanese friend who bought my current set for me asked me to reimburse him P1,000 for 2 blades and a handle. I'm not sure but I don't think the blades can be sharpened, at least here.

By the way, you are most welcome.

[PapaBear]

i got three power tools now: a drill, a 7-1/4" circular saw, and a jigsaw.

dang this rain in january, i can't start my project :P

i got some questions... where're these sharpening shops? i really didn't know they exist! (talk about being a newbie!) i live in cainta, btw.

for the circular saw: how would i know if the saw has a thin kerf?

for the drill: someone told me of a contraption that can hold the drill vertically, so we can drill on the wood safely, steadily and as perpendicular as possible. what is this device called, is this available here in pinas, and where can i buy that?

thanks!

[bbn]

That's a good set of power tools to begin with PapaBear.

I also live in Cainta. I used to have my tools sharpened at the Taytay market on the northeast corner near the sewing machine shops. There used to be saw sharpening shop at the corner of Ortigas Extn and C Raymundo in Pasig.

What "thin kerf" exactly is not really defined. I say a blade is thin kerf when it cuts smaller than a standard blade. The 12" blade on my table saw cuts about 2.5. The old blade I had cut something wider.

The contraption you are talking about is called a drill press stand. These are neat to have. I saw one going for P1k at HMR Prioneer. Although I think they are neat, you might want to consider trying to get a 2nd hand drill press which is the reason why I never bought a stand - I lucked onto an old drill press for P3.5k through Buy & Sell. I've seen drill stands in some of the mall hardware stores but these can be expensive.

[PapaBear]

That's a good set of power tools to begin with PapaBear.

I also live in Cainta. I used to have my tools sharpened at the Taytay market on the northeast corner near the sewing machine shops. There used to be saw sharpening shop at the corner of Ortigas Extn and C Raymundo in Pasig.

What "thin kerf" exactly is not really defined. I say a blade is thin kerf when it cuts smaller than a standard blade. The 12" blade on my table saw cuts about 2.5. The old blade I had cut something wider.

The contraption you are talking about is called a drill press stand. These are neat to have. I saw one going for P1k at HMR Prioneer. Although I think they are neat, you might want to consider trying to get a 2nd hand drill press which is the reason why I never bought a stand - I lucked onto an old drill press for P3.5k through Buy & Sell. I've seen drill stands in some of the mall hardware stores but these can be expensive.


drill press stand... i got to remember that one!

i'm planning to start with some easy wood projects: a simple bookshelf, then a shoe rack... till i can do a whole kitchen showcase ;D

the more i study, the more i realize that i know next to nothing....

like, i read that polyurethane varnish is good for preserving wood... but i don't know if we have that here... and it didn't say if i apply the varnish before or after i build the project...

sir, i really appreciate you taking time and effort to help people like me... thank you so much!

[bbn]

[Apologies to the moderator, OT] PU varnish is available here. The paint store near me has it. The mall hardware stores also have it. The local brand is Hudson but there are also imported ones available. If the your projects will be put outdoors, you should use Exterior PU.

No problem PapaBear, other people helped me along too so I'm paying it forward. Good luck with the projects, and remember safety first.

[PapaBear]

i saw a router, 850w, at true value yesterday while window-shopping with my wife. the brand is MaxSell, priced at less than P6,000.

but i hesitated to buy one because i don't know MaxSell. the clerk said the parts came from the european union (eu), and assembled in taiwan.

can anyone give feedbacks on MaxSell? do you think it's a good buy?

[bbn]

If you have the money, I suggest you buy a Maktek. This is Makita's brand for non-commercial use. I've seen MaxSel before though I have never had the chance to use one. Regardless, IMHO, at that price, forget it.

The first router I bought is a John Benzen. I got it for P3,500 from a nearby tool store but this was quite some time ago. Check out the GMCs at Save-on-surplus or other surplus stores. I have quite a few them and although they're not quite up to par with Maktek (I think), they're ok.

Remember to factor the bits when investing in a router. A collection of bits can easily cost more than the router.

