What are your 2018 Tool Plans?

In three weeks, 2017 will be gone, and given that Christmas is only two weeks away, many of us have probably stopped buying (major) tools for ourselves.  What tools do you plan to buy next year?  I know all of the manufacturers continue to innovate, and 2018 will surely see some new tools some of us simply have to add.  Are any of you planning to invest in a battery platform different than the one(s) you already have?

Like some of you, my initial 2018 tools plans involve the post-holiday clearance deals at Lowe’s and Home Depot.  The latter store is especially known for its hit or miss post-holiday deals, such as $100 ToughSystem radios and even penny deals for a lucky few.  After that, we’ll see where need and desire take me.  I want to get the DeWalt fan along with the portable power station.  On the Milwaukee front, I’m sure some more M18 Fuel will be added, as might some M12.  Ridgid doesn’t offer much else I don’t already have, but their tripod and some lighting may be in order.  If I have disposable income and find the “right” deals, I’ll probably buy some things to give to others. 

Overall, I think that the second half of 2018 will be when I slow down on tool buying and begin ramping up my tool use.  My time as a Drill Sergeant, with the associated 80-100 hour work weeks, comes to a close in May, and I’ll be going to a unit I spent some time in previously, which stays much busier than other Infantry units (when they are stateside) but which will also see me spending most nights at home, unlike most Infantry units.  May will also mark the end of my undergraduate studies, and though I plan to start a graduate program, I’m thinking about going for a post-baccalaureate certificate first.  The reduced hours spent at work and doing online coursework, along with my proximity to family and friends, will hopefully see me spending less time browsing the aisles at local stores and more time in the shop or helping others out. 

I hope all of you are looking forward to 2018.  Like every year, it will present some unique challenges, but overall I have to admit that we live in some great times!  Just don’t listen to the media…  😀

fm2176 wrote:

In three weeks, 2017 will be gone, and given that Christmas is only two weeks away, many of us have probably stopped buying (major) tools for ourselves.  What tools do you plan to buy next year?  I know all of the manufacturers continue to innovate, and 2018 will surely see some new tools some of us simply have to add.  Are any of you planning to invest in a battery platform different than the one(s) you already have?
 
Like some of you, my initial 2018 tools plans involve the post-holiday clearance deals at Lowe’s and Home Depot.  The latter store is especially known for its hit or miss post-holiday deals, such as $100 ToughSystem radios and even penny deals for a lucky few.  After that, we’ll see where need and desire take me.  I want to get the DeWalt fan along with the portable power station.  On the Milwaukee front, I’m sure some more M18 Fuel will be added, as might some M12.  Ridgid doesn’t offer much else I don’t already have, but their tripod and some lighting may be in order.  If I have disposable income and find the “right” deals, I’ll probably buy some things to give to others. 
 
Overall, I think that the second half of 2018 will be when I slow down on tool buying and begin ramping up my tool use.  My time as a Drill Sergeant, with the associated 80-100 hour work weeks, comes to a close in May, and I’ll be going to a unit I spent some time in previously, which stays much busier than other Infantry units (when they are stateside) but which will also see me spending most nights at home, unlike most Infantry units.  May will also mark the end of my undergraduate studies, and though I plan to start a graduate program, I’m thinking about going for a post-baccalaureate certificate first.  The reduced hours spent at work and doing online coursework, along with my proximity to family and friends, will hopefully see me spending less time browsing the aisles at local stores and more time in the shop or helping others out. 
 
I hope all of you are looking forward to 2018.  Like every year, it will present some unique challenges, but overall I have to admit that we live in some great times!  Just don’t listen to the media…  [emoji3]

I will try to get the m12 stapler and a new phone. I’m am trying to go into saving mode so I can eventually get a pickup truck and find a place to live. I will have to move houses in 9 or so years.

No new battery platforms planned for 2018 as of now. Not many tool purchases planned either, I want to get a bigger band saw I have more blade options and real resaw capacity. The little Ryobi is good for small stock and curve cuts but it needs a big brother.

Im looking at a Grizzly model that has a riser to give 12” of resaw capacity. It’s $718 for the Saw, riser kit, and shipping which is $400 lower than the next comparable capacity model that doesn’t require a riser.

I need to buy a jointer so I can just buy rough lumber from the lumber store and save some money. Right now it’ll probably be a 6” Cutech model since neither it nor the planer are purchases that I expect to be the final of each machine I buy. May go up to the 8” but haven’t 100% decided.

