Thread: G'Day! Minimal experience... dunno where to start...

Welcome to the club. Starting in woodwork can be an exciting experience and is different for each of us. If you know what you want to do it would be a good idea to tell us. Use the search facility and type in 'start' because this subject has been discussed a few times.
Generally though you buy tools "as you go" for each piece of work.

soth

Welcome to the forum.

Some good advise already mention. You buys tools as you go.

Something to always start with and that is a ruler in order to measure out the parts of any project. Something to write with Pencil.


Simple reply but O so true.

G'day Tingo and welcome to the cubby!!

In order to answer your question I have a coupl of questions to ask you:

# how big is your shed?

# How much can we help you to spend?

hi guys!
thank you for the replies.

I only have a half empty single garage... and around only $200 to spend at this moment.
Not interested in powered tools.
Have been looking at some planers, chisels and japanese handsaws... again, not sure which to get first with my very limited budget.

Have a workbench plan from the Australian Woodsmith (Issue#67) which I really like but don't think I have the skills and tools to build it.

OK. Second hand is Probably the go for some things so flea markets can turn up good bargains, ebay, local newspapers etc. Garage sales.

Think measuring, marking and a square. A handsaw . mallet and some chisels to begin with. Scre drivers are a good idea, a good set of drill bits and a drill.

Hi Tingo and welcome to the forum. I agree with artme, second hand is the way to go on a small budget. The very basic tools you would have to have would be a ruler, pencil, hand saw, couple of chisels and at least a plane, screw driver, sanding block, clamps (very necessary) The list goes on I'm afraid and so does the cost but with these few tools you will be able to make a start on your project. Good luck

Thanks again!

I have had a look in my messy garage... these are what I found.
1 x 30cm old steel ruler
1 x set of screw drivers
1 x set of cheap plastic clamps from Bunnings
1 x rubber mallet. Is this ok? should I get a wooden one?
1 x 15cm old steel square... seems a bit out of true though..

Questions:
couple of chisels - what types or sizes to start?
plane - what type? read in a book that one shouldn't spend money on cheap plane, true?
sanding block - just stick the sand paper to a block of wood?
handsaw - is japanese saw a good start? if yes, which type?

Sorry about all these questions... learning slowly here...
But I do know that I wish to learn to make furniture with glueless and nailless joiner in the near future.

i heard that the markets in Laverton and Boronia are pretty good for secondhand tools... any other good places? will check ebay too.

Originally Posted by tingo

Thanks again!

I have had a look in my messy garage... these are what I found.
1 x 30cm old steel ruler
1 x set of screw drivers
1 x set of cheap plastic clamps from Bunnings
1 x rubber mallet. Is this ok? should I get a wooden one?
1 x 15cm old steel square... seems a bit out of true though..

Those will be a good start to your tools but you may need to invest in a new T square if the one you have is not true. Wooden mallet is better for woodworking but this can be as simple as a piece of scrap timber or a lump or wood.

Questions:
couple of chisels - what types or sizes to start? Probably something about 15mm in width and one about 20mm or a bit more. I wouldn't be too fussy to start off with if you can pick up something second hand and cheap enough, just grab them.
plane - what type? read in a book that one shouldn't spend money on cheap plane, true? Don't buy a cheap, new plane, you will find a much better used plane for a reasonable price at the flea market. The older planes are usually much better quality than the new stuff of today unless you want to spend a fortune. You also need to learn how to sharpen a plane blade. I would suggest a #5 or a block plane to start off with.
sanding block - just stick the sand paper to a block of wood? Yep or just wrap the sand paper around the block of wood.
handsaw - is japanese saw a good start? if yes, which type? Japanese pull saws are great but a bit costly but well worth the investment. Second hand saws are usually blunt as. well the ones I have come across have been.

It is well worth the effort to go around your local flea markets to try and buy second hand tools, you will save heaps of money and the quality of the tool will probably be far superior to the new stuff. It will take time to find the right tools at the right price but it is always fun to search for a bargain and even more fun when you find one. Another idea is to ask friends if they have any old tools they don't use any more and offer to buy them. You may be surprised at the response.

cool, thanks!

Is Japanese Kataba saw the one to get?

Welcome aboard tingo.

Two things....First thing...the rubber mallet is very handy tool, get a wooden one when you require it.

Thing the second....while this forum is an excellent resource, your local library might be even excellenter.......it's possible they will have books on stool making and box making and there is a fair bit written about Japanese tools too....or will be able to get them for you at a minimal cost.
cheers
Sean

I think for the moment the Japanese saw might be quite a bit high. I purchased one and after a some cuts I lost one tooth then after a month another tooth was lost. It still cut but more were being lost. I now have a bend in the shaft from a kink. Will either fix it or replace it. If you are used to westeren style then stick with them for the moment.

You can always get a Japanese saw later.

Tingo
On a recent trip to Melbourne I checked out camberwell markets, there were quite a few tool stalls there. I recomend you try them in your hunt for 2ndhand tools.
Good luck & happy sawdusting
Gerard