7 Small TOOLS I believe should be your first

[@startmaking1]

Thank you for watching. Please leave me a comment with your best tools. Also if you like this one here is the opposite video. The worst tools. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e17KnZuIjaeAl5Y

[@lazylion1421]

Am I the only woodworker who finds hand sanding relaxing?

[@startmaking1]

Hi lazy lion. Now that depends very much on the amount I have to do. 10 minutes is relaxing. Past that and I'm looking for something else to do.

[@diegoubago4482]

Yes

[@darleneredden3251]

No. I zen with sanding and burning

[@morbidangel2244]

I enjoy the sanding aspect too, I am currently hand sanding an outdoor furniture set that has been neglected and has has turned grey and dirty (algae and dust), its very therapeutic and educational.

[@pvmoore1154]

YES

[@PaulO-mv6ku]

I love these videos.

[@startmaking1]

Thank you Paul. You are very much appreciated.

[@chimairanl9043]

Thanks for the tips. Makita has an 18V blower about the size of a drill. That takes up a lot less space than an air compressor. I mainly use it to clean my pc and vacuum filters.

[@startmaking1]

Brilliant tip. I don't have that tool but I have been given a similar product to.test.

[@chimairanl9043]

@@startmaking1 I noticed you working with a makita impact drill so I suggested this one. Ryobi makes one too. I am not sure about others. Leaf blowers are an option as well but not as compact.

[@bertmung]

I bought a cheap plastic speed square. I didn't realize that some items with square in the name aren't. Looks like you got a better quality item. I might reconsider speed squares.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Bert. Thank you for commenting. I am finally coming to the realisation that I did get very lucky with some of my cheaper tools. Since this video I still use the speed square, it is so handy, but for more intricate work I am only using my starrett combination square. One of the more pricey purchases that I will never regret. Thank you for watching,

[@Maibuwolf]

Those cheap plastics ones are always slightly off. Remember though, its just plastic. You can use sandpaper to make it square.

[@paullalekna5478]

Tac rag: introduced to them many years ago in a facility that applied paints to aluminium shop fittings, wonderful. In recent times the dashboard top of a modern car, dust gone, no residue and it turned horribly brown, but still does an amazing job

[@startmaking1]

I am about to test a tac cloth against micro fibre cloth as they seem pretty good too.

[@adam-qf2vz]

Great video to help beginners. I have had a scraper since I was 16 and an apprentice and its still works perfectly (im now 60) its also helpful when removing nails as a strong surface behind your hammer/pincers to prevent the wood bruising. I also use it when setting doorstops on the the hinge side to stop binding when painting. It pays to buy a good quality steel. Keep up the videos I know they are hard work but so helpful to those setting out.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Adam. Thank you so much. Great tip for removing nails. Would never have thought of that. I use them for raising a draw ever so slightly when fitting runners so that it doesn't rub. Should maybe put that in if I ever do a scraper video. Thank you for the lovely comment. They are hard work but the Woodworking community, like yourself are so very uplifting.

[@michaelbradford4444]

It's the little things that help . Tack cloth is a good one , a good glue dispenser and frogtape are two I wish I knew about in the beginning . Really good video !

[@startmaking1]

Hi Michael. Thank you for your comment. You are absolutely right, I wish I knew this too. It took me way too long to even think that there could be a better way for some of these. Not too pricey too which is nice.

[@sarahill4671]

Another useful video Mark. Thanks for the tip about the scraper!

[@startmaking1]

Thank you Sara

[@andiedonahue9400]

Hard to believe it! From Pennsylvania, I had to reach across the pond to find a real mentor!

[@startmaking1]

Hi Andie. Thank you so much. I think that a lot of us go through the same rites of passage with woodworking and I struggled to find someone who was beginner enough to inspire me when I started, I guess people are embarrassed to make a video unless they are professional level, not me. I just want to spread some positivity and hopefully not put the beginners off, while sharing experiences with the people further on in the journey. (mission statement warning lol)

[@AWBuilder]

Great tips. I love the rubber mat idea since my friend uses those to keep things in place on her desk. Instead of holding things up in the air with the speed square, I made a simple Z-section wooden jig that buts up to the edge of my workbench and raises the part above the bench to get the circular saw teeth away from the bench, and use the speed square with it. It's not my original idea.

