Hey everyone! I'm brand new to woodworking and just recently stumbled upon a 'beginner tool list' that shocked me with a price tag over $4k! I'm working on building a desk and so far, I've managed to cut all the pieces using a hand saw, a drill, and measuring tape, which are all I have right now. I saw a video of Paul Sellers demonstrating beautiful shaping techniques with just a handsaw, chisel, and spokeshave, and I'd really like to replicate that. I've borrowed some sawhorses and a friend's C-clamp, but that's about it.
I found some Stanley 150 series chisels priced at $17.99, which seem like a steal, but some reviews warned they require flattening and sharpening. The issue is, I don't have the means to sharpen them yet. I've heard good things about Narex chisels but they're way pricier. Are high-quality chisels really worth it for an absolute beginner?
Also, what about a spokeshave? I've seen one at Home Depot for $20. Should I go for that or hold out for a better one? I'm mainly focusing on hand tools for now and want to make this desk a pleasant challenge, but I do want it to turn out nice! Any other essential tools I should grab? Currently, my measuring tape is just a flimsy one for clothes, so I realize I need a good measuring tool, as well as screws to hold everything together without damaging the wood. Any advice would be really appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
Honestly, if you invest some time in learning how to sharpen your tools, you can get amazing results from even the cheapest chisels. Spend around $200 on a good sharpening system—once you know how to use it, those $17 Stanley chisels will perform just as well as the pricey ones. Also, consider picking up a hand plane; they're essential for shaping wood. Look for them second-hand on places like Facebook Marketplace, as you can often find good deals there.
For your tools, remember, just a few essentials can get you started: a good chisel set, a hand plane, and a sharpening system. Don't hesitate to check local estate sales for tools; you can find amazing deals there. And you'll likely need more clamps than you think—you can never have too many! As for getting better at woodworking, YouTube channels like Rex Krueger have exhaustive resources that'll be helpful on your journey.
Great suggestions! I didn’t think about estate sales. I’ll look into that. And I’ve definitely seen some Rex Krueger videos pop up, so I’ll start there!
You don’t need to drop big cash on chisels right away. The Narex chisels are solid but having a sharpening system is crucial. I would go for the cheaper Stanley chisels now and learn how to sharpen them. You might end up liking them and can invest later as you improve your skills. For the spokeshave, if you're just starting, the $20 option will be fine until you know it's a tool you'll use regularly.
Sounds great, I feel more confident about the chisels now! I’ll also keep my eyes peeled for the spokeshave to see how much I actually use it.
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check out the sharpening setup. Does Paul Sellers have a video on this? I could use all the guidance I can get!