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A Starter List for setting up his first workshop:

Essential Tools and Accessories
* Tool Cabinet * Utility Belt * Safety Goggles * Socket Set * Shop Vac * Ratcheting Wrench Set * Ceramic Heater * First Aid Kit

Cutting Tools
* Chisels * Circular Saw * Jigsaw * Utility Knife

Hammer and Nail Accessories
* Hammer * Nail Set * Pro Stud Sensor

Drill Accessories
* Cordless 12V Drill and Flashlight Kit * Drill Bit Set

Measuring Tools and Accessories
* Retractable Tape Rule * Carpenter's Pencil * Carpenter's Square * Chalk Line * Combination Square * Compass * Levels Sanding Accessories * Clamps * Files * Planes * Sanders

Lighting Equipment
* Snakelights * Work Light with Stand

A List of Basic Hand Tools
For Setting Up Shop
By Craig Stevens

Below I recommend several brands of tools. These are tools I own and have a lot of experience 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 people like and use. Ultimately you have to make your own decision on which tools are best for you and how you work.

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 specific 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 definitely 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 definitely 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 $50.00 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 $50

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 recommend buying a used one, specifically an old Stanley No. 5. Look at flea markets and garage 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 $75 to $119 A cheaper alternative would be a Stanley 60 1/2 low angle block for around $40.

Handsaws: panel, or Japanese Ryoba and Dozuki. Western saws cut on the push stroke; Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke. My advice 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. Another 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, combination square.

Hammer: 16oz standard and a wooden or dead-blowstyle mallet for working with chisels and other tools.

Card scraper: an inexpensive tool that is indispensable in the shop (especially if you dislike sanding). These tools can take extremely thin shavings of wood and leave a very smooth surface. They can be tricky to sharpen though. We'll cover scrapers more in depth in a future article.

Rasps: a coarse 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 advice is to figure out what you want to make with your woodworking and then start building. You'll figure out quickly the tools you really need and the ones you can wait to get.

About the author: Craig Stevens has been a furniture maker for over 10 years who enjoys teaching others the joys of learning woodworking. If you are interested in learning more about woodworking, or in teaching your kids woodworking, go to our website to find tons of free information.http://www.WoodworkersResource.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Stevens http://EzineArticles.com/?A-List-of-Basic-Hand-Tools-For-Setting-Up-Shop&id=727095

Tools - You Need Them, But What And How Many?
By Mary Amos

Tools

Tools have been with us since the beginning of time – they have driven our civilization and allowed us to thrive. This is no less true today then it was in the past. While most people no longer have the skills required to complete complicated tasks around the house, to avoid having to call in a contractor every time you need to hang a picture, you need to put together a basic toolbox. A basic toolbox is essential for any homeowner, or even renter.

Your BasicToolbox

It is important to first consider the importance of getting quality tools before buying any tools. You should only buy quality tools. While they are more expensive, in the long run they will be worth it. Quality tools will last longer, and work better. A well-made drill will drill straighter. A well-made screwdriver will tighten faster. Although this may mean that you only buy your tools incrementally, it is still a better plan than trying to get all of your tools in one shot by purchasing inferior materials.

The first tool you should buy for your toolbox is a screwdriver. A screwdriver will come in handy on almost any project around the house, from replacing your telephone jacks to building a that new addition you’ve always dreamed about. If you can afford it, get a screwdriver with a full set of detachable tips (including Phillips heads).

After purchasing a screwdriver set, you should look for a good quality 16-ounce hammer. It doesn’t matter if the handle is made of wood or fibreglass. All that’s important is that you need to make sure it is comfortable in your hand and feels substantial (assuming, of course, that you will be using it for something more taxing than hanging picture frames).

The final basic tool you need for your toolbox is a set of adjustable wrenches. Most sets usually come with three different sizes, and will work on almost any size of nut or bolt you are likely to encounter around the house.

Other small tools you can fit into your toolbox are a level, tape measure, utility knife, pliers, and flash light (always useful when working in out of the way corners).

Taking Your Tools beyond the BasicToolbox

You can start expanding into more substantial tools once you have your three basic tools covered and have started to fill your toolbox with smaller gadgets. Other larger tools you will find useful to have around the house include a saw, a level, a planer, and a set of paintbrushes.

The first non-toolbox tool you should buy is an electric drill. If you’ve ever had to put screws in by hand, you will immediately appreciate the power and convenience of using a drill. A good drill will help you put in screws effortlessly and accurately. When buying a drill, be sure to compare the prices of normal power drills with cordless power drills. You will likely find that the difference is not as great as you thought it would be. If that is the case, it is strongly recommended that you cough up the extra cash to get the cordless drill. You will be amazed at how much easier drilling will be when you are not constantly getting tangled up in the extension cord!

Mary Amos is a DIY expert who regularly gets out her toolbox to 'odd job' around the house. Click on DIY Tools to find out more. For other home improvements click on Home Improvements Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Amos
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