Thread: Beginners questions

A circular saw, router and a drill will enable you to make pretty much anything.....starting with the multitude of jigs you'd need to build to get the most use out of them.

Probably the most cost effective thing you could ever get would be a library ticket. Get a shedload of books out and get reading, especially books dedicated to specific tools or jig making.

I started out with a powered hand plane, a circular saw and a router; all DIY quality named brands (Ozito and the like didn't exist then!). Once I had added a hand smoothing plane I was knocking out serviceable furniture and cabinets, all of which are still in use today.

Now I have lots of toys...but not nearly enough

What Chief Tiff says about library books is dead right. Get to your local and start reading.

I'd go with join a mens shed. People there will be able to help and they have all the tools already. That way you can see what you like, what you use and then acquire them yourself slowly.

If you've got the time, you can still achieve quite alot with your drill, a tenon saw, a coping saw and sandpaper, but it will be slow going. (depends on what you're in it for...)

Power tools will start to make things quicker, and you buy them as you can afford them. Or, as Pete (fly) has said, a men's shed will give you the opportunity to learn to use these power tools and can be great source of advice before you buy your own.

As for wheels, you really need a set of holesaws and a drill press.

thanks for the ideas guys

i definately will have a look in th elibrary to see what books are available and i already was playing with the idea in having a look at a mensshed.

i know now what a tennon saw and coping saw is so thanks for the idea yonee

i am tempting to buy some to work on this simple free pattern i found on a site as they are cheap compared to the power tools so it will keep me in budget

i had a look at the hardware store today to get some idea of prices . saw a small bandsaw from the ryobi brand which is apealing as i am limited in space and it seems i can do most of the cutting with it. maybe i can put on my christmas and birthday wishlist :P