Basic Tools Needed

[WoodChuck1]

This actually could have fit into two catagories so I figured it would be better placed in general.

We currently do a lot of furniture refinishing but would like to try our hand at making furniture as well the basic pieces at least to start: Tables, dressers shelves etc. My question is: Does anyone know what tools I would need to have in order to get started? - Any help/suggestions appreciated.

 

[unique1]

What you're saying is, you want to start making that furniture yourself? Well for starters, you're going to need a saw of course. I'm not sure what your budget here is though. A hand saw would do just fine but if you can afford an electric circular saw then definitely get one of those. You can get one for under $120 at the right places.

Also, get a screw gun of course.
Those are the two main tools you're going to need. Since you want to make tables etc, a good idea would be to get wood glue and clamps. You'll find out why once you start actually building them.

A router is good for finish work -- it helps make the edging nice.
An orbital sander is nice too. That will make the surface of the piece smooth.

If you're building them completely from scratch, then look into getting a surface plainer to trim down the width of the boards leaving them with a smooth surface.

Those are the basics you're going to need. If you have any questions, just let me know.

 

[woodpecker]

I suggest you go to a hardware store and have a chat with them. They will see that you get whatever you need. In the meantime, here is a short list. You might need a circular saw and a box saw, a drill, chisels, electric planes, mallets, nails, stain, varnish, paints, and so on. It all depends on the type of furniture you want to make.

 

[angelicwriter]

Hmm, well since you do refinishing I'm sure you already have a good amount of detail/hand tools and chisels. You'll definitely need to invest in some power tools depending on your projects at hand you'll need an assortment of saws off the top of my head is a large table saw, circular saw, miter saw, band saw, hand saw, squares, routers, drill presses, hand drills, air compressor, jointers, shapers, thickness planer, and sanders.

 

[WoodChuck1]

That is awesome you guys. My first stop when we started looking into this was Home Depot, talked to a couple of guys from there but you would not believe everything they said it would take to start. I was completely put off for awhile.

These lists are definitely more reasonable and something I can do. We have quite a few of these items already so filling in what we don't have should not end up being as expensive as I feared it would.

 

[heretoday]

Home depot

I don't have anything against Home Depot, but when I want advice I go to a local lumber yard or Ace hardware. I really do think that locals will go out of their way to offer reasonable help, and won't try to get you to buy unneeded items.

 

[Taggart]

I've made a bookshelf years ago with a circular saw, glue, clamps and some nails. That was a modest start, but you can definitely start out without a huge investment.

I assume you have a good working space if you're already refinishing?

 

[WoodChuck1]

Yeah, we have a large working area at home we have an extended 2 car garage that has been turned into a work area and then we also have reconditioned the barn that was on our property -laid the floors and really shopped it out. So space definitely will not be an issue.

You guys are all being a great help please feel free to toss any other suggestions/advice my way still!

 

[woodywoodpecker]

Ummmmmm, Home Depotttttttttt. LOL That's my favorite drooling place. I just can't go in without looking at all the goodies and new thingamajigs they have. My next acquisition will probably be a good router and some basic bits. I got a table saw for Christmas and I am over the moon! I have played with that piece of equipment until I can saw a toothpick in half lengthwise-just kidding of course.

 

[Daydreamer1]

While we are talking about this, can anyone suggest good books on furniture building and upholstery?

I would love to make a couple of chairs for our front room, but the style I like costs a ton of money.

Any suggestions?