Thread: Starting out and looking for guidance!

Walnut isn't hard. Try Ringed Gidgee.

Hello. I don't consider myself to be an expert, so I can't give you advice on the wide range of tools in your selection list. However I do own some tools that I know work well wrt mobility and the quality of the result in using them. I notice that you mention the festool guides, I have a TS55 circular saw and is perfect in an environment where there are restrictions on space etc. Setting the guide up on the scribe line and getting that near perfect cut is so easy. Coupled with a good dust extractor you can collect most of the dust. The size of the items that you want to make gives you a bit more freedom when choosing your guide. I have a FS1400 that came standard with the saw. It is long enough for most cuts, however I have had to set up, cut and then move it for longer cuts. Unfortunately anything longer than 1400 mm starts to burn a hole in your wallet.

Regards,

Brendan

Stuyvie,
When it comes to advice you will receive plenty. Opinions are varied and often strongly held. I say this because I know what I am about to say will be challenged. On the matter of stationary tools it is often stated that the table saw is the basis of a workshop. I however hold that the bandsaw should be your first cutting instrument. First let me say I speak with a little experience. My first saw was a radial saw, I still have it and it gathers dust and junk in the workshop. Next I bought a table saw. It still gets a fair bit of use, especially for cutting sheet goods accurately. Then I bought a bandsaw because I though I needed one for cutting up logs for wood turning.. The first bandsaw was quickly sold for a better unit as I discovered just how versatile the bandsaw is. I have blades varying from 1/8th to 3/4 inch so I can cut curves almost as fine as a scrollsaw and rip veneers off an 8in wide plank. Things a table saw cannot do. It is one of the safest tools to use. I could rabbit on about the bandsaw but won't.

Perhaps the most important item in a workshop is a good bench. If you are going to use handtools (another frequent and fiercely contested discussion area) then the bench should be very firm, vibration free and FLAT. The bench is one big clamp and assembly area.
Planes, drills, hammers mallets and chisels acquire as need arises. One don't is to buy a "set" of chisels. I do have two "sets" but you will find that you use one or two favourite chisels and the rest get very occasional use. "Sets" are for collectors or for those of us who want exactly the right tool at the right time, based on experience and whilst not putting you, or any beginner down, you will not develop the need in the early stages. I now have eight planes, but started off with one smoothing planes and only bought the others as I found a need for them. Apply that philosophy to all your purchases and don't get hooked on wanting something because everyone else has one, it's an easy trap to fall into.
Skill comes with problem solving and not necessarily in buying a new tool


Jerry


Eveeryone is entitled to my opinion

Originally Posted by jerryc

. . . .I however hold that the bandsaw should be your first cutting instrument.

.
In general I agree but it depends what you are doing. Stuyvie, you say you are going to renovate houses but then only go on to mention furniture - are you thinking of making timber stud wall partitions, timber flooring etc. If so a circular (portable and SCMS) of some kind will be more useful than a BS. If it really is furniture, is it from sheet materials? If so and you are not thing cabinet then a portable CS still would be the way to go. For just about everything else a BS is the way to go

Originally Posted by jerryc

Perhaps the most important item in a workshop is a good bench.

Yep!

Originally Posted by jerryc

One don't is to buy a "set" of chisels.

Yep.

Originally Posted by jerryc

"Sets" are for collectors

Except perhaps for drill bit sets and even forstner bit sets - especially if you get these on special you can often get a very good deal.

Also look out for things you can make yourself.

Cheers

Thanks for the replies.

You are right there are a lot of opinions out there esp. table saw vs. band saw. Would a good band saw with guides dispense with the need for a thicknesser?

In terms of furniture, starting out I was going to make a few coffee tables, 2 entertainment units, a tallboy and some dressers, but when I (hopefully) get a little more skill, a few more detailed items such as detailed entrance hall table, beds etc.

In terms of housing, most often cabinets/kitchen/architrave/skirting work as well as some non load bearing studs. I wouldn't be doing anything structural myself.