Complete utter newb at wood working

[Blazinzuk]

So recently moved. Our new place eeds some work. Nothing too difficult.

Problem is before we moved I had good friends who were in or had been in construction.

I obviously relied on them way too much.

Initial plans are to build a small pantry in the garage ( it's useless space and will be a perfect place to store engines under it). Do some shelf and cabinet builds in the garage and later in my shop and some benches/ desks for the basement. Would like to make some simple bedframes with drawers in them too.

My woodworking tool collection is limited to hmmmmm nothing. My last circular saw got dropped in the move.

I cannot afford the best. I can barely afford the worst. Used tools are usually way too expensive around here or a 2 hour one way trip.

So recommend me the best of the worst. I'm thinking I need another circular saw. A job site type table saw and a miter saw ( have some trim that needs fixed).

I'm sure my needs will change and I will add specialized tools as time goes by but mostly interested in the basics right now

 

[ddawg16]

As DIY woodworker......and a cheap ******* to boot....allow me to make some suggestions...

I would suggest some cordless tools....the Ryobi 18V system as done me well....built my garage, 2-story addition and all of the cabinets in the house....

Along with that....you will want a decent compound miter slider....if budget is an issue....the HF is not a bad unit....next would be the Ryobi....after that, Rigid....

A table saw is great....but you 'can' get by without one. A decent circular saw....with a good blade and a rip board works well. Takes more time...but, gets the job done.

Since you want to make cabinets....you need face frames...and the best thing for that is the Kreg pocket hole cutter. You don't need the fancy dancy jig...just the single jig and drill bit.

DA sander....Ryobi is a good one....it uses standard sheets of sandpaper....1 sheet makes up 4 pieces for the sander.

Router....makes plain edges look fancy. I have 4. Don't buy a Craftsman....Ryobi and Rigid are good values.

Clamps....you will need lots of clamps. Pipe clamps are great for heavy duty jobs. I have about 30 clamps....but I would avoid the HF ones...clamps are one of those things you watch for on CL.

There are lots of other things you can get to make your life easier....but the above should do a pretty good job of spending any money you have.

 

[Blazinzuk]

Well I've got clamps. I knew I'd need some of those.

Been looking at refurbished stuff alot.

The table saw really is just to make my life easier.

I'm not a newb at building stuff and have a fairly well equiped metal shop. Milwaukee 18v cordless drill and 3/8 impact so if I get anything cordless probably gonna be Milwaukee stuff.

Not exactly like my 20 ton metal brake transfers over to woodworking lol. Although I did cut wood with my plasma cutter once

Thanks for the heads up on the Kreg jig.

Also have never heard of a rip board. Off to Google I go

 

[Blazinzuk]

See I'm an idiot rip fence duh.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

I'm in a similar position; I own a home that needs some work, and have a bit of experience with home improvement projects, but most of my tools are mechanic type stuff. This has been my strategy: Keep an eye out for deals on Craigslist and yard/estate sales. For power tools, Craftsman C3 stuff is OEM'd by Ryobi and is generally fair to pretty good, and tends to go cheap on the used market since everyone is after the Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Makita stuff. I'd avoid Black and Decker cordless tools, but their older corded tools are decent. There's lots of deals out there, and many of these tools are bought by homeowners and used for 2 or 3 projects, and stored for years, so they have a lot of life left in them. Good luck!

 

[ddawg16]

But you could make a nice rip fence with that 20 ton brake.

 

[jd_1138]

Pickup a 1/4 inch hex impact driver. They are awesome for driving large fasteners, but I would still pre-drill to avoid splitting the wood. Ryobis are OK.

 

[Richard Cranium]

The list ddawg gave you is a nice starting place

 

[cgrutt]

You can do a lot of basic woodworking (shelving, framing, simple boxes and trim work) with a miter saw and basic table saw. I did a lot with an old craftsman 10" contractor saw (aluminum top and steel wings from 1980s). Wouldn't be surprised if you could pick one up in decent shape on CL for under $100. As far as miter saw, compound slide is nice if its within your budget but you could save a lot with a simple chop saw if you're not going to be working with dimensional lumber larger than say 2x6. If you can afford it, spend your money on good blades for both saws. Carbide crosscut on miter and combination on table saw. I agree DDawg's list is good but would recommend a table saw esp. if you want one to begin with. Good luck.