[@startmaking1]

That sounds like a really simple and yet brilliant addition. Thank you,

[@notthestig.]

Going to try the speed square pointed towards me next time, and definitely getting myself a card scraper and tack cloth. I see you got a collection of hand planers, I've considered getting one, but haven't quite decided. Would love to see a video on that. Thx for the tool tips.

[@startmaking1]

You should like the video that I have just released, hopefully. All about which one should be first. Thank you as always for your kind comments and for watching,

[@robertmaggi6979]

Great video and tips mate, with your dust mask get a cheep plastic food container from your local supermarket that wood fit your mask and keep it in there keeps it safe and dust free the ones with the snap lock latches a best there u go there is my handy tip u can share next time on your great channel thanx mate keep up the great work ;)

[@startmaking1]

Hi Robert. You are spot on with that suggestion. I actually left mine on the bench and came to put it on a few days ago, only to get a mouth full of dust. Kind of defeats the point really. I sense a French cleat mask holder in the channels future. Thank you for the advice.

[@billffromnh]

I have an aluminum speed square. They come in a variety of different sizes. There are also some made of plastic. I try to avoid them because they're apt to not be accurate. Have you tried any handsaws to supplement your sawing needs in your non-powered shop? You must be limited to only working in natural light. Does your shop have at least one big window? I like your drawers I see in the background of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@startmaking1]

Hi billffromnh you have an amazingly keen eye. I actually made a video on the draws but never posted it. Turned out really boring. They are actually really handy for me as they pull out to become drop boxes of sorts. And I can then use the shelf to clamp on. It happens too be the same height as my bench too. Luck more than judgement if Im honest. I have a window but this time of year is a nightmare light wise. I have 2 solar lights but also they only last 2 hours or so. I am experimenting with Makita work lights but it is not ideal. One day I will build a workshop but for now, the fun is in the hurdles I have to jump. Thank you for watching and especially for commenting.

[@riccardo-964]

Keep doing this videos - greetings from Birmingham/UK sir

[@startmaking1]

As a fellow midlander, I thank you too.

[@johnclements6614]

You can also use a speed square to guide a router.

[@startmaking1]

Hi John. You are so right. Thank you. I didn't have a router at the time but now I can try.

[@andiedonahue9400]

Thank you so much for the encouragement to aspire to a card scraper! I also have felt intimidated by the whole “burr” challenge. I’m buying that mask, too!

[@startmaking1]

oh wow, you have been busy binge watching. Much appreciated. My advise, for what it is worth is to grab a reasonably priced scraper, practise with the burr that comes with it and then with a cheap burnisher, once the shavings only come as dust (sign of a blunt scrapper) then try sharpening. If my video is not great explanation, the sharpening one, I use the Katz Moses technique, he explains it well. Thank you

[@esxdave]

Great new channel, really enjoying the videos. Will be picking up a speed square and some tack cloths 👍

[@startmaking1]

Hi esxdave. Thank you for your comment and for watching. They make life in woodworking just a little bit easier. And that is priceless.

[@Litehamer]

I’ve been trying to get into wood work for three years . Ok as terrible today as I was three years ago. I’ve spend most of my time trying to learn from American makers with an air hanger full of commercial grade power tools. I’ve tried to buy budget equivalent smaller versions of said lower tools and I’m still rubbish . I have no idea how to use or sharpen a chisel or plane. Didn’t even realise that they didn’t come sharp ! So I’m starting again from scratch . Your videos will certainly help . Big thanks from Essex

[@startmaking1]

Wow, I feel your pain. I was in the same boat and that is one of the reasons why I started this channel. Worth checking out Matt Estlea and some of his earlier videos. I found him very encouraging and he is a great teacher. It is all about one step at a time with this and not trying to emulate what the larger US makers are doing. I still consider myself a low intermediate at best but I am having fun.

