"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain
You only need to complete a few DIY projects around the house to get the woodworking itch.1 You’ve collected some tools here and there that have gotten you this far, but you can’t help but feel that it’s time to get properly kitted out.
When getting started, what you need is a solid, basic set of tools that are ready to use and won’t break the bank. But the thought of buying a new kit of tools might make you nervous. It’s understandable; there are literally thousands of options out there across a massive range of different tools. It can be overwhelming. Do you choose hand tools or machines? Will you prefer the feel of a timber handle, or will a rubber grip suit you better? Will High Speed Steel suit, or should you get Tungsten Carbide? And what the hell is a Twybil?!
And what it really comes down to is - what are you going to be making? No two woodworker’s toolkits are exactly the same. A chairmaker’s kit is quite different from a spoon carver’s, and different again from that of a box maker.
Second-hand…?
When beginning woodworking, a lot of us turn to second-hand marketplaces to seek out a great deal, an awesome vintage tool, or both! It can be a great option for those on a budget or looking for a unique find, however, these second-hand and vintage finds come with their own unique set of challenges. What you save in dollars, you may be giving up in time.
Extra research is often necessary to find out the specific model of tool you’ve picked up and how it works, and extra work is often necessary to get the tool to a workable condition. The kind of vintage tools you’re likely to get a bargain on are ones that need the extra time and sweat so they can do the job they’re meant to do. And even after all of this, there are no guarantees that it’ll be up to scratch. You could work through this process and find that you’ve ended up with a dud.
Of course, not all second-hand or vintage tools are going to be in this condition, and there are many well maintained second-hand tools out there. But second-hand and vintage tools that are in better condition and ready to go will lighten your wallet a lot quicker than their well-worn counterparts. So, if you’re ready to get woodworking yesterday, perhaps it is better to buy new....
…Or Brand New?
When buying new, you are striking a balance between price, usability and support; support being the one thing you don’t get with second-hand. Instead of being left to trawl online forums in the hope that someone has encountered the same issue on the same or similar tool as you, in our modern economy there are going to be multiple sources of after-market support for your new tools. Whether it is the salesperson, the retailer, the brand or the manufacturer, you know that you’ll be supported if you run into issues with your new tools down the line. When you buy from a reputable brand, you know what you’re getting.
Sure, in the world of artisanal tools some brands might require you to sell your left kidney to get your hands on one of their offerings, but at Timbecon we believe that it is the attitude you have toward your tools that give them the most value.
That’s why we stock quality tools that are accessible to all woodworkers.
For example, we really like Pony Jorgensen’s range of fundamental hand tools. A longstanding and reliable American brand like Pony Jorgensen will allow you to step up from weekend DIY-er to craftsperson, without breaking the bank. Check them out now here.
Pony Jorgensen Tenon Saw 350mm 12TPI
Pony Jorgensen Dovetail Saw 250mm 14TPI
Pony Jorgensen Coping Saw 165mm 15TPI
Pony Jorgensen Carving Tool Set 6-Piece Acetate Handles
Pony Jorgensen Plane Bench #4 Smoothing
Pony Jorgensen Plane Block Low Angle 12 1/2-Deg
1. Unfortunately, we are unable to help if you have a different sort of itch. You should probably see a doctor.