Hello there! I am the type of person that loves to challenge myself. I have done a handful of hobbies and would like to try building some of our furniture for our new house. I am just wondering what are the basic tools that I will need and what size. I want to build a bed and an entertainment center and so things that would help to make that possible. I don't have any experience in woodworking and so I don't know too much about where to start so any help will be greatly appreciated.
claydowling
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 13:18
Ana has a good article under the "Getting Started" tab at the top of the page. I tend to be more of a hand tool guy though, and this is a good list for hand tools: http://www.logancabinetshoppe......-shop.html
HillbillyRockstar
Fri, 02/25/2011 - 18:36
Find a plan you want to build.
Start on it.
When you need to do something, find a way to do it with what you have. If you can't, then get the simplest tool you can to accomplish it.
Have the store cut the plywood for you. Make smaller cuts with a circular saw at home. To do that, you can either lay the wood on the ground and cut it or you can get some sawhorses. Then, just keep going. When you need to attach two pieces together, you can nail it or screw it or just glue it. What do you have? Or, what do you need?
I would not go out and get stuff without actually needing it at the time. Get what you need when you need it.
crvanness
Fri, 02/25/2011 - 19:51
Don't forget safety gear! Goggles that secure around your eyes or have anti-fog are great - my first pair fogged up like crazy. A mask for the dust and earplugs are also essential. I also have a pair of heavy duty carpentry gloves... I tend to get splinters every five seconds without them.
A vice will be really helpful for holding your wood in place when you cut, and a carpenter's square is good for making sure that your lumber's ends are right angles.
Remember to check if the wood is bowed - you can do this by putting one end on the ground in the store, and looking down the full length of it. If it's bowed, keep looking for another piece.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions - I'm just starting out, too, but my Dad's been a professional carpenter for thirty years and my Mom's a DIY fanatic, so I can get answers about nearly anything woodwork-related.
claydowling
Sun, 02/27/2011 - 02:54
NO GLOVES! Powered equipment can grab gloves really easily, much more easily than bare fingers. Permanently unpleasant things happen to grabbed fingers. For that matter, no jewelry, for similar reasons (also, it can dent your wood). Rings, necklaces, bracelets, all should be taken off. If you have hair longer than your shoulders, tie it back. No loose sleeves (ideally, short sleeves, but that can't always happen).
The goggles are a good idea if you're using any powered equipment, but there are some other options that protect you a little better. There are full face shields, usually sold right next to the goggles, which are a lot more comfortable and protect your full face instead of just your eyes. Some machines throw a lot of chips, and I dislike getting hit in the face. Don't think the comfort isn't important. The more comfortable the safety gear is, the less you're likely to set it aside when you shouldn't.
crvanness
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 03:12
Oh, I should've mentioned that! I just wear the gloves when I'm carrying the wood around or using a hand saw, completely spaced out on that one!
I've never tried the full face shield for fear of fog? Is that not an issue?
Tsu Dho Nimh
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 05:50
Full face shield has better air flow around the sides and fogs less than most goggles.