So, I had originally decided to start my boyfriend on a nice toolset. Now, i've delved a bit deeper only to discover that what he is actually interested in is woodworking. He wants to be able to build, and put fancy details on, things like tables, chairs, shelves... the like. We both live in apartments until we're married, and neither of us have a garage or anything, so my set for him needs to start small. What is a great first tool or several tools that every woodworker should have? What will prove to be the most useful, and what should I avoid? I've already got a gift for him for Christmas this year, but our anniversary is coming up, as is valentines day, as is his birthday... so many ideas would be great! Please tell me specifically what to look for, how much it should cost, what the best/worst brand is, and where i can go to get it (i'm in michigan... we have home depot, lowes... and...i think thats it). thanks guys!
2007-12-09 11:07:12 · 5 answers · asked by OhioFantastic 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
If he really has no tools I would suggest a cordless drill as the first. You want one that comes with two batteries so you can be charging one while you use the other. This is more of a handyman tool, not just for woodworking but it's probably the tool any woodworker will use all the time. I like the Dewalt 18Volt drills. The DeWalt DC759KA is probably available at your local HD or Lowes. It comes with 2 batteries and a charger. Additional accessories would be a set of drill bits and an assortment of screwdriver bits.
Makita and Milwaukee are also good brands. Stay away from the Black & Decker and Skil, they are`the cheap consumer lines and they won't last. If you buy cheap tools you will regret it.
2007-12-09 11:37:56 · answer #1 · answered by R P A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just came across a site with over 16,000 downloadable woodworking plans at:
http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans
Here is an honest review
If you want to start a woodworking project, you need all the necessary information, including schematics, blueprints, materials lists, dimensions etc. That is where TedsWoodworking comes in. The plans are clearly drawn and there're step-by-step explainations of how the plan should be done and put together.
There are several other sites whose collection of plans have the dimensions totally wrong without any indication of parts lists, material lists or the tools needed. If you're one of those people who have bought plans like this in the past, TedsWoodworking will change your perception.
In Ted's Woodworking you will get everything you need:
-Diagrams which are detailed with a full set of dimensions
-Step -by-step instructions how to start your project
-The necessary materials for that particular project
-All the woodworking tools you will need
If you are a beginner or have done some woodworking you will find these plans easy-to-follow as the instructions are very clearly written. The woodworking plans are straightforward so they are not complicated at all. Even if you are a total newcomer to woodworking you will simply be able to master all the techniques that are needed and the woodworking skills very quickly by following the concise and clear instructions.
Another thing which is so great about these woodworking plans is that there have been some videos included and there are some to guide you in how to build benches home furniture dog houses bird feeders sheds and much much more.
There is also a lifetime member acess included in the package and you get these extras for no cost to you as they are free with no additional charges at all! This alone is worth the entire price for TedsWoodworking.
Ted Mcgrath is a very dedicated and experienced woodworker who knows what he is talking about when it comes to woodworking and DIY projects s he has been a woodworker for many many years.
Cons
There is only one drawback that we could find and that being with 16,000 woodworking plans you are bound to get some which look a little disorganized but that is understandable as it is very difficult to place all these plans into their proper categories. Secondly, it might take you a little longer to do the downloads on because of the size of them. But the members area include an option to upgrade to the DVD so you can save time on downloading.
Bottom line:
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.Here's the bottom line: If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you SHOULD use, it's something that you would be insane not to.
Check the site: http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans
2014-09-30 09:42:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-05 14:23:40 · answer #3 · answered by Tess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-24 05:05:06 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of these suggestions are great. Once he gets into woodworking, he'll want to get them all and more. But for me, since you live in an apartment, I would get him a nice set of carving knives, gouges, rasps and or rifflers. With a good instruction video, he can be off and running from the start and with a minimum amount of mess in some corner. If he wants to build furniture, just look at how much is carved. And the satisfaction factor is almost instantaneous. Carving a relief is also a great present to give. If this is your choice, I recommend always get the best tools. They last longer, stay sharper and will be easier to work with. You can find some on line at Garrett Wade, it's a craftsman's paradise. Good luck to both of you.
