Any woodworkers out there?

I picked up a very nice table saw and some other tools at home auctions. They're boring (to me, but MrsExpendable loves them), and you might sit for a few hours only to come away with nothing, but it all became well worth it when I got my saw at a good price.

 

DeWalt is a good brand choice for something in between the cheap crap and the top gear.

 

Bosch is also good, as is Milwaukee. They're gonna be more expensive than your Black & Decker Firestorm stuff, but they also have more torque and will last longer if you take care of them.

If you buy the right tools, they'll last you damn near a liftime. If you buy crap, you're going to constantly need to replace it. And if you decide woodworking isn't for you, better tools have better resale value.

 

I wouldn't take shop from anyone.

Seriously, owning a house has forced me to learn the basics of woodworking -- and many other handy skills. I'm contemplating rhe particulars of a room-width, full height bookshelf for the den, my first big project outside door and window trim. Any helpful suggestions are welcome.

Oh, and wear your safety glasses.

 

Others have said it, but think safety when you're starting out. Beyond not sleeping on the table saw, always wear safety glasses when you're cutting or sanding. Loose sawdust in the eyes is not too pleasant. And the first time you snap a jigsaw blade, you'll be glad you have something on even if it comes nowhere near your eyes.
Also, make sure the work space is well-ventilated. If you start putting varnish or stain on furniture, the fumes can get to you pretty quickly.

 

Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing varnish.

 

Hmm ... dad and I never wore goggles or any eye protection.

 

Apparently he never wore protection when he should've.


ba dum bumb ... tssst

 

Three things to remember:

'New Yankee Workshop,' Norm Van Abram and biscuits.

 

My husband does commercial cabinetry and millwork. He's produced some mighty fine looking pieces.

 

I sliced open my right pinky on a ban saw when I was in 11th grade. Shop class. Stoners, longhairs, malcontents, and me, always somewhere inbetween. I was making an ashtray for my mother.

Got three days off from skool. I remember Von Hayes going apeshit on the Cubs during an opening series at Wrigley. And mama babying me with cake and Gatorade.

 

I ran my finger into a bandsaw once during shop class. Some guy was fucking with me while I was working on a project.