How to get started?? Help appreciated=)

[michael84]

Hello fellow wood workers.
Just getting myself started into the hobby/lifestyle that is woodworking And need some help:cool:.
Firstly i can confidently say that i can see myself enjoying ww years & years from now So i see it pointless buying cheap tools when they are just going to have to be replaced.
With that in mind i have just gone out and bought a festool extractor, plunge saw and 150 rotex to start of with(there was a sale:2tsup:) but g's is it expensive gear. It now looks like i will need to think about cross cutting. I do have a cheap GNC drop saw but question its ability to give nice clean cuts.Could i cross cut accurately with the plunge saw some how?
I could see myself needing a router and bits in a month or so, any suggestions? Or any other power tools i may need?
In the mean time im in the market for some hand tools. Chisels, planes, saws, honing guide, stone, marking guage, sliding bezel, squares etc.
I was thinking of getting a set of 5 of veritas chisels , 2 planes and 3 saws but was not sure what brand, size and type to get. Was looking online and and at carba-tec who seem to have a good range. But feel im in need of guidance to help get me started. From where to buy, what to buy, when to buy, and of any classes i could do preferably in the western sydney area.
HaS AnYbODY got any useful advice they could give me? Please..Would really value your input.
Cheers and happy woodworking to you all:!

[Handyjack]

Michael84 welcome to the forum.

Using the Festool plunge saw and guide rails it is possible to do neat cross cuts. It just takes a bit of time and you need to think carefully if piece is to be less than about 140mm.

The general recommendation is to buy as you need, rather than buy what you think you might need. I managed for years without a drop saw but the purchase of the Festool gear was one of the best things I did.

Wishing you many happy years woodworking.

[yowie]

Welcome mate,

I agree, the best option is to buy as you need it, especially if you don't have to go too far to buy it.
Saying that, I personally think a decent table saw is a great place to start as it is very versatile. I have the carbatec one and the side wing has a hole that can be used as a router table as well so a great bit of kit. Of course there are hundreds on the market.

After a set of chisels and a good plane, I'd personally consider a thicknesser and a planer. That way you can dress your own wood. Most of what I use is recycled and having a planer and thicknesser makes it very easy.

Have fun.

[vk4]

Michael,

I would be the last person to knock Festool gear , I used to sell It,.

But you do not have to buy top shelf for everything you use, Hitachi, Carba Tech, Makita, to name a few are all good tools, you can certainly build an excellent workshop with these tools and also Festool, as well.

Jeff
vk4

[dr4g0nfly]

I'd suggest you pick a starting point, say boxes (see the forum further down) or something else small that appeals. that way you'll need a limited range of tools to start with.

Be careful when it comes to thinking about what you need, yes power tools and big machines look fantastic but once you've got your timber to approximate sizes good quality handtools can do the rest, and you'll learn more about timber and the way it 'likes' to be worked.

I'll qualify that - I think a Router is important as it does so much and the multitude of cutters means you don't need a set of 30 moulding planes.

Don't think you can jump in at the deep-end, a four poster bed or ornate display cabinet is something to aspire to, not your first project.

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum. As others have said no need to purchase everything in one go.

Personally I have been buying things as I need them and have been travelling towards hand tools. With the second hand older tools coming into the equation.

[chook]

My goal this year has been to upgrade my hand tools.To this end I have been buying Veritas hand saws and planes and sharpening jigs and some Incra measuring tools. This Saturday I will be getting a Veritas marking gauge. I have also got a few King Water Stones. If my experience is any guide the quality f the tools from Veritas and Incra and King is excellent. But that said I have built several houses full of furniture with lesser quality tools. I suspect that skill can overcome deficiencies in tools but given the choice I would rather not. I just want to have fun.

What others say about buying what you need is very true and perhaps you will be strong enough to follow such good advice. But I am weak. Send me to the Wood Show with money in my pocket and I promise you I will find a "need" for just about any tool I can afford.

[Geekgirl]

What others say about buying what you need is very true and perhaps you will be strong enough to follow such good advice. But I am weak. Send me to the Wood Show with money in my pocket and I promise you I will find a "need" for just about any tool I can afford.

I do not have that problem :( I can justify a use and NEED for every tool I SEE ;)

Kat.

(Looking for a wealthy partner to fund my hobby ;)

[issatree]

Hi Michael84,
For those other Tools you are after, there is a Tool Sale coming up of good used Tools by the Sydney Tool Group.
This came up a week or so ago, by 1 of the Forum Members.
So if you Search through the Threads, you may find the Date & where.
These Tool Sales are Very Popular, just ask around.

[michael84]

Wow thanks everyone for your advice. Its so good having a place like this forum to go to for answers. Thanks again for your advice.