CNC Adjacent tools

First, I agree w/ @LiamN — if you don’t have a dust collection setup, that needs to be the top priority.

If one doesn’t want to be a tool collector, don’t buy a tool unless you have a specific projec to use it on, and when considering that, evaluate all of your other tools to see if they could accomplish the desired cut — if one can, consider the tradeoff between using the current tool, and the one special-purpose bought.

The one power tool which I think should have foremost precedence to go with a CNC is a bandsaw — it will allow you to purchase thick lumber and then re-saw to thinner stock which will quickly pay for itself.

Further agree with:

  • hand planes — a rabbeting plane can be very useful in trimming up a cut for certain types of joinery
  • handsaw — not sure if a Japanese saw is a good choice — an inexpensive western saw will do fine for breaking down stock
  • metrology gear is incredibly important — a centering rule can be useful for certain setups

I would add:

  • if working with plastics or metal, deburring tools — the Noga brand is well-regarded
  • better quality wrenches for hte collets
  • a ratcheting tool, or at least a T handle hex key for workholding
  • I like a gamepad as a pendant: A different sort of pendant though I mostly use a TechKeys keyboard: NineKeyBoard CNC Edition – TechKeys
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