General questions from a newbie

Hi Jen, a table saw would be my first choice followed by a jointer. The table saw with a good fence such a a Biesmeyer or similar will give you solid and square ripping and cross cutting capability in one tool. A good sharp combination blade with a good miter gauge would start your shop off on the right foot. A modest contractor saw would be a good start. All the manufactures have great selections. My first saw came from Craigslist for a song. Good luck in bringing your shop to life.

Hi Jen, I agree – my most valuable tool right now is a table saw. I got a Grizzley 0575 (I think) and it came with a nice Shop Fox fence thus saving me the $$ for the Biesmeyer. A good router is a must. I also use my mitre saw and band saw a lot. I also have a small lunch box planer and a 6” jointer that isn’t the top of the line but works well. I do think the most important part of the workshop are the blades – good blades are worth the extra $$.
I think there are more than a “few” women on this site. Everyone is very welcoming and very helpful.
Ellen

-- Ellen on Cape Cod

I agree with kerfless that a table saw shouid be at the top of the list, followed by a band saw, in my opinion. On the hand tools side, of course, hammer, mallet, chisels, scrapers, a couple of planes….

This question comes up a lot, and I think the best answer is probably to let your needs dictate your purchases. As you decide what project you want to make, and start making it, you will find out what tools are a necessity for that project. Some future project will require something else, so you’ll want to buy one of those (whatever it happens to be).

To some extent, you can adjust your construction methods to fit the tools you have on hand. But you will always be running into a situation where you just can’t do something without an “xyz”. Then that becomes the next tool you should purchase.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Kerflesss,

Thanks for the advice!!! I will definitely check out Craig’s List for this. I have been on there a lot, but didn’t think of using it for this. (duh!) lol :-) Thanks for your recommendation!

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Kerflesss,

Thanks for the advice!!! I will definitely check out Craig’s List for this. I have been on there a lot, but didn’t think of using it for this. (duh!) lol :-) Thanks for your recommendation!

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Ellen,

Thanks so much for your suggestions! Also, I wouldn’t have thought to put more money into the blades, but that makes a lot of sense. Glad to see I’m not the only woman here!

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

That makes sense Charlie. I agree that this is probably what I’ll end up doing. I’m just so “green” at this, that I wouldn’t know what to get first. Besides, I have this terrible habit of not being so patient (sorry Charlie!) so I may not realize that I could be using some other tool to help me better. Then it would be firewood!!!

Thanks everyone. Just that little bit of advice causes me to feel more confident going into this. Now to go and check Craig’s List and re-do my barn!

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Jen my dear A hearty welcome most of us have many many tools, as said a table saw is number 1 followed by a bandsaw, then a plane,r and thicknesser, or as you say jointer. Anyway it really depends after that, if you want to be highly mechanised or do much hand work, in which case hand saws, planes, etc would be welcome .We have a lot of very gifted women in this world most of them smarter than we boys if we are honest, so a hearty welcome and please ask for guidance whenever you feel the need, as there are many great people here who are very generous with their time etc yours Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Hi Alistair! Thank you so much for writing to me! Warm welcomes are always—- well, welcome! I will be sure to ask if I need anything. It’s not always easy though, cuz even us girls have egos! haha Actually, I will be asking a lot of questions in the coming months or so. You may regret telling me that! :-)

Have an awesome day!

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

we need more ladies here the more the better.I think there still exists an old fashioned attitude here in the uk towards women and their capabilities .Let me make it clear I worked in a dental surgery for five years in Germany then west Germany and worked with mostly 50% women and men and the girls were very very good at their work so I am an emacipated man and find that we guys need to wake up look at Alisons work first rate and no mistake welcome welcome welcome my dear lady.Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Thank you!!! You’re a dear, sweet gentleman. It’s an honor to know you.

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Welcome aboard Jen.

I agree with Charlie. Table saw as a fundemental tool to get your lumber straight and cut, and a bandsaw for the curves, resawing, and the safer rip cuts of rough lumber. accompanied with several handtools like planes and chisels and a hammer will take you a long way -

for milling lumber – you can start by getting milled lumber at the local lumberyard, which will reduce your overhead on that part, or you could use handplanes to start up. of course- if you are going to be doing log construction – milling will be the least of your worries.

once you feel comfortable and want to mill your own lumber – you could go the planer, and then jointer route (and yes – a router should also be in the top of the list) and then you could buy your rough lumber, and mill it to your needs.

