Have you wanted to attempt a project, but lacked the tools? Solutions?

Sometimes borrowing tools from coworkers are a great help. We borrowed a wet saw and returned it with a barely used - newly purchased blade. Sometimes by borrowing you figure out what you can’t live without and need to purchase. Example for us -cordless battery operated nail gun.

Some hardware stores rent tools, and certainly garage sales, thrift stores and craigslist are other options for second hand tool purchases

I recommend that you go to YouTube.com and look at all of the tutorials they offer. Most tutorials will give you a list of materials necessary to make the project you are interested in. I used YouTube to teach myself to make jewelry. And I love it.

Consider renting tools. It's a great option if you're only going to use them once.

There are tools that you NEED, like a skill saw, drill, sander, saber saw, compressor, etc... there are tools that you would like to have... drill press, table saw, router, band saw, etc. and tools that you will only use once in a while like a lathe, welder, joiner, planer, etc.

We buy the tools that we have to have, and keep a look out on Craig's list for the tools we would like to have and jump when they are a really good price..

My husband is a tool junkie... his motto is "go big, or don't buy" (3 band saws, 1 metal, 1 wood, 1 horizontal... and he does use them all... not often.. but he does use them... and we got them at good prices)...

Harbor Freight is one source for that tool that you only need once in a while... like a sheet metal shear/break.. not the place to buy if you are planning to use it all day, every day, for a business... but for once in a while.. they do quite well.

Borrow from a neighbor or friend

Most Home Depots have a rental department for all sorts of tools. There are also other tool rental companies. Unless you're doing some fancy work, most work can be done with

1. circular saw,
2. mitre saw,
3. electric screw driver, and
4. compressor with nailer

A table saw is handy, but not really necessary. For tile or stone work, renting is the way to go unless you want to buy and then sell once the project is completed. Good luck.

I started out with basic hand tools when I started my woodworking hobby over 40+ years ago. I purchased tools I needed over time as I got better at my craft. I also got into homebuilding, HVAC, building maintenance, real estate, and remodeling where I honed my skills. Over the 40+ years I accumulated over $10,000 worth of tools.

Start small. Rent the big tools. Purchase small tools you will use more often. As you do more you can start to purchase bigger tools you will commonly use more often. If you do some projects for anybody, use some of your profit to purchase a tool. You will know what tools you need and what you can live without.