A Windfall of Cash?

Article - March 6, 2014

So let’s say you suddenly have a windfall of cash. Maybe you won the lottery. Maybe you discovered a pirate’s treasure. Maybe the government realized you’ve been over-paying your taxes for the past 30 years. HAHA! Whatever the reason, you have this new sum of cash just burning a hole in your pocket. Let’s also assume you already did the sensible stuff like paying off bills, helping family, and donating to charity. Isn’t the imagination a wonderful thing?

So my question for you is, what’s the first woodworking-related item you’d buy? Even if you’re something of a tool minimalist, you might still be tempted to splurge on that gorgeous figured mahogany board you’ve been eyeing up at the lumber yard. So what’s on your short list?

Discussion

James huntsman March 6, 2014 8:12 am

This is a tough question…. I would want to replace every tool in my shop but my first upgrade would have to be a 12 inch jointer.

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- Jim Torrey March 8, 2014 10:11 am
  
  Agreed.
  
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- AndrewMV March 15, 2014 7:20 pm
  
  I would build the shop I always wanted first. Then I would just have to buy new tools to fill it.
  
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  - Bruce Loder September 26, 2014 10:20 am
    
    I converted an old chicken house into a great shop. It’s 17′ X 35′ (inside). Learning from past shops I’ve had, I put in central air with a good air filter system. Built a separate shed, 12′ x 15′ to spray projects in, keeping the dust off, as well as over spray on tools. I installed lights everywhere, as I’m getting older, and my eyesight isn’t as good. I put every tool in it I could, but like everyone, can always think of more I wish I had. I put an 18″ planer/sander (Woodmaster) with a dust extractor for it, a double router table, band saw, scroll saw, miter saw, drill stand, table saw, grinder, sanders (stationary and hand), wood storage and lots of small tools in there. Then to top it off, I put a really nice stereo system and TV in, along with a fridge and microwave. People who visit, and like to do wood working always flip out when they see the “woodroost”, the name I call it, since it used to be a chicken roost.
    
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- Rick Roades March 27, 2014 11:54 am
  
  Agreed.
  
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Sam DeSocio (@revswoodshop) March 6, 2014 8:17 am

I guess everything is relative. Im in a small 11×14 shop in my basement with 7′ ceilings:

I’d probably build a 1 or 2 car garage in the back of our lot as a work shop.

I’d pick up the powermatic 15″ bandsaw, and then I’d make sure that I had $300 bucks a month to spend on the shop.

There are probably folks who are living my dream…

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Doug McPherson March 6, 2014 8:24 am

I’m building a new workshop now. But I’d love to be able to install a high-end dust collection system and have the compatible tools that can easily be fitted to that system. Most of my tools are older craigslist purchases (unisaw, jointer, 14″ bandsaw, etc.).

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Bart Post March 6, 2014 8:27 am

I’m with James on this one, I definitely would get a nice 12in jointer. A multirouter would be nice too.

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- Bart Post March 6, 2014 9:26 am
  
  I would add a spray room on to my shop
  
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Frank March 6, 2014 8:28 am

The entire Festool lineup.

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James Salmonsen March 6, 2014 8:36 am

First one would be a top of the line bandsaw. 2nd would be top of the line Sawstop.

After that – every tool that Festool makes.

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- Jesse Charbneau March 6, 2014 9:30 am
  
  I second the bandsaw, sawstop and the full line of festool; coupled with the best dust collection I could get my hands on, and proper heating/cooling for my garage! :-)
  
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  - Walter March 7, 2014 1:16 pm
    
    1. New Workshop Building (with all tricks and features, e.g. professional grade dust collection, 440V, 220V 1 & 3phase power, Super LED Lighting, separate Finish room,separate design room incl. PC, High Speed Internet, 27″ monitor, big format printer, graphic tablet,…)
    2. Complete Festo Tool line up
    3. Hammer Table saw with sliding table
    4. Professional grade power tools
    5. Nice stock of exotic wood, marple, cherry, walnut, etc…
    6. Nice stock of Ipe deck wood in all available sizes
    ….
    
    Reply
    - Everett March 9, 2014 6:09 am
      
      Only catch with LED lighting, it can interfere with cell signal; there is some building in california that they did all LED lighting in, and it kills the Verizon cell tower near the building; i believe Verizon is suing them now.
      
      Of course, you’d have way less LED than a big commercial building; i think i just wanted to share that story is all, lol
    - spowers March 12, 2014 9:05 am
      
      Be careful of that ipe. Very toxic (as most exotics are). Make sure you have excellent dust collection!
- Adam March 7, 2014 12:25 am
  
  Just a really nice bandsaw, one with kick ass resaw capabilities…
  
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  - jgreasy March 7, 2014 7:43 am
    
    another vote for the band saw then table saw
    
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Michael March 6, 2014 8:38 am

I would buy the house I am living in so I could actually build the shop of my dreams.

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Ken Weinert March 6, 2014 8:44 am

1. Purpose built shop (with heat! :)
2. Dust collection/air filtration
3. new table saw
4. American Beauty lathe
5. 18″ and 14″ bandsaw (one for resawing, one for finer work)
6. Kiln
7. Wood

And then, in general – quality tools as I needed them.

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Taylor March 6, 2014 8:48 am

New shop! with insulation and heat would be nice as well..
then i would start upgrading tools as needed starting with the jointer

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Jason March 6, 2014 8:49 am

Almost certaintly a course. Too much woodworking is solitary, so it’d be a nice change to do some social woodworking & learn new stuff.

