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Hi everybody, my names Bongo (yes, that’s what my mum called me) and I’m a DIY on a budget craft worker. I’ve a small workshop in rural North Wales and I work reclaimed materials, locally sourced timber, driftwood and steel into furniture and other woodworking projects. Some I keep, some I give away and some I actually sell to pay for cat food and the usual bills. I do like my tools especially if they’re a bargain and from car boot sales, auctions, eBay and gum tree, more on this and the pitfalls to come!
My first ever set of tools that I used to make furniture was very basic by today's standard, the price of tools has fallen dramatically over the last few years and while cheap isn’t always best, it can be good enough to get you started and used with care can last a fair old while. Talking to friends and family about your plans is a good way of picking up unwanted tools even if it’s something as simple as a crosshead screwdriver or an old chisel that needs re-sharpening. I help out my neighbours as best as I can and with everyone getting older I seem to be the place to go and drop off bits and bobs that they don’t or can’t use any more. I’ve never had to pay for a Black and Decker workmate for instance.
Tools I’m recommending as a minimum basic set is
• Claw hammer (a multi-use tool)
• Trade Handsaw
• Set square
• Screwdriver posi and flat headed
• Half inch flat chisel
• Electric drill and a selection of bits
• Sandpaper 40 & 80 grit
• PVA wood glue
• A workmate or table that you don’t mind getting damaged
• Some eye protection, I like the wood turners full face masks myself
Let's Make Something!