Replies

1. 
   BG | Dec 07, 2004 04:00am | #1

   cem21,

   Here are a few ideas, I'm sure others will jump in.  Some of the basics include a circular saw, drill, jig saw, measuring devices and clamps.  You'll use these for a long, long time regardless of what big tools you buy in the future.  Cordless would be nice but used with cords can be gotten very reasonably.  Build yourself a workbench with a resonable wood working vice...this will help quite a bit. To improve the joinery and finish you'll soon want sanding tools and planes.

   Hold off on table saws until your ready to really set up a workshop...   

    

2. 
   datachanel | Dec 07, 2004 04:13am | #2

   Hello, I'd be curious about what some of the projects you'd like to do are. That may affect some of your broader tool choices. I would recommend a circular saw. You can get it to do almost anything with the right jigs and the patience of learning all its tricks and abilities. Do take the time to figure out what you want in a circular saw, certainly decide if you want it in a left or right hand variety. If it is going to be a core tool for you then you want it to be comfortable and easy to use. Two things that I'd recommend making are a first a fence jig. Basically it's a layer of lauan, 1/4" ply, or masonite with a straight fence (of 1x or 2x) attached to it. It should look a bit like an L when you look at it from the end. If you make it with the base ply large you can use your circ saw to cut it to the right width. When you want a straight line you simply line the edge of the base up and clamp it in place. Also a table with a sacrifical surface is wonderful so that you don't have to worry about fully supporting all of the lumber, especially during odd cuts. A table saw is wonderful to have as well, but certainly more expensive. These are simply some tricks to get good use out of a circular saw. Good luck in your woodworking endeavors.

   Datachanel

   Doing things the hard way

3. 
   Dave45 | Dec 07, 2004 04:14am | #3

   5'-4", huh?  Darn, all my best advice only works for folks over 5'-6". - lol

   Go with a decent circular saw first and a 3/8" drill (corded or cordless).  Handle the tools and make sure you're comfortable with them.  You'll probably be more comfortable with lightweight tools.

   I would also get a 12' tape measure, a speed square, a 16oz smooth face hammer (if the 16 oz feels too heavy, try a 12 oz), an assortment of drill bits, nails, screws, and some Titebond II glue.  While you're at it, get a medium sized tool box to keep the stuff in.

   If it sounds like I've done this before, you're right.  I got both of my daughters basic tool boxes a few years ago (Xmas presents) and they seem to use them fairly often.  (They also keep their grubby fingers out of MY stuff - lol)

    

4. 
   Floss | Dec 07, 2004 04:19am | #4

   Hi Corey,
   Welcome to Knots. You will find varied answers from many viewpoints and experiences on this forum. Mostly good information.

   I would say that it is always good to get some education before picking up a power tool. If you have a community college or a local carpentry or woodworking group near you ( like a woodworkers guild or even Habitat for Humanity) I would start with that. Then go to the library and get some books to help familiarize you with the tools and how they are to be used properly.

   Hand tools are always a safe bet for a starter set. They are less than most power tools and help to teach some basic techniques. I would consider the following list of tools a basic starter kit for home carpentry.

   16 oz. trim hammer
   Hand saw 14 tpi crosscut(Stanley makes a nice short version called the Shark)
   Screwdriver (I like the 4 in 1 type that has two sizes of phillips and slotted)
   Level 2 foot to start but you will also want a 4 footer
   Framing Square has one side 24 inches and the other 16 inches
   Tape Measure 25 footer
   Utility Knife with extra blades
   Pencils
   Nail Set
   Small Pry Bar for pulling nails
   Chisels Irwin are a good deal at 4 for $20
   Miter Box

   As far as power tools go I think a circular saw is more useful than a table saw starting out. I would buy a good quality saw. I like the Porter Cable 6 1/2" Saw Boss. It is light easy to handle and reasonably priced.

   A drill with a set of bits is necessity. Milwaukee makes a great one with a cord with a 3/8" chuck. Or you could pay a little more and get a cordless. If you go cordless don't buy anything less than 12 amp.

   For more advanced projects you will probably need a power miter box. There are alot to choose from now a days. I've been using the same 8 1/2" Hitachi slider for 18 years almost every day and have yet to kill it.

   I'm sure many others will pop in with other suggestions I hope this helps.

   J.P.

5. 
   chatobob | Dec 07, 2004 04:33am | #5

   Assuming you are in or near a major metropolitan area, take some classes before you start buying tools.  That way you will find out if you enjoy woodworking and you will get professional advise on how to use the basic tools safely.  Sure, it's easy to go to a hardware store and buy a circular saw, but if you have never used one, or have only been around one a few times, they can be very dangerous.  Safety should be your first priority, so you can enjoy that new home.  The tool buying can come later. 

   -Bob

6. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 07, 2004 04:50am | #6

   I assume you can figure out (or already have, if you are handy) the hand tools that are pretty much indispensable -- hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.

