Hi everyone,

I’m slowly getting into the craft of woodworking and I’m trying to pick out some “starter” tools. I don’t want to go completely cheap but I don’t want to spend all kinds of money (yet).

I was set on getting a cross cut panel saw for ripping and cross cutting (until I get a ripping saw) and a fine tooth pull saw for more accurate cuts.

My questions for recommendations are:

  1. Should I get a hardened cross cut saw and just use it until it’s junk or get one I can sharpen?
  2. Can hardened carbon steel chisels be sharpened or are they also “disposable”?
  3. Is it better just to get a “dovetail” saw than a fine tooth pull for small, accurate cuts such as a joint?
  4. On a different note, is a #4 planer the best to start with? A few videos recommend that over a #5 because a #4 is easier for smoothing.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I know I’ll have to just try a few things and see what works best, but I’m trying to be wise with what I get.

  • loopyOP
    2•1 year ago

    I haven’t come across using Windex, but I guess it’s worth a try.

    I see the Lee Valley one and yeah it’s still kind of expensive. There are quite a few on eBay that are affordable. I’ll have to check out the chuck situation on it though.

    Thanks again for you insight.

    • @[email protected]
      2•1 year ago

      An antique or vintage brace may have a chuck intended for square-shanked bits, but there are chuck adapters available that should allow you to use hex-shanked bits (to the best of my knowledge, anyway—I’m also just building up my toolkit, so lots of reading but little practical experience). Or track down some of the old bits.

      https://www.letoolman.com/antique—vintage-tools.html lists “Vintage Stanley brace & bits $10. each with a free bit” in his horribly messy inventory. Might be worth emailing to ask?

      • loopyOP
        1•1 year ago

        Yeah I see that about the chuck now. And not all of the listings show what chuck it has. The website looks like it has a few good things to pick through but the photo of 11 hand braces with the caption “some are sold” just made me chuckle.

        • @[email protected]
          1•1 year ago

          I don’t think he ever rephotographs anything or removes it from the site. A mess, like I said. I suspect he’s a retiree running a part-time business out of his home.