Help a noob ... What basic tools do I need ?

[Jasonmm]

Help a noob ... What basic tools do I need ?

I want to build a woodshop in my garage next year ... but I dont have a clue ... really no clue ...

Whats the basics tools I need ?

Do I need a table saw ?
a mitter saw ?
a belt sander ?
drill press ?
band saw ?

where would I start ?

thanks J

[Turambar]

I'd definitely say a table saw, a large drill press, router, router table, jigsaw, forstner bits, high quality clamps... others could no doubt think of more, but those would definitely be at the top of my list.

[Jasonmm]

I'd definitely say a table saw, a large drill press, router, router table, jigsaw, forstner bits, high quality clamps... others could no doubt think of more, but those would definitely be at the top of my list.

hey thanks , now I can start looking on CL ...

I really wasnt sure ...

Jason

[Sjaak]

If you're building arcade cabinets, your basic tools are a router, drill, sander and jigsaw.

[Blanka]

What do you want to build?
I would just get a 4-axe CNC router table for 4x8ft sheets  
That is all you need for cabs.

[Jasonmm]

What do you want to build?
I would just get a 4-axe CNC router table for 4x8ft sheets  
That is all you need for cabs.

I want to build a visualpin but I am afraid ....

I would also like to do a couple household projects ...

Dont say CnC machine !!! 

[Jasonmm]

this

http://810auctions.com/item.php?id=787

[Donkbaca]

I used a router, a circular saw, drill, forstner bits.  You don't need a sander, but I would highly recommend one.  You need a good long straight edge. A pattern bit for the router, a straight bit for the router and a slot cutter for the router.  A 45 degree  chamfer bit is handy too.

[RyoriNoTetsujin]

I used a router, a circular saw, drill, forstner bits.  You don't need a sander, but I would highly recommend one.  You need a good long straight edge. A pattern bit for the router, a straight bit for the router and a slot cutter for the router.  A 45 degree  chamfer bit is handy too.

Seriously, everything Donkbaca said, plus this: a handful of (say, 5 or 6) good, sturdy c-clamps and read the sawboard thread. 

It's a little unclear in the OP, but these are the baseline essentials to building a project like most of those you'll see on this forum.  If you're going to spend money on quality tools, this is where the money should be spent... (especially the router, in my opinion.)  Everything else can build up from there.

[Donkbaca]

meh, I used ---smurfy--- 99 cent clamps from Home depot, just go a whole bunch of them and they worked just fine.

Get a good router.  If you don't want to keep it, ebay it when you are done and you will be out less then buying a ---smurfy--- router and hanging on to it.

[BobA]

What do you want to build?
I would just get a 4-axe CNC router table for 4x8ft sheets  
That is all you need for cabs.

I want to build a visualpin but I am afraid ....

I would also like to do a couple household projects ...

Dont say CnC machine !!! 

Pinball builds are large but most cuts are staight lines.   A jigsaw and a router with a good staight edge will do.   Of course you need a drill no matter what you are making.  A circular saw will make straight cuts easier but it is not essential.

[Green Giant]

I easily built my first cab with a circular saw, jigsaw, drill, and router.

[eds1275]

A router, drill and circular saw are what you need to get started. Depending on what else you might be doing, a jigsaw, table saw, mitre saw etc. are important. It's hard to say what you personally will need. For me I can't get by without my biscuit joiner, but a tool like that would be totally useless to others.

[alfonzotan]

I easily built my first cab with a circular saw, jigsaw, drill, and router.

That was pretty much it for me, too (although given my meager carpentry skills, I wouldn't use the word "easily" to describe my own build).  I also have a pad sander, which was nice.  The one thing I wished I'd had that I didn't:  a drill press.

[dextercf]

I would recommend you don't save on the powertools, go with the more powerfull stuff even tho you keep saying to yourself that "It's just for hobbies and DIY, not professional use"..
You would understand by the time you buy your 5th powerdrill cos the 4 cheap ones burnt up and you discover how much better the pro tools are.
Even with clamsp, you should pay serious enough money. The real cheap stuff will eventually annoy you, if your built the same way as most of us.

Your going to have these tools a long time. And please, do take care of them and clean them up once in a while.

[darthpaul]

 Circular saw to cut out the cabinet, table saw for all the trim pieces, miter saw, again for trim pieces, router, a drill press would be nice but I managed with just a cordless drill, orbital sander, dremel tool(I never used it so much since I've had it and I've had it a long time), jig saw, Kreg pocket screw kit(I used pocket screws to assemble my cabinet and everything else I build), hack saw for any metal cutting, hammer, screw drivers and various drill bits and hole saws.

[BobA]

+1 on the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig.   No fuss not bother and it will hold 100% while the glue dries.   You can assemble a cab very quickly cuz the screws hold everything tight and you do not have to wait for glue to dry.

[Vigo]

Interesting! I am going to have to check out the pocket hole Jig. I normally just use angle brackets everywhere, but this looks like a much more elegant solution. 

[DaveMMR]

What everyone said but one more tip: inexpensive doesn't always mean "cheap". Start keeping your eyes on circulars for hardware stores (Ace, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) look for good sales. For my first build, I got a very good circular saw and jigsaw (with free tool bag) for under $80 total. That about eight years ago - I still use these items today without issue.

[frasermat]

for my first construction I used table saw, hand saw, circular saw, jigsaw, drill, and router, drywall T-Square, drywall screws, tape measure, sanding paper, and as many clamps as you can lay your hands on.

[drventure]

If you're in a relatively large metro area, Craigslist is a great place to pick up good quality tools for cheap. There's always someone closing up a cabinet business, or selling off a woodworkers estate, etc.

[BobA]

Cavemen use their teeth and a rock.  But more modern men can probably get by with a circular saw and a router.   A jigsaw if you have extra cash.

[darthpaul]

Interesting! I am going to have to check out the pocket hole Jig. I normally just use angle brackets everywhere, but this looks like a much more elegant solution. 

Once you start using pocket screws you will never want to fasten together two pieces of wood any other way again.