Enable me, what tools do I need?

[Candi_D]

Everyone here has been so nice and helpful that I'm hopeful you'll help this woodworking newbie I've decided to expand from paper crafting to wood working as a hobby. Besides learning scrolling with my new dewalt I'd also like to make small home decor type items for myself & family/friends. Specifically I know I'd like to make small display boxes & shelves, frames, shadow box frames/displays, and I'd really love to make shadow box terrariums such as these: http://www.etsy.com/listing/98585078/shadowbox-airplant-terrarium-ultra-hip and wall artwork like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/70185016/rustic-wall-art-abstract-nature-modern

I have a compound miter saw, jig saw, scroll saw, dremel 300 (with dremel drill press), dremel trio and basic hand tools.

I know I'll need a way to cut the wood so that the glass/acrylic I use for frames & terrariums will sit flush (rabbet it's called?) but I'm not sure what tool would be best. I know there are router bits for the dremel trio & dremel. I was also looking at this router kit from Dewalt: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049ZFUK2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER which with the discount is $150 right now... not super cheap but not terrible (since this is just a hobby I don't want to go crazy with expensive tools but I would rather spend a bit more for something that will last and not waste money on junk, plus since I like tools & not jewels I can request stuff for holidays & anniversary Do you think the Dewalt kit would be a good purchase for me considering the projects I have in mind, or should I stick with buying the router bits for the Dremel Trio? Is there another tool all together I should be considering?

Thank you in advance!

[Candi_D]

me again... am I thinking way to "go big or go home" with the router consideration? Maybe something like this for $100 less would be a better starter? http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RP250-4-Inch-Variable/dp/B000IEFIBO/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1355328003&sr=1-7&keywords=router

[GrayBeard]

Hi Candi...the DeWalt router is a good one and a comparable one would be the Bosch Colt.

I would suggest that you check CPO tools for additional purchases and specifically look into their 'refurbished' tools.
I have several tools that I bought from them that were 'refurbs' and have never had a single problem including my Colt router, drill press, miter saw.
A full size router is a bit of a handful and unless used very carefully can be a dangerous tool.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/

~~~GB~~~

[jrpeteo]

For doing rabbets and for rounding edges or putting on a decorative edge, you may want a router table. I picked this little guy up for under $100 at HD with the router attached. I leave it attached, I have another if I need to do something else, but I haven't used it in years. Works great for what I do.
Pete

[BilltheDiver]

Candi,  You are starting down a road which can either stay with small limited projects, or wind up with major furniture and a lifelong passion.  Try to learn if there is a woodworking guild that meets near you.  Check for Woodcraft or other stores that might be nearby where you could take a class or two.  Maybe there is an adult education center that has woodworking classes.  Ask your friends if any have other friends that are woodworkers.  If you can find a mentor or some classes you can better explore just what it is you want to do.

[troy_curtis]

LOL, you have a lot more than I do. I have my saw, a belt sander, and a dremel. I also have a lathe, but still need to learn more on how to use it better. Sounds like you have a good start for sure.

[Candi_D]

Thank you for all the great advice & the links. I'll ask around and look online though honestly with my lifestyle/schedule it's not very likely that I'll be able to meet up with anyone or take any actual classes (I'm a full time stay at home / homeschooling mom and I have an 8 1/2yr old and 2 1/2yr old) so I do my learning online & in books and then only have "play" time at night when they finally go to sleep

I think I might look into one of the inexpensive table combos for now since it looks like that will do what I need for now and I can upgrade at a later date as needed.

[Candi_D]

what do you guys think of this one? http://www.lowes.com/pd_231428-11241-7337_4294936478__?productId=3726236&Ntt=blue+hawk+braid&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dblue%2Bhawk%2Bbraid&facetInfo=

might be decent enough to get me started since I'm only doing very light use and on small things like frames?

[BilltheDiver]

Should give you a lot of flexibility Candi.  If you have a Woodcraft nearby they just had a sale with 35 router bits in a box for $25.  See if they have any left and will give you the sale price.  They aren't bad bits and it would give you a great starter set.

[Candi_D]

thanks Bill, we actually do have one about 1/2 an hour away and I've been meaning to get over there to check it out.

[jrpeteo]

I would go Lowes and look at it, go HD and look at the Ryobi. I can't tell from the picture if you can adjust the depth from the top. It is important tha it be easy to change the bits and the depth of cut.
Pete