I use a Dewalt saber saw for more intricate cuts and cut outs. I am not 100% on this saw for no more reason than I PUSH it, which is a BAD habit to get into. The saw needs to do the sawing and pushing it just gives you a bad cut where the blade has wandered. Good cuts can be made with saber saws if you can remember to slow down and let the saw do the work.

The Everything Woodworking Book: A Beginner's Guide To Creating Great Projects From Start To Finish (Everything: Sports and Hobbies) by Jim Stack /

You will want to drill holes and run screws so you should get a drill. Battery powered drills have the serious advantage of no cords to get in the way. I have two Ryobi's, 14.4 volt variety. Yes, I would like the more power from the 18volt ones but I do not want the extra weight. The two I have get regular use and owe me nothing. One is set with a drill bit and the mate has the screwdriver bit. When I get on a roll, this combination allows me to pilot drill and then run a screw without missing a beat. The only reason I have two is back when I needed a battery for the one I originally had, there was a special that made more sense to just buy the whole kit. I have since added a couple more batteries to round things out.

A way to layout the lumber for your project almost goes without saying. Since I am trying to cover the basics, I will cover those too. A tape measure is necessary. I prefer the wide ones since they are less flexible and I work by myself most times. I have an assortment of them from all different manufacturers. I use them all. I can say my favorite is a Craftsman.

While you are acquiring your implements of destruction, get yourself an aluminum yard stick these things are extremely handy to have on hand. The other thing you will need is either a combination square or a speed square. I prefer the large speed square over the small one.

After these basics you can begin to specialize depending on what you plan to build. A quarter-sheet sander is nice to have but you can always sand by hand. I use a Dewalt sander and am pleased with it.

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Last update : 26-04-2008 19:10

Keywords : the basic woodworking tools

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