[PapaBear]

the salesclerk said the maxsell router already has bits with it... plus a shirt and a pair of dark-tinted safety glasses (i'm still laughing at this... i mean, dark glasses for woodwork? it's not like i'm doing welding here!)

the price tag of P6,000 got me nervous ;D

i'll check out your suggestions, lncc... i really need power tools to save me time, i only have the weekends for my projects, and sometimes those aren't even free for me.

a friend suggested that i first make a pair of sawhorses, a tool cabinet or wall storage, and a small workbench. i think he's got a point there! ;D

[2diy4]

Try your hand with your power tools on simple projects first, like what your friend suggested. You will build self confidence, and mistakes will be on inexpensive wood. Cutting with a circular saw is easier and safer if you use a saw guide. This website has an article on a saw guide.

[PapaBear]

thanks for the head's up on that saw guide, sir.... you guys really make my day!

[bbn]

The first thing I made when I got back into woodworking was a tool storage shelves. I used cheap crate wood which is cheap wood as 2diy4 suggests. Just keep in mind that these cheap woods are generally soft. You will need really sharp tools to cut soft woods cleanly.

[woodboatartist]

Aloha fellow craftsmen, and craftswomen, this is my first post so here goes...sorry if I am breaking some forum rules, you'll have to school me...I have read this stream and would like to know more about the availability of more professional quality power and hand tools.
I build custom handcrafted wood small boats and furniture. I am marrying a woman who lives on Cebu. My plans are to build a home and workshop there.
The tools I am going to need are;10 inch tablesaw, 18 inch bandsaw, jointer, planer, drum sander, circular saw and the normal assortment of hand tools. I have what I need here but my goal is to have a workshop in the Philippines as well as in the USA.
So far you have been discussing the basics. Am I going to be able to obtain tools like, Delta, Porter cable or European power tools in the islands, or would I be better off buying them in the states and shipping them to Cebu?
Side question for 2diy4...you have a sailboat as your avatar, do you build boats or are you an enthusiast?
Thanks very much!
post note; there are a whole lot of questions that I can help with in this forum...I am 52 and have been woodworking, building hot rods and homes since my teens.

[2diy4]

Hi Woodboatart,

Welcome to the forum.

Member lncc63 will be able to point you in the correct direction to buy power tools here in the Philippines. He has all the stuff you mentioned in his home workshop. You can send him a private message.

I have not seen the brand names you mentioned being sold here like Delta or Porter Cable, but we have many unbranded stuff or little known brands, but I am not sure of their quality. It may also be possible to buy second hand stuff, of better quality.

I know that the table saws, planers and band saws that can be bought in the US can be wired for 220 volt operation. But hand tools like circular saws and hand planers should be bought here as the 110 volt tools you buy in the US will be hard to power with our 220 volt supply. We have excellent brands like Makita and Bosch being sold here. As an example, a 7 1/4 Bosch professional will be sold for around $150.

Yes, I am a boatbuilder and sailor. We have a group called Philippine Home Boatbuilders Yacht Club and we are quite active. You may visit our site at www.pinoyboats.org and get to meet your fellow boatbuilders and handymen. We have members from Cebu.

Any time you need help, just post.

[bbn]

Welcome Woodboatart.

All the tools you mention are available here though I have to warn you they are a bit more expensive here than in the U.S. All there are more and more everyday, the DIY light duty class of tools are not so many since there not as many DIY people here.

Commercial duty tools should not be hard to find. A sure bet is the area called Binondo here in Manila. In Cebu look for the local industrial supply store. As 2diy4 mentioned, maybe you can hookup with the other PHYBC boatbuilders in the Cebu and they should be able give you the information you need.

As for Delta, sorry I've not seen the brand here. Maybe 2diy4 thought I bought my Delta jointer locally. Actually, I bought it on eBay in the U.S. and had it shipped here.

There are a good number of surplus tools from Australia being sold lately. I would not however recommend them for commercial continuous duty use.

[JayL]

Welcome aboard Woodboatart.

you can try search online for industrial tools suppliers in cebu www.eyp.ph

Hi Incc63,

Where can we find these surplus Australian tools? Are the prices competitive.

I am also planning to try woodworking and am still in the tools acquisition stage. I will be needing a circular saw, planer and a router. I have checked the makita and maktec brands and at this stage I am considering the maktec as it is cheaper.

Regards,

[bbn]

Save-On-Surplus, a sister company of HMR, sell surplus woodworking tools in the malls. The prices are not as low as I get them but they are in better condition than those I get and there is a warranty. I've also seen these tools in some surplus shops. eBay PH is another source.

