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linzey
Yahoo User
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 Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:07 pm Post subject: woodworking: a gift? |
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| So, I had originally decided to start my boyfriend on a nice toolset. Now, i've delved a bit deeper only to discover that what he is actually interested in is woodworking. He wants to be able to build, and put fancy details on, things like tables, chairs, shelves... the like. We both live in apartments until we're married, and neither of us have a garage or anything, so my set for him needs to start small. What is a great first tool or several tools that every woodworker should have? What will prove to be the most useful, and what should I avoid? I've already got a gift for him for Christmas this year, but our anniversary is coming up, as is valentines day, as is his birthday... so many ideas would be great! Please tell me specifically what to look for, how much it should cost, what the best/worst brand is, and where i can go to get it (i'm in michigan... we have home depot, lowes... and...i think thats it). thanks guys! |
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R P A
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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| If he really has no tools I would suggest a cordless drill as the first. You want one that comes with two batteries so you can be charging one while you use the other. This is more of a handyman tool, not just for woodworking but it's probably the tool any woodworker will use all the time. I like the Dewalt 18Volt drills. The DeWalt DC759KA is probably available at your local HD or Lowes. It comes with 2 batteries and a charger. Additional accessories would be a set of drill bits and an assortment of screwdriver bits.Makita and Milwaukee are also good brands. Stay away from the Black & Decker and Skil, they are`the cheap consumer lines and they won't last. If you buy cheap tools you will regret it. |
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triminman
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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| wood carving set. |
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Charlie
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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| Um...would you marry me?Just kidding, but you sound like a keeper to me.If he wants to do fine woodwork (furniture grade) he will definitely need a nice hand plane.My boss gave me this one (low angle block plane) http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=102 for Christmas last year and It's my favorite tool.I recommend the low angle plane and holster package.If you want to see some other quality woodworking stuff, check this out http://www.japanwoodworker.com/page.asp?content_id=2647Most of their stuff is pretty good.You have to have sharpening stones for your planes, chisels, etc, as well. No need to spend the money on the water stones (arguably the best for sharpening), they are too easy to damage for someone inexperienced at sharpening. Stick with diamond stones for starters (much cheaper!). Get a 400(coarse) grit stone and a 1200 grit stone. A Japanese saw would be a nice gift, as well. Even the cheapest of the Japanese saws in this catalog are really good tools.Chisels and a mallet are essential. |
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Steve in NC
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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| If he has no tools I would suggest a couple of really good, comprehensive woodworking books. He can study the books and from them he will be able to determine what tools he really wants and also how to set up a shop to do his work. Here is a really nice 3 volume set:http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Illustrated-Guide-Woodworking-Construction/dp/1561586021/ref=pd_bbs_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197249107&sr=8-10I have this set and it is really useful.If you are sure you want to get a tool then I would get a combination set. I would get either a Dewalt or a Ridgid. You get what you pay for and these two are the top of the line in my opinion.http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R9203-Combo-Kit/EN/index.htmhttp://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=16697 |
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thewrangler_sw
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:04 am Post subject: |
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| Whoooooo boy.... this list could get long, hehehe.. and a lot of it depends on just what kind of woodworking he wants to get into.A reaaaally good place to start, would be a woodworking magazine subscription. Something like Woodworkers Journal, would be ideal. - http://woodworkersjournal.com/A catalog or two wouldnt hurt... I can recommend this one - http://www.rockler.com/(Lowes has a project newsletter they put out every so often too).Every wood worker needs a few basics... a good hammer, some tape measures, chisels, clamps, straight edges, etc. and of course something to put them in, hehe... a tool box or two. Whenever buying hand tools, try to get those with a lifetime warranty, like Vermont American, Kobalt, etc. Once upon a time, you could count on all Sears tools to have the lifetime warranty, but no longer... now it MUST have the "Craftsman" logo on it, and state it comes with the lifetime warranty. Many of the Sears tools no longer have the lifetime warranty, and quite honestly, are not what many of us 'old timers' think that Sears should be peddling.Powered hand tools would include screw guns/drivers circular saws, etc... you can purchase these as corded or cordless units, and many come in cordless packages. However... if he isnt going to be using them every day....then I would suggest that you look into Lithium Ion battery drivers, and corded saws. The lithium batteries last a LOT longer with infrequent use. The batteries you find in most DeWalt tools (and contemporaries) hold up better if they are used every day....and are completely drained of their charge before recharging. I should clarify... I mean the life of the battery itself ... a Lithium Ion battery has a longer life, you'll not have to replace it as often. (They cost more initially, right now tho, that's the trade off) If you want to go with the more commonly available kits right now tho, then an 18v set is a good place to start. Dont be afraid to start out with just a single piece if cost is a factor... you can always add to it later.Some big ticket items to look at, are a good table saw, router set, band saw, drill press, miter saw, etc. It'd be a very good idea to take him with you, when shopping for these items. Table saw quality varies a great deal... and some of us look for specific features, depending on what type of work we intend to do with them. For myself, it was important that I get a solid steel top, good motor and armature, and a very smooth fence....I see no point in having a fence that wobbles, but there are many saws out there that do.With a little ingenuity, there are many things that a woodworker can do, that will help him in his shop... building jigs/fixtures, for example, or work benches, router tables...all kinds of things, that will greatly enhance what can be done.Id strongly suggest the magazine and catalog.... and then also to take time to go shopping with him... walk thru Lowe's and such, and see what he drools over, lol, and ask what makes one choice better than another.Have Fun |
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JimC
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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| All of these suggestions are great. Once he gets into woodworking, he'll want to get them all and more. But for me, since you live in an apartment, I would get him a nice set of carving knives, gouges, rasps and or rifflers. With a good instruction video, he can be off and running from the start and with a minimum amount of mess in some corner. If he wants to build furniture, just look at how much is carved. And the satisfaction factor is almost instantaneous. Carving a relief is also a great present to give. If this is your choice, I recommend always get the best tools. They last longer, stay sharper and will be easier to work with. You can find some on line at Garrett Wade, it's a craftsman's paradise. Good luck to both of you.JimCwoodworking.jlchrlsrecommends.com |
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