Tools to Build Speakers

I've been trying to decide upon the tools to buy and what I need to start building speakers. I got a Craftsman Plunge Router for Christmas and a set of Jasper Circle Jigs. I never actually used a router before, so before I did anything with it I attended a Basic Router Techniques class at the Woodcraft store in Leesburg.

I recommend taking something like this if, like me, you don't have any woodworking experience. Its an all-day class with hands-on time. Now, I am much more comfortable with the router than I would have been if I just read the manual and started using it. They also offer a Woodworking Fundamentals class that I'm going to sign up for. This covers using table saws, band saws, planers, etc. Essentially, "every tool in the store except routers and wood lathe."

One thing I learned there was the virtues of having a router table. I don't have room in my garage for a full-size table so I'm looking for a benchtop model.

I'm also thinking about getting a table saw. People seem to really like the Ryobi BT3100. It sounds like a really good saw for the money. However, space is still an issue. In addition, I'm not sure exactly how many speakers I will be making. Seems a little silly to spend $1,000 on tools to make a pair of $100 speakers - but half of this is the fun of building right? Anyway, I saw a reference the The Sawboard out there. This might work well enough for me instead of investing in an actual table saw. In addition I found the Panel Cutting Table that may also be useful. Haven't really read up on it yet though. The Taunton Press published an article, A Circular Saw in the Furniture Shop? that covers using the sawboard and panel cutting table.

The other thing I just found out is my local Community Center has a woodshop open on Tuesday and Saturday. For $5 I can use their table saws, belt sanders, etc. I would have to go to the shop 60 times before I spent more than it would cost me to buy a table. I think this is a good way to start.