[@LpDesignBuid]

Very good video and tips. Well done. Thanks

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Michael. THankyou. I really enjoy Keith's work. Will take a look and see what he is doing regarding the algorithm.

[@ianpearse4480]

Nice one. Great advice.

[@startmaking1]

Thank you Ian.

[@michaelwillson6847]

This has been great video I'm kinda in same situation working out garden shed with extension to the house and just setting up. Got new subscriber so thanks for the tips.! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍 I find those card scrapers are useful for reclaimed wood the finish that great.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Michael. Thank you so much. Great to be in the same boat. Loving the journey so far and the challenges. I think I need to put together a video about sharpening so I can include the scraper as it is now integral in my woodworking. Thank you for watching, subbing and commenting. Very much appreciated.

[@michaelwillson6847]

@@startmaking1 no worries hopefully we'll be able compare notes although you'll be alot more advanced than me. Another one a think could be really helpful especially for the UK viewers you see these American woodworkers doing what they call smalls that sell over there but most them don't think would work over here. My go to to start is gonna be serving boards and chopping boards for cafes restaurants and some live edge slab work so even video on table leg styles would be great aswell if you could. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@startmaking1]

@@michaelwillson6847 Serving and chopping boards I think will work anywhere in my opinion. As a start I would say stick to long grain rather than end. I did a few end grain chopping boards and chess boards and the sanding is very hard. Can't just run them through a thicknesser as the grain will chip out., I am actually currently filming a video about small items that I think would sell at a high profit. I set myself the challenge of getting as many as I can from 2 boards glued side by side. I am up to 8 items I think. That would certainly cover some great sellers to inspire people. Should be out around a months time. Keep the ideas coming for me as I love hearing them. I may have to slip a few tool ones in too . Sharpening and the like.

[@michaelwillson6847]

@@startmaking1 yea most definitely another idea if you fancied it is if you can pick up say a 4ft live edge slab and see how many you can come up with from that. Yea end grain don't really apeal to me the now although I do have a elm and chestnut out of wood I got milled that I've glued up looks nice but did wonder about cross cutting it and gluing it back together give different pattern but think I'll see how these sell first before start putting more time into them if they don't sell. I think smalls are definitely a way to look at especially now people want arty things realitivley cheap and if can be made quick and easy and cheap but sell it high works in my opinion. I'll be waiting for the video. Can I ask are u full time at woodworking now?? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@startmaking1]

@@michaelwillson6847 Not quite full time.I still work from September to end of March to pay the bills then full on woodwork the summer. I would need to see more traffic on the videos to quit the day job , that and I would want to build or rent a workshop. Still a way off but never say never.

[@bobsmith3790]

Great video!

[@startmaking1]

Thank you Bob. Very kind. Thank you for watching and especially for commenting.

[@contessa.adella]

I purchased a Dewalt speed square from a reputable tool outlet…and it was slightly bent, I complained (I was still in the shop) and found their whole stock of these (three) were bent the same way!!! I took the least bent home and carefully stood on its side until I got the bend out…standing on its narrow base the upright edge is still a hair off vertical, annoying, but usable. Also, that narrow (3/4 inch) base is not machined perfectly flat on its underside. Some wet & dry would cure it…BUT you shouldn’t have to…right!

[@startmaking1]

Wow. I am surprised that you took one in the end. I have changed my opinion a little since this video. I now use any speed square for tough cutting and with the circular saw. It is still a vital part of the workshop but I now use my starrett combination square for anything that needs to be just right.

[@jeta1f35]

I have had similar problems buying a speed square and have found that price and brand do not necessarily guarantee accuracy as you might expect. Whatever you buy the first thing to do is check its accuracy by making compound markings using it both ways around (as previously demonstrated on this channel)

[@jeta1f35]

@@startmaking1 Starrett quality is quite simply top of the shop ... but it does come at a price.

