Since taking delivery of the Jointer-planer combo, I’ve had a few people ask about the change over between jointing and planing. The process is quick and easy. In practice, it takes under a minute. If I had the Euro guard it would be even quicker. So far, I’m loving this machine. It’s very well made and I haven’t made any adjustments to get it working properly. Let me know if you have any questions about the Minimax FS30 change over.
I love my hand tools. They’re soothing and cathartic. But, the one thing I love more than using hand tools is designing furniture. Eventually, I want to do this full-time. If I want to take this passion full-time, I need to embrace electron power. I need to focus more time on design and less on milling lumber. My hand tools will always have a place in my work flow.
I start this migration with the purchase of a Minimax FS30 Jointer/Planer combo. My single most tedious task is milling lumber by hand. Milling by hand teaches you a lot about wood, but it consumes too much time to focus on design. I purchased a combo machine, due to limited shop space. This will be a solid investment. Minimax has a proven track record and their corporate offices are very close to me. I also considered Hammer, but ultimately decided to go with the FS30.
The new circuit has been run. All I need to do is get her off of the pallet. Free beer for any helpers!
Next, I will buy a table saw. I love flexible European-style, sliding table saws. However, most are out of my budget. Sawstop is my second choice. They build a solid saw with a proven safety record. Following that, I will likely invest in a hollow-chisel mortiser. I plan to build a lot of furniture with mortise and tenon joinery, so this will also come in handy.
It won’t all happen right away, but I will embrace the change and move on to bigger things. Wish me luck!
Blood, Sweat, and Sawdust 