It's insane. When I look back on starting my own shop and where it is now.
Why does this simple material need so many tools ? It never ends if your not careful.
How do you give honest advice on a subject with so many choices ? So many options ? My grandfather was way smarter than me and a better craftsman too. When he handed over the business to my uncle he built a small shop in his back garden. Very Spartan and clean. No rubbish lying around. Just the core machine's, his work bench and some storage for screws etc. The shed had three tip up garage doors that gave him space to work outside on trestles when the weather was good. He kept making stuff for customers until he got motor neurone and died shortly after. He made country furniture, garden sheds, garden benches, cabinets. Whatever anyone threw at him within reason. He smoked rollies on his breaks. Just sat on a trestle and licked a Rizzla.
His machine's were old meticulously maintained Wadkins. He never bothered fitting dust extraction to the combination planer. But the knives were always sharp and threw out dust free shavings. They went in the compost. He rarely drove his VW bug. It was again kept in mint condition.
Because he was spec ops during the war he never talked about his service. The war took its toll on so many of my family.
I got selected for basic training and passed the psyche and field test's at Brecon Beacons. He was proud and happy for me. But I wanted a normal life too so Volunteer Reserve gave me that option.
So if I were to give honest advice to anyone, pro or hobby I would suggest this.
Try to keep it simple. Focus on mastering the core skills and avoid the sexy Gizmo tools. Save your money for a good jointer, a bench top thicknesser is plenty good enough. A 10" table saw is more than adequate. Wait for a good used bandsaw to show up. Good bench, good trestles.
Cut your teeth on softwoods or cheaper hardwood. Jorgensen pipe clamps are great.
The basic two joint's are not hard to learn.
Focus on getting your speed and efficiency before worrying about perfect tight execution. The pleasure lies in making something useful that will last.
The traditional skills give you core confidence in your ability. Master those first.
Boutique tools won't make you a competent woodworker. Practise will.
One indulgence I would heartily recomend. A decent compact mortiser. You will rarely need to cut mortises bigger than half inch.
So 6mm, 10mm and 13mm chisels will serve you well.
And if down the track some young lad or lass shows an interest, make the time to share what you have learned. Pass it on.
That's why I'm here. It's a worthy and valuable skill.
Cheers and best wishes.
Lost in the worlds biggest toy shop.
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