Thread: Best tools for the job

Welcome to the forum.

I am not sure what the cost of a temporary pole is but it could be a lot more convenient and time saving than what you propose. If you are using battery powered gear your day will be limited by the life of the batteries, once they are flat you will need to get them recharged - will need power. Air compressor will also require power. You will need a decent sized generator to run power tools and /or air compressor.
Many years ago houses were built without power tools. The tradesman took a lot of pride with their work; but the rate of work today if you are alone could be unacceptable.

I would do some recalculations with regard to cost of temporary power versus generator. Consider security of generator + fuel to run against convenience of mains power.

What you buy depends on
a) Your budget
How much money do you have. The more the better. Because you will find the construction process a whole lot easier with good quality tools than with cheaper ones.
b) The time you want to spend
You could make the whole thing with hand tools. People did this and more for 1000's of years. You could also walk everywhere, cook over an open fire and see the local witch doctor for some chicken's blood when you get sick.
c) Your skills
Doubtless your skills will improve over the course of the project but if you hand tool skills are not highly developed NOW then the whole project will be just that much harder. Furthermore the shear physical energy required using hand tools is going to be so much greater.
d) Your goals
It may be that the construction of the house is some life time goal and that all of the rigors and difficulties you will encounter are part of the challenge. In that case I suppose then using hand tools would be part of the journey. But if you just want a well built place to live, made in a speedy fashion, with the least amount of work then get yourself all the mechanical and electrical help you can.

I would suggest you need at least
a 12'' compound slide miter saw
a 9 1/4'' power saw
a jig saw
a frame nail gun and a finish gun + compressor
A good quality reversible hammer drill

These will set you back maybe $2000 -$2500 depending on what and where you buy. At the end of the project (if you buy good quality gear) they will still be with you and I suppose you will be able to sell them if you wanted. But you probably will want to keep the stuff.

You will also have to hire some other bits and pieces as you go.

As well as chook's list, you might want to factor in little things like a decent tape (maybe two if you aren't used to handling them - big and sturdy plus small and handy), square and level. A saw bench/table for the compound mitre saw. Saw horses - these can be built easily enough too. Good practice to start. Even with power tools you will want some hand tools I suppose.

Is a builder's pole really that expensive ? Intrigued, I went online and found a Brisbane supplier that rents them starting a $20/week plus a few hundred for install. Not sure what other costs are though. You do have to pay some rent up front but then once paid your done for that period. A decent gennie and enough fuel will set you back a fair bit.

Are you expecting to use subcontactors? I think you legally need subbies (or quals) for power and water. They will probably expect power on tap. If you are trying (understandably) to do things on the cheap, keep your subbies happy and make life easy for them.

One of the handiest tools would have to be the compound mitre saw. Versatile, accurate and time saving. Closely followed by the nail gun, a real labour saving devise. Best to have both a framer and a fixer. Of course a compressor is needed for the nailers as gas operated guns get a bit expensive. Still worth checking out though, as you save on the cost of compressor and hose. The one other tool that is almost indespensable is a cordless drill that also doubles as a screwdriver. The major expense will be a generator. Of course a generator can always be sold once power is connected if you have no further use and they are always in demand. Buy quality and drain the carb. in the interest of reliability. Hand tools would be a hammer, nailbag, tape measure, smoothing plane, square, chisels, spirit level and clear hose for water level.
Safety tip: Always carry hammer with you when using nail gun in case you nail your hand to wood. If unable to remove nail, a quick blow to the head may afford some short term pain relief. Just kidding.

A while back I seem to remember a thread about the manufacturer of homesteading tool chests for the original settlers.

A list of the contents might help.

I'd think you could discount any logging saws (you will be buying from sawmills - won't you?), but everything else is likely to be needed.

Lots of really good suggestions have already been put forward already and once you have the basics, you can always purchase what you need as you go.

A couple of points occur to me. Are you building on a surburban block or rural. If a rural block, is that why the builders pole is expensive, beacuse the power has to come a long way? About 8 years ago I sold my builders pole complete with power board at a clearing sale. I think I got $60 for it. My point is that you don't have to buy new.

If power connection to the block is the issue, you are going to have to confront that at some time anyway.

I guess if finance is the problem (when isn't it) you could always start off with hand tools and give it a go until such time as you are more financial, you've knocked up or you are fed up! Make sure your hand saws are sharp even if you are using the disposable hardpoint versions. Keep buying new saws.

You could buy all the hand tools for a hundred or two. The fact that you have no tools at all concerns me a little. Have you experience of woodworking? Having said that, the fact you are contemplating the project in the first place means that you have the right mindset. The skills will develop as you go (maybe if you don't already have them..

Good luck with the project.

Regards
Paul