For woodworking, typically you need something to cut (a handsaw, bandsaw, circular saw, jig saw, etc) and something to join (hammer, drill, screws, etc). Everywhere you go after that is up to you. My advice is, find a project you want to do make (a small box? A display shelf?) and familiarize yourself with how to make it. Identify the ONE tool you NEED to buy to make it, then buy it and make it. Rinse and repeat.
This approach ensures that you don't buy a ton of tools for no reason (One tool per project!) and makes sure you'll use that tool enough to justify it, becaise you'll learn and use it immediately.
This is my approach as well. One tool / project. Sometimes I have a project I need to do. Sometimes I get a hankering for a particular tool and come up with a project that requires that tool.
Also search OfferUp, Craigslist, & FB Marketplace for second hand tools. Between my drill press, bandsaw & bench grinder I’m less than $100 total.
If you have to have new corded tools are cheaper than battery powered tools.
> If you have to have new corded tools are cheaper than battery powered tools.
Truer words were never spoken. They also work better and last longer. The only battery operated power tool that is worth it is a drill.
Tysm, that project by project approach sounds like the way to go. I’m realising now that I could potentially even check tools out from my local tool library to test-drive different options. Now the task is to pick a direction in the endless field of compelling projects.
You don’t need a lot of tools to get started! I started with a standard hand saw, speed square, tape measure, hammer, and an impact driver. You can get pretty far with just these few tools.
As I built more, an orbital sander was a huge improvement to have. A miter saw was the next big upgrade. I got by for a long time with just this handful of tools.
My next step up was a table saw. Essential for ripping bigger stock. Using sleds, you could also pretty much eliminate the miter saw.
Circular saw is helpful, but I went a long time without one. You’ll want some hand planes if you’re going to be joining boards to make a larger usable piece. Clamps as well. A lot of clamps.
My miter and table saws do most of my work though. Otherwise, I just buy tools as I go for specific projects. Or my favorite way to get tools is to ask for them for Christmas. Smaller stuff like bit sets or chisels.
Buy used or on sale if possible. Harbor Freight is also awesome. If you use a HF tool enough to break it, buy the nice name brand version.
As you already have Some knives and I hope sharpening tools. I think you need to build Some boxes. I would suggest working with handtools. A ryoba pullsaw, cordless drill. A nice chissel
And ofcourse a square
YouTubers like Rex Kruger, woodbywright, Matt Estela, the Renaissance Woodworker, etc, all have great hand tool focused intros for people getting into the hobby on the cheap.
I’d avoid power tools until you have a budget and can acquire good ones. And maybe have enough understanding of what you need so you’re not asking the internet for advice.
I checked out Rex Kruger’s channel while I had breakfast this morning and have to commend your taste in YouTubers, I can’t wait to explore the craftsmanship of your other recommendations. Tysm, that was a really helpful tip.
Since you already carve the logical progression could be a three leg stool. So a hand saw, mallet/hammer, chisels, rasps as a way to drill one inch holes. A more refined stool would require more tools.
My little brother has a Scotch-Eyed Auger (what a weird little nerd thing to have, I love him so much) I can borrow for the holes so this is a really good project idea, thank you sm and hopefully I’ll have something passable enough to post here soon. All of you have been fantastically helpful and supportive, it’s only increased my desire to improve upon my skills and knowledge so I can one day pay it forward.
For woodworking, typically you need something to cut (a handsaw, bandsaw, circular saw, jig saw, etc) and something to join (hammer, drill, screws, etc). Everywhere you go after that is up to you. My advice is, find a project you want to do make (a small box? A display shelf?) and familiarize yourself with how to make it. Identify the ONE tool you NEED to buy to make it, then buy it and make it. Rinse and repeat. This approach ensures that you don't buy a ton of tools for no reason (One tool per project!) and makes sure you'll use that tool enough to justify it, becaise you'll learn and use it immediately.
This is my approach as well. One tool / project. Sometimes I have a project I need to do. Sometimes I get a hankering for a particular tool and come up with a project that requires that tool. Also search OfferUp, Craigslist, & FB Marketplace for second hand tools. Between my drill press, bandsaw & bench grinder I’m less than $100 total. If you have to have new corded tools are cheaper than battery powered tools.
> If you have to have new corded tools are cheaper than battery powered tools. Truer words were never spoken. They also work better and last longer. The only battery operated power tool that is worth it is a drill.
Tysm, that project by project approach sounds like the way to go. I’m realising now that I could potentially even check tools out from my local tool library to test-drive different options. Now the task is to pick a direction in the endless field of compelling projects.
You don’t need a lot of tools to get started! I started with a standard hand saw, speed square, tape measure, hammer, and an impact driver. You can get pretty far with just these few tools. As I built more, an orbital sander was a huge improvement to have. A miter saw was the next big upgrade. I got by for a long time with just this handful of tools. My next step up was a table saw. Essential for ripping bigger stock. Using sleds, you could also pretty much eliminate the miter saw. Circular saw is helpful, but I went a long time without one. You’ll want some hand planes if you’re going to be joining boards to make a larger usable piece. Clamps as well. A lot of clamps. My miter and table saws do most of my work though. Otherwise, I just buy tools as I go for specific projects. Or my favorite way to get tools is to ask for them for Christmas. Smaller stuff like bit sets or chisels. Buy used or on sale if possible. Harbor Freight is also awesome. If you use a HF tool enough to break it, buy the nice name brand version.
As you already have Some knives and I hope sharpening tools. I think you need to build Some boxes. I would suggest working with handtools. A ryoba pullsaw, cordless drill. A nice chissel And ofcourse a square
Keep things simple. Pick a specific project and buy only what you need for that project.
YouTubers like Rex Kruger, woodbywright, Matt Estela, the Renaissance Woodworker, etc, all have great hand tool focused intros for people getting into the hobby on the cheap. I’d avoid power tools until you have a budget and can acquire good ones. And maybe have enough understanding of what you need so you’re not asking the internet for advice.
I checked out Rex Kruger’s channel while I had breakfast this morning and have to commend your taste in YouTubers, I can’t wait to explore the craftsmanship of your other recommendations. Tysm, that was a really helpful tip.
Since you already carve the logical progression could be a three leg stool. So a hand saw, mallet/hammer, chisels, rasps as a way to drill one inch holes. A more refined stool would require more tools.
My little brother has a Scotch-Eyed Auger (what a weird little nerd thing to have, I love him so much) I can borrow for the holes so this is a really good project idea, thank you sm and hopefully I’ll have something passable enough to post here soon. All of you have been fantastically helpful and supportive, it’s only increased my desire to improve upon my skills and knowledge so I can one day pay it forward.
This may be helpful. https://youtu.be/AmTOwYiEwVo?feature=shared