   As far as power tools are concerned, there are three I would recommend to start -- a circular saw, a corded drill, and a sander.

   Now the hard question: how much to spend. I just bought a Porter Cable "Saw Boss" (model #345); it is a terrific saw --- small, lightweight, easy to maneuver -- but it cost me $140. You can get other, cheaper, perfectly serviceable circ saws for under $50. Buy something that fits your budget and feels comfortable in your hand. (Get a pair of safety glasses at the same time).

   I would buy a corded drill (rather than a cordless) because they are way cheap (as little as $20) and perfectly adequate for drilling all but larger holes.

   I would also counsel a cheap sander -- what is known as an orbital, pad sander. I bought such a Makita sometime ago for about $35.

   I hope this helps. I like the idea of going cheap, since once you are underway you will be giving more attention to tool acquisition. And in that process, you will be able to figure out what specific brands and tools might best serve your interest. Moreover, you will always be able to find some utility use for these cheap tools (most of us have multiple drills and sanders).

7. 
   finebuilder | Dec 07, 2004 08:43am | #7

   Drop none-too-subtle Christmas gift hints for Gift cards to the big box stores! They usually have some sweet deals right before this holiday.  my recommendations;

   smooth face hammer that feels good to you (about $14)

   torpedo level ( For now) ( about $2)

   studfinder (the density sensing ones not magnetic ) ( about $10)

   variety pack of nails and screws ( until you know what you want $3-$5)

   cordless screwgun/drill ( at least 12 volt )

   utility knife (never use dull blades!  about $3-6)

   circular saw ( home depo lets you try them out) ( about $75)

   perhaps a portable tablesaw...certainly eventually if you get the bug!

   Don't forget that there are tool rental places all over if you want to use something once.

   Also MOST woodworkers would be quite happy to show you how something works and maybe even let you "borrow" some in their shop.  I know that it is rare for me to turn someone away who really wants to learn.  Best wishes!  By the way some of the best woodworkers I know are of the fairer sex so dive right in and be careful, those spinning blades could care less about your fingers or other parts! Use common sense and never hesitate to ask questions. Especially here!  We all started out as rookies!

   One place you might want to look is in one of the "Wound" posts. Learn from our ignorance!  No one is so useless that he can't at least be used as a poor example!

   Miami

8. 
   BenM | Dec 07, 2004 03:20pm | #8

   I would start with a book on home repair.  The book will show you which tools you need to do a particular type of repair or project.  The photos may demonstrate how to use the tool as well.  Start with an easy project.  Good luck.

9. 
   AlanWS | Dec 07, 2004 08:37pm | #9

   I'd say the first tool should be a book. Peter Korn's "Woodworking Basics - Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship" for instance, will give you an excellent introduction to fine woodworking techniques. It covers both hand and power tool use, so you can compare what's required and the advantages of each approach.

10. 
    MarkRoderick | Dec 07, 2004 10:40pm | #10

    There are sort of two sets of answers to your question, depending on whether you're more interested in home-improvement and carpentry, or in woodworking as such. There is lots of overlap, but also lots of differences.

    About a year ago a friend of mine said he wanted to get into woodworking and I wrote a memo for him, which is attached. It needs a little updating but you might find it useful for your purposes.

    
11. 
    AndyE | Dec 08, 2004 10:45pm | #11

    Tools are like cars, you have to drive them to see what fits you well. As a smallish person myself, it is important put a hand on things before purchasing them. There are screwdrivers and saws with all different sizes of handles, so go to your local hardware store or big box and "handle" to tools you are interested in. I have a Makita circular saw I bought about 15 yrs ago that has done me proud and with the plastic body the lighter weight makes it easy to use all day. The one essential, after the basic handtools, if you are just starting out would be a set of sawhorses. Whether the plastic kind or metal brackets you add your own lumber to, having a place to prop up a work piece, make a table, or set some drying molding, they become indispensible. As for power tools, Ryobi makes an 18 volt set they call their +1 sytem, that you can add tools as you need them. I have a few and find they have good power, aren't too heavy, and some of the add ons, like a cordless chainsaw attachment are real handy around a new house for trimming shrubs and trees.

    Good luck.

12. 
    JFink | Dec 09, 2004 10:39pm | #12

    psst....come on over to Fine Homebuilding's online forum.....

    http://login.prospero.com/dir-login/index.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&lgnF=r&lgnDST=http%3A%2F%2Fforums%2Etaunton%2Ecom%2Ftp%2Dbreaktime%2F

     

     

    Justin Fink

    FHB Editorial

1. 
   Corey | Dec 10, 2004 12:11am | #13

   Wow!  Thanks everyone.  I guess I'll start out with a good circular saw for my first project--replacing the ridiculous 6" deep shelves in my pantry (if I have one more can of soup fall on my foot I'm going to scream . . .).  Thank you for the wonderful advice and resources.  Can't wait to get started!

   Corey