JimC
woodworking.jlchrlsrecommends.com
2007-12-12 15:33:13 · answer #5 · answered by JimC 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the perfect solution if you are just starting with woodworking and also if you have already experience with it. I reccomend to give a look to this website ( woodworkingplans.kyma.info ) You can find a lot of woodworking plans and you will be able to manage the projects with a CAD/DWG software. It allows you to modify the projects and to alter the arragements. If you are a beginner this is the easiest way to start, it's the best approach to woodworking; and if you already have experience you will find a lot of ideas and inspirations to improve your abilities with woodwork. I'm sure that you will love it!
2014-09-29 14:35:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whoooooo boy.... this list could get long, hehehe.. and a lot of it depends on just what kind of woodworking he wants to get into.
A reaaaally good place to start, would be a woodworking magazine subscription. Something like Woodworkers Journal, would be ideal. - http://woodworkersjournal.com/
A catalog or two wouldnt hurt... I can recommend this one - http://www.rockler.com/
(Lowes has a project newsletter they put out every so often too).
Every wood worker needs a few basics... a good hammer, some tape measures, chisels, clamps, straight edges, etc. and of course something to put them in, hehe... a tool box or two. Whenever buying hand tools, try to get those with a lifetime warranty, like Vermont American, Kobalt, etc. Once upon a time, you could count on all Sears tools to have the lifetime warranty, but no longer... now it MUST have the "Craftsman" logo on it, and state it comes with the lifetime warranty. Many of the Sears tools no longer have the lifetime warranty, and quite honestly, are not what many of us 'old timers' think that Sears should be peddling.
Powered hand tools would include screw guns/drivers circular saws, etc... you can purchase these as corded or cordless units, and many come in cordless packages. However... if he isnt going to be using them every day....then I would suggest that you look into Lithium Ion battery drivers, and corded saws. The lithium batteries last a LOT longer with infrequent use. The batteries you find in most DeWalt tools (and contemporaries) hold up better if they are used every day....and are completely drained of their charge before recharging. I should clarify... I mean the life of the battery itself ... a Lithium Ion battery has a longer life, you'll not have to replace it as often. (They cost more initially, right now tho, that's the trade off) If you want to go with the more commonly available kits right now tho, then an 18v set is a good place to start. Dont be afraid to start out with just a single piece if cost is a factor... you can always add to it later.
Some big ticket items to look at, are a good table saw, router set, band saw, drill press, miter saw, etc. It'd be a very good idea to take him with you, when shopping for these items. Table saw quality varies a great deal... and some of us look for specific features, depending on what type of work we intend to do with them. For myself, it was important that I get a solid steel top, good motor and armature, and a very smooth fence....I see no point in having a fence that wobbles, but there are many saws out there that do.
With a little ingenuity, there are many things that a woodworker can do, that will help him in his shop... building jigs/fixtures, for example, or work benches, router tables...all kinds of things, that will greatly enhance what can be done.
Id strongly suggest the magazine and catalog.... and then also to take time to go shopping with him... walk thru Lowe's and such, and see what he drools over, lol, and ask what makes one choice better than another.
Have Fun
2007-12-09 21:04:05 · answer #7 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ultimate 16000 Woodworking Plans Projects : http://Woodworking.NaturallySaver.com
2016-01-20 09:39:40 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Um...would you marry me?
Just kidding, but you sound like a keeper to me.
If he wants to do fine woodwork (furniture grade) he will definitely need a nice hand plane.
My boss gave me this one (low angle block plane) http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=102 for Christmas last year and It's my favorite tool.
I recommend the low angle plane and holster package.
If you want to see some other quality woodworking stuff, check this out http://www.japanwoodworker.com/page.asp?content_id=2647
Most of their stuff is pretty good.
You have to have sharpening stones for your planes, chisels, etc, as well. No need to spend the money on the water stones (arguably the best for sharpening), they are too easy to damage for someone inexperienced at sharpening. Stick with diamond stones for starters (much cheaper!). Get a 400(coarse) grit stone and a 1200 grit stone.
A Japanese saw would be a nice gift, as well. Even the cheapest of the Japanese saws in this catalog are really good tools.
Chisels and a mallet are essential.
2007-12-09 12:15:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are probably tired of looking through stacks and stacks of projects on woodworking in magazines and books of all kinds for some instructions on how to do a certain project. Here is a site which offers 16000 plans https://tr.im/WoodworkingProjects
How would you like to have woodworking plans (actually thousands of them) available to you anytime you wanted them. It would be so easy when you do not have to paw through all kinds of old magazines but have it right there at your fingertips.
2016-01-21 06:10:24 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