My Woodworking Tools
When I was setting up my first woodworking shop, I had limited tools and a limited budget. I remember wanting to make a nice large table where I could set a few tools and that could accommodate a small vice/anvil. I built this with a Skil circular saw and a Skil cordless drill. I remember during this build my batteries being so weak and holding so little charge that I would drive in a few screws, then have to switch batteries. It took forever, but I ended up with a very functional piece that will probably have a spot in my shop for a long time to come.
I still use that circular saw, but have since upgraded my Skil cordless drill to a corded Dewalt drill. One of the first woodworking tools I can remember buying was a Craftsman random orbit sander. I got it when I was refinishing a side table that I got at a consignment store. It had a mahogany plywood top on it and the project turned out to be really pretty. It has been my go-to sander for nearly a decade.
I have acquired many of my tools as birthday or Christmas gifts, or with money saved from them. I have a number of second hand tools in my shop, some of which are hand me downs from my Grandfather and some are Craigslist finds.
Without tools, I wouldn't have a shop and I wouldn't be able to pursue woodworking. Some craftsman love to have the newest or top of the line tools, while some don't have any preference. As I have assembled my tool collection, I have tried to think of my rationale for each tool and I have tried to make sure that each tool has a purpose in my shop. Many of the tools that I have started out with are cheaper bottom-of-the-line tools, but all of them have worked (maybe with a few minor headaches along the way). As my skill has built, I have looked to replace some of my cheaper tools with higher quality tools. These can often make my work safer, more efficient, and more fun!
I still use that circular saw, but have since upgraded my Skil cordless drill to a corded Dewalt drill. One of the first woodworking tools I can remember buying was a Craftsman random orbit sander. I got it when I was refinishing a side table that I got at a consignment store. It had a mahogany plywood top on it and the project turned out to be really pretty. It has been my go-to sander for nearly a decade.
I have acquired many of my tools as birthday or Christmas gifts, or with money saved from them. I have a number of second hand tools in my shop, some of which are hand me downs from my Grandfather and some are Craigslist finds.
Without tools, I wouldn't have a shop and I wouldn't be able to pursue woodworking. Some craftsman love to have the newest or top of the line tools, while some don't have any preference. As I have assembled my tool collection, I have tried to think of my rationale for each tool and I have tried to make sure that each tool has a purpose in my shop. Many of the tools that I have started out with are cheaper bottom-of-the-line tools, but all of them have worked (maybe with a few minor headaches along the way). As my skill has built, I have looked to replace some of my cheaper tools with higher quality tools. These can often make my work safer, more efficient, and more fun!
