Shopsmith Forums

For the projects you planned, you might consider either making or acquiring a cross cut sled.

I agree with all recommendations above- especially take your time and perfect a few skills, safely!. Just practice making joints and making squared boxes. You will need a good tri-square.

Not yet mentioned - machines will do a lot of work --BUT it is the woodworker's skills that allow the machines to do their work. The machines will not produce the projects you wish all by themselves.

I recommend buying a decent set of hand chisels, a couple of hand saws - especially a flush cut pull hand saw and a back saw. Also you should be the proud owner of a couple of hand planes. (at least a bench plane and a block plane). You'll also want to look at getting a scraper and learning how to make an edge (burr). Of course we don't want to forget the mechanic's tools - Wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys, etc.

You will need some wood clamps - there are many types, save up a kitty and buy when needed. They are expensive!

valee wrote:
Based on what I'm describing, would it be beneficial to have the Jointer, Belt Sander or other Sander, Lathe Duplicator, Mortising Package, Biscuit Joiner or other tools/accessories?

Thanks much!

My first thought is. where will you get your wood? Will it be rough sawn or?

lightnin wrote:I have not seen surface planer mentioned yet. With those projects you would run into the need for one.

A "thickness" planer would be useful if rough sawn raw materials are anticipated!;)

Valee;
These children's items are good for skill building and make useful toys as well.
The following tools and techniques are used for building them.
Cross cutting. (table saw)
Bevel rip cuts. (bottoms of the sides)
Angled cross cuts (headboard and footboard)
Bandsaw (for the sides and end boards)
Drill press for all the holes.
6X48 belt sander for the rockers.
drum sander for the inside curves of the rockers
Router function for the details of the rockers and the bottom.
And also a host of measuring and layout skills that can be developed as a result.
A fair amount of planning of the work sequencing is also required as is the case in all projects. Try one and you will see what I mean.
We will be using these projects as a skill building class for our woodworking club in our retirement community.
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BIll V