In fact rather than hold out for a windfall, I should just budget to do that.

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Mike M. March 6, 2014 9:08 am

I would get a Fuji Mini Mite 3 HVLP sprayer. I am satisfied with most of my tools but would like to learn something new so a class or two on spraying would be nice too.

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GregF March 6, 2014 9:09 am

I would buy either a proper woodworking bench or the materials to build one.
It might be nice to have a HVLP spray system also.
My router table base is fine but I would sure like to replace the top with one that will hold a good quality router lift.
Better clamps!!

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Cal D March 6, 2014 9:26 am

I would look to upgrade my jointer to an 8″ with spiral cutterhead and upgrade my bandsaw to something that could handle re-sawing.

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Jim W March 6, 2014 9:46 am

If the windfall is big enough a standalone shop in the backyard and give my wife back a garage – LOL!!!

If that’s not possible – A Sawstop Pro cabinet saw and a shop fool of green Festool stuff. (the list would get longer and have probably quite a bit of yellow Powermatic as well if the pocket holding the money goes that deep).

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Preston Lane March 6, 2014 9:57 am

New shop building for me. I’ve got a 20’x20′ block building, but with a real rough floor and low roof. Plus, it winds up getting stuff put in it that doesn’t relate to woodworking. I’d love something like a 24’x32′ or bigger, with a dedicated area for home storage and lawn equipment.

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Adam Baum March 6, 2014 10:20 am

I’m actually in this situation right now…not a windfall by any means, but enough to take advantage of the current sale on Jet tools in order to upgrade to a nicer lathe.

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Drew March 6, 2014 10:46 am

A nice big Band Saw. I’ve always wanted one but could never justify the cost.

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Andrew March 6, 2014 10:46 am

New heated shop with separate finish room and get all powermatic line of Tablesaw, jointer, drill press, band saw and a big Planer. Would also get festool line up and a new big work bench. Oh, and a but load of clamps. The list goes on. I am sure I could drop 40 grand no problem. Does a woodworker ever have everything he needs?

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Craig Patno March 6, 2014 10:47 am

The first purchase would be a Festool Kapex since a new sliding miter saw is what I actually need right now. After that would be a Powermatic PM2000 and I would keep making my way through the PM and Festool lineup until my shop was gold and green!

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Chris Wong March 6, 2014 10:56 am

Marc,

This is an easy question for me. The answer is, of course, somebody to keep my shop clean and organized and maintain my tools.

Chris

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Wilbur Pan March 6, 2014 11:18 am

Assuming the sum of cash is big enough, I’d take a sabbatical and enroll in one of the long-term woodworking schools, like College of the Redwoods or North Bennet Street. Having 9 months straight to do woodworking would be an invaluable experience.

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J R March 6, 2014 11:18 am

After the stand alone large shop with heat and air conditioning. A cravewright or similar system and the biggest sawstop saw with all accessories.

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Derek Morrelli March 6, 2014 11:21 am

I would buy a house with a dedicated shop space or at least a very large garage. It would be a nice upgrade from the apartment I’m renting with a one car garage that is my shop.

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Tom Giacchina March 6, 2014 11:24 am

I would hire an electrician to redo my shop lights.

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Randy R March 6, 2014 11:36 am

I agree with Wilbur. I would turn the excess money into excess time. No more 40 hr workweek means I can now spend time building and improving skills.

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Kyle Barton March 6, 2014 11:54 am

Besides personal instruction from a variety of wwing teachers, I believe I would splurge on one of those industrial drum sanders, like a Time-Saver or such.

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Chet Kloss March 6, 2014 12:13 pm

A big CNC so I can make jigs like Darrell peart

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Barron March 6, 2014 12:18 pm

While the education idea is a great one, I’d probable go with a new combination jointer/planer with a helical head.

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Craig March 6, 2014 12:47 pm

Need a bigger shop even if I only still have the exact same tools I have!

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Andrew Pritchard March 6, 2014 12:51 pm

1) A serious amount of time training (good call Wilbur Pan). Currently my training has come from videos, but you can’t beat in person training with someone to look over your shoulder as you work
2) New shop. I currently have a large amount of space, but it’s got 7ft ceilings, it’s unheated and there’s no power. Have to run extension cables from my house which is an enormous PITA
3) SAWSTOP!
4) Decent dust collection, but I guess that’s part of a new shop . Actually I’m hoping for a serious upgrade to my dust collection this year.

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Brad March 6, 2014 1:00 pm

I would see what it could take to fund wood shop classes in local schools across the country. I think it would be cool to incorporate a modern twist on those departments that some of us remember from our youth……maybe we would have virtual instructors teaching the students….wink wink….and bring a little more excitement back into the classrooms. Most of the schools around our area have closed down these programs (heck, I have some tools in my garage from local auctions), but it would be cool to bring it back with a new twist…….Out of the three of you, who do you think would have the most spitballs stuck on the ipad screen?

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Nick Albert March 6, 2014 1:13 pm

Some wood so I could actual build my bench.

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DanR March 6, 2014 1:13 pm

Either the entire Festool lineup or the entire Lee-Nielsen lineup. But hey, why not both?

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Tom Stephenson March 6, 2014 1:17 pm

A Laguna Tools Band saw first, SawStop Table saw second, Veritas Bevel up Jointer Plane third.

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Lee March 6, 2014 1:19 pm

A house with at least a 3 car garage..

