What extra tools did you need?

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I am getting started in the CNC Journey. What additional tools did you need when getting started?

I have miter saws, drill press, band saw, and planer. Along with many others tools. But what was something that you didn’t have and needed?

Thanks

Flipper

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Make sure you have proper dust collection. I also recommend a good set calipers for measuring thickness.

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Listed a few at:

Notably, dust collection and calipers as mentioned.

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In the “Not strictly required, but really useful” category:

  • Compressed air
  • Magnifying glass or magnifying glasses clip-on
  • Pendent or mini-keyboard for jogging
  • Good wrenches for your spindle
  • Extra lighting around the machine
  • At least one extra power receptacle near the machine

For the last, I regularly use my palm sander while work is on the machine, so a nearby place to plug it in is useful.

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That I have on the way. With anti-static hose and a boom arm to hold the hose. Thanks my friend.

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Glad you brought that up about the extra lighting. With my eyes getting tired as I age I will need that. I do have a 20 gallon (i believe its that size) air compressor I will be using.

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I also keep:

  • Blue Tape
  • CA Glue and accelerator
  • A power screwdriver and some screws (to screw waste areas to the spoilboard when clamps just won’t do)
  • An ergonomic hex wrench the size of my Crush It screws
  • A Wyze camera so I can see cuts in real time from my phone in case I HAVE to move away from it while it’s running - (which I generally don’t do)
  • Gary
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8

To add context to the blue painter’s tape — in addition to the expected use for masking, it is often used for workholding as shown in this video:

(though we no longer carry it as a product?)

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Thank Will…I didn’t think to explain myself. I do use it for work holding primarily.

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A table saw or track saw for breaking down full sheets of plywood.
A plainer for quickly getting down to uniform thickness.

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I have a Dewalt Table saw that I use alot.

I wish my band saw was bigger!

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I found I use my track saw way more than I thought.

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I have the Dewalt Track Saw with both tracks (108" and 52") and I LOVE it. I use it to get very close to jointed on thicker boards that are difficult to move around, to cut odd angles onto a board, and yes…to break down sheet goods. Very useful tool

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@MarkE

I agree about the track saw. When I got it, I kind of thought it was a frivolous purchase, but honestly if my shop burned down (GOD FORBID) and I was starting over, it would be very high on my list to get again.

I now find myself with 2 - 55" and a 39" track. LOVE IT!

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  • T wrench to tighten clamps down
  • Plenty of the carbide 3d clamps and screws (3d printing these if you have one)
  • Dewalt Stealthsonic vacuum (SUPER DUPER quiet!) with some kind of cyclone (I have the smaller Harbor Freight one that sits on a 5 gallon bucket)
  • Plus highly agree with the other comments

Not NEEDS but “soon to gets”

Or the jog pendant (wired)

-Bit Zero. Again, I use it on every project. Makes zeroing SUPER easy.

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A band saw or jig saw for cutting the tabs then a router table with a flush trim bit for removing the remaining part of the tab. I do a lot of through cuts and this saves tons of time.

This requires just a tiny bit of justification to add another tool to your collection :wink:

Cheers,

Lee

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Another tool for cutting tabs is a small powered multi-tool such as a Fein Multi-master.

A band-saw is also wonderful for re-sawing thick stock to get thinner stock, esp. book-matched veneers.

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I second the oscillating tool. I use that for every job that has tabs.

I prefer the yellow and black version, though.

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I lucked into a corded model on sale, so no loyalty/battery-colour concerns.

(but no Systainer which I’m a bit bummed about)

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A scroll saw works really well for cutting tabs. Also, not mentioned so far is a height gauge for measuring stock thickness. I measure / verify stock thickness after clamping to the spoil board with a iGaging Height Gauge.

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