Have fun. and dont really make Ty THAT big of a deal – you can do it better then him… just give yourself the time.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Thanks Purp! I guess you’re right about milling. I will be doing a lot of log construction at first, so I won’t really need to consider that right away. I’m still learning about what all these tools are for!

As for Ty, well, let’s just say I’m not very patient and would like someone to come in and redo the space right quick! :-) I do know that I could make the space more personal than he could. Better? I’ll have to wait and see on that one! lol

Thanks again.

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Hi Jen,
One of the most important of all tools you already have, SPACE!
he tablesaw is the key to any woodshop. A well made and accurate crosscut sled increases the tablesaw’s usefullness many fold and can delay the purchase of a radial arm saw or miter saw (Mr. Marks uses his cross cut sled almost to the exclusion of those two saws).
Jointing is possible on the table saw as well as the router table.
A jig saw can delay but not eliminate the purchase of a band saw.
A planner is a must if you go beyond the rudimentary.
Good luck and welcome,
Kimball

Hey Jen
Welcome to Ljs I’ll chime in with the table saw first but second I would recommend a chop saw.
Most importantly get some instruction on use of these tools before using them as a guy I know says”to read,understand.and follow the instructions of your tools’ and most important were saftey glasses.”
There are a great number of how too’s on you tube especially Charles Neil (a member here) that are free and very helpful for someone new to woodworking and woodworking tools. Even better sign up for a beginning wood working course if you can. Many collages have them nation wide. If in doubt always get help, There are lots of first class woodworkers right here ready to help.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Well if you are planning on doing mostly log furniture, then a tablesaw is probably NOT your first choice. I’d say a really good axe (Gransfors Bruks) or two, an adze, heavy duty timber framing chisels, a beefy drill with some big old bits, some round tennon cutters and a chainsaw. Plenty other things out there to round out the log working kit though. Oh yeah, drawknife and spokeshaves are great too. It’s a whole other ballgame from making things out of flat boards and requires different tools. Hope that helps.

-- Ooo, er.

If Skarp had not said it I would have. If you’re doing log, the last thing you need if a tablesaw. If you really want to go basic, then the list Skarp gave you is the way to go. In addition I would add tools to keep everything sharp. The one thing most people don’t understand is how much easier a SHARP hand tool can be to use than a power tool.

I’ve got access to things like a five head moulder, three shapers, up-cut mitre saw, etc…..and you know what….sometimes a good sharp hand tool is all I need.

If you’re serious about this, buy the best you can afford. You’ll be much happier. Over the years I’m converting my “get-by-with” cheap crap to good quality tools. You can get along, but, as you can afford it, build to the good stuff.

After you graduate to the “normal” stuff, your basic shop will contain a table saw, planer, and joiner….next a shaper….the rest is superfluous…particularly a lathe (unless you get in to turned stuff…otherwise it will sit there for years.) A bandsaw is not real useful unless you do alot of resawing small stuff. Otherwise, you can jigsaw (hand held type ) things and clean them up with an oscillating sander which is far more useful.

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist

Hi Jen and everyone. Welcome to LJ’S. I won’t get into the fray about which tools to get as I believe necessity will dictate your purchasing priorities. I just want to make sure that a solid work bench adjusted for your height gets mentioned. Something smooth and flat and hefty enough that you don’t have to chase it around the shop. You don’t need to get fancy, a solid core door on saw horses will work for a while. In time, like most woodworkers, you will probably want to make your own and that can take some time. Consider your temporary work bench with a one or two year usage in mind, get a decent vice so that it can be used on the permanent bench you build or buy. I wish you the very best of luck and as always, we are here for you.
Later,
Doug in AZ.

-- If you need craft books - please visit our small business at http://www.wittywife.com

welcome a board , girl .
just listen to the little birdies here ,
and you’ll have lots of good advise .
take your time , the thing we learn most is patience .
it comes in handy in many things .
focus , and be safe !

-- david ,new mexico ,allheart

Oh my gosh. Thank you all for taking the time to post such great advice to me! I am gone for just a few hours and look at all the postings I received in order to help me out. You are all just great.

