Tool priority list...

[ste_5150]

Folks, I wonder if I can ask a little advice?

I'm very new to woodworking and my main problem is that I'm starting with basically no tools at all. My partner is going back to university in September to retrain so available funds is a pretty big issue....

I know it depends on what I want to do/make, so to avoid that question: I want to build up my skills designing and making general furniture etc. (ideas at the moment include a garden table & chairs, boxes/jewelry boxes, and a chess board [quite fancy that one]). I see myself more as a power tool woodworker so I guess that's where I'm asking for advice (I am aware of the need to build up basic skills using hand tools, which is what I've been spending time doing before now).

My main frustration is that I have no table saw or planer/thicknesser to create straight, long cuts, nor do I have the ability (beyond a hand plane which I am not fantastic with) to prepare stock to dimension.

I have no idea how to solve the dimensioning problem with such limited cash, I can't afford a table saw that is worth buying, and I have a few jobs right now that really need a router (I have come to the point where I'm looking at an £80-90 one as I can't really wait any longer and that's the max I can dedicate for the next few months [holiday coming up..]).

This may be a problem that can't really be solved, beyond just continuing with hand tools, but bearing in mind that I am a hobby woodworker (with obstacles as listed above) what would you suggest as an order I should buy things in, and what is the absolute minimum that is worth spending on each thing?

I know this is a difficult one to answer, but I'm afraid that if I hold out to try and save for things that are beyond my realistic budget, I may never get beyond my current level!

Apologies for the long (and probably a bit disjointed) post, just trying to explain my situation as much as possible. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[wizer]

Invest in a good quality router and circular saw. You can do nearly everything with these 2 power tools with a little ingenuity (and a lot of reading). Then you need a decent hand plant or 2 and you're away. Start small, collect as you go.

 

[ste_5150]

Thanks Wizer - I have a few ideas on the router but what would be the lowest priced circular saw that's worth buying?

 

[wizer]

Keep an eye out for a 2nd hand Hitachi or any of the big names are good. Makita, Bosch, Dewalt. I'm a fan of Hitachi and can thoroughly recommend them

 

[George_N]

In the power tool line I'd second a good hand-held circular saw, Makita, Bosch etc. and a 1/2" router...Trend, Dewalt etc. Then Google for "sawboard" which is a home made guide for your circular saw and router that will let you break down sheet material accurately and true up cut edges of boards with the router. The sawboard uses the factory edge of a sheet of ply or MDF to guide your tools. I saw a video of how to make one the other day on one of the magazine web sites, but I can't find it again, sorry.
For hand tools, you will need a plane or two (Ebay is a good source of second hand ones and this forum is a good place to start looking for advice on fettling and use). I'd go for a Stanley No 4 or 5 and a block plane like a No 9 1/2 or 60 1/2. A few chisels for cleaning up joints etc...start with a 1/4", 1/2" and 1"...again Ebay for second hand or something like Kirschen (two cherries) from Axminster. A couple of hand saws, either Japanese pull saw type or western type, depending on your preference. Of course you also need some sort of sharpening set up for your tools. For a low cost start-up Google for "Scary Sharp", a method that uses wet-and-dry abrasives of varying grades on a piece of flat float glass. The most invaluable tool I've found is this forun (and other web sites)
Sorry if I've rambled on a bit but that sort of list would get you started making things.

 

[ste_5150]

Sorry if I've rambled on a bit but that sort of list would get you started making things.

Thanks George. Rambling is good....

I have most of the hand tools you mentioned, but not all. I have been thinking about the best way to guide the power tools so I'll check into your suggestions. I've had a few ideas of my own but I'm more tempted to follow existing methods!

 

[Escudo]

Ste, I have a Bosch circular saw (in very good condition) which is surplus to my requirements. I would be happy to let you have this for a little something. I will check the second hand value on fleebay. I am sure we can come to some arrangement if your interested.

Just let me know perhaps with a PM.

I would like to mention the merits of a decent bandsaw as something for your list. Resawing timber, medium to small work with board material, forming curves and for cutting some joints.

Cheers, Tony.

 

[ste_5150]

PM sent.

I'd love to go down the bandsaw route, but I don't think I have enough cash for that just yet. It is high on the wish list though!! :lol: