Novice Needs Advice

[pistnbroke]

watch a few new yankee workshops and that will make your mind up

[Scott Carter]

The table saw will be the most versatile piece of the ones you're considering, followed in second place by the band saw by someone practiced in it's use. A thickness planer is definitely a real plus to have, but not absolutely necessary for most jobs. But for sure, the work-horse of the shop, the "go-to" tool will be your table saw.
Re. your wood choice, the cedar family is very well suited, western red cedar being the species of choice. However, any clear, straight grained wood (e.g. Douglas Fir)can be used. Ideally the wood itself won't be exposed to the elements so many species are acceptable.
One hint, if you're open to this sort of thing, is to purchase prepared strip stock. This is a link to a company, Maritime Wood Products, which produces a product called "Speed-strip" which I've heard good reports of http://www.teakdecks.com/hull.php
You'll be assured of good qulaity wood first of all, but the tongue and groove they put on the edges is ideally suited for strip-planking, as it has a radius which accommodates the curve of the hull, keeping your joints tight. The job can, and does all the time, be done using your own stock, but this is a great way to get started and learn the ins and outs of the actual construction while eliminating the possibility of problems with your edge joints due to improper dressing. In fact, there are very established and skilled boat builders out there who use this material. They do it for a reason. Their time and assurance of perfection is worth a lot more than their desire to spend hours standing in front of a planer and shaper.

[missinginaction]

Regarding tools other than the table saw......

I see the thickness planer and the bandsaw mentioned. I don't have either.

Yet anyway, but they are on my list.

I think you have to consider what it is you're trying to do. If you are going to build interior cabinets and do complex joinery then by all means the investment in a planer would make some sense.

On the other hand if your work is more simple and the materials used more like plywood, hardwood frames and strip planking then the investment in a planer might not make financial sense.

FWIW, I was able to fabricate every part that I needed to restore my 73 Silverton with these tools, listed in order of usefulness:

1. A good Bosch variable speed jigsaw.
1A. A Craftsman 10" table saw.
2. Sawszall (for doing restoration, perhaps not so useful to the scratch builder)
3. 7" Dewalt circular saw
4. 4" Makita circular trim saw
5. Dremel tool (not used often, but priceless when I needed it!)
6. Portable drill press
7. 5" palm sander
8. 3" belt sander
9. Drills (corded and cordless)
10. Last but not least LOT's and LOT's of C-clamps and carpenters clamps (You never have enough it seems). I've spent more on clamps than I did on my table saw and I've needed every one of them!


I probably forgot a few things but that's the basic list.

BTW I do wish I had a band saw (it's on my list)

MIA

[Itchy&Scratchy]

See now this thread is what this forum should be all about. Someone whos obviously new to the game asking humbly for help and opinion...
Look at the excellent response and constructive help he's been offered and not a bit of agro in sight.
Nice
Itchy

[rasorinc]

The Bosch jigsaw 1591 is a must and you can build a whole boat with it, wood or aluminum. A must. On sale here.
http://www.cpotools.com/bosch-1591ev...efault,pd.html

[hoytedow]

Don't forget:
1. Safety goggles
2. Ear protection
3. First aid kit