Going to pick up a Festool CT Midi extractor hopefully it will actually be a 2017 purchase since I still have the $50 deal from the pro5. Also want to pick up a Jet 1015 variable speed lathe and bed extension, along with some Veritas chisels and planes.

jtkendall wrote:

No new battery platforms planned for 2018 as of now. Not many tool purchases planned either, I want to get a bigger band saw I have more blade options and real resaw capacity. The little Ryobi is good for small stock and curve cuts but it needs a big brother.
 
Im looking at a Grizzly model that has a riser to give 12” of resaw capacity. It’s $718 for the Saw, riser kit, and shipping which is $400 lower than the next comparable capacity model that doesn’t require a riser.
 
I need to buy a jointer so I can just buy rough lumber from the lumber store and save some money. Right now it’ll probably be a 6” Cutech model since neither it nor the planer are purchases that I expect to be the final of each machine I buy. May go up to the 8” but haven’t 100% decided.
 
Going to pick up a Festool CT Midi extractor hopefully it will actually be a 2017 purchase since I still have the $50 deal from the pro5. Also want to pick up a Jet 1015 variable speed lathe and bed extension, along with some Veritas chisels and planes.

rrich1 wrote:

1 hour ago, rrich1 said:

Check out the Rikon 10-324 bandsaw. They go on sale from time to time making it the same price if not cheaper than the grizzly. It has a 13″ resaw capacity with 1.5ho motor instead of the 3/4 or 1 hp from grizzly.

Hmm, I’ll have to watch for that to go on sale because I like the idea of not having to worry about a riser block, it gives me an extra inch of resaw capacity, and I think it just looks nicer. The local Woodcraft has limited quantities and they want $200+ to ship it, looks like Acme has it for the same price but with free shipping and the benefit of no tax.

jtkendall wrote:

 
Hmm, I’ll have to watch for that to go on sale because I like the idea of not having to worry about a riser block, it gives me an extra inch of resaw capacity, and I think it just looks nicer. The local Woodcraft has limited quantities and they want $200+ to ship it, looks like Acme has it for the same price but with free shipping and the benefit of no tax.

This is my short list.
 

Definite Buys

M18 FUEL One-Key Sawzall

TSO Products GRS-16 Guide Rail Square

Festool CT MIDI Dust Extractor

Festool Router OF 1400 EQ-F-Plus

Festool RO 150 FEQ Rotex Sander

Festool Hole Drilling Set LR 32-SYS

2x Guide Rail FS 1400/2-LR 32

Few other misc items like clamps, sandpaper, TSTAK’s, and Systainers.

Potential buys, definitely won’t be getting all of them but probably a few from each list.

Milwaukee

M18 FUEL 1/2” High Torque w/ One-Key (might go with the 3/4” version)

M18 Radius Site Light

M18 FUEL 4-1/2” Braking Grinder

2x M18 Rocket Tower Light

2x M18 Rover

M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Miter Saw

M18 Mid Torque Impact Wrench

M12 FUEL 3/8” Ratchet

M12 FUEL Impact Driver and Drill (Gen 2) (Hoping for a free set from Milwaukee but I’m not holding my breath.)

M12 Underhood Light

New USB Lights

DeWalt

20V MAX Tool Connect Compact Drill Kit

20V MAX Tool Connect Impact Driver Kit

2x 20V MAX Stackable Area Light Kit

20V MAX Flathead Grinder Kit

20V MAX Die Grinder Kit

Flexvolt Compressor

Flexvolt Chainsaw

New Power Station (once it’s available)

Flexvolt batteries (for power station)

Festool

CT 26 (once the new bluetooth models come out)

Carvex (likely corded)

Bluetooth Airstream Batteries (again once they’re released)

Domino DF 500

ETS EC 150/3

TS 55 REQ

SawStop Jobsite Saw

Jronman wrote:

3 hours ago, Jronman said:

I will try to get the m12 stapler and a new phone. I’m am trying to go into saving mode so I can eventually get a pickup truck and find a place to live. I will have to move houses in 9 or so years.

A new phone for me, that’s my most needed tool. My battery and camera on my old iPhone 5 are becoming a real issue and I need that for work.

I need some more wood clamps, some misc woodworking stuff. Also need more variations of wood on-hand, it sucks getting an idea and having to schedule a shopping trip.

– 18V circular saw either from Makita, Dewalt, or Metabo (if the new version comes out and looks better than the others)

– Dewalt 20V hedge trimmer

– Another drill

– Welding table

– More Grip-On

Well a job first. Until then don’t plan on spending any money on tools. Even then it will just be what the job requires. Got screwed over going above and beyond at my last job so I’ll stick to the bare minimum next time. Would maybe like to get the mid torque DeWalt or a cordless angle grinder.

