What are the basic power tools I would need to begin woodworking in my garage?

Question

I currently have a power miter saw and drill. I thought a table saw might be helpfull in cutting large wood pieces. I have looked at nail guns, however the ones I feel comfortable using do not have the capabilities of using large size nails.

Answer 1

Depending on what you want to construct, a sabre saw (my favorite), scroll saw, framing nailer for small projects, compressor and hoses for the nailer, another drill or back up batteries/charger so you'll always have one ready to use. Tool belt, though not a power tool, it's most beneficial!

Again, it depends on what ou want to build.

Answer 2

It depends on what you are going to be doing with it.  If you are making furniture then, yes, a tablesaw would be helpful.  A lathe for turning table legs or banister spindles, or even bowls.  Sanders, belt sander and finish sander.  

You need to decide what direction you are going to start out & work up from there.

Answer 3

firstly,a work bench[with a vice]to place hand tools,power tools arent yet designed to finish a task.chisels,mallet[wooden]set square,bevel guage,finishing plane,tenon saw,16oz claw hammer,measuring rule and tape measure and loads of pencils! then you can think about power tools,like power planer,circular saw,combi mitre saw,jig saw,router and possibly a power band saw.

Answer 4

Add a circular saw first, then the table saw as you develop projects.  The next item should be a dust collector and proper lighting.  There are several wood working web sites that can give the info you are after and spend lots of money doing it.  Some dust collectors work like a vac cleaner with a good air filter, others are like a large cloth bag with very fine weaves, the dust is best controlled before it get in the air or your lungs, plan this first for your long term health.

After you add the table saw and the dust collector, the items needed are commonly though to be:

1. A solid work table/ bench.

2. A power planer.

3. A jointer 6" or 8" is preferred.

4. Air compressor and 5 gallon tank.

5. Air tools as desired, a brad nailer first then work up, maybe a kit or good quality used at a pawn shop.

6. Plunge router.

7. Fixed router and table.

8. Radial arm saw.

9. Book case with all of the books about wood working, (bed side reading)

10. Glue up table.

11. Belt sander, disc sander and a finish sander.

12. Various clamps

13. Panel saw frame, used with the circular saw for sheet material and MDF

14. A fixed drill press.

15. Vaccuum press and bags.

16. Bandsaw.

17. Variable speed power drill/screwdriver, portable and battery operated.  Nothing heavier than 14.4 volts to start.

18. A heated drying booth for the glue.

19.  Exhaust fans and an air supply fan.

20. Wood kiln to dry the fresh cut wood.

21. Spindle sander.

  I'm sure I forgot a lotof things and the order the items are listed are not the priority to install them. The dust collector and the circular saw should be high on the list, then go for what you need and can afford.

Answer 5

To keep it to what you asked, the basic, Id say a good quality tablesaw,drillpress (if your current drill is a hand held), a good router (tablemounted is a bonus at this point), a bandsaw,a benchtop planer, a disc sander (at least 9 inch), a scrollsaw,an air compressor, a dust collector, and maybe a lathe and jointer.

  Handhelds...a drill (if you dont have one), a random orbit sander,router,circular saw,jig saw,and a biscuit jointer.

  Buy the best you can afford, and buy them as you need them, you might find a niche and not need some of the ones mentioned ever.

The most important power tool in any shop is your brain, always work with a clear head, and think through each operation thoroughly before you do it.If it seems unsafe, it probably is.And remember...eyes are valuable, wear good safetyglasses. Enjoy your new hobby!

Answer 6

If you plan to outfit your power tool collection completely, look into combo kits first. They can save you a lot of money if you are actually going to use all the tools in them. Combo kits come in all brands and all types of combinations. It is best to try to keep all the same brands of power tools with the same volts for battery operated tools so you can interchange batteries. If you can afford it, try to start out with lithium-ion batteries if you go that way. By 2010 all of the old NiCad batteries will be a thing of the past and no longer sold. The Lithium-Ion are more expensive but they are lighter weight and will hold a charge longer than a NiCad. If you can't afford the combo kit, then stick to purchasing most of the same brand so you can interchange accessories.

For the nail guns you will need a different gun for each size nail. And an air compressor to run them. The size of the nails you want to use will dictate which size compressor to buy.

You will also need a number of hand tools to do the things that power tools can't. There are still some things that must be done the "old fashioned" way.