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Tim March 6, 2014 1:32 pm

I’d get a guild membership.

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Jay Talbott March 6, 2014 1:38 pm

Just how big of a windfall are we talking about? Enough to retire early, buy a new home on a lot big enough to build a dream workshop out-building, and equip it with every tool and all the lumber I can ever imagine? Or just enough to pick up a few key hand tools to complement all of my power tools so that I can become a true hybrid woodworker?

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Eric March 6, 2014 1:39 pm

Take more wood working classes and/or wood working retreats. New skills learned would dictate what tools I really need.

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Jake B March 6, 2014 1:47 pm

I see your 12″ jointers and raise you a 16″ jointer.

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Jeff March 6, 2014 1:49 pm

A would buy a steam powered saw mill. Then I would have to buy property with trees.
Then I would have to buy a logging truck. Then I would have to buy fuel for the truck.
Thanks Marc now I’m broke again.

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Ben H March 6, 2014 1:50 pm

A week of private lessons with Marc Spags.

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Chris Stiles March 6, 2014 1:59 pm

Tough question since I would want to upgrade everything including the shop space itself but a Oneway lathe would be near the top of the list.

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Jonathan March 6, 2014 2:07 pm

I’d start with a Sawstop. I have an 11 year old, and the extra piece of mind would be nice. If the windfall was bigger, well…. there’s a sailboat design called a sharpie. There are plans available online for either a 27′ or 30′ version that would sleep the entire family. They have a very shallow draft, so you could just sail onto the beach of a little island anywhere along the coast of Florida or the Bahamas.

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Gary ‘Hal’ Link March 6, 2014 2:24 pm

A building to start an Woodworking/Artists CO-OP in and invite my friends.

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Jason W. March 6, 2014 2:34 pm

A good entry door that actually holds heat in rather than a louvred door for my converted carport mudroom/shop would be nice. Second place is a toss-up between a bandsaw and a jointer.

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Steven March 6, 2014 2:42 pm

I can survive with most of the tools I have. A lathe and/or bandsaw would be nice. But if we are talking good money I would quit my job and spend as much time in the workshop as I could. Even with the tools I have. Maybe spend my time taking woodworking classes.

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Jeremiah R March 6, 2014 2:49 pm

I’d replace my tired Ridgid lunchbox planer with either a 15″ 3HP beast or the 18″ Woodmaster. I’d also add a mini ridge for goodies…to the shop, not the planer ;)

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Ron Griffiths March 6, 2014 2:49 pm

I would replace my Unisaw with a Sawstop Industral model, then replace my lights with LED.

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Mike Tuxen March 6, 2014 2:55 pm

I would start with a Sawstop tablesaw then a built in dust collection system.

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Rob March 6, 2014 3:00 pm

1) High End Lathe. (Powermatic probably)
2) Cabinet Saw (Jet or you guessed it…Powermatic)
2) Dust collection system and Air Filtration

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TheFinnishGuy March 6, 2014 3:08 pm

I would make paper cash planes, turn on the dust collector, remove the hose from my jointer, and try to aim to the hose from other side of my workshop!

Fun fun! o_O

Finn

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Matt March 6, 2014 3:18 pm

I love the idea about taking a course… one of the great things about this site is the feeling of community when much of our work is done in isolation. To be able to share that outside the walls of the internet would be a great experience.

I’d buy a portable saw mill and a kiln. Takes money to make money!

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JayT March 6, 2014 3:20 pm

1. Buy a new house with enough land to build a shop where local regulations won’t interfere with the the size.
2. Build a nice, new, climate controlled shop.
3. Now I can splurge on a Sauer & Steiner Damascus steel infill smoothing plane!

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Eric Sweeney March 6, 2014 3:37 pm

1. Take a few William Ng woodworking classes.
2. Upgrade dust collection and air filtration systems
3. Buy a quality set of measuring and marking tools (wood peckers)
4. Buy a set of hand planes (Lie Nielson)

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Sam V March 6, 2014 4:02 pm

That’s an easy one I’d go back and spend a week with Roy!

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Jason Reis March 6, 2014 4:30 pm

Tools no, other artist’s work to inspire me to use the tools I have.

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Michael Fross March 6, 2014 4:48 pm

Jointer / Planer combo machine and a new house/shop to put it in :)

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Fiddler March 6, 2014 4:58 pm

I think I would by Marc’s shop with everything in it. But on the short list a nice joiner/planer would be nice. No matter how much I love “hand time” with a project it would give me so much more time to do other things.

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Steven Reckner March 6, 2014 5:19 pm

This is an easy the Domino XL it a game changer

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Geoff March 6, 2014 5:28 pm

In this order:

1. (Semi-)retire
2. Refurbish the shed
3. Add a wood shed
4. Stock the wood shed with rare and expensive wood as an investment and for use
5. Spend more time making furniture

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Dan Roper March 6, 2014 5:40 pm

This is an easy one for me. I have all the tools I could possibly use and cannot afford to buy wood…….sigh

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- Dan Roper March 8, 2014 2:09 pm
  
  I forgot to add that I would like a Guild Membership as well. :-)
  
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VitalBodies March 6, 2014 5:44 pm

On my really short list would be to upgrade the bandsaw, table saw and add a jointer and domino xl.
But, since this imaginary, I would love to have four shops.
One that is a traditional old school shop.
A cutting edge power tool shop.
A shop that is all hand made tools like pole lathes and shaving horses.
A shop that is dialed in for current hand tools, Asian hand tools and even boutique hand tools etc.

