Getting started with DIY and woodworking

Leahcim1985

Hi all,

It's been quite some time since I posted on MSE and have recently started lurking again - great to see it's still as much an excellent resource as ever! :beer:


I was hoping some of you experts could help out a DIY newbie like me - I've just bought a house so am keen to learn at least the basics of DIY and woodworking. To this end, I've decided my first project will be to build myself a toolbox.


Problem is, I have almost zero tools and no idea where the best places are to get the wood for projects.

Does anyone on here have any tips of what tools will make up a decent starter set? Ideally I'd like to be able to scour gumtree and the like for bargains.

I've seen so many mixed reports online of "MUST HAVES" for beginners including various electric saws that cost about £500 new :eek: ...so I would love to hear your real world experience on it.

Also, where is the best place to get wood? At lumber yards or DIY stores?

Plus any other tips you can give to a fledgling woodworker keen to get into this excellent hobby!

Thanks v much in advance!

Kiran

A simple wooden toolbox is a good starter project


https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Simple+wooden+toolbox&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiujrLilqvbAhVNJlAKHZ9vBwwQ_AUICigB&biw=1600&bih=793


Take your pick from one of many in the link above. Don't worry about plans, make something fit for your purposes not someone else. Nail boxes were one of the things I used to knock up regularly and follow the same principle.


Tools, you get what you pay for so buy what you need, don't buy tool kits if you can help it. Screwfix or toolstation can get you started on a budget and upgrade as your need requires.

Debbie_Savard

Bazillions of YouTube videos, try The Carpenter's Daughter for videos on her DIY and home renovation.

A toolkit for woodworking, I'd be thinking -

Folding workbench/WorkMate to hold pieces while sawing etc.
Mitre box so your angled cuts are precise
Ripping saw and tenon saw for fine work
Medium-size claw hammer and finish nails
Wood chisel set and stone
Stanley knife
Cordless 18V drill and screwdriver bits
Wood drill set, poss. inc. some spade bits 8mm, 10mm, 12mm
Assorted wood screws
Sandpaper in various grits or ideally a electric palm sander
Smoothing plane
Carpenters square or combination square
Measuring tape and carpenters pencils
Strap clamp or G-Clamps
Wood glue
Carpenters awl

Frugal_Financial_Freedom

This is the OP, (for some reason my password manager is hating my old account so I keep getting locked out)

Thanks for the super helpful replies, will certainly check out everything you've mentioned.