Author Topic: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?  (Read 2497 times)

BlueHouse

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Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« on: March 23, 2017, 02:30:47 PM »
I'm ready for some DIY projects, but I don't have a lot of tools.  I need some advice on what I should spend money on to make these projects a little easier.  I do not have a ton of space to store these things. 

I already have a hammer, a cordless drill, a studfinder, and some electric things.

I think I want some kind of jigsaw or a miter saw and some kind of sanding instrument (or add-ons to my drill).  I am not quite ready for a circular saw.  I may be ready for one of those portable workbench (B&D workmate?)



Upcoming projects:

1.  Maintenance on outdoor iron stair railing (need to knock away small pieces of rust and repaint it).  I think I want to buy either a wire brush or a wire wheel attachment for my cordless drill.

2.  Paint indoor stair railing.  The oak stair railings are ugly and I want to paint or stain them black.  My preference would be a very dark black stain, but I've heard that is hard to achieve, so I may just use black paint.  I will need to lightly sand the existing stain and shiny stuff off the banisters.  Is there an attachment I should get for my drill or should I get a separate rotary tool with drum sander equipment? 

3.  Some minor DIY woodworking projects.  Build some shelves in the garage.  Jigsaw/miter saw?
4.  Create outdoor seasonal decorations from wood.  - Jigsaw? 
5.  Build small wall niche in bathroom -- drywall saw/knife, jigsaw for wood?  Miter saw?


What tools do you recommend I buy for these projects? 

Thanks for any advice!

sokoloff

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2017, 02:56:11 PM »
1. Look into POR-15 or other rust convertor. POR-15 is top-notch IMO, but most of their products aren't UV-stabilized and so need to be top-coated. You want to knock off the loose rust, but then a chemical converter is likely to give better results than trying to eradicate all rust and moisture.

2. If it's a straight run of common railing, the best tool to use to prep is a car to drive to Home Depot and buy a new piece of it and some 120 grit sandpaper. You can spend countless hours trying to prep an old piece and a new piece is cheap. It only gets aggravating if it's an uncommon profile, or if there are multiple joints and bends in it.

3-5. For me, a circular saw is one of the first saws to buy. I have a decent jigsaw, but I use the circular saw way more. Jig saw is admittedly smaller, and I'd get one that comes in a hard case, which might take up an extra couple inches, but will keep things a lot more organized and tidy overall. You can get pretty far with just a jigsaw, a couple of clamps and a long straightedge of some sort (a level, or aluminum yardstick or similar. It'll take a while to go through a 4x8 sheet of plywood that a circular saw would zip through, but you can do it.

younggunner

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2017, 07:33:52 PM »
For me as well, circular saw is the main saw I use.  Especially when building any type of framing.  I can see if safety / skill is a concern with the circular saw, then perhaps you would feel more comfortable with a miter saw.  That being said, the circular saw can be used for much more.  One recommendation for anyone learning on a circular saw: pay close attention to the blade.  Make sure it's the right blade for the job and that it's sharp.  A sharp blade will make most cuts easier so it may be wise to get a good new blade for your job.  Typically Dewalt / Milwaukee are the two higher quality brands.  Dewalt specifically has some added safety features to their saw that some of the cheaper (say Ryobi) saws do not have.   I would recommend Dewalt, that being said I did own a Rigid and was fairly happy with it, as it got the job done. 

One other tool that might be a good tool for you since you mentioned drywall tools:  Milwaukee makes a folding (jab?) saw that basically fits any sawzall blade interchangeably onto a folding handle. (Sold at HD) It is a nice tool for odd jobs around the house such as cutting any drywall or notching wood etc.  I seem to use that hand tool a lot.


Whenever you do a project, buy a new tool or two to make that project easier.  Before you know it, you will have everything you need and then some. 

Linea_Norway

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2017, 06:32:05 AM »
Invest into some good quality paint brushes. They paint much more precise along edges and don't look hair like cheaper brushes. Use paint base on water, and wash out your brushes well when the job is finished. Before the painting job is finished, wrap the used brush into plastic and store in the fridge.

We usually sand objects with sandpaper and a block. Sandpaper in different grit sizes is good to have.
« Last Edit: March 24, 2017, 06:33:45 AM by Linda_Norway »

Rufus.T.Firefly

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #4 on: March 24, 2017, 06:42:20 AM »
Speaking as a novice woodworker, I agree with others who've said that the circular saw is pretty versatile. I don't have a jigsaw, but I built a couple of end tables using a circular saw and miter saw. Technically, I did not need the miter saw - I could have used the circular saw for everything - but it made the job much faster.
 
From a safety standpoint, I think the circular saw appears much more intimidating than it actually is. There is a small learning curve, so I recommend getting some scrap wood (maybe some plywood) and making long rip cuts with it to get comfortable using it. I also bought a circular saw fence for using when I wanted extremely precise cuts.


andy85

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2017, 06:46:15 AM »
Upcoming projects:

1.  Maintenance on outdoor iron stair railing (need to knock away small pieces of rust and repaint it).  I think I want to buy either a wire brush or a wire wheel attachment for my cordless drill.

