Woodworking Tools

[KyCatFan]

I just recently started doing some DIY projects around the house, but my tools are very limited right now. I just went and bought a sliding compound miter saw to help with cutting baseboards. It should help with cutting 2x4's, deck boards, etc. I also have a jigsaw and a drill. What other tools are must haves? I have limited space so I am trying to just get the most essential ones.
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[Glochid]

I would put tablesaw at the top of the list if you have the space. It is almost an essential tool in a shop and will make life a lot easier with many projects..

 

[maverick1]

A hammer is pretty GD essential IMHO.

 

[joey009852]

Buy tools as the need arises, and don't go cheap on the ones you'll use often. If on a budget, keep an eye on Craigslist. Especially if you're near a decently populated area. A lot of people buy tools for a project, use them a couple times, then sell them once they realize they're just taking up space in the garage.

 

[joey009852]

You know Maverick, I have somewhere around a half dozen hammers and about the only time I use a standard claw hammer is when my wife wants me to hang a picture somewhere.

 

[KyCatFan]

I do have the basics already like hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. I probably will get a table saw in the near future. We are thinking about getting one of those nice wood sheds that will be big enough to dedicate part of it for doing projects and storing tools.
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[Glochid]

Without a table saw, if you need to cut up large pieces of plywood you will end up using a circular saw and a straight edge. It gets the job done but not as easily as a table saw. Plus with a table saw you can make all sort of jigs that will make life even easier.

I know you have a jigsaw, but a circular saw would be a nice addition for ripping big pieces of material and is cheaper and easier to fit into a workspace obviously. A jig will cut but not nearly as quickly as a circular saw and you won't have to worry about the jigsaw blade bending if you end up putting too much lateral pressure on the blade, if you were deviating from your marked line and trying to get back on track for example.

 

[robo222]

I highly encourage you to review the Festool lineup of power tools as they are the cutting edge of power tools in woodworking.
You might find the price to exceed your budget as they are pricy... If nothing else consider some type of track saw for sheet goods... You can never have too many routers (used or cheap works)... Every man needs, at the very least, one good, all around hand plane #4-5/or a block plane (or both). Every man needs to know how to sharpen and have sharpening tools (if your kitchen knives are dull you either done have or don't know)... Highly recommend you look at a Kreg, pocket hole tool (it's almost like cheating)... Invest in a set of good slotted and phillips head screw drivers (oh what a relief they are)... Cordless drill with impact driver....

And I like your chop saw.... One of these days I'm going to get me one but I use a sled on my table saw....
And if you are young and starting out.... Think JIGS... Fot the table saw for the router for the drill press etc... You'll have them everywhere.... Hummmm I use a bad saw more often that I expected so keep your eye on one of them....

Craigs List is okay but people want to use a tool and resale it less the cost of having rented one... Often might as well buy a new one.......

 

[BlueRaider22]

Father's Day........mark it on your calendar. Also, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, etc. Tools are really expensive. They'll often last a lifetime if you take care of them, but they're expensive. And IMO, in most cases, a little extra money spent on a given tool is worth it.

 

[80 Proof]

I would add a circular saw, unless you are doing a lot of cutting the standard Skil will work fine. I've used mine pretty steadily for about 6 or 7 years now and its holding up very well.

You will also use the heck out of a cordless drill, I would consider which brand of cordless tools you like and stick with the same battery type for all tools (you might consider a cordless circular saw rather than a standard one with a cord).

A table saw and router will be on your long term shop tool list, as will a drill press, band saw, planer, and jointer.

As for where to get them, I would look for yard sales, ebay, and pawn shops if you want to save money. Craigslist usually doesn't have very good prices on tools. If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks, go ahead and get new as you will know they have been cared for properly and you will get a warranty.