I'm Asking for Trouble

[two40]

Hi all.

I have an interest in horology which has recently seen me invest in all the tools and then the time to learn how to service mechanical watches. The moment my first time piece ticked over after a complete service was euphoric. The intricate nature of these mechanical watches is to me a work of art and a wonder.

This interest led me to clocks and ultimately wooden clocks which is how I ended up here. My woodwork skills are limited to a couple of high school years worth of woodwork class nearly two decades ago. This doesn't phase me and I look forward to learning new skills and swearing a lot in frustration as I try to build my first woodworks clock.

I'll do my research but a quick question if I may... I'm looking at Carba-Tec tools. Are they a good start? I have a contact at Bunnings that can get me a discount on their power tools but I'm not so keen on Ryobi. Should I stay away from them? I'm mainly looking for a scroll saw, band saw, drill press, and a belt/disc sander.

Thanks in advance :-)

[Stewey]

I have personally not been happy with any Ryobi tools I've bought within the last 12 years.
I wished I'd gone for something better.

We do have a couple of old Ryobi tools from the mid 80s (belt sander & planer)-they're quite OK, but the recent stuff I felt I'd wasted my money on, sorry (belt-disc sander, bench drill-press, 12v Cordless drill, & 7 1/2" circular saw-the saw is the worst bit of awkward junk I've ever used, and the Ryobi bellt-disc sander was quite gutless & belt-driven. Had issues with belt slip & belt breaking. The cordless drill went kaput (battery life) very quickly. Bought another-same problem.Then tried Black & Decker cordless drills-worse though...Have a nice 2nd-hand cordless Metabo drill now-terrific!).

Carbatec have some good belt-disc sanders, and other good stuff also.

[two40]

Sounds like the discount is the only good thing about the Ryobi. Thanks for your input.

I'm looking at scroll saws first and I'm liking the Carba-Tec 18" which to me looks like a copy of the Hegner. Is that right? Is the Truepro also a copy and made by the same company and just branded differently?

[Christos]

Welcome to the site. Might be best to ask specific questions in the general woodworking section of this forum.

I also noticed that you are from Sydney. There will be a woodworking show in July.

Time to look and purchase things.

[two40]

Thanks Christos. :U

Do you have any more info on this show?

[JJF]

Welcome to the site

[NCArcher]

Thanks Christos. :U

Do you have any more info on this show?
Here ya go
Timber & Working With Wood | Sydney (http://www.impressiveexhibitions.com.au/index.php/exhibitions/timber-working-with-wood/sydney.html)

[two40]

Ahh, looks interesting. Thanks :-)

[munruben]

I'm looking at scroll saws first and I'm liking the Carba-Tec 18" which to me looks like a copy of the Hegner. Is that right? Is the Truepro also a copy and made by the same company and just branded differently?I believe the Carba-Tec is a great scroll saw and is very similar inn appearance to the Hegner. Don't know about the Trupro though. I have a Hegner but purchased it second hand. Great machine but of course, very costly new.

[two40]

I'll start a new thread in the appropriate section asking for some assistance with my selection but here it is so far:

Scroll
Carba-Tec 18" (Hegner copy) (http://www.carbatec.com.au/carba-tec-18-scroll-saw_c20062)

Drill Press
H&M SBD-25A (D144) (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/D144)

Belt & Disc Sander (not sure about this as I suspect a 1" belt will be more useful...?)
H&F L-69A (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/L107)

Band Saw (a much later purchase)
H&F BP-355 (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W4224#) or Besato 4 (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W856)

Also want to get a router table but I've only started looking at these so no selections yet. This isn't a necessary item for clock making but after seeing what is possible with a router I really want one. :2tsup:

[Christos]

Sorry could not reply to your question, and good to see that another person posted reply. I am seeing that you have quite a selection of items listed. :)