Paul

I know this question has probably been beaten to death…But i am a beginner. I am in Iraq right now, and while i am gone i am having a shop built for me. It is a 24 by 30 foot shop with 10 foot ceiling. The main thing i am wanting to do in this shop is make simple furniture such as end tables, entertainment centers, hutches, etc. Nothing fancy and definately nothing elaborate..not yet. With what i do for work when i get home, i am constrained on money. Can someone give me some advise on things i must have, should have or would want to have, preferably in that order. I have heard discussion on the whole airduct thing that collects dust and particles. The best i can do in that is a fan, broom and dustpan. I do know i am gonna be making a good investment with the shop especially with the construction. But what else should i have and does anyone have good ideas for tools for people on a budget? Any advise is good advise. Thanks.

-- Paul, Sulphur Springs, Texas - amatuer woodworker

Welcome to LumberJocks….It will be a great resource for you and your projects There are allot of great people here willing to help……have fun…. You will get more responses to you questions if you post them on the forums. I’m just a beginner to so I look forward to the responses to your question… Good Luck

-- Todd, Oak Ridge, TN, Hello my name is Todd and I'm a Toolholic, I bought my last tool 10 days, no 4 days, oh heck I bought a tool on the way here! †

Hello Paul,

Let me welcome to LJs. I am sure that you will find this to be a rewarding and enriching part of your woodworking journey.

Paul, with respect to your request for advice it will get read more if you post it as a forum topic.

It is pretty broad and you will get a lot of opinions. Mine would be to (1) but the most tool for the money that you can. A friend of mine, who does this professionally, once gave me this same advice. The times that I have use “budget” as a determining factor in buying a tool have usually led me to regret the choice later. I firmly believe that “it is better to cry once when you buy a tool rather than each time you use it”; and (2) don’t skimp on the dust control. Your health and safety are the number 1 shop issue. Too often we (I know I certainly have but am going to correct this) tend to neglect this but fine dust can cause long term respiratory problems and needs to be controlled.

Sorry for the lecture but I hope this helps.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Welcome to LJ. You will like it here. Thank you for your service.

Welcome to LJ’s.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Welcome to LumberJocks. Glad to have you aboard. †

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Glad to see that you have made Lumberjocks a part of your Woodworking experience… Welcome

-- Max "Desperado", Salt Lake City, UT

Welcome Paul. You have found the right place for woodworking. A great group of people willing to help. Looking forward to see your projects when you get back and into your new workshop.

-- Ron in Osseo, Minnesota

Welcome to LumberJocks – The best woodworking community anywhere!
I look forward to seeing your posts and projects.

Share the Love ~ Share the Knowledge

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Merry Christmas & welcome to Lumberjocks Paul. This is a great community of people with like interests.There is much to learn here & you will have the opportunity to share your skills & ideas with others. I hope you enjoy LJ’s as much as I do.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Welcome to LJs

Callum

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