I hope to go the full year without buying a new tool other then to replace something broken. Spent over $8500 on tools this year so I am setup pretty good. It is near 2am however so I don’t hold myself to this post.

Definitely jumping into the flex line is in the near future for me, this year really sucked when it came to buying tools so hopefully 2018 will be better for all of us!

BMack37 wrote:

11 hours ago, BMack37 said:

 

A new phone for me, that’s my most needed tool. My battery and camera on my old iPhone 5 are becoming a real issue and I need that for work.

 

I need some more wood clamps, some misc woodworking stuff. Also need more variations of wood on-hand, it sucks getting an idea and having to schedule a shopping trip.

I still got an iPhone 4 haha. I heard the 5 had battery issues and I’d say its true. My dads 5 has battery issues too. I will probably hold out until the new models in September if mine lasts until then.

Jronman wrote:

9 hours ago, Jronman said:

I still got an iPhone 4 haha. I heard the 5 had battery issues and I’d say its true. My dads 5 has battery issues too. I will probably hold out until the new models in September if mine lasts until then.

I’d agree too, I replaced the one on my Mom’s, mine was replaced under warranty a few years ago. The battery bulges and it pops the screen up.

[External image (i.imgur.com), not copied]

BMack37 wrote:

16 minutes ago, BMack37 said:

 

I’d agree too, I replaced the one on my Mom’s, mine was replaced under warranty a few years ago. The battery bulges and it pops the screen up.

Not sure if my dad’s does this but it tends to drain really quickly. Sometimes light use will drain it fast. Also he plugs it in then it goes from low battery to quite a bit charged in very little time. Its very inconsistent with the battery. A new phone will also allow me to download newer apps. I can’t even get any tool apps. My app selection is VERY limited. There was even a time I had to download an insurance app to my mom’s phone cause mine was too old.

Jronman wrote:

6 hours ago, Jronman said:

Not sure if my dad’s does this but it tends to drain really quickly. Sometimes light use will drain it fast. Also he plugs it in then it goes from low battery to quite a bit charged in very little time. Its very inconsistent with the battery. A new phone will also allow me to download newer apps. I can’t even get any tool apps. My app selection is VERY limited. There was even a time I had to download an insurance app to my mom’s phone cause mine was too old.

Yeah, the Milwaukee app is available for the generation after mine and newer. It sucks because I know I’m going to end up with an iPhone X and I think it’s soo overpriced…but I hate a lot of little things on Android and iOS is just soo clean.

My plans are to not buy any more drills! :-\

Tug wrote:

6 minutes ago, Tug said:

My plans are to not buy any more drills! :-\

but…. you gotta complete the collection first.

This coming year is going to be a great one by the looks of it, I am starting a new job after a bidding war between my current employer and new employer, so this year will be a bunch of the more expensive DeWalt 20v and flexvolt tools, I might get into the m12 system also there are a few tools I want in that line up. I might go for a new phone also my Nexus 6 is starting to show it’s age

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Maybe a TIG. Welding would be a great hobby i guess, i have a little ac stick welder buzzbox but fine and/or stainless is more interesting to me…

2018 tool purchases will be as follows 🙂

Husqvarna 572xp cant wait to get my hands on that puppy.

Dewalt Flexvolt circular saw.

Bosch GST 160 CE

Dewalt DCG414 XR FLEXVOLT

Jronman wrote:

10 hours ago, Jronman said:

but…. you gotta complete the collection first.

Dude, that’s not helping! 😆

I’d like to take a serious look at the Shaper Origin.

OP, thank you for your service! Your sacrifice allow us tool dorks the freedom to follow our tool acquisition drives.

As far as what tools, ‘plans’ is too strong of word. I need to get a subcompact tractor as I just bought some land with a Christmas tree farm on it, and a pretty good sized lawn… looking at ~25 HP models from Massey Ferguson, John Deere, and Kubota. I think I kinda want a loader and backhoe…. I do want a tiller and mower, I figure I should be able to rent a box blade when I need one.

I need to get a couple of chain saws, big and little, if I don’t end up finding the Husquvarna I think the GF’s son stole.

I do want the new M12 Fuel drill, the Fuel ratchets. I kinda want an M18 sawzall. M18 Fuel compact 1/2” impact wrench. Surge impact driver.

Kinda want to get a mitre saw (maybe Bosch), one or two bandsaws (little Rikon, bigger Laguna) track saw (Makita corded), spindle sander. If I don’t end up getting my grandfather’s old CM table saw tuned up the way I want it, I would like to pick up a Delta or Laguna.

