What's in your woodworking starter kit?
I just developed this passion in 2016, at the age of 70, and I just love it. I discovered what I needed for tools as I went along, and I'm still learning. Thanks to Hometalk, I am learning faster and at my age that is a great advantage, so thank you to all you DIY'er.
All the stuff I am creating is just an adaptation of inspiring projects I have seen on Hometalk, DIY or Pintrest. The hardest work was getting the tools I needed, on the limited pension I'm living under.
I'm releived to say that over the years I have many of the basic tools, like hammer, plyers, staple gun, screwdriver, a drawer full of odds and ends (tape, screws, nail, ect...)
I had a handheld battery operated screwdriver/drill, 2 electric sanders, and that was my arsenal in the beggining. But the best thing that I possed was a Home repair tool set for DUMMIES, got it from Canadian Tire on sale.
Monique, you're an inspiration to me, thank you for sharing and for your help!!! You're amazing!
Monique, you are great at 70! You got bitten by the DIY bug! Your projects are amazing and creative. You know your tools and how to use them. That is a cool home repair tool kit from Canadian Tire. Buy the tools as you need them. I have been buying tools as I needed them over 40+ years of construction, remodeling, woodworking, and DIY.
Nice work! Are you sure you're a beginner?
Wow! Super impressive! Your work looks great and your attitude - even better! Keep at it - looking forward to seeing more of your projects
You're keeping us all young-minded and inspired Monique! Thank you so much for sharing your story and projects! And reminding us that it's never too late to learn or try something new
Amen to that. Where are you getting all that live edge wood? I'm trying to find two pieces to use for wall hangings....after I clean them and apply a few clear coats of poly or tung oil.
I am good friends with a boat builder and he also does special counter and other stuff, just went there this afternoon and he was making one hell of a staircaise for an attic, he has sheds full of wood but most of them the barck is taken off before drying. Are you far from Montreal, you could make a vacation of it?
I don't know if you can cross this wood across the border, but if you could take a vacation in Montreal, he is about 35miles on the south-shore on the bancs of the St-Lawrence River.
Wish my son was home; he could answer all that. He worked as a restoration carpenter sometimes. Lot of putting together work-stations for various businesses. Accumulated a small table saw, a lathe, and I forget what else. (I ended up giving it all to a cousin that probably sold it all.)
He joined the army for about 8 years and is working on getting computer certifications and maybe a BA in computer security. He enjoys being a paid hacker; trying to break into systems so he can protect them.
Have you thought of looking into one particular area of woodworking? Maybe do some carving during winter months. Would need various knives, chisels, maybe a wood burner to put popular sayings on plaques. I have one will fit you perfect. She thought she could, so she did.
Great job! You can definitely do a lot with basic tools and determination. I learned on hand tools and I'm better for it. Yes, power tools are nice, but not always necessary if you have the time to do it by hand. Here is my list of "necessities" for wood working. I'd start with 3 good saws (you might be able to find one with an interchangeable blade to save space): a rip saw (cutting with the grain-has finer teeth), a crosscut saw (for against the grain) and a coping saw (for curved cutting). Hammers: wooden mallet, a claw hammer and maybe a rubber mallet if you deal with delicate finishes (or do tiling). A nice sharp chisel or two is a must. Clamps are necessary any time you are gluing wood together, but you don't always need glue (or fasteners) if you use proper joinery. That being said, I'd recommend at least two pipe/bar clamps which are adjustable and either some various size spring clamps and/or C-clamps for the smaller items. A hand plane is a good idea if you do a lot of board work to get nice straight edges. Saves on the sanding later. You probably want a sharpening stone as well to keep those chisels and plane sharp. A drill and bits (either hand or power) is a good investment for any DIY/Handyperson. I prefer the corded ones just because you don't have to worry about keeping the battery charged and ready when you need it. I set of files/rasps in different shapes are useful as well as plenty of sand paper in various grits. I typically buy finishes/stains/etc. as I need them and then make sure to close them tightly so they last awhile. If you decide to upgrade to power tools, I'd say first get a sander since that is probably the most time intensive, then either a good router or a table saw would be the best investment. You can do a lot with both.
This blog article is probably what you looking for, it has review of the essential woodworking tools for every beginner carpenter kit.