[woodboatartist]

Aloha, Wow...thank you very much! I did some more checking since last post. I can rent a container for overseas shipping at a reasonable cost. I did not consider that the Philippines might have ebay...too cool.
So my plan is to purchase the large tools that are unavailable there, in the states. Some brands I will get there as well as the smaller tools like the circular saw, drills, etc. I also did not consider the 220v issue with the small power tools...what a dork I am, :o seeing as I already knew I could rewire large tools.
I plan on building a workshop where any one who is interested can learn from me...I will be building boats, furniture and aquariums.
I have done extensive research on all power and hand tools for many years. My brother-in-law is a professional tester who writes for major magazines. I like some of the Bosch tools and some Makitas as well. It depends on the specific model.
http://www.tritonwoodworking.com/tritontools/product_desc.php?ID=MOF001KC you will not find a better router than Triton...period.
For the price Bosch router 1617EVS is a good value. Makitas, 12" dual-bevel compound miter saws are better. Boschs' 1590EVSK jig saw is comparable to the Festool at half the price (I own one). For the jointer keep one thing in mind...helical cutter heads out perform straight blades with less tear-out and are easy to maintain. My choice for table saw is the Laguna TSS. You can do anything with it and it will outlast you, give it to your grandkids. Budget tablesaw winner is Powermatic 2000. Laguna $4,300, PM2000 $2300. Delta, Porter Cable and Black and Decker are all under the same ownership roof. Good hobby quality.
My brother travels to most of the woodworking trade shows, so we get to talk to factory reps.
I am definitely going to check out the boat building sites you talked about. One of my long range goals is to build co-operative shops, where someone who has no tools or space can come to get help. I am the best small handcrafted boat builder in the world. ;D check out my pics. I can email more pics and advise to interested people.
I look forward to making some sawdust with you all! Thanks very much!

[woodboatartist]

Aloha again, I had to go check out pinoyboats.org!!! Absolutely freakin awesome! Sorry for my language, I get passionately excited about boats.
Did my eyes see the event location correctly? Talisay? Why that's right down the road from my wifes home Minglanilla! Too cool!
Alright...I'll calm down.
This is going to be great fun with you all. I am really looking forward to getting my workaholic butt to the Philippines now.
See you on the water...or in the shop... 8)

[bbn]

Glad to see you're excited. I hope though this does not splash cold water on your enthusiasm: the Talisay mentioned is on the Luzon island about 50km southwest of Manila. Weren't you going to Cebu? You are of course most welcome to join us.

Woodboatartist, you should also look into the tax issues if you are bring your stuff in. Customs can be very strange and bewildering place.

Here is a URL to the freight forwarder I use: http://www.manilaforwarder.com/ I highly recommend them. Look for Roselle Arbulante or Yasmin Perfecto.

[2diy4]

Talisay City is located south of Cebu City, on the island of Cebu.

The Talisay we sail in is on Taal Lake, which is on the island of Luzon. But the Visayas is probably the best place to sail in the Philippines, lots of islands to go to, probably friendlier people, and seemingly lower costs for wood.

Welcome and you will certainly get a visit from me any time I am in Cebu, once you are here.

[crazyboi_6]

Fellow diy enthusiast's, I’m new to pinoyhandyman and this is really a cool site. I would like to buy tools that I can use for my future projects and I just want to have an idea on the prices of the tools. I’m planning to buy a circular saw and a drill. I read in this thread that you can buy second hand tools from hrm in mandaluyong and save on surplus. Can you give me an idea of the prices of these tools? This will be my first purchase of such tools so I really don’t have an idea on the prices. Hope you guys can help me. Thanks in advance.

[PapaBear]

hmmm... my 7 1/4 circular saw cost me P4k+.... i can't be very exact, can't see where i put the receipt....

you can go to ACE or Handyman, sir.... i used the prices there for comparison, as well as to decide if getting a secondhand tool is cheaper than getting a brand new one instead....

[bbn]

The mall we do our groceries in has a SOS store as well as a DIY store. At SOS I saw them selling a 10" radial saw for P6500, a 7-1/4" circular saw for P2,700, and a rechargeable drill for P2700. These all have a 1 month warranty I believe.

When we were selling tools on eBay PH, we could sell the same items for about half the price. We don't sell tools anymore however you can also checkout eBay PH. HMR Pioneer I believe has lower prices but there are probably differences.