[@brucewelty7684]

all good choices.

[@startmaking1]

Wow Bruce, 2 in one day. You're on a roll. Thank you.Really appreciated

[@MilmoWood]

Another good video my friend. My go to is a power tool. A good dust removal system, be it a vac or even better a proper dust collector.

[@startmaking1]

Hi. Thank you once again, I agree but sadly with the lack of power to my shop it makes life hard as far as power tools go. Soon though who knows. Thank you for watching

[@gojufish]

Quality advice

[@startmaking1]

Thank you bud.

[@MrPete1x]

Make sure that the raised edge in the speed square is not curved or bent like the ones on offer in Homebase and others

[@startmaking1]

ooo that is a really good piece of advice. Thank you.

[@howarddavies3744]

The grippy cloth is available in Tescos (no affiliation) for about £1, it is about 30cm wide and maybe 2m long.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Howard. That brilliant info. Thank you

[@graycleary]

I’d like to know where you can get hard woods. Oak for example.

[@startmaking1]

I get mine online at the moment as they mill them for me. Website called tools and timber. co.uk

[@abihill7355]

Nice video! I'll check out tack cloth

[@startmaking1]

You won't regret it,

[@MadofaA]

I’d like to see what happens if you hit it with a very fine sand paper. The iron acetate probably penetrates to a certain depth, could give some interesting effects when you remove some of it

[@startmaking1]

That's a good idea. Thank you

[@jarasblunt]

Well everybody seems to hate sanding where for me painting is definitely on the bottom 🤷

[@startmaking1]

Oh yeah , it is a close second for me.

[@peterjohneggleton2011]

Hi Mark, Just found your videos, many congrats….. I have a question. Glue is not glue or is it? Wood glue,superglue, contact glue,epoxy……. What do you use for the different Jobs? Keep em coming. Thanks Peter in Norway.😊

[@startmaking1]

Hi Peter. I have to say that I am in no way an expert but I do use a fair amount of different glues. CA or superglue I only use to hold smaller items together that dont need all that much strength. It is good for chip outs and mistakes too as these tend to be small. Wood to wood where strength is needed and a flush seam that is wood glue. Also Veneers. Epoxy , I am an amateur here but I use It if a gap needs to be filled in the glue up, something like a dowel in a hole where the fit is way too small. Contact adhesive is not one I use at all in all honesty. But overall I use wood glue for 90% of what I do. I know this is not an answer for all options but I do hope that it helps.

[@peterjohneggleton2011]

@@startmaking1 Cheers Mark,what CA glue do you use?

[@startmaking1]

No Worries. I have been all around with CA. It is pricey and some are not as good as others. At the moment I am using Gorilla for the medium thickness but for the thinner stuff I really buy whatever Amazon has in stock. It seems to change all the time . The7 currently have O3 in stock and that is quite popular with other makers too. amzn.to/3JhZoCx PS that is an affiliate link. You could just search for it too.

[@peterjohneggleton2011]

@@startmaking1 Hi Mark, Thats great thanks for the videos and for talking the time to answer questions. Looking forward to seeing the next video you put out. You have a true fan, I think what you is really great. All the best. Peter.

[@startmaking1]

More than welcome. Thankyou

[@eddienew2044]

I am off to look for a tack cloth

[@startmaking1]

Amazon. Thinking about it I am not sure that I have ever seen them in the shops in the UK to be honest. I do still love them though. Thank you for watching and especially for commenting.

[@jrh13-65]

You can find the Tack Cloths in the Automotive Paint stores as the Tack Cloths are used in Autobody shops for car painting preparation before painting. The big box stores also sell the Tack Cloths. I use a Zip Lock bag to store my tack cloth as it keeps it fresh from drying out.@@startmaking1

[@mikewilloughby4164]

Buffy the Vampire Slayer!!!!

