Buying my first set of tools.

[bubbles123]

Whatever you decide, stay away from Harbor Freight and the roving truck load tool sales. Most of the stuff is crap that will break if it even works and you will have to buy it again.

Good point. Cheap tools are often more expensive than decent tools. The cheap ones are usually so poorly made that I end up buying a better one before long anyway.

The tools I use most often are my cordless drill, circular saw, table saw, jig saw, router, orbital sander, and lots of clamps.

 

[Richies^Ghost]

I like to buy tools as I need them, with consideration given to whether or not I'l need them again - if I don't need them, I don't buy them, and if I won't need them again, I'm happy to go cheap and cheerful. Most important is the work I will be doing, and the amount of skill I have in doing it.

I prefer Stanley tools due to their good design, sturdiness, and gosh darn sex appeal..

 

[philhawk]

thanks for all the input. i think the only large tool i would need/want is a table saw, just makes me more confident about making square cuts (over the circular saw)

the idea is that if this build goes well, i will start building custom tanks in my free time. i know its not going to pay the bills but i enjoy building and i know that i could easily cover the construction costs. (especially since there's no competition in Iowa/Nebraska

 

[mike huntley]

i'm a kitchen fitter/plumber by trade. seeing as you have a decent budget, always always buy quality, whether it be hand tools or power tools, you might not use them every day in the future but they can and will last a life time. if its a tool for a single job, like a cheap brush etc. use it and throw it out, otherwise invest mate in decent stuff, you never know when you'll need it again. for the next build!

 

[The1and only]

The best tools I ever purchased that I could now never live with out are.
Kreg Bit
Dewalt 18v impact driver w driver bits
Good Router and table

I made lots of stuff over the years and look at the added quality of having those three tools over stuff I used to build and I am now going back and rebuilding things. If you do go cordless I would get the Dewalt 18v XRP I have the 4 piece set and love mine. Like The Fish Guy said though you do need an extra set of batteries after that you can save money and buy more stuff at Baretools.com

 

[jcardona1]

cordless tools SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they have no power and torque for when you have a real job to do. although a cordless drill is always nice to have in addition to a corded drill. for all other power tools, stick with good ol fashioned electricty from the wall!

 

[gomezladdams]

For the tablesaw go with powermatic first choice,delta second.
Biesenmeyer T-square fence regardless of the saw,has been the best fence since he was building them in his garage.
If you get a mitre saw hitachi is the best.

 

[KAWAMIKIE]

cordless tools SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they have no power and torque for when you have a real job to do. although a cordless drill is always nice to have in addition to a corded drill. for all other power tools, stick with good ol fashioned electricty from the wall!

I wouldn't say they suck, but they do have some limitations.
Large hole saws or large drill bits may give a cordless drill some trouble.
On the same note a 1/2 corded drill will rip rite out of your hand turning the same tools if your not careful and have a solid grip.
For cutting thinner stuff cordless saws work great. Once you start making large cuts in 3/4" plywood or cutting a lot of 2 by lumber then the corded saws come out.

I hate toting around a cord, a corded tool is the last thing I reach for. I get more use from my cordless stuff. I always have my cordless drill within quick reach. If I need to make a quick cut out comes the cordless circular saw or sawzall.

 

[nes999]

this is my suggestion buy tools tht have a life time garentee i had my chicago lathe go out on me i got this from my uncle who had it for like ever. they replaced it no questions asked. craftsmen wrenches and screwdrives are amazing i have some hand-me-downed from my father that still look new. clamps go to harbor freight just buy alot and who ever said harbor freight sucks lied. you just gotta new what your looking for.

 

[Mr. Grumpy Gills]

After useing corded and cordless drills for 20 years, I've just found my new love for driving screws. A Dewalt 18 volt impact driver and Irwin Torsin bits. There is a huge difference in driving screws, there is easily twice the avaible torque with half the weight. The irwin bits are awesome as well. They are supior in grip and are made for the impact driver. Even if you don't have an impact driver I reccomend trying them out. They have lasted longer than any other bit I've used.
I agree with much that has been said here. Purchase quality tools and keep them clean and stored carefully. They will last a long time.