If you have the bucks and really want a good brand name, as PapaBear said, look in ACE and the other mall hardware store, THEN go and buy at Binondo.

I have quite a few tools from HMR: saws, drills, routers to name a few. I do also have some of the more common brands like B&D and LG. You can see the difference but honestly the difference is small, maybe too small for a non-commercial user.

By the way, welcome CrazyBoi_6.

[crazyboi_6]

thanks for your replies incc63 and papabear.
i saw this drill in ebay.ph
is this okay for the price? it sells for 2000
does anyone have an idea how much this cost in hrm? sorry if i ask too much. i dont have my own car and i just want to save on transportation costs. thanks again

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii275/crazyboi_6/ACF3311.jpg

Specifications
Voltage 18 V
No Load Speed 1250 RPM
Chuck Capacity 13 mm
Chuck Type Keyless
Torque Settings 20
Batteries 2
Charge Time 3-5 Hours
Tool Weight 2.1 kg

[ramrac]

try stores in T Alonzo Sta Cruz Manila near Arranque Market or DAsmarinas st in Binondo. There are lot of hardware stores selling 10-20% lower than mall prices for popular brands like DeWalt, Black and Decker, Bosch, etc.

[bbn]

Seems ok but that's just a guess. I use an older model of the same brand and they're working find. Just be sure you buy from a reputable seller. The photo you posted is a stock photo from the manufacturer. I would ask for an actual photo. Some of the GMC tools sold on eBay PH are used, some are excess inventory, so it is best to check.

If you don't yet own corded drill, I would suggest you first buy one of those first. They're more general purpose.

[crazyboi_6]

can corded drills be used to drive screws through wood?

[2diy4]

Yes, if the drill you have is variable speed. The screws that drive best in wood without the need for predrilling are gypsum screws and tek screws.

[jessie2]

Also, on variable speed reversing drills, you can set the clutch to disengage when the screw reaches a certain depth in the wood.

Another alternative to setting depth is to use an adjustable screw depth attachment.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/oyet57/screwdepth.jpg

[bbn]

Crazyboi_6, bear in mind that without a clutch, my corded drill does not have one, it takes some practice to not over drive a screw into a material. When working on a project, I suggest you drive your screws short and then use a screw driver to drive it in the rest of the way. If the base material is hard, resist the urge to be lazy and drill holes first so it will not take a Hurculean effort.

Also make sure you use a good fitting driver bit. Corded drills are very powerful and without a clutch a poor fitting bit can easily destroy the screw head. Speaking of screw heads, forget using plain slotted screws, use Phillips screws.

[crazyboi_6]

does this mean that if i buy a drill without variable speed, i can still drive screws through wood? i just have to be careful? i might buy a corded drill instead of cordless cuz its cheaper. thanks

[bbn]

I guess so but it would be even more difficult. A variable speed drill I think would not cost that much more. I'm not even sure if there are fixed speed drills anymore.

[crazyboi_6]

thanks for the info incc63

[crazyboi_6]

just came from hmr pioneer and i was not able to buy any power tool. the power tools are too expensive. a set or cordless drill goes for 3500 and the cheapest i saw was around 2000 without the accessories...

[JayL]

Yes, I went to HMR too to buy tools and came out empty handed. I reckon the prices are high considering that they are selling second hand units. Probably its a matter of going more often to check what units are available and hope to get a bargain. None the less I feel hesitant to get second hand tools specially the powered ones.

[jessie2]

Just to let you know, the major tool manufacturers are currently switching over their cordless tools line with lithium-ion batteries. So now they are selling their nicad power tools at deep discounts, as much as 75% off their retail prices.

So far only Ryobi sells an after market lith-ion battery and charger pack to fit in their current nicad ONE+ power tools.

What will this mean to you? You might see a corresponding drop in prices for the nicad power tools. Or the stores might just pocket the difference and still sell them at the same retail price.

If you are going to buy a corded drill, I would suggest getting a heavy duty 1/2 inch VSR hammer drill. This will serve as your all-in-one drill in the meantime. Once you are able to purchase a (3/8") cordless drill, it will then serve as your day-to-day light-medium duty drill and the corded one as backup heavy duty tool.

