OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

123191 Clayton Carter <crcarter@c...> 2003‑10‑15 Getting Started (or Advice For A Beginner's Tool Kit) (long)
Hello All,

	I've been a subscriber for about a week now and I might as
well get started.  I've got a reasonable amount of experience being
`handy', but I'm now looking at getting into woodworking.  When I say
handy, I mean that I'm comfortable with tools.  I've got more
woodworking experience than the average American, but that's not
saying too much.  Years ago, I worked with my uncle (a master
carpenter) to build several projects, culminating in a nice
table/nightstand complete with a drawer.  Of all things.  Anyway,
that's all more or less meaningless since MOST of the work was done by
him and I just got to do a little working and a lot of watching.
Which was fine at the time, but I regret it now.  Jesus, I'm rambling
already.  The point is that I'm comfortable with tools and wood.  Now
I just want to put the two together.

	I want to start out easy, doing everyone's favorite beginner
project, the picture frame.  Several of them.  After that, I'd like to
tackle something significantly more challenging like a Shaker-style
table.  I want to start with some cheap and easy wood like pine, so
that I won't feel too bad when I screw up.  And, for the love of God,
I don't want to buy moulding.  I want to fill my knuckles with
splinters by squaring and truing the stock myself.

	Aside from that, we have to start talking tools.  I'm
interested in hand tools both for the simplicity they provide and
embody and for the fact that my shop doesn't have electricity.  :) So
there we have it.  I've got a short list of tools that I *think* that
I'll need to get started.  I'm trying to keep this short so that I can
keep sticker shock to a minimum.  I can then add tools as future
projects demand.  (BTW, I've looked in the archives but haven't seen
anything particular to what I'm looking for.)

Saws:
    `standard' handsaw
	- this I have; a generic handsaw from Crap Depot; cross cut, I
	  think 
    dovetail or small tenon saw

Planes:
    jack plane (for the rough stuff)
    smoothing plane (for finishing)

Chisels:
    1/4", 1/2" and 1"

Misc:
    try square
    sliding bevel
    various clamps
	- probably of the Quick-Grip variety

	I've already got a hammer, screwdrivers, folding rule and
bench.  I'm also planning on scrounging for some scraps so I can put
together some bench hooks, bench stops and the like.  Now for a few
questions:

	1) Any comments on the above list for a very basic starting
set?  Additions?  Removals?  Extra considerations?

	2) Will a smaller, finer toothed dovetail saw be suitable for
small tenons?  I can't imagine it wouldn't be, but you all would know
better.  If I really get into this, the biggest tenon I'll be working
on will probably be no more than 3" long and probably only about an
inch deep.

	3) What about planes?  That will probably be my biggest
expense since any one nice plane will cost >$50.  Would it be feasible
to look for an adjustable plane?  Hell, I don't even know if such
things exist.  How about this: what should I do about planes?

	4) Shopping.  Where do you folks go to look for quality tools?
Internet stores and eBay are one option, of course.  If I end up in an
actual, real store, are there any particular brands that I should look
out for?  Either to consider or to avoid?  I'd like to avoid big box
stores, if possible.  I've had a nice time looking around the Lee
Valley website, but that's about the only tool site that I'm familiar
with.  Well, and Rockler.com, but the very first sentence on their
site is `Be the first to own...' and that's just so very off putting.

	So, I open myself up to your advice.  Have at it and hopefully
I'll learn a thing or two.

Clayton
Belmont, MA



Recent Bios FAQ