Then I would love to build the same project (one per shop) in each shop and see what it is like to be in each discipline. See what I love doing the most.

How about Marc? What is on your short list if you care to share?

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Miles March 6, 2014 6:17 pm

I received an unexpected windfall last year and purchased a Woodmaster planer/sander/moulder/gang saw and I’m loving it. Of course I had a definite use for it, especially the gang saw application. It probably isn’t for everyone, but for me it has been great.

If I received another windfall I would get a dust collector upgrade. The Woodmaster can really make a lot of shavings and sawdust, more than my Delta can handle.

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- VitalBodies March 9, 2014 12:32 pm
  
  I have a Woodmaster and a 3 hp dust collector.
  Just planing one 2 x 12 rough cut cedar board smooth, the Woodmaster could fill the 55 gallon drum with only three passes of the board through the planer!
  
  What ever you get for a DC make sure it is a joy to empty.
  
  A side note: I might modify my dust hood to take three 4″ dust hoses.
  
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Adam Palmer March 6, 2014 7:15 pm

20″ spiral cutterhead planer would be the one!

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Stan P March 6, 2014 7:40 pm

The first item I would get it the best saw stop to replace my 60+year old craftsman 3/4 hp one. Of course with this huge windfall of money that would quickly be followed up by a dust collection/air filtration system. Once again quickly followed by a 15″ band saw and 8″ helical head joiner. And since I have all this money I might as well put the Festool distributor’s kid through college with my tool purchases. So now look at what you made me do, I’ve run out of room in my shop so I guess I’ve got to get a larger shop, maybe the size of Marc’s??

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Grant Hitt March 6, 2014 9:13 pm

A Robust American Beauty lathe tricked out with all the options.

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Buddy Thompson March 6, 2014 10:08 pm

I would upgrade the wiring in my garage so I could then upgrade my dust collection and table saw. Aside from that, I’d buy a drum sander.

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Jeffrey March 6, 2014 10:29 pm

Just like that dude in office space… I would buy two chicks at the same time.

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- Jeffrey March 6, 2014 10:30 pm
  
  Crap i guess that isn’t woodworking related.
  
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Bohdan Z March 6, 2014 10:37 pm

3 bandsaws –resaw/standard blade/carter upper bearing guide setup
3 tablesaws – rip/crosscut/dado
Long belt Oscillating Edge Sander
Wide Drum belt sander
Panel saw
Kreg/rockler T track tables
Kreg pocket hole machine
Powermatic Hollow Chisel Mortiser with Tilting Table
Excalibur 21″ Scroll Saw
Full set of Japanese Chisels
Jointmaker pro
Full set of molding planes
Excalibur router table
Festool- full setup/all of their tools ☺

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GrenadillaGuy March 6, 2014 11:29 pm

I would buy a house so I could actually have a shop! Los Angeles has a community one that works like a gym membership. If only I could get my hands on that in the meantime….

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Barney March 7, 2014 12:21 am

Let’s assume it’s a big windfall. I’d invest the cash so I didn’t have to work again, then build a workshop to use 7 days a week. Small windfall? Good table saw with sliding table. Smaller still? Party!

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Danny A March 7, 2014 2:09 am

I’d like an oscillating spindle sander and a pony.

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Arthur March 7, 2014 3:15 am

Exotic wood. Curly maple, zebra, large slabs of mesquite, classes from Roy Underhill, a year apprenticeship with Marc, and more rare exotic wood than you coilsd shake a stick at.

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Clint March 7, 2014 8:05 am

a new sawstop table saw

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Ed March 7, 2014 8:58 am

My shop would look like a showroom for Powermatic, Festool, and Woodpeckers! The only exception would be a Sawstop… in other words it would look a lot like Marcs shop :).

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Lee March 7, 2014 10:23 am

Electricity. Yep, you read it right, electricity. I am currently using our one car garage as a well outfitted and efficient wood shop. However, last year I built a two story monitor barn on our retirement property. The barn is 450′ off the road and as of today still has no power. Our plan is to make the second floor a wood shop, so I say again electricity would be my first purchase!

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Dale March 7, 2014 11:45 am

I would just but Marc’s house and shop. ??So much easier.

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Steve March 7, 2014 12:54 pm

I would purchase some nice hand planes and a nice dovetail saw. Finally getting into hand tools.

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Bob March 7, 2014 1:00 pm

Build my 24 x 40 shop, pay off all bills, give a big portion of it to the food bank’s ‘backpacks for kids” program, a squirrel away the rest for retirement. Depending on the size of the chunk, maybe retire immediately.

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Bob March 7, 2014 1:19 pm

A full-sized, heated and plumbed shop, Sawstop PCS and a Jet 16-32 drum sander. I can live with whatever else I have now.

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Gerald Jensen March 7, 2014 1:22 pm

No dilemma here at all … there would be a new Robust American Beauty lathe in my shop … PRONTO!

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Gary March 7, 2014 1:31 pm

I would purchase a top of the line band saw, 12 inch jointer, and all the lumber to re-due the benches and cabinets

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Bill March 7, 2014 1:33 pm

Power tool would be a Sawstop cabinet saw. Handtools would be a new plough plane and a new tenon saw probably from the old standby Veritas.