 

[Jlbc212]

i have a dewalt 10" portable table saw. it is lightweight, but powerful. Invest in a 10" 80 tooth Diablo blade. It will cut through almost anything and last a long, long time. As to a circular saw, get a 7 1/2" Makita plug in model. It will outlive you.

 

[Cypherian]

Welcome,

And yeah you are in the middle of a dead zone did a little CL for your area and jeez . You might be better off getting stuff off EBAY shipped or from local swap meet stuff. As for tools well since your cheap .. :} No harm in looking at some of the kit stuff like dewalt or Milwaukee that come with drill , driver, recip and trim saw . Pick up a contractors table saw ,chop saw and a router along with some sanders belt and Da you could pretty much build any cabinetry you want. This by the way coming from a tin knocker too :} Me and wood have an umm love hate relationship but it does keep the wood stove stocked with kindling just saying:} . The kit you would have to find the best deal on and the contractor saw new from a supplier the sanders, skill saw and router go old school I just looked at ebay and for about 200 there you could get a 3 inch belt sander, skill saw and a 5 inch da and router add some for shipping and done. It is about the way I got most of mine I bought new Dewalt Drill,Driver and 10 Inch Craftsman Table Saw and a Milwaukee sawzall and skill saw after that it is all 1960's-1970's ish hand power tools. I do use some of my metal working stuff as double duty but ... Put a piece of wax paper or something between your clamps from welding before you clamp a piece of wood with them ... Ask me how the "Carbon Black Character" marks do not sand out :} LOL

Cypher

 

[woody 73]

Please I beg your forgiveness but I do not know the nearest CL in your area of Afton WY, so I picked the CL in a place called the Western slope.

Since money is tight and I can understand that big time start looking everyday for some cheap used woodworking tools like the following example:

http://westslope.craigslist.org/tls/5498947597.html

You do not have to pay that price (not set in stone) but you could offer $35.00 dollars or $40.00 dollars and then you will have a "GOOD START" as they say in building up a small woodworking shop.

Then one day when funds start growing you can sell the smaller power tools for larger models.

When the day comes and your ship comes in or you win some cash in a pool game/card game/bingo etc. have some fun and pick up a "FREE" Grizzly catalog (VERY CHEAP CHINESE MACHINES) and go to town.

http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/

And when you win the big State lotto then I can give you names of woodworking machines that will amaze you and drain your wallet at the same time.

Hope that helps keep looking everyday on your local CL.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Since you want to make cabinets....you need face frames...and the best thing for that is the Kreg pocket hole cutter. You don't need the fancy dancy jig...just the single jig and drill bit.

You need a couple of those huge jaw locking pliers to work with the Kreg jig. HF one are fine.

 

[theoldwizard1]

This looks like a STEAL in Pocatello !

10" Table Saw - $100

Not as nice, but reasonable price.

Table saw - $35 (Idaho Falls)

 

[CTyankee]

i have a dewalt 10" portable table saw. it is lightweight, but powerful. Invest in a 10" 80 tooth Diablo blade. It will cut through almost anything and last a long, long time. As to a circular saw, get a 7 1/2" Makita plug in model. It will outlive you.

You probably can get a really good deal on a table saw off CL. Problem is, the better ones are going to weigh a ton. Others may have issues from over use that can cause frustration and even potential danger. If I was just starting out I'd go new with the above recommendation. Safety features are a plus even more so for an inexperienced user. Scrimp in other areas. JMO.

 

[spongerich]

Look for a radial arm saw. Around here they're dirt cheap with everyone 'upgrading' to sliding miter saws. They're tremendously versatile. You can crosscut and rip (if you're careful). You can also get attachments for moulding, sanding, drilling etc. I paid $35 for my Craftsman and it looks like it had been used maybe once.