BK13 wrote:

3 hours ago, BK13 said:

OP, thank you for your service! Your sacrifice allow us tool dorks the freedom to follow our tool acquisition drives.

 

As far as what tools, ‘plans’ is too strong of word. I need to get a subcompact tractor as I just bought some land with a Christmas tree farm on it, and a pretty good sized lawn… looking at ~25 HP models from Massey Ferguson, John Deere, and Kubota. I think I kinda want a loader and backhoe…. I do want a tiller and mower, I figure I should be able to rent a box blade when I need one.

 

I need to get a couple of chain saws, big and little, if I don’t end up finding the Husquvarna I think the GF’s son stole.

 

I do want the new M12 Fuel drill, the Fuel ratchets. I kinda want an M18 sawzall. M18 Fuel compact 1/2” impact wrench. Surge impact driver.

 

Kinda want to get a mitre saw (maybe Bosch), one or two bandsaws (little Rikon, bigger Laguna) track saw (Makita corded), spindle sander. If I don’t end up getting my grandfather’s old CM table saw tuned up the way I want it, I would like to pick up a Delta or Laguna.

Is there a Ventrac in your future.  Dan endorsed.

I cannot afford to get into any platforms other than the one I am currently in which is Ryobi. I have already ordered a circular saw, reciprocating saw, hammer-drill and impact driver; all brushless. Other than that it will depend on what my needs are. I plan to get the 10″ cordless miter saw if the need arises and I will be buying the rotary hammer because I foresee needing to drill some holes in masonry. I also plan to get either the cordless 6 gal. shop vac or stick vac. I will probably get both eventually, but considering my short term needs; I will probably get the stick vac first. I hope they release the 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 batteries soon. if they do, and release some tools to go with them, I may add some stuff to this list.

cliu wrote:

10 hours ago, cliu said:

I cannot afford to get into any platforms other than the one I am currently in which is Ryobi. I have already ordered a circular saw, reciprocating saw, hammer-drill and impact driver; all brushless. Other than that it will depend on what my needs are. I plan to get the 10″ cordless miter saw if the need arises and I will be buying the rotary hammer because I foresee needing to drill some holes in masonry. I also plan to get either the cordless 6 gal. shop vac or stick vac. I will probably get both eventually, but considering my short term needs; I will probably get the stick vac first. I hope they release the 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 batteries soon. if they do, and release some tools to go with them, I may add some stuff to this list.

The Ryobi rotary hammer drill is awful, but if you’re sticking with the one platform then it’ll suffice. Keep in mind that it has no slipper clutch or electronic protection, so if it starts to bind up, stop drilling or you’ll kill it! Trust me, I know! 😆

rfwjr wrote:

On 12/18/2017 at 12:41 PM, rfwjr said:

Is there a Ventrac in your future.  Dan endorsed.

Probably not. Most likely (in order)

1. Kubota

2. Massey-Ferguson

3. John Deere

It’s pretty flat ground and my needs are pretty simple. Mostly mowing my lawn and the grass between trees, yanking out stumps, tilling my garden, and a one time task of redoing/leveling/smoothing my lawn.

And Dan’s afraid of saws. I’m not taking advise from THAT guy. LOL

Tug wrote:

On 12/18/2017 at 11:28 PM, Tug said:

 

The Ryobi rotary hammer drill is awful, but if you’re sticking with the one platform then it’ll suffice. Keep in mind that it has no slipper clutch or electronic protection, so if it starts to bind up, stop drilling or you’ll kill it! Trust me, I know! 😆

I am not planning to do anything to extreme so I’ll see. I had the earlier rotary hammer and it worked fine. I once used it to drill about 20 1/4″ holes 6″ deep and it performed flawlessly. Personally I would prefer something a little beefier i.e. the Dewalt or Milwaukee D handle one, but that is not an option for me.

cliu wrote:

5 hours ago, cliu said:

I am not planning to do anything to extreme so I’ll see. I had the earlier rotary hammer and it worked fine. I once used it to drill about 20 1/4″ holes 6″ deep and it performed flawlessly. Personally I would prefer something a little beefier i.e. the Dewalt or Milwaukee D handle one, but that is not an option for me.

Depending on where you’re going to be using it, corded might be a better option….

cliu wrote:

10 hours ago, cliu said:

I am not planning to do anything to extreme so I’ll see. I had the earlier rotary hammer and it worked fine. I once used it to drill about 20 1/4″ holes 6″ deep and it performed flawlessly. Personally I would prefer something a little beefier i.e. the Dewalt or Milwaukee D handle one, but that is not an option for me.

