Getting started in woodworking is a tricky business. One typical route people enter woodworking is through home improvement… and many prospective woodworkers come to the table with your basic tools – a circular saw, a drill, screwdrivers – you know, the basics.
From there, wisely adding to the tool collection is the best way to get your feet under you.
In many cases, budding woodworkers will turn to a more experienced woodworker for that advice, and the most commonly asked questions is, “What should I buy first?”
So, this week, what would you tell that new woodworker? What should be the first tool they set their shops up around?
[poll id=”86″]
The first thing you need as a woodworker is wood. The notion that the first thing you need is a power tool doesn’t make sense.
Cheers — Larry
And, once they buy their wood… 😉
Where’s the router/table option? That’s my pick.
Great poll!!
I had to spend some time thinking about it. Finally concluded a table saw or band saw was almost useless without joinery tools. I voted hand tools.
Assuming that the new woodworker is getting into the hobby from home improvement (like I did), I’d recommend a miter saw, with a table saw a close second. they’re both invaluable in woodworking and the miter saw is slightly more used around the house.
That dovetail picture looks mighty familiar… I’m a big fan of the Taunton Press also.
I voted for the table saw because of the versitily of it. (Cross cut, rip, dado, bevel etc.) But, I guess it really depends on the type of wood work you want to do. Are you making an addition to the house or a rocking chair?
Rog
my vote is for a computer. this day and age, the most important resource I have is the internet.