I've mostly relied on power tools in the past, but I'm starting to appreciate the benefits of hand tools. They often perform certain tasks better, simpler, and faster—especially when specialized power tools aren't an option. I'm interested in hearing everyone's recommendations on which hand tools I should splurge on, which ones are decent at mid-range prices, and any that are fine to pick up as budget options from places like Harbor Freight or Amazon. As a beginner, I know that almost anything can be effective in the right hands, but I'm looking for a bit of guidance here. To kick things off, I think:
- Planes: Worth investing in higher quality unless you're into restoring them.
- Chisels: Mid-range should be sufficient if you've got good sharpening skills. What do you all think?
1 Answer
For someone just starting out, I'd definitely focus on getting a decent set of chisels. They're really important for honing your skills, and you don't need to go crazy on them yet. Just my two cents!