What tools do you use?

[matt b]

I am looking at getting into building stuff like canopys and stands. and I have NEVER built anything and I am wondering what all tools do you use to cut the wood and stuff? what would be the easiest way? like a table saw or what? and are there any like articles or anything for learning this stuff?

 

[sigmachris]

I am not a carpenter by any stretch of the imaginaiton, but a miter saw and a circular saw are a must. A table saw is very expensive and not needed. If you need to make a cut with a table saw, just have Home Depot or Lowes do it when you buy the wood. You get 2 free cuts with every piece of wood you buy and its $0.25 per cut after that, but they have never charged me for a third or fourth cut.
Also a very good cordless drill is a must with an extra battery.

 

[sigmachris]

Also I forgot to mention the table saw is obviously very big and will take up premium garage / basement space.

 

[dragonzim]

I am not a carpenter either but I will agree with SigmaChris about the mitre saw and circular saw. I do have a table saw as well and if you are thinking about making a few items it is a good investment. A good power sander makes things a lot easier when you are getting ready to finish the wood. Also, depending on how in depth you want to get with your cabinetstand making, a biscuit joiner is a good tool to have. It will allow you to join pieces of wood either at the corners or sheet to sheet very accurately

 

[sigmachris]

A little off topic but also get a big Mollie kit...those are the plastic pieces you can put into drywall without a wall stud then add a

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for hanging pictures and stuff. Without fail, my wife always wants her pictures and curtain rods in a very specific place and of course there is no stud there...well except for me (sorry I couldn't resist).

 

[tx reef]

I have to disagree........
I have everything you could imagine for wood working (drill press, table saw, sliding compound miter saw, skil saw, router, router table, band saw, etc.....and most recently a lathe), but if I had to have one tool to cut wood it would be a table saw.
You can get a decent one for less than the cost of most compound sliding miter saws.
The miter saw is limited on the cuts it can make. A table saw will do everything a miter saw can do and so much more.

 

[shogun323]

Having never built anything I would recommend you find a part time job in the industry or do an apprenticeship somewhere. Experience is everything. Quality woodworking/carpentry isn't a trade you cold easily pick up from DIY articles and a few projects.

 

[matt b]

Originally Posted by shogun323
http:///forum/post/2456555
Having never built anything I would recommend you find a part time job in the industry or do an apprenticeship somewhere. Experience is everything. Quality woodworking/carpentry isn't a trade you cold easily pick up from DIY articles and a few projects.
i wish i could but im 15

 

[matt b]

Originally Posted by TX Reef
http:///forum/post/2456549
I have to disagree........
I have everything you could imagine for wood working (drill press, table saw, sliding compound miter saw, skil saw, router, router table, band saw, etc.....and most recently a lathe), but if I had to have one tool to cut wood it would be a table saw.
You can get a decent one for less than the cost of most compound sliding miter saws.
The miter saw is limited on the cuts it can make. A table saw will do everything a miter saw can do and so much more.
so if i get just a table saw a sander and a good drill will i be able to make like stands canopys and just stuff like that? and how hard is it to learn how to use a table saw can i learn by myself?

 

[crashbandicoot]

YOu should definatly have the help of an adult or at least the supervision of one . Not trying to be a jerk but accidents happen to even the most expirenced people

 

[sigmachris]

Originally Posted by MaTT B
http:///forum/post/2456738
i wish i could but im 15

Does your school offer wood shop as an elective? That would be a great place to start the experience and then get the power tools if you find you enjoy the hobby.

 

[matt b]

Originally Posted by SigmaChris
http:///forum/post/2456771
Does your school offer wood shop as an elective? That would be a great place to start the experience and then get the power tools if you find you enjoy the hobby.
Im home schooled. but I am looking for a wood shop class. there are alot of home school classes and stuff like that where I am

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by MaTT B
http:///forum/post/2456779
Im home schooled. but I am looking for a wood shop class. there are alot of home school classes and stuff like that where I am
Do you have a parent or family member that can show you how to use these tools? I have been around power tools my whole life since my dad was a big do-it-yourselfer and I learned how to safely operate tools like a table saw and a circular saw when I was younger than you are. I would definitely NOT recommend trying to teach yourself how to use them safely. These are very dangerous tools, even if you know what you are doing.

 

[matt b]

Originally Posted by DragonZim
http:///forum/post/2456825
Do you have a parent or family member that can show you how to use these tools? I have been around power tools my whole life since my dad was a big do-it-yourselfer and I learned how to safely operate tools like a table saw and a circular saw when I was younger than you are. I would definitely NOT recommend trying to teach yourself how to use them safely. These are very dangerous tools, even if you know what you are doing.
ya no one in my family knows how to use these tool. my dad was pretty good with this stuff but he passed away 2 yrs ago. so im trying to find a good way to get into this.

 

[nano reefer]

Ryobi

 

[bdhutier]

Originally Posted by DragonZim
http:///forum/post/2456825
Do you have a parent or family member that can show you how to use these tools? I have been around power tools my whole life since my dad was a big do-it-yourselfer and I learned how to safely operate tools like a table saw and a circular saw when I was younger than you are. I would definitely NOT recommend trying to teach yourself how to use them safely. These are very dangerous tools, even if you know what you are doing.
Couldn't agree more with DZ!! I've been working with power tools of all sorts for all of my 31 years... just the other night, I was building a stand for my grav-feed sump, and darn near stuck myself in the chest with my 8" driver bit when the bit jumped off the

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onto my right Pec!! Freaked me out, and helped me realize I was rushing, and not taking the appropriate precautions.

Doesn't matter what you're building if you've given yourself a sucking chest wound like I almost did!! Besides, since you're not very experienced with carpentry, working with someone who is will save you the agonizing frustration of building something, only to realize you didn't do it properly and have to start over.

GL, and I'm sorry to hear about your dad...

 

[jennythebugg]

this spring or summer volunteer with the habitat for humanity group , you will learn just about everything you need to know and get hands on experience as well. thats where i learned about doing foundation work

 

[shrimpi]

my guy has our garage filled with tools and machines and things that spin, cut, grind, drill etc...
yet, he still goes into the laundry room.... into the cabinet.... on the top shelf..... and grabs my "barbara K" tool kit.
I have to remind him to put it back.... he will be doing all manly stuff and pull out the 'barbara k' purple hammer in front of anyone.
its great.
... so basically, Im just trying to say "dont forget the basics" or youll go looking for your wife's girly tools. haha

 

[scotts]

I pretty much agree with what everyone has written. And since you are a beginner I would recommend a cordless drill/saw combo they sell at HD. It is a Ryobi and sells for about $100. You may need to get an extra battery. This will let you see if you really like it, lean the basics and not set you back too much money if you don't like the wood working. I have this set and it is good enough for stuff around the house. Then if you like the wood working you could buy some of the other stuff like a table saw. Also keep in mind that Ryobi is not top of the line, but it will not set you back the $300 that a DeWalt combo would. Also by going cordless you are getting something that will do the job, but does not have too much torque that it will overpower you.
I personally think a table saw is too powerful for you right now as a beginner. Once you learn a little bit about wood working you could move up to one.