Small fixing holes it’ll cope with, but not much else. 

More…plan on More….😈

Looking to get a band saw and maybe a lathe of some kind.

Oh yeah, I want to learn to weld, too. Lincoln, Miller, or ESAB.

milwaukee 28V rocket LED LIGHT that will work and charge batteries in conjunction with our 28v rescue tools. I hate carrying multiple batteries on our rescue fire  truck.

custom router table

ChrisK wrote:

On 1/18/2018 at 11:32 AM, ChrisK said:

custom router table

I’ve seen some sweet router tables built into table saws…

BK13 wrote:

1 hour ago, BK13 said:

I’ve seen some sweet router tables built into table saws…

@rrich1 hit his out of the park

BMack37 wrote:

 
[mention=50861]rrich1[/mention] hit his out of the park

I am a carpenter by trade and have been burnt the hell out for years about doing projects in my own home. Being down in the keys for over 4 months remodeling my parent’s home has sparked a new  interest in rehabbing my house now, so I have treated myself to some new tools. I bought a new Makita table saw online and sent my ex wife to pick it up and bring it to her place. I also bought myself a new Milwaukee fuel impact driver while down here, so I had a nice collection of impact bits sent to her house. Also, had a new air hose, new Porter Cable brad nailer, new PC framing nailer(since mine finally shat the bed down here, but I will try to repair it when I get home) new ten and 12 inch blades for the circular saw and my Dewalt 780 miter saw(that I bought myself for my birthday in september) new miter saw stand with wheels, a digital protractor and a Bosch laser sent to her place. I have a few hundred feet of base to stain, poly and install at their house so I figured why not send some of my stuff there so it’s safe and ready when I get home. My old Makita 10 inch miter has been living in their master bedroom all winter lol

So that’s my initial tool dump for 2018. Most of my power tools are still functional, but I will be putting new cords on the Tiger saw, dewalt sander and Milwaukee circular saw this year, as well as replacing the lock bushing on my Bosch jigsaw.

The next purchase will be a new router and new router table to step up from the 30 year old crap I have, so I’ll be gathering intel here for that purchase. Now that cordless tech has finally become rock solid I’ll finally grab a new cordless circular saw and one of those jobsite blowers. My brother had the new Makita models down here and they were impressive. Not like that cordless dewalt I bought 20 years ago that you could actually stop the blade with a 2×4 the battery and motor were so weak.

That, and probably add a ton of new LED shop lights in the garage. My first project at home will be building new bookshelves using the fluted trim we had left over from our kitchen and bar cabinets down here, and installing new crown in all my rooms.

I’ll probably wind up buying a new 16 ga finish nailer this year, even though the one I have is fine. It’s just old and why not buy it a friend 🙂

Also, looking at a pin nailer finally and was NOT impressed with the cordless Makita. I don’t know if we just got a crap tool down here because Makita is always rock solid, but this thing blew dog from moment one. It bent half the pins it shot, then started setting them to the point a half inch was exposed. Then finally it started doubling, so it’s going back. I like the idea of a hoeless pin nailer, but maybe I’ll still stick with air and get another PC or a Hitachi.

Well, the GF bought me a Husqvarna riding mower, so I guess the tractor is on hold. However, my Expedition blew a head gasket, and I think that may be above my skill level to fix. Local shop wants North of three grand to fix, so it’s new used truck time for me. Grrr.

BK13 wrote:

6 hours ago, BK13 said:

Well, the GF bought me a Husqvarna riding mower, so I guess the tractor is on hold. However, my Expedition blew a head gasket, and I think that may be above my skill level to fix. Local shop wants North of three grand to fix, so it’s new used truck time for me. Grrr.

Toyota Tundra Crewmax.

BK13 wrote:

On 3/27/2018 at 10:22 PM, BK13 said:

Well, the GF bought me a Husqvarna riding mower

Wow – my gf never buys me anything like that, though I suspect I’d get in trouble with my wife if she did 😮

ChrisK wrote:

On 3/28/2018 at 2:12 AM, ChrisK said:

Toyota Tundra Crewmax.

Mebbe. I’ve had a Toyota before. But the true crew cab is goofy looking, and I don’t think you can get a 6.5″ bed with it. I’m pretty much of a Ford guy anymore, so maybe an F150, maybe a Super Duty. 

BK13 wrote:

14 hours ago, BK13 said:

Mebbe. I’ve had a Toyota before. But the true crew cab is goofy looking.

The mid-cycle refresh of the current generation Tundra has more standard rear doors now. I don’t think they have the vertical handles anymore. I could be wrong though.