How easy is it to find decent carpentry tools in the DR for purchase? (Table saw, Drill press, lathe, router table etc.) Also are they very expensive, i.e. 50% more then USA??? I love wood working and have many tools but cant justify shipping them all.
50%???? Think more 100% to 300% in that range!
Most tools are dated by tech standards. Those that are competitive always have a catch to them, like being refurbished or open box.
A biscuit joiner I once shopped for in the DR was triple the price for the same model I found online in Amazon, with adapters being free. I only bought it because I was too far ahead in the project to wait until the tool arrived from the U.S. and was short in free time to do the hobby work.
Buy them in the U.S. and pack them together in a box for shipping door to door. Make sure to label them as used tools on the description for the shipping company. You'll pay a few extra bucks aside from the regular shipping but will clear any hurdles in customs 100% (if they carry out an inspection).
If this is only for one or a couple of tools, buy them local. It will be more expensive but less hassle and wait time.
Anything more than a couple, buy them overseas...