Hey everyone! I've recently taken some woodworking classes and I'm really excited about getting started on my own projects at home. I've only used the tools available at the studios, but I want to build my own set of hand tools now. My first project is to make some dovetail boxes out of hardwood. I'm open to investing in good quality tools, but I'd prefer to accumulate them gradually as I take on more projects. I'm located in California, USA. What essential hand tools do you recommend for beginners?
2 Answers
Before you start buying tools, think about whether you prefer Western or Japanese styles. Western tools usually involve push saws and hammers, while Japanese tools use pull saws and mallets. Knowing this will help you choose what you'll be more comfortable using!
If you're leaning towards Western tools, I recommend starting with a good quality block plane, a set of chisels, and a hand saw. I love my Stanley planes and a nice set of chisels goes a long way for detail work. You can always add more specialized tools later!