This episode originally aired on June 12, 2009.
For new woodworkers looking to start a hand tool shop or experienced power tool users looking to incorporate more hand work into their projects, selecting tools can be a daunting task. There are literally thousands of different hand tools out there to choose from and without at least some experience using the tools, it’s hard to know which ones to get first.
In Episode # 2, I discuss my recommendations for a basic set of hand tools that no shop should be without. I based my recommendations on someone starting up a hand tool shop but if you use some power tools in your shop, I’ve also noted which tools may not be as useful to you for tasks where you would be using power.
My list of recommended tools is by no means all inclusive, but it should be sufficient to give you a good start. You can add tools and skills in the future as your projects dictate and you discover your own favorite techniques and methods.