A quick introduction to get things started here. I’m just getting started in woodworking, and thought it would be an interesting idea to post the lessons (mistakes?) I’m learning as I learn them. Things like the importance of “measure twice, cut once”, etc. Whether you guys know it or not, I’ve already accumulated a large amount of knowledge from the discussions, projects, and blogs here at LJ. As I try to turn that knowledge into actual skills and projects this is my attempt to give back a little and maybe help those that come after me.
I already have several lessons queued up, so hopefully I can keep this going for a while.
So without further ado… Lesson #1: good tools are expensive
Ok I know this is kind of a cop-out, but I forgot my camera with pics of my melted shop-vac at home, so that’ll have to be #2. But seriously, I’ve always been a big fan of buying quality tools (in all aspects of life, not just woodworking) with the goal of not having to buy that tool again. This is why I have the Bosch router kit rather than the Black & Decker, the DeWalt miter saw rather than the Task Force, etc. Unfortunately, this also means that the same start up budget doesn’t buy quite the same “volume” of tools, so I’m getting plenty of opportunities to exercise my creativity in making do without the big tools like a table saw, drill press, band saw, jointer, planer, and so on. Which should result in a few more “lessons” down the road :o) Although with that said, I’m kind of glad that I’m starting out with a more modest set of tools, if for no other reason than I’ll appreciate the nice ones when I can justify their purchase.
Stay tuned for next time, when we learn the dangers of using a shop vac for 100% of your dust collection needs.
-- Steve -- University Heights, Ohio
7 comments so far
Don Newton
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532 posts in 515 days
posted 435 days ago
Welcome Steve. Dust collection…....interesting concept!
Don
25 years of making sawdust.
-- Don, Pittsburgh
oldskoolmodder
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707 posts in 576 days
posted 435 days ago
See my signature space… Also, don’t fight barehanded with power tools, especially those with fast spinning blades.
-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric
Big_Bob
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97 posts in 605 days
posted 434 days ago
Steve:
You are right “good tools are expensive”! However, there are ways you can outfit a shop with great tools without refinancing your house.
Look for high quality used tools. E-bay and Craig’s list are good places to find them. I bought a Delta Unisaw with a Biesemeyer fence on E-bay for $250. The guy that sold it to me said to motor did not work. When I took it apart I found that the motor was full of sawdust. Cleaned the saw up new bearings a little paint and it was as good as it was in 1978 when it was new.
Never pay more than half price for a used tool. If it was never taken out of the box then pay half price. If it needs some work the price goes down from there.
Look for used tools that parts are easy to get. There are better saws out there than the Unisaw for sure but any part I need can still be picked up used for a few dollars on E-bay.
Spend your money areas that make a difference. A Porter Cable plate jointer is a great tool but it is a lot of money. Other plate jointers may be half the price and you will never ware them out.
Service and repair manuals for older machines are aviable on line for free at places like Old Woodworking Machines . com
Anyway good luck and finding good deals on tools can be fun.
-- Bob Clark, Tool Collector and Sawdust Maker
Slacker
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177 posts in 597 days
posted 434 days ago
My dad used to say cheap things cost twice…
-- There are three kinds of people... those who can count, and those who can't
woodinit
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12 posts in 524 days
posted 434 days ago
“The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price.” is what my elders taught me; and I’ve since learned another one: “Good Quality, Works Great, Cheap Price – pick any two”.
So, like Bob Clark above, I look for the deals on proven brands and well-maintained items. The reconditioned tool websites, local auctions, on-line auctions (don’t forget Kijiji) and letting the neighbors know what I’m watching for…even pawn shops offer some good stuff once in a while. It’s amazing the deals one can come across. I probably shouldn’t even document this, but setting up the shop and looking for the right deals on good tools has been almost as much fun and making the sawdust !! Enjoy the hunt!
-- woodinit Prov. 3:5&6
sry
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137 posts in 504 days
posted 434 days ago
Thanks for the good advice guys. Sounds like the second part of the lesson is ”...but they’re worth it in the end”
I just haven’t been doing this long enough to have learned that lesson yet :o)
-- Steve -- University Heights, Ohio
Sawdustonmyshoulder
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168 posts in 524 days
posted 429 days ago
Only the rich can afford cheap tools.
-- Makin' Sawdust!!!