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
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    fedilink
    11 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]
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      fedilink
      11 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.