Clueless

[Gena]

I am REALLY new at this, and want to purchase some tools that are functional and quality, however I have a VERY limited pocketbook as well as experience. My children want some headboards made, and I have some great ideas, however I do not want to get burned when it comes to these purchases. Please help me out - I was planning on purchasing a jig saw (to easily cut out a castle headboard), power drill/screwdriver, I am undecided about a router or a circular saw - I know these do completely different things, but my budget does not allow for both, possibly neither.
Any comments or help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Gena

[Lou_williams]

I understand what you are trying to do, There are lots of things that you can do with a few simple tools. But it is very hard to know what to tell you to buy at this point.

What I would recomend for you and anyone else in a similar position is to try to find a local adult ed class in woodworking. It will help you to learn the use of tools, technique and safety. But, it will also allow you to build some projects using their tools. You will find the kind of work you like and have a much better idea of what you will want to buy. Check the local highschool office, community college, or adult ed department in your local area.

[sflager1@tampabay.rr.com]

Well Gena, I'm new too and have a similar problem. I started with a jigsaw and a router (Craftsman, which I have since taken back to Sears and got my money back). I buy my wood from either Lowe's or HD and have them do the big cuts---most of the time they do it free. I'm making basic storage cabinets for my garage and learn as I go. Have checked out 6 or 7 different router books from the Library and learned much on these forums.

Keep at it and you will get there. I'm having a blast!!

Fred

[MadMark]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-15-01 AT 09:18PM (CDT)[p]Before you do anything else on this project get yourself a copy of the Rockler catalog. They have premade posts and the like that will save a TON of effort on this project. You'll only need to cut out the board and attach it to the legs instead of having to build everything from scratch. This will allow you to get you feet wet without investing a ton in tools. They also have assorted plans and you can judge what you need to buy from them.

Here are the modular bedposts:

http://www.rockler.com/rockler/images/38814.jpg

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=2059&sid=AF243

Here is a couple of books on beds:

http://www.rockler.com/rockler/images/13381.jpg

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=5123&sid=AF243

http://www.rockler.com/rockler/images/91807.jpg

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=1908&sid=AF243

Here are one type of plan, they have several:

http://www.rockler.com/rockler/images/73870.jpg

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=5800&sid=AF243

M