New member, skilled woodworker, AMA

Hello All,

I am a new member in pursuit of a new tacoma. I sold my 98 after 10 loyal years of service and regretted it ever since. I am trying to get my posts up so I can participate in the buy/sell/trade section, without spamming anyone or commenting for the sake of commenting. I figured I would offer up my expertise here as a journeyman woodworker, carpenter, furniture maker, cabinet builder. I have been working with wood in most capacities ranging from timber framing and pole barns to fine furniture and millwork.

I am fairly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, and figured offering that resource here might be a good way to get some posts up. So go ahead and feel free to ask me about tools (from hand planes to CNC mills), hardware, species, techniques, design, forestry, green homebuilding and anything else wood related you can think of! I appreciate the opportunity to participate.

Thanks!

 

makita, milwaukee, or dewalt?

 

Festool probably

 

@soundman98 Good Q. I dont have a strong opinion. Ive never owned much Milwaukee so cant speak to it but I do know it is expensive and one of the main (and only as far as I can tell) advantages are the increased range of specialty tools that are very trade specific. For that reason I see more electricians, plumbers, and HVAC guys using Milwaukee than I do carpenters. I do believe that subscribing to a single platform makes the most sense for the majority of users (exceptions obviously exist). Things Ive noticed I like more in Dewalt include slight increase in power (and consequently noise) in certain impact drivers, and a better range of tool storage. In Makita, I prefer the aesthetic, the design of the 20v circular saw (better clearance for going over clamps), and the battery deals for some of their 40v stuff knock anything dewalt offers out of this world. If you can find one of the Makita rear handle saws (or any tool for that matter) offered with 4 batteries for $250 that alone is reason to get into Makita to me if you have nothing currently. That is a deal I've never seen dewalt come close to matching.

This being a Tacoma forum I'm going to go with Makita as my recommendation for someone who hasn't bought in to anything yet. I like the idea of a Japanese truck full of Japanese tools. Aside from that I don't think you can go wrong either way.


@dome I do have some Festool stuff for specialty. I have a domino XL, a vacuum, a few sanders, and a track saw. When I bought mine there were very few alternatives as far as accuracy and dust collection are concerned. These days I think there are plentiful alternatives, except to the Domino. I really like Mirka sanders for the price versus Festool and many brands are now making quality HEPA extractors (which was ont the case when I bought into festool).

 

I might suggest that you head over to the woodworkers thread above and introduce yourself and/or show off examples of your work for the masses to oogle over here. I know I'm not the only one that likes to get ideas from others work. Cheers.

-J