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Looking at getting some tools to use to learn to make furniture.

4K views 19 replies 8 participants last post by  brownclark 
#1 ·
I am starting to learn to work with wood and build things. But I do not have all the right tools for the job. I am needing to cut 45 degree angles, as well as driving screws. What would be a good tool to get?

I currently have....

-Older Craftsman 7 1/4in circular saw
-DeWalt basic corded 3/8in drill
-Ryobi corner cat sander
-Dremel 300

Some of my options...


1. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...,pd.html&xsell=shop-by-brand--porter-cable--3

2. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...default,pd.html?start=3&cgid=ryobi-combo-kits

3. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=skil-combo-kits

or should I use the tools I have now and get a miter saw like...

1. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...04-rt,default,pd.html?start=8&cgid=miter-saws

2. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...1343l,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=miter-saws

3. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...1141l,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=miter-saws

Also should I get a better sander like...

1. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...t,pd.html?start=10&cgid=sanders-and-polishers

2. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...lt,pd.html?start=7&cgid=sanders-and-polishers

3. http://www.reconditionedtools.com/f...t,pd.html?start=12&cgid=sanders-and-polishers

Thanks in advance!:thumbsup:
 
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#10 ·
If you do (and you really should) buy a Kreg Tool do not cheap out and buy just the single hole making tool. Buy the complete set and the special vise grip that's made for it.
It's amazing how tight a joint you can get with one of these tools.
 
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#2 ·
Where do you have to work to do this?
What power is avalible?

The tools you have so far are basic DIY tools, to start building real furniture your going to need a good table saw, a compound 12" mitre saw, lots and lots of clamps, randum orbital sander, planner, jointer, a shaper or at least a router table.
All this stuff takes up room and needs plenty of power to run.
 
#4 ·
I have a work bench area of around 8x3 feet. I cut my wood out in the garage with the circular saw to slightly smaller pieces, if measurements allow it. I have 2 heavy duty 4 inch "C" clamps. As for power I am no electrician so I couldn't tell you. I am currently able to run a washer and a dryer along 2 500watt computers, around a dozen T-5HO lights (I grow plants) and water a lot of water pumps (I keep fish too). I don't know if I am fine or not?:huh:

So if you where me, what would you get? I am going to be making a cabinet/stand for a ~400lbs fish tank. And this month I can only allocate around $100-$150 towards tools (I am 18).
 
#5 · (Edited)
Your young and will have plenty of time to keep saving and buying more tools when you can afford them.
Rule # one do not buy cheap tools. A good tool cost more but should last a life time or more, it will be saver, easyer to use.

Those clamps you have will be all but usless to build furniture.
Your going to quickly find you will never have enough clamps.
A set like this is a good start.
http://www.amazon.com/Denali-30-Pie...1349630110&sr=1-6&keywords=woodworking+clamps

In most cases your also going to need a compressor, brad and finish nail gun, Biscuit jointer.
When it comes to wood working the list on tools you will need never stops growing.
A wood working area get really dusty so trying to do this around plants, fish tanks any living space is just not a great idea.
 
#6 ·
I plan on eventually setting up a better workshop area in the garage. The work area I have now is open to the basement laundry room, which really is not the best place for it. But for the time being now I am just going to have to deal with it. I am running a air purifier fan in the room that gets cleaned weekly. I also have a shop-vac with a micron filter that I use as I am cutting/sanding.

Wow that is a lot of money for clamps!!:eek:
 
#8 ·
Let me trade out one tool instead of a biscuit jointer look into a kreg pocket hole kit. I don't think I've used my biscuit jointer since I got mine. And a good way to do clamps is buy the ends, then use black pipe of different lengths then you can put them together with a coupler and make them almost any size you need.
 
#13 ·
A bandsaw is a great tool but to save a little money and space when first starting out you can do almost the same thing with a good jigsaw. It just takes longer. When just starting I would suggest looking for tools that serve more than 1 purpose like for instance a good drill press, not only can you drill straight holes and use Forrestner bits but you can put sanding drums in it or you can buy an attachment for making mortices. And as someone already said the workhorse of your shop will be the table saw. A GOOD contractor saw is a good start it will do the job and when done can be wheeled out of the way.
 
#15 ·
If your making furniture then a good cast iron table saw, then at some point a mitre saw.
Trim, framing, deck building is where you need a mitre saw as a general rule.
A table saw can mitre and rip cut, but would be a royal pain to try and cut 16' deck boards and long trim.
 
#16 ·
the table saw is more versatile, you just cant cross cut long material on it. but it can be used for ripping, and joinery. dadoes. etc.

the mitre saw is for clean mitre cuts. its not really a neccesity for deck building unless your doing it all the time and doing custom decks with alot of angles or composite decking
 
#20 ·
For furniture-making, the two most indispensable tools would be a table saw and a router table. This duo can get a woodworker through the vast majority of cuts and joints: the table saw for sizing and basic joints and the router table for shaping and more intricate joints. If you think you would like to work with lots of curves, then consider swapping out the table saw with a band-saw. Those would be the basics. From there, things will evolve based on your interests.
furniture stores in ocala are superb
 
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