Any woodworkers out there?

I'll echo the sentiment about cheap tools. Not worth it. Lowe's and Home Depot have some good deals. I've seen some companies that package power tools in a set to make it easier.

A good starter project is a workbench. There are a lot of free plans available online. I used this one (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Build/Workbench.html&rn=RightNavFiles/rightNavHowTo) from Lowe's Project Center. Cost about $100 in wood and hardware. I've made a couple of them and they're very sturdy.

 

Cool. Thanks.

 

I went to my mom's today, and my stepdad loaded me up with tools left by the contractor who bolted before the job was done. A table saw, miter saw, two sawhorses, a jigsaw and a set of drill bits. Went to my father-in-law's place and he gave me a router. Now all I need's a sander, and I'm in business, baby.

 

That's awesome.

I know you're weapon-trained and can kill a man with your thumb, but be be especially careful with the router. Of all power tools I've worked with, it's the the one that seems many underestimate.

 

Thanks for the warning, sleeper.

 

I just now visited this thread, and I knew there'd be a post like this. I just thought it would be from BYH.

 

You've been woodworking lately. But, we digress.

 

Table saw. Use the guides. Never take the guides off the table saw.
Think Ronnie Lott, but worse.

 

Completed my workbench about 95 percent, today. I still have to put the rails on the side of the counter top and bolt the top to the leg assembly.

Took me about five hours to get tho that point, including a couple hours of glue-drying.

Next up: bookcase.

 

Great to hear. Once the tool bench is finished, you might want to consider attaching a vise.

Good luck on those bookcases!

 

Or, better yet, use a vise.

Edit: Oh, hell, that was just mean.

 

Duh. Fixed it.