 

[Zeke]

You say a TS would make life easier. Not always. You CAN do just about everything a TS does with power hand tools and they store a lot easier. The trick is to get good guides. Ddawg calls the long one a rip board. It's more common to hear guide. With a set up that will do both dimensions of plywood you can actually handle the big sheets much easier. Also make sure your guides will work well on dimensional lumber from 1 x 12's to 2 X's. That will take the place of the sliding miter saw.

Woodworking takes a lot of time. Having lots of woodworking machines helps more if you have a lot of repetitive cuts. Making one cabinet or set of shelves is just as easily accomplished on a set of folding horses and with some power tools.

One more thing: the various guides available can many times be used with a router. By using a router you can make dado's and clean up end cuts. A belt sander works nicely for that and is very useful over in the metal shop.

 

[Adam.C]

Look for a radial arm saw. Around here they're dirt cheap with everyone 'upgrading' to sliding miter saws. They're tremendously versatile. You can crosscut and rip (if you're careful). You can also get attachments for moulding, sanding, drilling etc. I paid $35 for my Craftsman and it looks like it had been used maybe once.

RAS is one of the most dangerous woodworking tools.
To make decent face frame style cabinetry, you need either a good table saw or a track saw. Biscuit joiner is more helpful than pocket holes. It takes years to get good at this. Be patient and set realistic expectations.

 

[woody 73]

Adam if you think about it just about every tool in any shop is very dangerous if used improperly; The RAS gets a bad rep but it still is a good tool.

I have yet to hear back from the op but I gather he lives out in Mars the nearest CL in in Venus and the gas alone and his limited funds are a burden that he might not overcome to easy and any power tool he can get would help him out in a big way.

 

[Blazinzuk]

Guys thanks tons for the info. Yah I didn't realize there would be so many woodworking tools on Craigslist. I have family in Pocatello. So we head there alot.

Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Logan, and Evanston are my closest decent population areas all about 2 to 2.5 hours away.

Looks like used stuff won't be so hard to come by. Stoked on that.

Sounds like a router needs to be high on the list too. Hmmm wonder if I can pass off a Bridgeport as a wood working tool.

 

[cgrutt]

RAS is one of the most dangerous woodworking tools.
To make decent face frame style cabinetry, you need either a good table saw or a track saw. Biscuit joiner is more helpful than pocket holes. It takes years to get good at this. Be patient and set realistic expectations.

Agree with above. Radial Arm Saw wouldn't be my first choice esp. if you are new to woodworking. They are definitely very versatile machines and you can do a lot with them but they are extremely dangerous even with appropriate guards, and you are pretty much limited to the size of boards that you can work with. Very limited use with sheet goods. Best use IMO is for cross-cutting boards to length and ripping should be avoided if possible. Not saying it can't be done but there are much safer tools to use for it.

 

[Cypherian]

Guys thanks tons for the info. Yah I didn't realize there would be so many woodworking tools on Craigslist. I have family in Pocatello. So we head there alot.

Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Logan, and Evanston are my closest decent population areas all about 2 to 2.5 hours away.

Looks like used stuff won't be so hard to come by. Stoked on that.

Sounds like a router needs to be high on the list too. Hmmm wonder if I can pass off a Bridgeport as a wood working tool.

It spins fast enough :} make an appropriate guard and tada :} just mind all the oil probably have to have surface to put down to protect your material:}

Cypher

 

[Davefr]

Guys thanks tons for the info. Yah I didn't realize there would be so many woodworking tools on Craigslist. Looks like used stuff won't be so hard to come by. Stoked on that.

My gut feel suggests that woodworking is a dying hobby. The "young uns" don't seem to have much interest, time or space.

I see a glut of great woodworking tools and machines at g-sales for pennies on the dollar.

If you make a sweep thru some populated cities you could probably get everything you need very quickly.

Is Salt Lake do-able?

 

[Zeke]

Guys thanks tons for the info. Yah I didn't realize there would be so many woodworking tools on Craigslist. I have family in Pocatello. So we head there alot.

Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Logan, and Evanston are my closest decent population areas all about 2 to 2.5 hours away.

Looks like used stuff won't be so hard to come by. Stoked on that.

Sounds like a router needs to be high on the list too. Hmmm wonder if I can pass off a Bridgeport as a wood working tool.

Well, I get your drift on the Bridgeport and many metal working machines will do wood quite nicely. Again, woodworking is a slow process unless you are set up for production. The time it takes to make a single cut is about the same no matter how you go about it. If you set up stop blocks, fences, miter gauges and other fixtures for one cut, the 2nd one is a breeze. Having floor machines because you might make 3-4 of the same cut hardly justifies the expense or storage space unless you intend to keep on with the woodworking.

Now if you get into real joinery like mortise and tenon, then you need to step up. If that were the case, you would not want a cheap direct drive TS anyway.

But the Bridgeport could come in handy.

 

[LeeG]

Here's my $0.02 worth. You already have a drill and impact driver, so

1. Circular Saw. Cordless or corded. Get a good blade for it to get cleaner cuts.
2. Kreg Jig - easy, inexpensive method to make strong joints in solid and sheet goods
3. Pipe clamps - Get at least two. I buy 10' sections of black pipe and have them threaded into different lengths - makes it easy to make a clamp as long or short as I need.
4. A few one handed bar clamps similar to this
5. Not totally necessary, but a pneumatic finish nailer (16 or 18 gauge) is pretty handy.

Once you have a circular saw, make an edge guide edge guide for it. This is not as good as a track saw, but much cheaper.

First 'big' thing to get would be a Miter saw. If you have any demo type work at all, then something like a Sawzall will be very handy as well.

 

[Blazinzuk]

My gut feel suggests that woodworking is a dying hobby. The "young uns" don't seem to have much interest, time or space.

I see a glut of great woodworking tools and machines at g-sales for pennies on the dollar.

If you make a sweep thru some populated cities you could probably get everything you need very quickly.

Is Salt Lake do-able?

Yep problem is I got to plan a whole day for it. Somaking it worth going would be 2 or 3 tools for a great price. Pretty pointless to go for a $20 circular saw and spend 60 bucks on fuel. But if I found a bunch of stuff at the same time it would be worth it

5. Not totally necessary, but a pneumatic finish nailer (16 or 18 gauge) is pretty handy.


First 'big' thing to get would be a Miter saw. If you have any demo type work at all, then something like a Sawzall will be very handy as well.

I will try to pick up a finish nailer that seems it would be really nice.

I do have a sawzall an old Porter cable tiger saw. Im gonna bury, with full honors when it gives up the ghost. I have beat that poor thing and it just keeps trucking.

I know the worth of good tools and that one is a stellar tool

 

[bcradio]

I will try to pick up a finish nailer that seems it would be really nice.

After a circular saw, a finish nailer would definitely be next on my list. Unless you are doing only stain grade work (I almost never do), you can pretty much tack anything together with a 15ga nailer and paint right over it. This will make building the cabinets much quicker.

You can also tack something together with the nailer to hold it in place while you use another method of joining if you need extra strength.

 

[4Kings]

Router definitely needs to be on your short list especially if you opt for the circular saw route for now. No way to cut rabbets and dado's with a circular saw. Menards near me just had the Bosch 1617 fixed based router on sale for $129, that's a heck of a deal on a very good router.

 

[rrich1]

Router definitely needs to be on your short list especially if you opt for the circular saw route for now. No way to cut rabbets and dado's with a circular saw. Menards near me just had the Bosch 1617 fixed based router on sale for $129, that's a heck of a deal on a very good router.

The combo with both bases is now $189 from Lowes and HD. I plan on picking one up soon.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[TomB19]

I suggest a corded circular saw of a good brand, such as: Ridgid, Makita, DeWalt, etc... a rafter square, and a straight edge.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-inch-rafter-angle-square-66778.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TXSAHU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

With these three tools and some care, you will be able to do 90% of the stuff you will need. Throw in a router and a dado bit and you can build all the cabinets you like.

