Though there’s always more tools to get (and more space that’s needed), with the two major additions of a CNC and a compound sliding miter saw (and one minor addition, the miter-fold blade), the Branching Out Wood shop is now fairly well-rounded! Additionally, this post introduces some concepts - and limitations - of a three-axis CNC, and highlights the first project, a Nixie clock, that I’ll be using it on.

In this third installment of my shop tour series, I walk through a few recent additions related to my shop: dovetail jigs, and a set of giant bar clamps. The main focus, however, is veneering - both the edge-banding and vacuum press equipment that allows me to turn a sheet of MDF into a beautifully veneered panel, and the motivation for why and when one might use veneers.

Building on the previous Shop Tour post, this article fleshes out the smaller - but no less critical - elements in a workshop: a few key handheld power tools; good personal protection including dust collection and air filtration, push sticks and feather boards; storage solutions and good shop lighting; measurement devices; and jigs, both homemade and commercial.

While the tools you need and the level of your investment in each tool depends on what you’re making for whom (and your space and budget), there’s a handful of freestanding power tools that I could not get far without: the tablesaw and bandsaw; the planer; the drill press; and the belt / disc sander. Three more tools - less frequently used, but critical when they’re needed - round out my shop: the oscillating spindle sander; the jointer; and the three-spindle router table. This article outlines why I have what I have,

the basics include a table saw, bandsaw,