I’ve been wanting to compile a post about tools, and I recently got this email:
Hello Gail,
My name is Amanda Taylor and I live in Lubbock, Texas. I have been a big fan of your blog ever since I stumbled upon it via pinterest. I love all of the projects that you do (even though you’re hurt at this time and can’t create). My story is somewhat like yours, except that I was let go from an electric company. Ever since being fired, it’s been hard to find employment; I even have a Bachelor’s Degree wasting away. I see the things that you make and think to myself that I can do that too. You inspire me, and I want to create just like you. BUT I have no clue where to get started, how to use a saw, or any other machine for that matter lol. Would you be willing to send me a list of machines that you use, and any other advice to get started?
Thanks ahead of time,
Amanda Taylor
My name is Amanda Taylor and I live in Lubbock, Texas. I have been a big fan of your blog ever since I stumbled upon it via pinterest. I love all of the projects that you do (even though you’re hurt at this time and can’t create). My story is somewhat like yours, except that I was let go from an electric company. Ever since being fired, it’s been hard to find employment; I even have a Bachelor’s Degree wasting away. I see the things that you make and think to myself that I can do that too. You inspire me, and I want to create just like you. BUT I have no clue where to get started, how to use a saw, or any other machine for that matter lol. Would you be willing to send me a list of machines that you use, and any other advice to get started?
Thanks ahead of time,
Amanda Taylor
Amanda—this post is for you, and others that are wondering where to begin.
I love having a variety of clamps. You can see that I use them to clamp lumber together in my post Modern Shelf. They are also very useful when you need an “extra hand”.
Not all tools are found in the workshop. Check out how I use a hairdryer to loosen the glue in my post Preparing for My Back Splash
If you have and extra $40, this will be one of your very best investments. Using a Kreg Jig Jr. is my post explaining what you can do with this little tool.
Tools 101 will show you the hand tools and power tools I use the most. Because this is an older post, you won’t see the Kreg Jig or any Dremels.
My new Tool Storage system. I really love keeping my tools in this bucket jockey. It’s easy to transport from the garage shop to the basement shop.
Kaylee-A gossip bench makeover shows how I use my favorite paint sprayer—the CommandMax from Homeright. If you’re in the market for a great project sprayer, this is the one you need.
Dremel Trio as seen in the post Chalkboard Speech Bubbles. It cuts, it sands, it’s awesome!
The Dremel Multi-max does a great job with flush cutting
In my post Cupboard with Repurposed Windows you can see the cupboard is sitting on a furniture dolly. This flat dolly allows me to move all these pieces by myself. I have 3 because sometimes it’s easier to leave a big piece on it when I’m moving it frequently, so I have a couple of spares. If you work alone a lot, you must get a couple of these!
No DIY collection of tools can be complete without a great paint brush. I use Purdy paint brushes for 99.9% of my painting.
This is the other paint brush I use, I call it a chip brush. It’s great for dry brushing or giving a “wash” to a piece of wood. You can see how I used it in the post Live Laugh Love-Easy Sign
My suggestion would to be to start out with a great drill. If you can only get one saw, I would recommend a compound miter saw (see tools 101 above). If you have a large project you need to do, Home Depot will make cuts of plywood for you. Please always use good judgment and care when operating power tools. I have a great respect for them, and even a little fear. Don’t wear gloves while operating saws. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, and ventilators to protect your lungs. Be safe, have fun. I’m always here if you have any specific questions.
youtube is a great resource for operating power tools safely. Read your operator’s manual, and familiarize yourself with the parts/features of your power tools.
You can see all of my favorite products on my Favorite Products Page.
gail
You were the inspiration behind my paint sprayer and Dremel trio purchases, and I love ’em. I think my next purchase will be the kreg jig jr. that you show in this post. (I thought it was out of my price range and am happy to see an affordable jr. one. Yay!) There is something about the way you write about all these tools that make them seem less intimidating and give me the courage to give them a try. You really do make people think they can do it too!
Great advice on tools. I basically only have a drill, with a cord 🙁 and a compound sliding miter saw! I dream of jigsaws and dremel tools! Someday…..
We have a Kreg Jr. I’ve only used it once…and so I haven’t perfected it. But I used it to make my 3 chair bench. I have other ideas for it…but motivation and “the list of things to do” has gotten so long!
The Dremel Multi-Max…now that looks like a tool worth having!
…love your ‘etsy sign’…right over there>>>>>>>>>>>> 🙂 Patricia
YES–Great Post!
About a year or so ago, several blog posts were popping up about “WHAT’S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?”
It was fun to see what everyone else was using to get the job done. I wish I was geographically around some of the ladies asking me questions–I’d love to share the EMPOWERMENT!
Catherine
Great post!
Great post Gail! Since you inspired us to built the island from a desk 2 years or so ago we own a Kreg Jig Jr. and love it! The next big project, which we’ve been putting off 2 years now is to paint the kitchen cabinets, so with birthday money from my awesome inlaws I got myself an Command Max last year. The Dremel Multi Tool we won on your blog and it’s been a great help as well. Home Depot is one of my fav places to go, it’s the only decent store around for our big projects.
Thanks for always being so inspiring,
Sue
Sue–big smile on my face today knowing that I have inspired and helped you DIY!
gail
Great post Gail – thanks for sharing your tools!