 

[CSRPenFab]

+1 for the recommendation to get a Kreg Pockethole jig. There's not a better under $50 investment you can make. It will allow a mediocre woodworker to turn out nice cabinets, face frames, etc... I use mine constantly. It works so well I ditched my high $$ plate joiner.

 

[Empty Pockets]

+2 for the Kreg Jig

My favourite woodworking tool not listed here is the Bosch barrel grip jig saw. They are kind of pricey, but will last you a lifetime

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have several routers, for the homeowner, I would recommend the Porter Cable model 100. These have been discontinued for a time, but good ones are still available out there.

It uses the same base as the the Porter Cable 690 which is a little larger and slightly more powerful.

In both cases, replacement parts are readily available

 

[NedNorton]

RAS is one of the most dangerous woodworking tools.
To make decent face frame style cabinetry, you need either a good table saw or a track saw. Biscuit joiner is more helpful than pocket holes. It takes years to get good at this. Be patient and set realistic expectations.

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with almost all of this post. First, a radial arm saw set-up correctly and used correctly is a fine/safe tool and, like stated above, can be found for a bargain. With funds tight, get an old Dewalt and it can handle a lot of crosscut and mitering duties really well. Secondly, pocket hole joinery is fast and easy and a ton more "new guy" friendly than biscuits.

Yes, experience is great but I have trained a bunch of new trim carpenters that were turning out terrific work in short order. It sounds like you are already a craftsman, just in the metal fab world. The transition won't be that tough. I'm guessing that you are like most of the metal work guys I know and already take your time and sweat the details. Just keep doing that and you will be fine. Slow at first, but you will turn out good work.

Simple set of tools...

1/4 impact to go with your Milwaukee set - Use the same batteries and just buy the tool.

7 1/4 Circular saw - Be sure to match the blade with the material and work.

Chop saw or radial arm - Skip the slider until you know what you want.

Cheap Job-site table saw with a fence that locks and can be adjusted parallel to the blade.

You can skip the table saw and use a straight edge clamped to the work and a circular saw. We did it for years before track saws were available.

Compressor - anything cheap will do.

Nail Guns - Brad through Framing. Buy them as you need them. It sounds like you have some trim to work on so 18ga brad and 15ga finish nailers are good place to start.

Add a level or two and you're off to the races.

When you get a specific project lined up feel free to ask for recommendations on tools and techniques. There are a ton of experienced folks on this board willing to help.


Cheers,
Chris

 

[Blazinzuk]

This thread has really been great. Thanks Chris for the suggestions. I'm kind of excited to start doing wood work. Gonna start saving a bit every month and start buying tools very soon.

I would imagine woodworking and metal working have quite a few parallels.

Gotta get a circular saw first. Already have some steel set aside to build a guide out of.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I teach carpentry Adult Ed classes and have all levels of skill come thru. The day students are wanting to be framing carpenters so we only have circular saws and hand tools. They have a Dewalt compound miter saw ans a saw stop table saw.

My students build folding saw horses as the first project. I teach them how to work safely by themselves as that is how I usually work. Cutting down sheet goods is done safer if supported on a table over a piece of styrofoam or scrap boards to hold the material. Clamp a guide board for close to table saw precision. Always cut so the wide part of the shoe is on the supported part of the sheet.

When cutting 2 x 4's etc always clamp it down so it can't move. That is where your precision comes from.

I prefer a 12" chop saw to a compound miter. It is just more precise and does not require the double motion sawing that is a challenge for every student. Build a support table so your long boards are supported when cutting with it.

Corded tools work every time and at full power unlike battery tools when you arent using them all the time. I would buy a good quality oscillating jig saw too. Light weight and super useful. If you wish to treat yourself with a fantastic tool for remodeling get a Fein oscillating tool. I use the heck out of mine.

Check out CPO tools for refurbished name brand tools. You will save a lot.

 

[RichWentFishing]

An old door screwed down to saw horses for a makeshift work table. Cheaper and works well if your limited for space.


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[ddawg16]

The Bridgeport would make a nice router.......