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Jay March 7, 2014 1:42 pm

Hmmmm I could go for a new pole-building and actually put the lawn tools in the ‘old’ woodshop. Having said that I don’t own good tools – I have the first-step entry level stuff that is keen to dulling quickly and not having enough power to always get the job done the first attempt. Maybe for March I’ll build a Rainbow with a pot & maybe I’ll be fortunate enough to have some money magically materialize in said pot? LOL

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Bruno March 7, 2014 1:45 pm

definitely, the very first upgrade, would be the Felder CF 731 Combination machine.

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Frank Dillon March 7, 2014 1:49 pm

As an 81 year old self-taught wood butcher, I’d (depending on the amount of the windfall) take some lessons in the proper way to use all the new-fangled machines on the market now to properly use the labor saving ideas built into them. Then I’d probably die happy.

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MIke M March 7, 2014 1:54 pm

The first thing I’d do would be to build a fully climate controlled out-building/shop that includes a dedicated finishing boot and all of the associated finishing equipment. I’d then attend a class with Dave Marks.

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Jeffrey March 7, 2014 1:56 pm

A real workshop. Then a sawstop.

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Rex March 7, 2014 2:30 pm

I would love to have some sanders, like a drum sander, or a CNC machine, edge sander, a Laguna dust cyclone. It’s so much I need I could not list it all…..

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Greg March 7, 2014 2:46 pm

I guess I would attempt to locate the BEST dust collection system, even though I have one now, it just doesn’t serve a great purpose when I constantly get sinus infections and the flu

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Charlie March 7, 2014 3:43 pm

I would probably have to go with the shop itself- mine is fine in a one car garage sized space but my wife does stained glass in the same space so things can get a little crowded. I would build a shop large enough for both of us and be ready to look retirement square in the eye!

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Jim Batchelder March 7, 2014 4:14 pm

I would order one of every Lie Nelson tool made. Then all the bridge City tool works planes.

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Robin Jaeger March 7, 2014 4:35 pm

A Powermatic Surface planer, along with additional Festool items!!

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Frank March 7, 2014 4:58 pm

I would quit my job, dump my wife, & spend all my time in the shop

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Wendell Shank March 7, 2014 6:34 pm

Powermatic 4640 – the ‘big boy’ lathe. My little Delta is about to wear out its second motor and its first set of bearings. It’s going to be a close race.

Then a bandsaw. Probably powermatic’s 15″er.

After that, I have to check the want list. The Trend Airshield Pro is on there along wit various chucks and faceplates for the lathe.

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John Verreault (aka Johnny Vee) March 7, 2014 8:13 pm

Simple….I would build a larger shop, not massive just larger…and get a better tablesaw (at least 3hp). Oh yeah, and it would be heated and with a level floor….

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John Verreault (aka Johnny Vee) March 7, 2014 8:13 pm

Simple….I would build a larger shop, not massive just larger…and get a better tablesaw (at least 3hp). Oh yeah, and it would be heated and with a level floor….

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ElSteverino March 7, 2014 8:51 pm

A 100 amp sub-panel and about 12 quad T8 light fixtures. Other than no electricity, I have a pretty complete workshop.

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Pete March 7, 2014 9:05 pm

A newer, 14″ +, bandsaw and a dust collection system.
And if its a lot of money I’d cover the concrete floor
with a raised wood one for comfort.

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Ross McCormick March 7, 2014 9:09 pm

Wooooooooodddd….

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Scott March 7, 2014 11:27 pm

I’d get this, and maybe a few other things.
http://www.amazon.com/Powermat.....Powermatic

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cxurtis1159 March 8, 2014 1:03 am

17 inch bandsaw

combo planer/jointer

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Shaun Wellington March 8, 2014 3:25 am

Hmmm, That’s a good question. Its been fun reading all the responses. My first thought was of your shop Marc. However, I would be happy with increasing my shop size so I would have room for a Top quality Table saw. Like most of you woodworkers, A Nice WIDE Planer/Sander would be great too. I would also get … :) and then one of those…! :-) could I ever be satisfied? I have all the tools I need. I really think it would be fun to buy those really cool foreign woods that I can’t afford and build some neato stuff to show off the wood!

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roger March 8, 2014 5:02 am

My first choice would be a whole shop dust collection system. I’d like to stay alive a while to build many more projects.

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Randall March 8, 2014 7:27 am

A portable sawmill

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Bob March 8, 2014 9:25 am

I already have 2 band saws, a 12 inch jointer/planer combo and an excellent table saw.
I would probably use the money to expand the shop enough so that I could have a separate finishing area (room) a proper wood storage area and enough room to upgrade my Jet 1642VS2 lathe to a Robust American Beauty with enough room that I could work on either side of it. I probably would also upgrade the dust collection to a more powerful Oneida that was in a soundproof enclosure.
That is after I paid off my kid’s mortgages and gave the bulk to my 3 favorite charities.

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Jim Torrey March 8, 2014 10:13 am

I would build a small addition onto my garage, or maybe a cabin / shop up north. As for tools, a large jointer would be first, then a more powerful table saw, then a large bandsaw. I would also love a Leigh FMT. Oh, and I would invest in some hand tool training, from a real pro. Maybe go to a school off site for a few months to train.

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Alan Bienlein March 8, 2014 11:11 am

I’m looking at replacing some tools right now but I’m not in any hurry as they still do the job they were designed to do.

My first order of business as far as the shop is concerned is to add on another 12′ that I so desperately need. It’s my mistake for not listening to the wife when we first built it as she suggested that I go that big. Oh well lesson learned.