I really can’t wait to start this project. I’m going to have to sort out what everyone said I should start with and go from there. This I know: I need a lot of room, a good work bench and good quality tools. The room, I have (barn). The work bench, I can make fairly easily…at least a good temporary one. And the good quality tools, I will have to look into, since I have no idea what is considered “good quality”, other than by price, which doesn’t always mean anything. :-)

kimball: thanks for the hint about using a crosscut sled. And thanks for the tips on which tools will help in the meantime or in lieu of other tools. That’s a great help!

Jim: good point about really learning about the tools. I think I will do a lot of learning before I even get them, due to the fact that I HAVE NO CLUE what I need! :-D (other than what you fabulous people have started me off with) The woodworking class never entered my head. GREAT idea. I think I’ll do that. It will also serve to familiarize me with some of the tools I may want or need.

Skarp: lol The fact that I wouldn’t need a table saw for log furniture totally alluded me. I’d like to do all sorts of woodworking, but you’re right….for now I won’t need a table saw. I guess I got too excited about doing projects that this never occurred to me! :-)

Catspaw: Yeah, I didn’t think about the advantages of a good sharp handtool over a power tool could be. That makes a lot of sense. I think my family is going to be a little nervous, as I once stabbed myself in the hand with new Wusthoff knives! (went in like butter) lol I’m not that accident-prone, but I’m not afraid either! I love that you pointed out that one should get the best tools that they can afford. I’m all for using quality. I think it makes the craft much more enjoyable. I’d also love a lathe….someday!

Doug: Thanks for the warm welcome. Like I said above, I will totally get a good work bench going! I think I was so focused on the tools, I didn’t think of the most basic thing – A BENCH! lol

David (Patron): Thanks for the warm welcome!! I am learning quickly that there is much more to learn and I’m loving it here at LJ! The patience thing though…..hmmmm, I may need a lot of help with that! :-) I think I’m really going to like this craft a lot. I love creating things and something that sees results and change so quickly will be a lot of fun. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so the no-patience thing doesn’t help the perfectionism thing! I’m working on it though. You’d think that by the age of 39, I’d have it all figured out. :-)

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Hey Jen
I cheated on the class instruction Idea since I teach one for my local collage once a week for adults.
It will take a fairly specialized instructor for log furniture so a good alternative is to find one or more books on the subject and some of the web sites Like Finwoodworking.com or Wood.com and who knows there might be a learn to make log furniture.com. I have to admit I missed the point that you wanted to make log furniture.
The main thing with log furniture is making the round tenons and there are a number of ways to do that with power or hand tools. If you can find it I think Roy Underhill had a couple shows on log furniture(great guy I’ve met him) I wish you a fun and enjoyable time in your woodworking adventures. Many of my students are women and them seem to catch on quicker than some of the guys.
Jim

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I worked in the Dental proffesion in orthodontics department mostly self employed for 29 years including 5 years in germany where I was in charge of making braces as you guys call them (orthodotic appliances) department.The work was always fast ,fast, fast ,with patients waiting every twenty minutes you couldn’t be late as people patients have short fuses when waiting in the waiting room. It took me years to recover from that. When working with wood, metal,etc, I found myself constantly rushing, rushing, to get the article finished and have even now problems some days so I sympathise with you.The best things or best days are when I say enough today I will do more tomorrow and leave glue to dry before tamperring with the wood LOL anyway take your time this is more important than you think have fun Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Hi Jen, and welcome! There are many ways to skin a cat, and the preferred method for doing things will vary as much as the names and personalities behind the woodworkers. The most important ingredient in wwing is desire, which you appear to already have…where there’s a will there’s a way, so as long as it’s not too dangerous don’t be afraid to do things your way. A couple of books from your local library might be helpful to get started…I really like Tom Hintz’s “The New Woodworker Handbook” and his website (www.newwoodworker.com) ....he’s also a frequent contributor on various forums, which I think makes owning his book kinda neat.

Many folks, myself included, find that a good table saw (TS) is the centerpiece of the shop, and I plan the layout around that primary tool. I do all my ripping, and most of my crosscuts with the TS. A decent router mounted in a router table is an incredibly versatile tool that I wouldn’t want to be without….to save space, I mount my router table in the wing of the TS. A good work surface is just as important, so somewhere along the way, you’ll want to acquire a work bench or work surface. Those are the last two tools I’d give up.

