Time to take your enclosure builds to the next level.
The advice in this article (as well as part 1 and part 2) are based on this video where I lay out a path for you to collect the tools you need to build speaker cabinets:
At this point in your tool collection journey you are at the sweet spot. You have enough tools to get things done quickly and build some cool projects. Here in level three we move into large stationary tools that will increase your productivity.
Get Better Cuts
The table saw is the center piece and primary workhorse of most woodworking shops. It is also the single most dangerous tool in the shop, which is why you might not want one. The big danger is kickback. Consider going with a track saw, which is basically an upgraded version of the Kreg jig that I recommended in part one. It is a simple concept, you mark both ends of your work piece, lay down the track and cut. If you know that you will eventually upgrade to a CNC then you can make do with a cheap table saw or skip the table saw all tighter. Here are some track saws:
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$1,224.00
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The Festool is the gold standard, but it only gets four stars because it is ridiculously expensive. The Kreg is not a complete track saw set, it is a jig that turns your existing circular saw into a track saw. The WEN is an affordable entry-level track saw. If you already use Ryobi cordless tools the Ryobi track saw is a smart choice.
I personally went the table saw route, at the time the only track saws on the market were expensive, high-end, track saws. At this stage you are looking for an entry-level table saw, you will want to upgrade later. I recommend something compact that you can easily move, because you may not have the space out in the garage for a full sized cabinet saw. Here are my three top picks.
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$349.00
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The DeWalt and SawStop are both designed to mount on a table, you can build a workbench around them to get more material support and a larger outfeed table. The DeWalt and the Bosch have the same rip capacity (32.5″), but the Bosch has a built in roller stand. You can hit a button with your foot, fold it up, and move it out of the way. I started with a similar style table saw because I had to roll it up and move it out of the way so I could park a car in the garage. The SawStop has a smaller rip capacity (25.5)”. The SawStop is the best of the three due to the safety technology. You can still get a kickback on the SawStop, but it should save your fingers. When I first started SawStop did not sell a small entry-level saw like this. If the did I wold have bought it. The best of both worlds would be a SawStop on a folding roller stand. But the next level up is a LOT more expensive. It would be nice to have the extra safety but the price will give you pause:
Become a Car Audio Fabrication Master
You picked up a router in part 2, now it is time to take it up to the next level and get a router table. I recommend that you buy a router table that is the same brand as your router. I have used Bosch routers for years and I like them. Now is the time to pick up some good flush trim bits to go with it.
Do Something About the Dust
At this level you have moved to stationary tools, so it is time to add dust collection. Start with a Shop Vac, spring for a HEPA filter to keep the fine dust out of your lungs and a bag to keep the heavy dust out of the expensive HEPA filter. Pick up a cyclone and a five gallon bucket and you will have a basic, affordable, two stage dust collection system.
Another hack is to pick up an automatic switch that fires up the Shop Vac when you turn on the table saw.