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- Jim Torrey March 8, 2014 11:25 am
  
  I agree, most of us would probably do space.
  
  Just so I have this correct, your wife said to build big, and you were like “aaah maybe….” hahaha just teading, should’ve taken the deal!
  
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George Denton March 8, 2014 11:14 am

17 inch Band saw

Jointer / planer combo

Festool 574447 Domino XL DF 700 Joiner Set

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Don March 8, 2014 11:43 am

Time. I don’t need any tools but could use the money to buy time to spend doing more projects that I’d actually like to do rather than have to do.

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Matthew March 8, 2014 11:51 am

We saw up the majority of our own wood, so a larger jointer and planer would be at the top of the list. Next up would be some sort of dust extraction system and heat source. On a smaller windfall, I would love to get a tracksaw.

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Phil Forster March 8, 2014 1:08 pm

In priority order:

More space, a major extension to my shop
The best router table money can buy
Full size band saw
Portable planer
A high end set of screwdrivers
Festool sanders

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Ted Tromler March 8, 2014 1:28 pm

I would begin with a 14″ bandsaw. Definitely a boat load of clamps – all types and sizes with a rolling storage rack. Next is a whole shop dust collection and air filtering system. A standing drill press, jointer and a 12″sliding miter saw would be nice as well. To finish it out, some lumber stock – cherry, walnut, maple, poplar, purple heart, wenge, blood wood, sassafras, butternut and more cherry. I could be satisfied for quite a while at that point.

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Bart Stephens March 8, 2014 1:56 pm

A top of the line Sjoberg bench.

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Gerald March 8, 2014 5:26 pm

Sprayed foam insulation in all wall cavities, 1/2″ plywood paneling for all walls, wood flooring, better lighting, 12″ jointer, Festool line – in that order.

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abtuser March 8, 2014 6:07 pm

Agreed with the 12 inch jointer crowd, or maybe 16 inch jointer.

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Mike March 8, 2014 6:14 pm

Why ever do you ask, Marc? Some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket that you want to get rid of? A generous sponsor looking to share the love? Oh, if only…

Anyways, the first thing I would buy is a season of woodworking classes. While there, I’d be eyeing each and every piece of hardware in the place and learning the ins and outs of each tool, so I didn’t waste any of that wonderful bounty and got the right thing the first time around.

And then I’d probably buy that 12″ jointer. And a planer. And a band saw. A couple of routers maybe. Oh, and a real dust system. And a bigger workshop.

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jHop March 8, 2014 6:16 pm

I’ve been thinking about this for a bit.

While I had this idea for a gimmick, of buying an old shorty school bus and turning it into a shop, I found out someone else did that already.

I’ve also considered buying a trailer, and converting it to a shop… but someone mentioned it doesn’t have heat in the winter.

So, basically, I’d buy something warm, and hang it over my shop space until I’m done making stuff. The rest of the world can deal with the effects of global warming until then.

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Spencer March 8, 2014 6:18 pm

I’d buy all your tools.

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Don Vander Jagt March 8, 2014 7:32 pm

Hmm, well if money was no object…… [music plays and Barbara Eden *POOF* appears..]
1. A real woodworkers work shop with hardwood floors, wood planked walls covered with vintage tools. (A big flat screen TV hooked up to the computer and DVD player to watch all my favorite podcasters.) Something like Andrew Pitts shop would be sweet.
2. A wall of all the Festool toys.
3. Of course I would retire to do nothing but woodwork and travel to wood working schools and hang with Roy, Marc, Matt, Shannon, Andy Chidwick, Allen Little, Paul Sellers, Stumpy, and many others.
4. Best in class dust collection system, what ever that is.
5. Every power tool in my shop powered and dust collection hooked up at all times. (No running around plugging and unplugging and tripping over hoses and cords.)
6. Start a community woodworking shop.
7. Sponsor a traveling group of great woodworking instructors to provide free seminars to bring the craft to more people. (I know sounds sappy, but that would be cool.)
8. Yeah I like Chris’s idea of having someone come in and cleaning and maintaining my workshop! Good Call!
9. A big building full of exotic wood.
10. A full compliment of Lie Nielsen hand tools.
11. Yes all the Powermatic goodies.
12. Not waking up from this dream world… :)

Don

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Nick D March 8, 2014 8:28 pm

A new Toyota Tundra, Woodmizer with a hydro lift, Kubota with at least a 1,500lb fork lift capacity, and a new Stihl 660 to slice up and haul back the black walnut tree growing in my Aunt’s backyard since my grand pappy was just a tot. You did says we had like $100k extra right?

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Marcia March 8, 2014 10:58 pm

Since I am just getting started in woodworking and using 1/2 of a 2 car garage (pulling the car out when needed) I would first build a stand alone shop with a full array of dust collection. Then in order of purchase…A table saw to replace my 1984 model, A jointer/planer, a bandsaw with resaw capabilities (currently fighting a 1970ish table top model), a Kapex, A Domino, a shoulder plane, a rabbeting plane (to round out my 3 inherited and restored general use planes) and last but not least a trip to the local hardwood store to load up on wood for any project that might come to mind :)

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Everett March 9, 2014 6:12 am

I would hire a shop assistant like this:

http://toolguyd.com/eyehandy-b.....w-to-tips/

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Bill March 9, 2014 7:32 pm

I would make my shop more people friendly. Insulation with heat and air (and $$ for utility bills). Next would be whole shop dust collection system. Big powermatic lathe. 12″ jointer and 24″ sander. Nice dreaming. Thanks

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Mo March 9, 2014 11:03 pm

a CNC machine….

