For home projects, wood working, toy making, remodeling, cabinet making, you can't beat power tools. The home shop oughta have a table saw, a jointer, a drill press, a bench grinder, a band saw, and a lathe.
Bought new, these goodies are EXPENSIVE. Say $500 a tool, which is beyond the reach of many of us. But used, these tools are available for $50 to $100 each, which is much closer to realistic.
Where to find used power tools? Well Craigslist is a good starting place. Yard sales, estate sales and auctions are some others. Look for the older models made from solid cast iron. Craftsman, Delta, De Walt, Darra James, and Rockwell are good names. Avoid the newer tools that are sheet metal stampings and plastic.
A cast iron machine will last forever. Cast iron doesn't bend, (it may break, but it won't bend) so the machine stays accurate. The only wear items are the ball or roller bearings. Bearings are packed with grease at the factory and only last for 20 years or so. Then the grease disappears and the bearing needs replacement. New bearings are $5-$10 apiece. Call Lynn at Accurate Bearing and you will have replacements in the mail within a couple of working days.
Some things to watch out for. Used battery powered tools probably are not worth it. When put up for sale the batteries are usually shot. Replacement batteries will cost as much as a brand new tool with batteries included. Tools that have been left out in the weather are probably shot. If the tables have deep rust marks, and the electrical stuff looks water logged, it's best to move on.
Power tools cut faster and smoother and more square than hand tools. With a table saw you can knock out a decent kitchen cabinet in a couple of evenings. With just hand tools it can take for ever.
So watch your Craigslist and pick up some bargains.
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