2.  Paint indoor stair railing.  The oak stair railings are ugly and I want to paint or stain them black.  My preference would be a very dark black stain, but I've heard that is hard to achieve, so I may just use black paint.  I will need to lightly sand the existing stain and shiny stuff off the banisters.  Is there an attachment I should get for my drill or should I get a separate rotary tool with drum sander equipment? 

3.  Some minor DIY woodworking projects.  Build some shelves in the garage.  Jigsaw/miter saw?
4.  Create outdoor seasonal decorations from wood.  - Jigsaw? 
5.  Build small wall niche in bathroom -- drywall saw/knife, jigsaw for wood?  Miter saw?


What tools do you recommend I buy for these projects? 

Thanks for any advice!

1. either would work. I would get both.
2. I have a feeling hand sanding will be your best bet with railing. Especially if there are contours and the surface isn't very large.
3,4,5. miter and jig saw...you can build most things with those.

I typically only use my circular saw to breakdown large sheet goods. You could look into getting a kreg jig for some hidden pocket holes for that bathroom project. Also, for a really dark stain, look at an ebony color. I just did a nightstand for my sister stained with ebony and it came out very dark after 2 coats (attached some pics for a color reference). Stains are supposed to mimic actual wood colors...so ebony will be about as close as you get to black with a stain...since there isn't a "true black" colored wood. If you want actual black, you will have to paint it.

BlueHouse

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2017, 06:30:12 PM »
Great info.  Thank you to everyone.  For the ebony stain, I've also read that using India Ink can help to make the grain match the wood closer.   I may try mixing some india ink in with Ebony stain. 

Thanks!

a1pharm

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #7 on: March 27, 2017, 08:24:01 AM »
Oak is a specie of wood you shouldn't paint.  The grain profile is too harsh.  I agree w/ the previous poster that suggested using ebony stain - this is your best bet.  Seriously, don't paint oak.  (The common paint-able hardwoods are maple and birch.)

I got a miter saw before a jig saw or a circular saw.  However, if you will be ripping sheets of ply at home, you should start with a circular saw.  I got a corded one, which I now regret.  Here are the power tools I would get in order for beginner woodworking:

1. Drill (you have one)
2. Miter saw (10" non-sliding, single bevel is just fine)
3. Circular saw
4. Orbital 5" sander
5. Jigsaw
6. Compressor and brad nailer (you could go w/ battery brad nailer if space is at a premium)
7. Table saw
8. Band saw
9. Planer
10. Jointer
11. Disc/belt sander combo or 3" handheld belt sander
12. 12" dual bevel compound sliding miter saw + stand
** A router is a nice tool to have, and you can buy it at anytime - I got mine before I bought a circular saw

Outdoor seasonal decorations will require simple joinery and should be assembled w/ screws.  If you use glue, only use Titebond III - this is the only waterproof woodglue.  It also happens to have the strongest wood bond among ALL glues.  The tools you need are dependent on what type of decoration you make.  A miter saw and drill will take you very far.  A circular saw is great if you are working w/ pallets.

For drywall, get a few metal knives (they look like wide spatulas) and a metal mud tray.  Use a file or sand the sharp corners of the knives down.  For cutting, just use a utility knife.  For driving screws, get a drywall bit for your regular drill (it should be less than $1 at Home Depot).

For garage shelves, have the store you buy plywood form rip the boards for you.  Trim them to length at home on your miter saw.

Final advice: if you are mainly cutting 2x4's, skip the jigsaw - it won't cut through them safely, and the blades will dull quickly.  Start with a miter saw if you are mainly using 2x4's.

BlueHouse

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #8 on: March 27, 2017, 08:40:41 AM »
Oak is a specie of wood you shouldn't paint.  The grain profile is too harsh.  I agree w/ the previous poster that suggested using ebony stain - this is your best bet.  Seriously, don't paint oak.  (The common paint-able hardwoods are maple and birch.)

I got a miter saw before a jig saw or a circular saw.  However, if you will be ripping sheets of ply at home, you should start with a circular saw.  I got a corded one, which I now regret.  Here are the power tools I would get in order for beginner woodworking:

1. Drill (you have one)
2. Miter saw (10" non-sliding, single bevel is just fine)
3. Circular saw
4. Orbital 5" sander
5. Jigsaw
6. Compressor and brad nailer (you could go w/ battery brad nailer if space is at a premium)
7. Table saw
8. Band saw
9. Planer
10. Jointer
11. Disc/belt sander combo or 3" handheld belt sander
12. 12" dual bevel compound sliding miter saw + stand
** A router is a nice tool to have, and you can buy it at anytime - I got mine before I bought a circular saw

Outdoor seasonal decorations will require simple joinery and should be assembled w/ screws.  If you use glue, only use Titebond III - this is the only waterproof woodglue.  It also happens to have the strongest wood bond among ALL glues.  The tools you need are dependent on what type of decoration you make.  A miter saw and drill will take you very far.  A circular saw is great if you are working w/ pallets.