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Ronn Winkler March 10, 2014 7:32 am

I would buy my first band saw and a time-saver sander, an 8″ jointer and I would take some classes about joinery with hand tools.

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onesojourner March 10, 2014 8:05 am

Wow you guys are all about the sawstop. That company is just to shady for me to ever give them a dime. I would pick up a jointer planer combo machine.

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john K March 10, 2014 12:00 pm

If I were to come into a large sum of money, I would move to AZ, close enough that I could find (stalk) you Marc! then work on a way to gain access to your shop and learn from you!!!!

lol kidding of course (the courts say if I stalk again I loose all my precious Mahogany)..

In all seriousness, I would have to travel to find a large estate listing of antique hand tools. then spend the days polishing and restoring said tools while whispering my precious…

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Pete Collin March 10, 2014 3:36 pm

I would make my shop bigger. Once I had that accomplished, I would get a real cabinet maker’s grade table saw. Because my shop is on the 2nd floor of my barn, I use a contractor’s saw for all of my work. A heavy piece can’t be lifted up there as things are now, and would be immobile once in place.

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David Herman March 10, 2014 7:08 pm

ALL THE FESTOOL GOODIES!!! and maybe a handplane or few

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Kelly March 10, 2014 9:31 pm

For my current shop it would be a Powermatic Mortiser and the Festool track saw. If were to start over it would be a shop with 3 phase 480V power and a dedicated finishing space.

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Rick March 10, 2014 10:47 pm

I’m just getting started into woodworking. It would probably be s tossup between a dust collection system or a cabinet saw.

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John Verreault (aka Johnny Vee) March 10, 2014 11:08 pm

I just read Wilbur Pan’s comment and I think that would be a fabulous use of such a windfall. You can never go wrong with more education…especially learning woodworking.

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Stephen P March 11, 2014 7:35 am

I would get a complete festool lineup
14″ band saw.
I would still like a mortiser
A few Lie-Nelson block planes.

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Mike March 11, 2014 10:13 am

20″ helical head planer
36″ or wider wide belt sander
12″ or wider jointer

And I’d custom fabricate a floor that is one gigantic downdraft table.

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paul f davies March 11, 2014 1:06 pm

i think id like to a friend/expert to assist me in arranging and eliminating all the must haves in my over crowded garage/working area.for years I’ve ben keeping materials for ill get to they projects, now that i have time I’m overwhelmed by the volume/variety. I’ve pretty much chosen turning as my main interest, but cannot eliminate. other enjoyables along with several requests of could you make this for me? cash flow would help but is not my main problem

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Mark Maslonkowski March 11, 2014 5:37 pm

I shouldn’t even say this because so many don’t consider this a wood workers tool but I would love to have a well outfitted full sheet CAMaster CNC. I am spoiled I have a outstanding stand alone well equipped shop now. So thus would be next on the list.

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E Zane March 11, 2014 7:00 pm

I’d buy the house next door to marc ‘s and volunteer in his shop. Then I would learn a lot, which would be better than buying a piece of equipment.

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- Marc Spagnuolo March 12, 2014 6:14 am
  
  Our neighbor’s house is for sale. Better hurry up! :)
  
  Reply
indy mike March 11, 2014 8:41 pm

First I would retire my two car garage, and get a purpose built shop with heat
and air conditioning. Then I would take lots of classes at Marc Adams school of wood working.

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Alain Turcotte March 11, 2014 9:03 pm

Firt would be a 20 inch planer and a good dust collector system. and full of clamp

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abtuser March 11, 2014 10:33 pm

I’m with the 12 inch jointer crowd, or better, 16 inch. Why stop there, aside from the table saw, I think its one of the more important machines in the shop. Flat boards make shop life easy. I’d vote for a 20 inch jointer.

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kip elbert March 12, 2014 10:35 am

I would definitely set up a stand alone workshop then on my new 20 acre mature woodlot and a decent band saw mill and hire a helper. My tools are already upgraded. So
the wood lot is the next upgrade for me.

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Jimmy March 12, 2014 1:55 pm

That’s nice to see that I am not the only poor woodworker out there.

First thing: drum sander
Than I would probably have to buy wood

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Chester March 13, 2014 3:12 am

A windfall … … that would infer some major cash.

I would start with a new free-standing shop … as big as the windfall would provide. Then:
The new Bosch 12″ Glide Chopsaw
A new PM 12″ jointer
A large CNC machine … if only to make parts jigs from digital files

And all the remaining cash would be used to selectively attend schools that would raise my skills to a much higher level. You can buy all the toys … but you will still need the skills to do the really good stuff.

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David Monette March 13, 2014 5:49 am

Well, I would finally be able to submit my plans to get my new shop built to my specs. 26′ x 40′ with a 26′ peaked ceiling, in floor heat, custom wiring and lighting, seperate enclosure for the dust collector and air compressor. Then I could consentrate on building custom work benches and a tortion box outfeed table. The walls would incorporate the French Clete system for hanging everything. I would finish up with buying tools and jigs I have been dreweling about…

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DustinK March 14, 2014 7:24 am

BIG windfall – New house on a big property with a detached 2,000 sq ft shop (with a tunnel from the main house, how cool would that be?)

Small windfall – 3 hp Sawstop, 8″ Jointer w/ helical head, 18″ Bandsaw, and a Kapex.

