I'm new to Woodworking, brand new...

[Brutus]

...and I know so little I don't even know enough to ask intelligent questions. Here's my best go at it, though.

I decided to take up woodworking when my futon frame fell apart. There my futon was, sitting there on the ground and it occurred to me how fun it would be to build my own frame. I've always like creating things, and I knew I could really take to woodworking.

I've done a little looking around on the net and there seems to be plenty of info out there. I am having trouble though finding something that assumes I have absolutely no knowledge of woodworking.

What I would really like is a nice beginner's project, something like a small chest perhaps. I have all hand tools, and would be willing to pick up a few more hand tools specific to woodworking, but I don't want to make the investment in getting power tools (oh, actually I do have a drill) until I have tried my hand at woodworking.

So my questions are: 1) Does anyone have very simple plans for a small box/chest? 2) What general information can you give me, the complete newbie?

Thanks to anyone who replies!
-Brutus

[MatD]

What kind of tools do you have? Do have planes, chisels and handsaws? You might want to try this link for some semi simple plans. You will have to improvise on some of this since you don't have any power tools. As for getting the plywood cut to size, the local lumber yard should be able to do that for you (for a milling fee).

Mat

http://www.robson.org/4h/1999/project.html

[Brutus]

Hey Mat, thanks very much for responding, I appreciate it.

I was vague when I mentioned what tools I had at my disposal. They do not consist of any woodworking tools. I have a hack-saw, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. - nothing specifically woodworking related.

I am willing to purchase a few of the essentials provided they aren't too pricey. I do have access to a lot of tools through various friends of mine. I know specifically I can get the use of a table saw and a compound miter saw.

Any other advice that you could give would be appreciated, such as what tools I should get a hold of before I even consider taking my first baby steps into the ocean of woodworking.

Thanks once again.
-Brutus

[Danford C Jennings]

Brutus,

FWIW, I recall posting a reply to a very similar question such as yours where I listed what I considered to be a basic tool kit...If you can't find it through the search function here, let me know and I'll try and dig it out...

Dano

[PAR]

Brutus,

Dano's reply came to me, (thanks again Dano). You can see that whole post [link:www.woodworking.com/dcforum/dcboard.pl?az=read_count&om=3426&forum=DCForumID9| here], I found it very useful, but if you are in a hurry here is Dano's original reply.

[font color=blue]
Below is what I would consider to be a basic kit:

Measuring and Layout Tools

6' folding rule
12' tape
24" bench rule
Carpenter's or rafter square
12" combination square
6" to 8" try square
Marking gauge
Mortise/Tenon gauge
Sprit level
Adjustable bevel
Trammel points
Calipers
Dividers
Compass
Set of French curves
Protractor
Marking knife

Cutting Tools

Cross cut saw
Rip saw
Tenon saw (rip & cross cut)
Dovetail (rip set)
Mitre box
Keyhole saw
Coping or fret saw
Set of paring chisels
Set of mortise chisels
Spoke shave
#5 jack plane
Block plane, regular angle
Block plane, low angle
#78 fillister plane

Shaping and Boring Tools

4 in 1 wood rasp
Set of wood rasps
Hand drill, twist and brad point bits
10" brace w/set of Jennings auger bits
Awl

Striking and Fastening Tools

10oz Warrington hammer
16oz claw hammer
16oz ball peen hammer
Hardwood mallet
Screw driver set, Phillips and flat
Set of double open end wrenches
Set of nail sets

Holding Tools

Clamps, clamps, and more clamps
Wood vise
Slip joint pliers
Needls nose pliers
Side cutters

Finishing Tools

Set of sanding blocks
2" China bristle sash brush
Putty knife

On hand tools I always recommend to buy the best that can be afforded with actual fit being the main priority.

As to any tips I can offer on your dove tails...I'm going to assume that your Dozuki is backed. My thought would be that you are either applying too much downward pressure on the saw and/or looking where you are cutting not where you want to end up. The other tip would be to save your scribed line and clean up with the paring chisel.

Hmmmm...other primers....I do believe that there is one other one floating around here somewhere on finishing Cherry, I believe it was entitled "Cherry blotching?" If you can't find it let me know.

Dano

P.S. Edit: Ah yes, I forgot to include "Sharpening", for the basic kit one should have a set of wet stones; I carry one coarse, medium, and fine in my kit and use 3 IN 1 oil. For saw sharpening I have a saw vise and tooth set (Disston Triumph No. 18), and use a 12" mill bstard file for jointing and a 6" fine rat tail (triangle) file for sharpening....I will point out that I use the so called "scarey sharp" method in shop, for on site work it's impactical to carry my glass with me, hence the stones....
[/font]

Again, if I understood right these are basic tools, not necesarily essential it all depends what you want to do. I would add one more recommendation, buy things as you need them. Read a lot to find out which tools are best for what job. When I started I read "The Handplane Book" (Hack) and recently I finished "Classic Hand Tools" (Hack) and "Choosing and Using Hand Tools" (Rae). Great Books, they could definitely answer most of your questions regarding which tools are needed. Hope this helps.

Regards,

PAR

[merickson]

My what a long list.
If you are set on hand tools I would trim it down to:

A combination square
A tool box saw
A back saw
A block plane


www.geocities.com/wefnut

[woodchuck1954]

Before you start buying tools, start buying books.
Or go to the library and find woodworking books.
You can find books for beginners and continue on
to more specific topics, that hold your interest.
When working with wood, the most important part is
learning to join wood. There are about 1000 different
ways to do it. What tools you have and what the curcumstance
calls for, determines what type of joint you want.
Not only will books tell you what techniques will work,
but also, what tools are needed.

[Brutus]

Thank you all, again, for your assistance. I will be picking up the items in merickson's list tomorrow. I'm sure the local library will help me get my first project underway in no time. That means you can look for more posts from me popping up in the near future.

Thanks again,
-Brutus

[TWS]

I would second the recommendation from Woodchuck 1954.

You should read a bit first just to get an understanding of how things are measured, squared and assembled. There are many informative books out there, but I would suggest a local library as a start.

The basic tool list given is a great place to start. It would be hard to go wrong with the suggestions by these fine woodworkers.

What you don't want to do, and don't ask me how I would know this, is to start spending money on tools or books until you have more of an understanding where you want to go with your new interest.
One of the commons posts on these forums (not necessarily this one) is 'I have saved some extra money. What tool should I buy next?' I am a strong proponent of the school of though that you buy what you absolutely need, only when you need it.

Find out what you need, and then buy the best that you can afford, either new or used. The search for good user-tools is a 'hobby/career' of its own.

Good luck,
Tom

[Cromag]

Dont forget to be safe. ie : dont cut your fingers off! very important :)