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Hi Sean Loads of great advice here. I agree with comments above that learning to use handtools proficiently (and be able to sharpen them) is a great place to start. Hand planes and chisels are so fundamental, even to those people who work with machines. Stock prep can be done by hand. Joints...

@MikeK has the Minimax FS30-G (from the Genius range). It's a smaller, lighter version of the FS30-C (classic). Tersa or helical ("Zylent") cutterblocks are available as options. Space permitting the FS30-C would be preferable for heavy duty use due to the extra weight and longer table length...

If we move to Brazil in a couple of years I'll be selling all my machines and power tools (because the electrical supply in the region we'll be moving to is 110V). I'll probably work mostly by hand while we're in Brazil and then look to re-equip a machine workshop when we move again a few years...

I have a Holzprofi PT which came fitted with a spiral head. People are, of course, entitled to their own opinions, but for me it has been an excellent purchase. I've had it for nearly a year and haven't needed to rotate any of the cutters yet. Each carbide cutter has four cutting edges so you...

Happy days :) What blade set up does the PT107 have? Standard 2/3 knives or is there an option for Tersa or a spiral cutterblock? How long do you have to wait for delivery?

Agreed that the Metabo HC260 or equivalent is probably the best low cost (ish) option. You might well be able to find one second hand and if not then to buy new isn't too expensive. In addition to cast iron beds, I believe these models have induction motors, which makes them a fair bit quieter...

Basically, a "jointer" (more commonly called a "surface planer" in the UK) is a one trick pony. A thicknesser is more versatile and does more to reduce the drudgery of milling stock. In a ideal world, you would have both. But as other people have said don't waste your money on a cheap one. If...

What table saw do you have?

A little over budget but this fits the bill for quiet: Bridge City Jointmaker Pro v2 It has it’s limitations (smallish capacity) but is very fun to use! Incredibly precise and accurate, versatile and virtually silent. Probably not what you’re looking for but I’d recommend it as a great...

Nice machine! One I considered buying a couple of years ago when I was in the market for a 12” PT. I’d love to come and check it out / lend a hand. Sadly I’m not in your neck of the woods but hopefully someone local will be able to assist you. In terms of technique, one important thing when...

Yeah, we live in French Guiana. It’s a familiar problem. That said, I’ve managed to keep my cast iron PT and bandsaw tables largely free of rust with regular cleaning and machine wax. Maybe it’s worse in the deep Amazon but we have to contend with the tropical humidity and proximity to the sea here.

Lol, yeah she’s on the essential list. So need to plan around that. The choice of location at the moment seems likely to be Santarem (on the Amazon between Belem and Manaus) or Brasilia (the capital). May be some room for negotiation. Quite like the idea of Santarem. Small city. Seems to be a...

Yeah, if i sold everything and bought locally I’m pretty sure I would downscale and just buy the essentials. Not adverse to working primarily with hand tools. Maybe a thicknesser to reduce drudgery, maybe a small bench top bandsaw. And a drill.

No she’s a tropical forest ecologist. She does have civil service status in France but is currently employed by a French research institute which expatriates some staff around the world. Certainly makes for an interesting life!

It’s looking likely that we will be moving to Brazil in 2-3 years time (for my wife’s work). May seem premature to start thinking about this now but there’s a lot of planning involved. The domestic electrical supply in Brazil is not standardised nationally. In some places it’s 110v in others...

Cheers!

Someone was on here recently looking for a drum sander. Wish I could remember who. Can anyone help?

Ok. But is there any evidence of that here? Seems like the OP is being prejudged and I think we might offer the benefit of the doubt and a warmer welcome. Just my 2p's worth.

Seems kind of salty. Care to elaborate on what's upset you here? Perhaps I'm missing something...

The Parf system is actually really straightforward. A little tedious maybe but not as bad as I imagined and - as MikeK said - the accuracy is very impressive. Do follow the instructions though as there is a logic to the order of drilling. The upfront investment is not trivial but once you have...