I'm new to woodworking and am eager to dive into it focusing solely on hand tools, leaving power tools out of the equation. However, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed about which tools to get first and which brands are the most reliable. Can anyone share some advice or recommendations?
3 Answers
I love hand tools, but you definitely want to look into your working style preference too. Are you leaning more towards western techniques or do you find Japanese joinery fascinating? Each has its own beauty and challenges. I personally had my struggle with dovetails, and I realized that hand tools require a lot of patience and passion. Don't stress too much; it takes time to master them!
When I was an apprentice, we typically started with about 15 essential tools that made all the difference. Here’s a quick list:
1. Oil stone and oil
2. Square
3. Steel ruler
4. Jack plane
5. Hand saw
6. Chisel set
7. Tape measure
8. Marking gauge
9. Block plane
10. Marking knife
11. Hammer
12. Wood mallet
13. Cabinet scraper
14. Cutting gauge
Having these tools in working order was crucial for our first projects like making an oil stone case and a tool box. You couldn't go wrong with a solid workbench setup!
Starting with hand tools can be a bit challenging, especially if you're on a budget. It's a good idea to think about a specific project you want to tackle first. This way, you can tailor your tool list based on what's necessary for that particular job. For instance, if you’re considering making a basic chair or a hanging shelf, that might help you determine what tools you'll need to invest in to do those tasks well!