[bbn]

"Good things never last" I guess this is what is happening with HMR's power tools. Save-On-Surplus also sells the same brands but their prices are even higher.

All you really need to get started is an electric drill, a corded one will do, a manual saw, a block plane, a hammer, a few chisels, a few screwdrivers, and a bunch of measuring tools. I even started with a manual drill. Then every chance you get look for a sign saying "SALE".

One of the most needed power tools for wood working is a table saw. I thought there was no way I was going to afford one since these cost upwards of 10k when I was looking. Now I have 12" commercial grade saw now, a hand-me-down from my late uncle. My first table saw however I built myself. Here is the frame of it:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/lcasambre/shoptools/IMGA1803.jpg

It is really more complicated that it needs to be. For inspiration, I would suggest you visit one of the many coco lumber stores. The shafting assembly can be bought most industrial supplies.

The point of this is you can build your tools if you like.

BTW 10" table saws from China are now available for P7k (last I looked).

[gregg]

I have been a handyman myself and I love woodworking. I now have the following tools and still looking for something more:

2 plunge routers - Makita (1/4") and Ozito (1/2"). I used to have a fixed base router pero nalaglag, basag.

1 China-made circular saw (7" blade)

1 GMC brand table saw (10" blade)

1 GMC brand corded drill with loys of bits (it has forward-reverse function and variable speed too)

1 China-made electric planer

1 cordless drill (forgot the brand)

I am looking for a GMC scroll saw and a bench press drill (I am thinking of making the scroll saw featured at vintageprojects.com, using a sawing machine head for the up-down motion of the blade). Will buy an Ozito rotary tool maybe at the end of the month (a Father's Day gift to myself, hehehe).

Cheers! :'(

[bbn]

Hi Gregg. I just found your post. I'm curious: where do you buy your tools?

I have a GMC scroll saw and it is ok though I should warn you you'll have to "tune it". I seldom see GMC drill presses nowadays. They seem a notch or two above the bottom tier ones but since I already bought a vintage drill press a few years earlier I've not been really interested in them.

This is another place us hobby woodworkers can get tools from: closed down sash or furniture factories. My drill press came from one I found in the Buy and Sell, maybe in 2003 or 2004. I paid P3,500 then which was about the cost of a table top model at the time. I am very happy with it because it is SOLID - and that's no exaggeration.

I too have had my eye out for a rotary tool. So far I only have tool bits but no tool - strange. To date, I just use my drills though I'm sure a tool would in most cases be better.

One other question: Where do you get your router bits? I myself have been buying them aboard. Usually, I buy sets because the cost is a lot less per piece though I have to admit I maybe use at most 50% of them. Still the P500 up price of local bits is rather steep in my opinion.

Hey would you be interested in a Ryobi thickness planer? I have 3, maybe 4, extras. These do not come with the blade setup tool but it would not be hard for a handy person to make one. Also I think the cranks to adjust the planing thickness are missing. PM me if you'd be interested.

[gregg]

@ Innc63:

Sorry for the delayed reply. As to where I buy my tools, I bought it from an acquiantance in QC. Sa kanya ko nabili ung GMC table saw, GMC corded drill (with variable speed and reverse function), my Ozito plunge router. The 10 TC router bits that I am now using was packaged with the router.

Woodworking for me is just a weekend hobby before,but now, hinahanap-hanap ng katawan ko ang magbutingting. I enjoy the noise/s being made by my power tools.

Yeah I am interested with your thickness planer but how much will it cost me? Tsaka gusto ko kasi gagamitin ko na lang eh. I am more inclined to buy a GMC scroll saw para sa paggawa ko ng mga templates na iro-router ko. The GMC table saw's price is a bit high for me kaya hindi ko na kinuha.

[bbn]

I know exactly how you feel.

For a table saw, just make one using a portable saw. My table saw is 12", again from a closed down sash factory, so it again SOLID ... maybe too solid. Now 12" is good to have but usually you'll be cutting stock 2" thick or less so a 7-1/4 saw can be more practical. Whatever the size, a table saw is really convenient. I'd recommend making, or having one, to any woodworker. Just make sure your table saw is real sturdy and that safety is given due attention.

As for the thickness planer, I can let you have one of them for P4,500. I'll even make you a blade setting jig and a handle. You'll have to give me a weekend though to make them, and you'll have to pick these up at my house in Cainta.