Thread: Essential Woodworking Tools ??

The list could get pretty long but the things I use more than anything else are a square and decent measuring/marking tools. You don't have to buy the top of the range but don't be tempted to buy cheap rubbish here because nothing is more frustrating than making things that are out of square or "wonky" because of inaccurate measurements. A couple of decent squares (small and large), a marking knife, good quality tape measure and steel rules are invaluable, and I find that my hook rule is exceptionally handy. The other thing you can never have enough of is a range of clamps in all sizes and designs. Oh, and by the way, welcome to the forum.

Hi mstanbis,

Welcome!
I'm a learning woodcarver and new here too.

I would think it a good idea to decide what you would like to make first and then get the tools you need to complete the project.
If you add the tools you need for each subsequent project, you'll soon have a workshop full.

Originally Posted by Mollywood

I would think it a good idea to decide what you would like to make first and then get the tools you need to complete the project. If you add the tools you need for each subsequent project, you'll soon have a workshop full.

That is a very good good idea for small things like clamps and drill bits but there are some tools that you might not be able to justify or really need for one project but they open up your eyes to possibilities or allow you to do things easier and quicker. One such tool is a bandsaw, even a small one, can do so many things. The others are a router and router table, and a drill press.

But if you want to make a really nice lazy susan you will or course need a lathe!

Originally Posted by Mollywood

I would think it a good idea to decide what you would like to make first and then get the tools you need to complete the project.
If you add the tools you need for each subsequent project, you'll soon have a workshop full.

Very good idea, what you make dictates what you will need, and there are 300 different ways of doing everything.
Everyone has favourite tools and they can do nearly everything with them.

G'day and welcome mstanbis.

The firts thing t made After leaving school was a bookshelf. Bought a handsaw. square. electric drill, screwdriver, hammer, chisels and plane.
Built up from there.

Are you married? If you are your view of essential tools will be vastly different to that of SWMBO.

I think it's time for all of us to turn to cordless tools. They're so much better to use than corded ones, and they're getting better every year. For instance, a cordless circular saw is brilliant to use and much safer. So mys suggestion is to buy one good cordless tool at a time in this order: drill, saw (jigsaw, circular saw, or reciprocating), sander, planer, router, and maybe an impact driver.

Originally Posted by artme

G'day and welcome mstanbis.

The firts thing t made After leaving school was a bookshelf. Bought a handsaw. square. electric drill, screwdriver, hammer, chisels and plane.
Built up from there.

Are you married? If you are your view of essential tools will be vastly different to that of SWMBO.

Yes I am married, one year in November. But i'm very lucky on that front, my wife is encouraging me !! AND she wants me to have a hot car ('69 Camaro as apposed to my Datsun .

Thanks for all your suggestions guys, I think I'll be getting a few hand tools this break, and I'm going to start looking around for table saws. Either a good second hand contractors one or a new bench style one. Anyone no some good places to look here in Perth ?? And what's a good price for a contractors table saw (Obviously it depends on the quality

I've been doing some research and it sounds like the fence/table is the most important part, and an induction motor.

Howcome I can never get a satisfactory cut with a jigsaw? I hate them.

Take your poit about corless Rossluck.
Be damned good working in the air without cords.
What's your view on a cordless lathe?

I started with a circular saw.
I used it to make a bench.
Then I mounted the saw in the bench and had a saw bench.
I then bought a router which also got mounted in the bench. A router bench if you will...

I think you can pretty well make anything with a circular saw and a battery drill... The rest are just bells and whistles to enusre things are nicely shaped and don't cause splinters

Don't ask me about what tools I have these days... It is a medical fact that tool buying is more addictive than crack.

Damien