Michelle

If you plan on getting better woods a bit cheaper you want the models mentioned. This way, with the riser block you can resaw curly maple or whatever for tops. You won't need to buy your lumber completely milled if you're cutting out a body. I was told you need a minimum of 1hp for for hardwood resaw capacity. I have the same dilemma. I've decided to save up the bucks and go with a Jet or Grizzly. I am on the prowl for a used one. (I bought my Delta table saw in exc. shape with extras for 1/2 price used.) Check craig's list on the web in your area.

The radial drill press mentioned is a great buy because it is the only one out there. Grizzly offers them for less than 200 dollars. Now they are really cheapo presses. But it has a really great throat on it. I think that it has a 36" swing on it. I use it to make telescopes. I had to put a more powerful motor on mine and I never use the round table as is. I put a table on top of it and shim it to be perpendicular to the bit. I use a a low cost Jet mill for my other drill press.

Another benefit to this press is that you can drill at an angle as well. I don't know how useful that would be for guitar bodies, but it would be pretty terrific for making chairs. If you don't need a big throat or drill at an angle, I'd shoot for a floor mount Jet. Good value.

The little bench band saws are slightly more beefy than a scroll saw. I imagine that you could cut the outer edges of a slab blank with one. But I wouldn't count on it for anything else. I had one for a few years and never really found a use for it so I gave it away. If you are dreaming of a band saw, get a 14" with riser blocks. Shoot for a 1.5 HP model if you can get one. I have a preference for Delta and Jet units. Grizzly is getting there with their tools, but you'll find fewer problems with the D & J. I've got my Delta tuned up right and it does resawing really well. I've made other things with my veneers. I can't wait to make a guitar.

Michelle

The home depot stores out here in CA don't carry anything like that. And you are right... they have driven the good wood places out of business. I used to go down to Fresno for hardwoods. They once had a warehouse filled with every sort of hardwood you could imagine. Now they carry nothing but a few pieces of cherry, redowood, maple, and stacks and stacks of cheap sheet goods.

Michelle