directory A List of Basic Hand Tools For Setting Up Shop
Below I suggest any brands of tools. These are tools I own and have a lot of touch with or have used in the past and like. This doesn't mean that these brands are the only ones out there or are even the best. Ask around and find out what other habitancy like and use. Ultimately you have to make your own decision on which tools are best for you and how you work.
A List of Basic Hand Tools For Setting Up Shop
Woodworking covers so many facets that it's difficult to come up with a tool list that covers the needs of every woodworker. Many tools are used for a very definite task, while others are more general tools that you find yourself using for most projects. The latter is what I'll concentrate on in this article. Just keep in mind that if you want to learn how to make guitars (a Luther), or build a canoe, etc...there will absolutely be tools that you will need that won't be on this list. This is just to get you started. I've been working wood for over 10 years and trust me there are still many tools I would love to have. But just like I did you start with the basics and buy other tools as you find a need for them.
Hand Tools
Machine tools: screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, set to wrenches, pliers, crescent wrench. These are things that most already have around the house, but it absolutely doesn't hurt to have a set of these tools that are dedicated just to your shop so you don't have to hunt all over the house when you need a Phillips screwdriver. These can all be picked up at your local hardware store.
Set of bench chisels: 1/4" to 1". I've used a set of Marples chisels for years. Irwin has bought them so they may show up under their name now. The full set costs around .00 cheaper chisels just won't hold an edge (meaning they dull too easily). The Marple chisels hold an edge Ok. Home Depot and Lowes used to carry them but they're not showing up on their websites now. Amazon.com has them for
Handplanes: A jack plane (sometimes referred to as a No. 5) and a low angle block plane. The jack plane gets it's name from being the "jack of all trades". It's a medium size plane and can be used for many tasks. I suggest buying a used one, specifically an old Stanley No. 5. Look at flea markets and stable sells or try eBay (this is where I got mine years ago). A block plane will be one of the most used tools in your shop, so buy a good one. If you can afford it Lie-Nielsen.com or Lee Valley.com both have excellent low angle blocks from to 9 A cheaper alternative would be a Stanley 60 1/2 low angle block for around .
Handsaws: panel, or Japanese Ryoba and Dozuki. Western saws cut on the push stroke; Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke. My guidance is to try out both and see which you like better. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I like the Japanese saws for most jobs, but I still like a western type saw for cutting dovetails. Lowes and Home Depot both carry Japanese saws. Other good place to look is Japanwoodworker.com
Layout tools:tape measure, small and large size try squares, marking gauge, pencil compass, 6" and 12" rulers, bevel gauge, compound square.
Hammer: 16oz appropriate and a wooden or dead-blowstyle mallet for working with chisels and other tools.
Card scraper: an cheap tool that is indispensable in the shop (especially if you dislike sanding). These tools can take very thin shavings of wood and leave a very level surface. They can be tricky to edge though. We'll cover scrapers more in depth in a time to come article.
Rasps: a tasteless and fine cabinetmaker's style. These are used to shape wood especially table legs.
There's my list of basic hand tools to get you started. Some, you will need from the very beginning. Some you can wait on. My guidance is to outline out what you want to make with your woodworking and then start building. You'll outline out quickly the tools you authentically need and the ones you can wait to get.
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