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Carl L. Bryant II March 16, 2014 6:56 am

I need a new place to put a woodshop. I build funeral flags and retirement shadow boxes for military members and their surviving families, but have lost the ability to use a shop. Previous placed was closed and sold. Most of my tools are a three hour drive from where I now live and work, which is impractical with full time job for after hours and weekend woodworking. Current townhouse with no property, does not permit me to have tablesaw or to cut boards. Stymied, but looking for ideas. Sorry, sounds like I am whining. Still trying to do small projects as I can.

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Jeff March 16, 2014 8:55 pm

Nothing… really happy with my shop and tools the way they are. The one thing I want I can’t buy… more time

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- Chester March 18, 2014 3:21 am
  
  Ditto on that … I would buy more time. But I don’t think that I can afford that!
  
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Don W March 17, 2014 6:52 pm

I would buy my wife a new tape measure.

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BikerDad March 17, 2014 10:11 pm

This is an easy one:

A modest house on a half acre+ with an entirely immodest 2 story shop building, insulated, with lots of natural light, fully wired. The first floor would be a 4 car garage w/ an in-floor motorcycle lift table in one bay, the opposite end would have a lift to the 2nd floor, 9-12′ ceiling, small bathroom.

The second floor would be the shop space. Well lit, radiant floor heating, A/C, wired as a proper shop should be, wood floors, vaulted ceiling, deck with large French doors for when the weather is nice, etc.

Having a much better place to work is far more important to me than improving the tools I have. I’d be over the moon with the above, especially if circumstances where such that I could take the time to build it myself. Plus, it would still leave lots of fun dreaming about upgrading tools down the road.

Assuming that the windfall left a mere 4 figures available for WW, then the first WW purchase would be a 16″ Jointer/Planer with a spiral cutterhead, likely a Felder. At 3 figures, it would most likely be wiring/lighting upgrades to my existing space. Not exactly a ‘single’ purchase, as I’d do most of it myself but would have to farm out a subpanel install to keep the city & landlord happy.

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Christopher Landy March 18, 2014 7:49 am

I’d build my dream shop! I’d take timber framing classes, buy a woodmizer and spend a year building the barn myself

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John March 19, 2014 10:42 am

This is going to be some windfall. I’d get a Felder AD 941 jointer/planer. If there’s any change left, a new garage/shop would be nice to put it in. But in my current basement shop will be just fine.

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harold March 21, 2014 10:20 pm

I would pay toward my mortgage. Or any debit I had.

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Dan March 22, 2014 8:02 pm

3 years ago I went to Romania and built a kitchen for the volenteers that come from America to serve the orphan children at a camp for children in Romania. It was so stisfying to be a part of such a worthy cause.

I would love to Build a shop here and furnish it with a new table saw like a SawStop, dust collection, band saw, ect. Then furnish a shop in Romania with the same tools so when I go again I’ll be able to build what ever is needed.

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Levi Woodard April 2, 2014 9:27 am

Either the PM4224 or 3520B and then the new Jet steel bandsaw. My current is a cheepo craftsman 10in that can barely cut pen blanks. And then other misc tools for three shop.

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Ned B June 7, 2014 1:05 pm

The first tool would be a Sawstop similar to the one Matt bought…

it would soon be followed by a whole slew of new toyls…

New 30×40′ shop
12″ aircraft carrier grade jointer
20″ planer
timesaver wide belt sander
Robust American Classic Lathe
17″ bandsaw (minmax?)
Full Boogie Oneida DC with ducting (they’re less than 30 miles from me…)
store bought router table with lift…
etc…

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Ben Marvin July 30, 2014 6:26 pm

One of everything Lie-Nielsen, one of everything Festool and I’ll figure out the rest from there.

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Chris Levno August 26, 2014 2:13 pm

I know this a late entry for this question but I had to respond anyway. I just finished watching the Split-Top Roubo videos from the guild site and as I watched I jotted down every hand tool or tool set that Marc used on that build and then looked them up online. The total came to almost $3000 including clamps. I could see myself using all these tools and then some. As far as power tools my dream would be the 12″ joiner/planer, Then the Sawstop Pro and upgraded dust collection.

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Dan l February 1, 2015 3:37 pm

Well? I’m pretty set. All tools on wheels, mostly good quality. I suppose I would upgrade my planer and yeas, a larger jointer/edger…on wheels.

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Chris F July 7, 2015 6:23 am

A SawStop 52″(small kids and neurological disabilities make this a no brainer), a nice planer/jointer, a Jet 16″ bandsaw, a drill press, full ac/dc welder, milling machine, a grinder, polisher, and various belt/disc sanders and a full dust collection system. House it all in a nice humidity and temp controlled shop about 50′ x 30′ x 15′. I am getting most of this through the next couple of years, just need to finalize some medical issues… even if this post is a little old it is nice to dream.

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Brendon July 23, 2015 10:36 pm

After working in half of a 1 car garage, I would build a purpose built shop for SPaCE..

Second splurge would be a kick ass industrial grade DC system so that I could plan on enjoying this addiction for many many years to come

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SamV September 11, 2015 4:12 pm

I’d move the location for my shop far from neighbors and separate from the house. Then I’d start with a tree and continue to build until it was time to invite everybody and have a shop raising. I’d run 3phase power buy some large heavy old machines and get to work. Eventually I’ll have a booth at WIA peddling my wares.

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A Windfall of Cash?

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