Hello from Melbourne

[Devery]

Hi Everyone,

I've been browsing these forums for a while now and the information being shared is priceless. Up until now I have been happy searching through the already rich content but as I get deeper into seriously considering setting myself up to build furniture, my questions become more specific and I find myself wanting to join in the discussion.

I work as a landscaper and I'm always building and creating. My experience with furniture so far is limited. Bits and pieces here and there bodged together, but ultimately I'm looking to refine my skills in this craft and hopefully learn a lot. I'm currently reading James Krenov's first book and I'm loving it.

Thanks,
James.

[Chesand]

Welcome aboard.

[Devery]

At the moment I have a few tools, but I'm definitely looking to expand my collection. I thought maybe I could share my ideas here in case anyone is able to help, rather than start a million threads!

I should mention I'm mainly looking for second hand tools at the moment. And also I don't wish to acquire these all at once, I'm still working and learning so these ideas may change.

Power tools:
I want to keep it simple, I think I can get away with just a few.

- Band saw. Top of the list. Just seems to me a lot of my problems would be solved by this tool.
- Jointer. Not sure on size, mainly because I will take what ever is a good deal.
- Table saw
- Drill press, maybe.

Lots more I'd imagine but I think if I had those I would be well on my way. Your opinion?


Hand Tools:

These are what excite me most.

I'd love a collection of hand planes, but even now I don't know what all of them do! I guess I'll buy out of necessity, if I need to do a job and I dont have the tool then I'll try and find it. I'm thinking of getting a no.4 and a no.7 plane to start me off.

I have some chisels, Stanly Marples which I bought for work, and they are reasonable but I would like to have some in my workshop just for furniture which I can keep sharp. I guess I need to do some research into a kit which suits me best.

And the list just rolls on but again if I had these then buying from necessity would work well.

Apart from that, I'd like to set myself up so I can keep my tools maintained and sharp, so things like wet stones and what ever else is required to keep everything in good working order.

Well, that's just a fraction of the madness running through my brain at the moment. One step at a time I guess but there are so many questions I would love answered. All in time!

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
James.

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum.

You have asked a lot of questions and as I have just read this post it seems you are correct there is a lot going on in your brain. This is a good thing as I also have a lot going through my head.

I think you will find some answers by reading previous post and some by starting a new thread in the various sub forums.

How about this for a thought, decide on something that you want to build and then determine what is needed in order to build the said item such as pencil or chisel or handsaw etc.

With that in mind post a question on the possible related sub forum and if it is a hot topic step back and see the variations of replies to your question.

[munruben]

Welcome aboard James, nice to see you here. That's quite a list you have there. Second hand is surely a good way to go but sometimes difficult to find just the thing you want and most woodworkers are reluctant to part with their precious tools but good luck with that anyway.

[Woodwould]

Welcome James You have the right attitude; purchase what you require as and when you need it.

A bandsaw is a must in my books. I would gladly give away all other power tools but keep my bandsaw. I don't have a table saw and don't see the need for one either.

There's nothing wrong with second hand tools either. The majority of the tools I have are second hand.

[Devery]

Haha I feel silly now. I guess writing it down was a little bit for me as well, its good to see it in writing a posed to just floating around in my head (and confusing me). And I could always add to that list the work bench I want, the hand saws, the this, the that.

Now I'm just working my way up through simple projects to get myself started and acquire tools. Anyone got suggestions there? Otherwise I'll go make a box with some shelves Fun.

I'm comforted to read you don't have, or see the need for, a table saw woodwould. I'm leaning towards the same idea. I'm sure I'll make do with not having a table saw basically because I won't have one.

Thank you for the welcome everyone.

James.

[JJF]

Welcome aboard