Basic Beginner Tools

[The Magician]

Hi all, I am just starting out in woodwork and diy and what i would like to know is can anyone tell me what kind of tools i need as i am only a beginner. Thanks

[DarrylF]

Depends on what you're trying to achieve - and of course your budget. You'll need different (and far fewer) tools to put up a shelf or finish a raw pine bookshelf than you would if you wanted to build a dining table from scratch :)

The topic has of course been covered here many times - but with more information on your situation I'm sure we can help.

[derekcohen]

Darryl's right, let us know what yout immediate goal is.

But the question made me think about the first tools I purchased some 20-odd years ago. The aim was to do a little DIY around the house - build bookshelves, general repairs, etc - nothing complicated.

I started with a power drill (with sander attachment), jigsaw, 1/3 sheet sander, and a set of chisels and screwdrivers. The power tools were B+D, and the remainder Stanley. All cheap as chips. They did the job for DIY. The rest is history.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Chris Parker]

Here is my attempt at detailing a toolchest for a DIY/ homeowner. I ama woodwork and design teacher and I talk this over with my graduating students.




Parker Tool Chest


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I am often asked by friends about what tools are essential and what are not. Here is a suggestion of what I would consider a basic and more than adequate home handy man (and woodwork hobbyist) tool chest.


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As a general rule, if I can’t afford to buy a quality hand tool, I will not buy it until I can. It becomes a life long purchase (and longer, I have some of my dad’s tools). A general rule of thumb for quality is to avoid (if you can) buying tools made in Asia (which is getting more difficult) even though made in Europe, North America or Australia can be up to twice or three times the price.



HAND TOOLS

Solid work bench

Woodwork vice

Metalwork vice

Level

Small bench plane

Chalk Line

Tape measure

Set square

Combination square

Stanley knife

Marking gauge

Adjustable sliding bevel

Claw hammer

Warrington hammer

Metal rule 300mm

Metal rule 100mm

Wooden mallet

Pincers

Bull nose pliers

Long nose pliers

Shifting spanner 6"&10"

Pipe wrench

6-12 sliding clamps

2 sash clamps

Builders square

Vice grips

Panel/rip saw

Tenon saw

Hack saw

Coping saw

Staple gun

Set of metal twist bits

Set of spade drill bits

Set of masonry bits

Centre punch

Nail punch

Philips screwdrivers

Flat blade screwdrivers

Set metric allen keys

Med paint scraper

Set firmer chisels

½ rnd bastard file

½ rnd smoothing file

½ rnd wood rasp

Rat tail wood rasp

Caulking gun

Small step ladder

Battery drill

Putty knife/small tool

Oil/water stone

POWER TOOLS

Electric drill

Random orbit sander

Router

Bench grinder

WISH LIST OF POWER TOOLS

Triton 2000 workbench

Jig saw

Circular saw

Angle grinder

Electric Plane

Belt sander

Biscuit joiner

Electric chain saw



You can also see this on my website:

http://www.houseofparker.com/parker_tool_chest.htm