re: Beginner wood working advice

quote:

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I would get a decent table saw and the first thing I would make on it would be a crosscut sled. Those 2 things will handle 90% of the cuts you need to make.

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This. A lot of folks get started with a miter saw but I've been without one for the past 6 months. I've built half a dozen closets worth of shelving and cabinetry with a cross cut sled on my table saw. I now prefer it over the miter saw for almost everything.

So if I were starting new to learn, I would go with:

table saw and build a crosscut sled
circular saw
drill/driver set
Random orbital sander

Once you learn how to use those well, next would be a router.

Another thing you'll want early is a good collection of clamps. But don't go out and buy a bunch of different types. Buy them as you need them. Start with the 4 pk of small Irwin quick clamps.