What Tools do I need

[HeadRusch]

I'm thinking I need to get some good tools to really get my mame cabs off the ground.  I have this weird feeling taht I'm going to discover I love to make the things, and then wind up making one for my friends, etc, etc.

I already have a corded drill with a keyless chuck and some spade and hole cutting bits.  The spaded bits work better IMHO as the hole-cutters tended to bind up on me last time I used them.  Plus, they're only 1" deep.  Not a problem for 3/4 MDF but I digress  

I'm going to need a small orbital sander I think

I'm going to need a small router I think....with what size bits?  I'll be rounding the edges of straight corners and also cutting grooves, possibly for biscuits (Do I need a special biscuit cutter for that?) but also for tmolding..and of course, for smoothing offa nd rounding out sharp edges.

I already have a circular saw

But what I DONT have is anything to "hold onto" my wood as I work on it.
Should I invest in some sawhorses and some clamps?  Any particular kind I should try to get?  Last time I used a circular saw I had to cut a 2x4 and for the life of me I couldn't get the damn cut straight because I was half leaning on the beam to keep it from moving while I tried to keep the cut straight with my right arm.  

I figure then I'll be all ready to assemble cabs

ha.

haha.

hahahaahah

[rampy]

One small tip... since your in the NE area... I've seen pairs of plastic sawhorses for around 15 or 20 dollars at Ocean State Slob (job) lot stores...

Not sure if that coupled with some clamps would be good enough or not... *Shrug*

rampy

[HeadRusch]

I saw those ads too..........I get a flyer from them once a week I think.
But then I thought about it.  

My grandfather, the woodworker extroidinaire whom died in the late 80's....had some very cool sawhorse-type things that had "built in clamps".  It was like this black and decker thing that could contort to do all sorts of things.

Not being into woodworking at age 16 and such naturally I hadn't a clue what you'duse all that stuff for, but I digress.......I think I need to put my own little shop together and risk losing a few fingers.  If my grandfather could do it, so can I!

I have to take a  ride to home depot......Hmmm..I mean, tools are a good investment right?  

"Honey...they're tools!"
THEY'RE FOR THAT ARCADE MACHINE, AREN'T THEY!
"No No Sweetie they're for...uh...building...stuff.."

[rampy]

you're talking about the black and decker work mate I think.... I bought an imitation version from slob lot which is pretty cheezy... and was only moderately useful...  it's a little rickety and  weak

Good luck!

rampy

[JustMichael]

HeadRusch, you may wish to get a metal straight edge too.  You can clamp the straight edge to the wood you are cutting and use it to guide your circular saw.  For the router bit you will need a 1/16" slot cutting bit (and probably an arbor too).

[hyiu]

yeah.. that's what I use too....

I bought a metal ruler that is like 4 ft long....

after measure... (I also measure the edge of the saw to the blade), and recalculate... and draw 2 lines.... 1 is the actual cutting line, and 1 is where I place the ruler....

then I use clamps to secure the ruler as a guide to the saw... and I can get straight cuts everytime....

   

[Lilwolf]

A great metal ruler has two uses.  One to measure (duh), but the other is the create a guide for your circular saw or jigsaw.

btw, I didn't see you mention it above, but a good jigsaw is great for doing corners and an all delicate areas... Circular saw is great for quickly making straight long cuts.

9mm mechanical pencil or bigger.  Amazing how useful a good thick leaded pencil.

As for the router... if you go with tmolding you will need a specific bit (don't know it off hand... sorry) but the other use is to sink controllers.  This can use almost any bit, but the bigger the faster... the smaller the better for corners.  I bought a cheap set that had 4 sizes for 20 bucks and it was a good deal and I use them all the time.

Get 2 or more easy grip clamps (don't remember the name off hand... but something similar).  They are 20 bucks or so, and with one hand it will clamp things down great.  This is ESSENTIAL if you work alone.  I use mine more then any other tool.

All I can think of for now... good luck