For drywall, get a few metal knives (they look like wide spatulas) and a metal mud tray.  Use a file or sand the sharp corners of the knives down.  For cutting, just use a utility knife.  For driving screws, get a drywall bit for your regular drill (it should be less than $1 at Home Depot).

For garage shelves, have the store you buy plywood form rip the boards for you.  Trim them to length at home on your miter saw.

Final advice: if you are mainly cutting 2x4's, skip the jigsaw - it won't cut through them safely, and the blades will dull quickly.  Start with a miter saw if you are mainly using 2x4's.
I'm going to print this out and tape it in my garage... and hopefully I'll know what it all means within a few years :) 

Honestly, most of this is over my head but at least it gives me the right language to start looking things up.  Thanks very much! 

index

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #9 on: March 27, 2017, 01:23:45 PM »
Oak is a specie of wood you shouldn't paint.  The grain profile is too harsh.  I agree w/ the previous poster that suggested using ebony stain - this is your best bet.  Seriously, don't paint oak.  (The common paint-able hardwoods are maple and birch.)

I got a miter saw before a jig saw or a circular saw.  However, if you will be ripping sheets of ply at home, you should start with a circular saw.  I got a corded one, which I now regret.  Here are the power tools I would get in order for beginner woodworking:

1. Drill (you have one)
2. Miter saw (10" non-sliding, single bevel is just fine)
3. Circular saw
4. Orbital 5" sander
5. Jigsaw
6. Compressor and brad nailer (you could go w/ battery brad nailer if space is at a premium)
7. Table saw
8. Band saw
9. Planer
10. Jointer
11. Disc/belt sander combo or 3" handheld belt sander
12. 12" dual bevel compound sliding miter saw + stand
** A router is a nice tool to have, and you can buy it at anytime - I got mine before I bought a circular saw

Outdoor seasonal decorations will require simple joinery and should be assembled w/ screws.  If you use glue, only use Titebond III - this is the only waterproof woodglue.  It also happens to have the strongest wood bond among ALL glues.  The tools you need are dependent on what type of decoration you make.  A miter saw and drill will take you very far.  A circular saw is great if you are working w/ pallets.

For drywall, get a few metal knives (they look like wide spatulas) and a metal mud tray.  Use a file or sand the sharp corners of the knives down.  For cutting, just use a utility knife.  For driving screws, get a drywall bit for your regular drill (it should be less than $1 at Home Depot).

For garage shelves, have the store you buy plywood form rip the boards for you.  Trim them to length at home on your miter saw.

Final advice: if you are mainly cutting 2x4's, skip the jigsaw - it won't cut through them safely, and the blades will dull quickly.  Start with a miter saw if you are mainly using 2x4's.
I'm going to print this out and tape it in my garage... and hopefully I'll know what it all means within a few years :) 

Honestly, most of this is over my head but at least it gives me the right language to start looking things up.  Thanks very much!

I would add that don't go cheap on tools you will use often. You will end up buying multiples.

Your drill is not a sander or angle grinder. Don't use any of the brush attachments for it. You will wear it out.

Buy a circular saw and random orbital sander! You can prep almost anything with flat sides with an orbital sander.

You stair railings probably have some sort of sealer on them- either poly or varnish. If you want to stain them you have to get them down to bare wood before staining. If you are going to paint them, you need to paint them with a filling sandable primer or the grain will show through.
 

index

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Re: Upcoming DIY projects. What tools?
« Reply #10 on: March 27, 2017, 01:33:18 PM »
Here are the standard tools and their ball park prices you need to be a competent DIY homeowner:

pliers-
2- channel locks - $7e
1- 8" needle nose needle nose pliers -$6

Wrenches/Sockets:
1- adjustable crescent wrench - $6
1 each - deep sockets metric and standard - $10e
1 - socket wrench - $4
1 - electric drill socket adapter -$3
1 each - allen wrench metric and standard - $3e
1 large 1 small philips/flat - $4

Measuring Tools-
1 - tape measure - $7
1- topedo level - $5
1 - magnetic stud finder - $6
1 - framing square - $3

Nailing -
1- Claw hammer - $8
1 - flat prybar - $8
1 - rubber mallet - $5

Cutting tools-
1 - utility knife - $5
1 - copper pipe cutting tool -$5

Power tools-

Makita or Millwaukee 12v Drill/Driver Set - $130
1 - Drill bits - $7
1 - Screw tips - $7
Circular Saw - $50
Random Orbital Sander - $60
Dremel - $50

Fasteners-
1 - 2.5 inch screws - $4
1 - Finish nails - $2
1 - gorilla tape - $4

Plumbing-
2 - 1/2 sharkbite coupling - $6e
2 - 1/2 sharkbite stops - $3e
1 - Teflon tape/plumbers putty

Electric-
1 - Outlet - $1
1 - light switch - $1
25 - red winged wire nuts
1 - Electrical tape - $1

Painting-
1 - 5-1 painters tool - $5
1 - Caulk gun - $4
1 - 3.5" purdy brush - $15
1 - 1" purdy brush - $8
1 - large painters cloth - $18

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!