Hi Guys,
I have always liked the idea of woodworking mainly with hand tools, much of my wood working had been bow making and carving up until now. I never got into furniture partly due to the price of lumber that I would want to use.
Well yesterday I stumbled into an abundant supply of local good affordable lumber so I am ready to make the jump. What I am wresting with is what should my starting tool kit look like and where should I spend more vs go inexpensive to start. I do have a very good selection of draw knifes, axes, spoke shaves, and sharpening stuff along with lots of carving knives and gouges due to the above mentioned hobby. I am expecting a few hundred bucks in woodcraft gift cards as that is mostly what I asked for for Christmas, I could probably come up with a full initial budget of $400-$500 and build from there (this does not include lumber budget.
My initial projects will be a new work bench (I do have 3 and a table in my shop but none are hand tool focused). A few boxes, a book shelf, and a couple end tables. My wife has been begging me to make a new dining room table as well so that will come soon.
Here are my initial (probably misguided thoughts on tools)
For the work bench I will need a vice I assume, something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Eclipse-Quick.../dp/B016DNZDTU
A set of chisels and mortise chisels, I also assume this is a place to go high quality.
A marking gauge, mortise gauge, and maybe a better square than I have today, these seem like a middle of the road area where I can get them on Amazon all together for around $60
A dove tail marker, again this looks like a small Amazon purchase.
Planes, this one I am confused on what to start with. I also assume these should be high quality. My thinking was to get 2 or so most essential ones new and then once understanding them look for ones to restore. This is also a spot that could blow my budget quickly but one place where I might extend the budget a bit if it was worth it. I was thinking maybe a wood river 5 1/2 and a 7 would be the best starter combo, but again this is the area I am most confused.
Next are saws. I was thinking a veritas dovetail saw and some type of crosscut or tenon saw. Not sure if I need a ripping saw yet.
Finally a brace and bit set.
I do have lots of clamps and scrapers as well and figure I will buy those by the project.
Anyway I know this was long, any help appreciated.