I’m a fan of using salvaged lumber or buying rough sawn lumber, therefore I’m also fond of using the jointer to flatten a primary reference face, then using the thickness planer to make both sides parallel and to a uniform thickness….many folks get by with neither, and many use just the planer, but I find that flattening a face and an adjacent 90° edge with the jointer, followed by surfacing the opposite face with the planer gives me flat, square, and very consistent stock to start each project with so the wood joins well. You may find that a couple of decent hand planes can be useful, but there’s definitely some technique required with using hand planes correctly.

Things like a drill press, band saw, will vary in importance depending on what you do. I found that a power hand drill, and a jigsaw sufficed pretty nicely for the first few years until I could get a DP and BS. Dust collection will eventually enter your mind if you sink your teeth into wwing….it makes life easier in the shop and is better for you health. Several types of clamps, sandpaper, sander, measuring devices and squares are all basic staples of most shops.

Get your feet wet and enjoy!

Hi Jen,

As a fellow jockette and someone who considers herself still new to woodworking – here is how I got to where I am today:

Several years ago during a “work lull” I enrolled in some local furniture making classes (three in total – made a simple wall shelf, a chest and a table with a drawer in it). These courses were invaluable to me because they taught me how to use the power tools, safety, and the basic concepts. If you can, I highly suggest taking courses. Think of it like driving a car, motorcycle, or horse.

After those courses, my first real purchase was a tablesaw. It’s a Delta – industrial. Don’t get something that needs to stand on a table. Get a standalone. Sturdier. I highly recommend this as a first purchase.

Among the other next purchases I got, I would have to say the miter saw was the best. For all sorts of stuff around the house, and getting those 45 degree angles, it cannot be beat. I haven’t yet really found the need for a radial arm saw.

Now that I have more of a workshop, I have to say I LOVE my jointer. I have a problem with angles, and it saves my butt. This is if you want to make furniture and if you don’t want to be limited to buying already angled pieces (very expensive!!!) from your home improvement chain store.

The bandsaw is great – and I have survived alternatively with a scrollsaw as long as the wood is no thicker than 1.5 inches wide… I find it’s a convenience. Same with the drill press. I cannot believe I went so long without one. It simplifies your life. But I would say if you have the tablesaw, miter saw, jointer and scroll saw (based on not too thick wood) you are already on your way.

I still need a router table and a decent router. In hindsight, I would have gotten this before the bandsaw and the drill press based on how I make things.

Sanding equipment… I am still not there yet. I do everything by hand but I am planning on getting more sanding equipment.

The most important – dust collection. I recently got a 1 HP dust collection system and I realized how much dust I must have been inhaling, even with a mask. You need to buy one.

Hope this helps!!!

well im 64 and i haven’t figured anything out yet .
so i just keep on dreaming and trying new things .
some work , some don’t .
when you work with wood , at first you settle for the accomplishment .
but when things start to fit , you get hooked .
and you get tired of fixing your mistakes ,
so you pay more attention next time .
pretty soon more doors open ,
and you want to learn more .
the better you do , the better you want to be .
then there is no time for impatience ,
only the joy good work brings .
.
please be safe and enjoy .

-- david ,new mexico ,allheart

I forgot the planer. If I had to do it all again, I would buy in this order:

- tablesaw
- miter saw
- router with router table
- dust collection system (by this time, you will be needing it!)
- scrollsaw (if you plan to buy such a thing)
- jointer
- planer
- drill press
- bandsaw

That’s just me. And this does not include any sanding equipment yet….

welcome jen,

just to add my 2 cents and hopefully something slightly new to the rest of the wonderful advice, even thgouh i’m just a beginner:

unless you go strictly with hand tools, you’ll probably be best off getting a combination of hand tools and power tools. in addition to the power tools listed, I’ve found the following hand tools vital, to say the least:

1. good combination square
2. tape measure, duh
3. straight edge
4. block plane
5. jack plane
6. some chisels
7. a marking knife
8. sharpening setup

people will debate various brands of the above, and you can spend anywhere from $100 to $1000 on just those and get quality ranging from actually quite decent beginner stuff (for example, by getting vintage stanley “sweetheart” era planes) to top of the line tools that will make you the envy of the rest of us.

