Hey everyone! I rekindled my love for woodworking last year after years away from it. I loved it so much that I joined a maker space, but unfortunately had a bad experience there that made me quit. This summer, I joined another maker space and it felt great again—just finished a coffee table that I'm proud of! Now, as I head back to school, I want to continue woodworking in my apartment. I have a small outdoor area for tools, but I'd like to do some projects indoors on my kitchen counter using minimal power tools. I'd really appreciate any advice on what small projects I can tackle, what tools I should get, and how to keep things neighbor-friendly without breaking the bank! Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
Hey there! You might want to consider using mainly hand tools; they're quieter and take up less space. Look for Japanese hand tools like 'atedai' which are great for small projects and won't disturb your neighbors. Make sure to avoid sanding indoors—it's a mess! If it's pouring rain, you might want to stick to hand tools and skip sanding altogether to keep your space clean. Good luck!
One great resource is Steve Ramsey's YouTube channel. He actually did woodworking on his apartment roof at one point! He has great advice and a list of tools that are perfect for small spaces. Don't feel pressured to buy everything new—check out estate sales or Facebook Marketplace for used tools that can save you money.
I totally relate to your situation! I worked in my apartment for 15 years before I could get a garage. Since you have access to a maker space, utilize any large tools they have, like a table saw or jointer, to prep your wood quickly, then take it home for smaller cuts and assembly. For tools, get yourself a combination square, a good tape measure (I like the Stanley Powerlocks), and a Japanese pull saw called "ryoba" for clean cuts. You'll also need a cordless drill-driver, some clamps, a sanding block, and either a random orbit sander or hand tools to keep noise and dust down. Don't forget a shop vac that’s quiet and a good respirator for safety. You can accomplish a lot with just these basics! Good luck with your projects!
Great tips! I also recommend checking out some inexpensive finishing options like tung oil and paste wax for a nice touch. You really can create so much with just those tools!
Absolutely, hand tools are the way to go! And you're right—sanding indoors is a no-go. I learned that the hard way!