Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Dec 28, 2004 06:21am | #1

   Well, that's kind of open ended ...

   What do you want to make?

   How did you decide you decide to be a beginning woodworker?

   The first tools you should buy are probably subscriptions to all the woodworking magazines that look even remotely interesting. Then a copy of Fine Woodworking #175, for the article, "27 Books every Woodworker Should Read." (You don't have to buy, or even read, all the books when you're just starting out, but you shoule know of their existence.) Then read this thread http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages/?msg=20712.1 to see what books the article missed.

   Go to a library that subscribes to FWW and checks out the Reader's Gallery in all the issues they have in house.

1. 
   hjosee265 | Dec 28, 2004 06:31am | #3

   thanks i will do that

1. 
   rustum | Dec 31, 2004 06:19am | #7

   many places have communal workshops geared to a number of different woodworking needs. her, you would be able to share the considerable cost of woodworking tools and also others experience.

   local classes and workshops would be a good place to make connections as well as learning the all important safety issues and as well how to avoid some of the infinite number of possible woodworking mistakes.

2. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 28, 2004 06:30am | #2

   The Uncle is right -- if you gave some indication of the kind of projects you have in mind, it would be easier to suggest what tools you might need.

   What kind of tool inventory do you have now -- and what sort of tool budget do you have in mind?

3. 
   mike4244 | Dec 29, 2004 05:37pm | #4

   Go to your library first.After reading several woodworking books you will get a better idea what you need.

   mike

4. 
   sawdustmaker | Dec 30, 2004 01:07am | #5

   You may get a wide variety of responses to this question. One thing to consider - hand tools. Some simple power tools can help you (circular saw etc.), but "learning the basics" with hand tools will help you with power tools in the long run. Besides, hand tools can be easier on your budget. I still have, and use often, the hand tools I purchased and learned to use over 25 years ago.

   Good saws (rip and crosscut), planes, chisels, layout tools, etc. will get you started in the right direction.

   There is an article in the most recent Fine Woodworking regarding "must have" books, and there was a thread not too long ago with other books to consider. The "advanced search" link on the upper left column may give you some more information.

   Best of luck, and welcome aboard!

1. 
   chills1994 | Dec 30, 2004 07:13am | #6

   Congratulations on becoming a WWer.  There are so many different wooden products a person could make, so it is difficult to say with any certainty what types of tools, books, or magazines you should buy. 

   Are you gonna make kitchen cabinets,  Chippendale high boys, violins, humidors, toys, Aztec drums or 'tater bins?

   I will say this though and others have said it here and elsewhere.....buy the best you can afford.  Good tools and good materials inspire you to do good work.  But use the cheap stuff to practice on, setups.

   In your new workshop you will soon find....

   that there is not enough space

   not enough light, heat, etc,

   you don't have enough clamps

   not enough outlets

   the list could go on

   It would be nice if Taunton would reprint all of the old magazines.  And one could buy a nice complete set.  If I was a WWing teacher, I'd make 'em required reading.

   Oh yeah, a bench with a vise is so helpful.  You'll wonder how you ever got by without one.

5. 
   Terre | Dec 31, 2004 07:04am | #8

   Good Evening,

   I started by buying a used ShopSmith.  Wonderful product which has to have one of the best factory support system available along with a wonderful web siite.  Look in the want adds for a good used shopsmith.  Brand new systems are close to $5,000.00 but the there are numerous ones available that have been used only once or twice for about $1,500.00.  Also, Ebay is a great place to buy one.  Jointech has some really interesting upgrades.