Anyway, just to underscore the point, a small selection of hand tools will make your life easier even if you’re geared more towards doing the majority of your work on power.

best wishes, aaron

I’m so happy to have “met” you all! It’s getting more and more exciting and I haven’t even begun!

Jim: I’m a book Freak! (w/ a capital F!), so books won’t be a problem for me! I work at my local Tractor Supply, and we have a lot of books on that order, so I’m sure I’ll find something I could use. Otherwise, there’s always Amazon.com! I’ll be sure to check out those sites you mentioned. I’ll have to check out Mr. Roy Underhill as well.

Scotsman: (sorry, I forgot what your real name was!) I can see already that letting the glue dry before tampering with the project is going to be an issue for me! lol The more I think about it, the more I think I will be able to just enjoy the process (for the most part!). I’m really looking forward to getting past this talking stage and moving on to the doing!

Knotscott: Good to meet you and thanks for writing! You said, ”There are many ways to skin a cat, and the preferred method for doing things will vary as much as the names and personalities behind the woodworkers.” lol I’m quickly finding that out! You also mentioned desire and “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. I really live by that motto. What’s so great about all of you here at LJ is that we all seem to be on the same page, for the most part. I am the kind of person who thinks of something she wants to do, and then figures out how to accomplish that. So many people will say, “well, do you know how to do that?” and I will respond with, “Not yet”. They usually think I’m crazy at that point. Like, I needed to side my house. I found out how to hang siding and I did it. It wasn’t as hard as I thought. There were a lot of people who felt I shouldn’t try it because I didn’t know what I was doing, but I’m a hands-on learner. My son is too, which is one reason we homeschool him. He learns better that way. My problem is patience. I can see it now, I will be in the midst of a project and instead of trial and error learning on my own, I will be IMing all of you at all hours to ask questions! lol I’ll check out Tom Hintz’s site and books. I frequent the library, so that won’t be a problem at all! I absolutely LOVE the idea of using salvaged lumber and rough lumber! Brent, who is on LJ and the reason I registered here to begin with, was really my inspiration for the log bed. I was looking for a log bed instruction sheet and he said he found all his wood and spent less than $30 on the other stuff he needed to make it. It’s beautiful too! Any craft is all the better if you can find the bulk of your materials. Especially if you can sell it and make money from it! I’m glad you mentioned the types of tools you use for that situation. It helps me a lot to know all these little tidbits that all of you are blessing me with!

mtkate: A girl!!!! lol :-) Thanks so much for sharing your story. That’s so awesome how you came to do woodworking. It’s been suggested earlier to take a class and I am absolutely going to be keeping my eyes open for one. I may even find someone who would be willing to mentor me in my area. We have a lot of that type of thing around here (people who are crafty and resourceful). Good tip about the table saw. Yeah, I definitely want to get some sanding equipment. I used to make jewelry (took some classes in highschool and college) and I would imagine woodworking is a lot like that as far as the “polishing” and “finishing” of the final piece. It definitely can make life easier, I would guess. Thanks again. :-) Hope to “see” you around again soon!

Patron: Hi again! You write like a poet. :-) All I’m gonna say to that is, “I’m counting on it!” :-)

mtkate: Thanks for the list!!

Aaron: After all the great advice from everyone, and considering that I want to do a log bed first, I was thinking the same thing—get a combo of hand tools and power tools. Especially since I’m not sure of what I can afford at the moment. My son and I are going to a huge reptile expo in a couple of weeks in PA, so most of my money is going into that little trip for the moment.

Thanks again to everyone’s time writing to me and giving me so much great information. I appreciate it so much! Now I hope I do you all proud with some of my projects. :-D I promise, I’ll eventually get one finished and posted.

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

”...I will be IMing all of you at all hours to ask questions! ”

Well, you’re in luck! ...I work the fireman’s rotation…two 12 hour days, two 12 hour nights, then 4 off.

My wwing endeavors were an extension of DIY home improvement projects that were initially done to save money….it’s usually cheaper to do it myself if I don’t mess up too badly! We also homeschooled all 6 of our kids at some point over a 7 year period….wish we still could, but finances and the economy finally caught up with us about 4 years ago, and the “Mommy the teacher” had to go back to work. Where else can you do math in your pajamas?!