[@markfrancis4756]

:Love a tack cloth

[@startmaking1]

Yup

[@darleneredden3251]

Of course being the woodworker that you are, you could always make yourself a box for your face mask

[@startmaking1]

That is a great idea. Especially as mine is a dust collector hanging on the wall, not sensible.

[@chunky68mh]

0

[@TordenPSM]

No power tools, while hiding the workx power drill behind!! 😂😂

[@startmaking1]

Not 100% sure which bit you are referring to but I assume I mean electricity run tools by this.

[@TordenPSM]

@@startmaking1 just ribbing you! Great videos, and I love watching and learning from you.

[@startmaking1]

@@TordenPSM lol. I half thought you were. You also mentioned my nemesis, the drill that just won't die.

[@TordenPSM]

@@startmaking1 happy new year!

[@startmaking1]

@@TordenPSM you too bud.

[@georgegriffiths2235]

put your mask in a sealable sandwich bag 🙂

[@startmaking1]

Great tip. Especially as mine is full of dust.

[@martinjenkins6472]

A comment for thr algorythm ;)

[@startmaking1]

MAgic. Much appreciated.

[@TorpisoulYT]

I'm sure my budget can stretch to a speed square

[@startmaking1]

I bought the Swanson large and small combo. The large one is surprisingly useful.

[@TorpisoulYT]

@@startmaking1 thanks. B&Q?

[@startmaking1]

@@TorpisoulYT amazon.

[@TorpisoulYT]

@@startmaking1Thank you. Not to start a rant, but I avoid Amazon! 😅

[@startmaking1]

@@TorpisoulYT I understand . You can always get a speed square from b and q. I just don't think they sell the larger ones.

[@mikewilloughby4164]

Carry On Doctor remake with Doctor Who…

[@mikewilloughby4164]

Actually Shameless would be hilarious….

[@chrisgriffith1573]

No electrici- *Click* . . Well, I got a lot more than that already...

[@startmaking1]

I'm not sure I get it, but thank you

[@themeat5053]

"Journey?" So you were an apprentice first? Good luck on your way to foreman.

[@startmaking1]

Hi The Meat. I hear and see that comment a lot. I get where you are coming from but with language being so fluid I think the word can be interpreted as having many meanings. Taking it only on face value, I hope nobody believes that I have done all of my woodworking whilst travelling from position A to position B. In context here I think I made it easy to understand that I meant my movement from the beginning of woodworking to where I am today., I am sorry if that wasn't clear. That said, to answer your question and not leave you frustrated, I was not an apprentice and thank you for your kind sentiment but I would like to be clear that I am not trying to progress in my career to the position of foreman. I work on my own and in my workplace there is no need for a hierarchy. All joking aside, thank you for your comment and for watching, I hope you stick around and keep up the banter.

[@themeat5053]

@@startmaking1 I was having a tug, that's for sure. I am what you guys would refer to as a "codger." Also, it may be because I started out as a carpenter, who transitioned into wood working when I got too weak to lift things over my head, that I am sensitive to how some "makers" use certain jargon. Not you, I understood exactly what you meant (university degree in philosophy, to boot). Too old to learn new tricks, but I keep trying. I think you are very clear and your intentions are upstanding. I do enjoy your content and I choose to watch you over many of the others out there who pontificate and want to boast about their skill. I wish you all the best on your wood working journey. 📐📐

[@startmaking1]

@@themeat5053 I was hoping that you were entering into banter. I hope my reply was read in the way I wrote it, ie playful, which is not always the case. I envy people who were lucky enough to have started out as carpenters and have that level of skill as their foundation. Compared to them I will always be a hobbyist, which is not all that bad I guess. I thought that I recognised your name for comments on previous videos. Thank you for engaging and for your lovely response to what could have been misinterpreted as a defensive reply on my part. Please don't ever hesitate to offer me advice and feedback both on woodworking and the videos themselves. I am learning as I go.

[@daviddawkins2829]

Put your mask in a ziplock bag.

[@startmaking1]

Brilliant advice.