LOL I may be “calling” on you first then. Be ready. :-)

I LOVE math in pjs. There’s really no better way, huh? Or, reading upside down under the kitchen table. I don’t think my son would have been so willing to try knitting (something one of his co-op classes did when learning about all of the “old” crafts and about self-sustained living) if he were in school. That’s just not “cool” dontcha know? Hey, but they made their own knitting needs with dowels and a sander. His first simple woodworking project! I’m hoping he will join me with the woodworking. I’ve never fit any kind of mold as a mom, so this shouldn’t be too “out there” for him. :-)

I’m tired. It’s 3:20 am here. What time is it where you are? Am I even making any sense? That’s what I’d really like to know! :-)

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Looks like we’re in the same time zone….I’m tired too but have got 3 more hours before I’ll see a bed! You’re making sense now, but darned if I’ll remember any of this when I regain consciousness!

Jen,

Is there any vocational school you can go to in your area to take some woodworking night classes? I was able to do that when I first got interested in woodworking and it help IMMENSELY. Plus you get to meet other woodworkers in your area.

Good luck!

-- Beer, Beer, Thank God for Beer. It's my way of keeping my mind fresh and clear...

I have to disagree with a lot of my colleagues here. It sounds like they are all in woodworking machinery sales positions!

If you are intent on starting with building log furniture, you just may become hooked and in that case, your tool set might start only with a handsaw, drawknife, hand drill and maybe a scriber.

You don’t need much to get started. I say get started and decide on what you enjoy and where you want to go after that – then come back and read these posts.

I made a lot of things early on with just a handsaw, router and a few chisels.

-- Steve, New Zealand, www.steveracz.com

knotscott, why are you staying up all night? That sounds insane. I need like 9 hours or I can’t function. I think it’s partly psychological! :-/

Jen

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Milo,

Hi! Well, I am definitely going to seek out a class or two. I can’t wait! I can’t believe it didn’t occur to me to take classes! You make a good point too….I’ll get to meet woodworkers in the area.

Jen

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

Steve (daltxguy),

I think there are mixed opinions about what I should start with, but I certainly appreciate all of the advice! I think you’re right though, that due to my first project (a log bed), I won’t need much, but I know I will want to do more than just log stuff eventually. So, knowing what else I will need and when is a big help. Besides, knowing what I will need in the future means I can keep my eyes peeled for great deals on Craig’s List! :-)

Jen

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

i just looked up imlay city on the map ,
you are in the middle of civilization !
you should have many opportunities ,
and accese to many people / tools / classes , in your area .
.
i learned to use hand tools first ,
then portable power tools ,
then machine tools .
throughout this to make / use jigs / templates for multiples .
.
to this day i still find many “carpenters ” that don’t even own a handsaw or chisel !
power tools are just easyer ways to do the hand work .
get to know them all , and they will serve you a lifetime !
.
your enthusiasm is a pleasure to see ,
enjoy and stay safe .

-- david ,new mexico ,allheart

To work with logs, Steve has the right idea. That and BOOKS on the subject. On the list of shop tools, Gary Rogouski did an article on the basics a few years ago in Fine Woodworking Magazine. He did not include a tablesaw. Interesting article from a top pro. Good luck and don’t forget to have lots of fun.

-- Thos. Angle

Jen, to reassure you I am not selling you on power tools. I have made stuff around the house with only a table saw, router, small power tools and hand tools. I made my bathroom vanity with just that. It was tough and time consuming but rewarding. I relied a lot on a right angle tool and did tons of ajustments. It’s not perfect, but I made it and that’s what counts. It took me years to get bigger tools and the space to keep them. Patron is 100% correct.

Thanks Patron, Thos. Angle and mtkate!!

Kate, I never thought you were trying to sell me on power tools! :-) No worries there. Thanks for the reassurance about making stuff without a lot of tools. I’m glad to hear it, cuz that means I can get started right away!!

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

My dad and grandpa built a gothic arch style barn that was 54’ wide, 56’ long and 26’ high with hand tools. When they got to cutting the rafters for the gpthic arch rafters, they did get a table saw to make the long rip cuts. You can do a lot with a few hand tools, if you want to.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

Wow Survivor!!! That’s awesome! Do you have any pics? I’d LOVE to see them.

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

P.S. I love your sig. line! So true.

-- Jen - Imlay City, MI ~~ People laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same.

I have a lot of pics on 35mm. I’ll have to see if I have any in digital format or get them digitized.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.