Replies

1. 
   rob_ss | Sep 26, 2019 06:45am | #1

   Best of luck with that.

   At a minimum to construct the project you describe you will need:

   hand saw
   Square (some hand saws have a good enough square included in the handle)
   Hammer
   Nails
   Tape Measure
   Pencil
   Sticking plasters (for your fingers when you get hurt)

   If you get a nice meaty claw hammer you can use it to deconstruct the pallets too.

   To make the chair last more than a few days you will need to use screws so buy:

   Screwdriver
   Screws (No 10 x 40mm)
   Something to make pilot holes - ideally a drill but a gimlet would also work.

   To have choices in design you will need:

   Clamps (buy at least 4 30cm quick-grip or F clamps)
   Glue
   60 Grit sandpaper.

   You can use these to surface the timber and join thinner pieces to make thicker parts.

   Key skills to develop:

   Marking a square line on timber
   Cutting to the line
   Obtaining a nice square end
   Realising that pallet wood is not really worth the trouble.

   If you possibly can, try to watch a lot of videos of people doing woodwork. You will quickly work out what styles you would like to achieve and what tools you will need.

   Have fun!

2. 
   user5863461 | Sep 26, 2019 07:11am | #2

   I hope you didn't run him off.

3. 
   _mj_ | Sep 26, 2019 08:27am | #3

   First, welcome to the hobby! Second, if your budget allows please steer away from pallet wood, there's a reason it wound up as a pallet...typically the bottom of the barrel material...one step up from firewood. You have enough funstration coming your way without adding more on purpose.

   A handsaw is a good start, a crosscut saw will rip (slowly) and a rip saw will crosscut (slowly) so pick one. A combo or toolbox saw will do both, but with rougher results. A hammer & nails, some screws and a driver, something to make holes with. You'll need a square, I'd suggest a plastic framers' square to start. Use these to build a miter box. (You just made your first project and saved money by not buying a miter box) A couple of clamps are handy but we all started without them, later wondering how we got anything done that way.

   Garage / estate sales are your shopping mall. I would not but ANY of the above brand new (except maybe the square). Spend the cash you save on tools to get some #2 lumber from a home center.

   Set yourself up for success and start simple, like a small table. Think outdoor "picnic table" construction. Keep that first table around, you'll look back at it fondly forever. Enjoy!

4. 
   barnettnce | Sep 28, 2019 03:24am | #4

   Thank you very much for sharing your good thought. I am so happy for your opinion and share your best tool list for me.

5. 
   mikaol | Mar 04, 2020 10:38am | #5

   First, you'll need a good sense of humor. That said, I've been doing this 40+ years and I like 'bottom of the barrel' lumber. Granted pallet wood, for example, isn't the best for furniture, but it has character. You can't buy the scrapes, dings, etc that could look good when your project is finished. But it's your project, find the wood that works for you.
   Tools. Well, you can find a decent circular saw fairly cheaply just about anywhere. Obviously you'll need clamps. You can never have too many of them. Squares are staple items. A good framing square will come in handy, as will a tri-square and combination square. And you'll need plenty of pencils and a good sharpener.
   Not to worry, though. You'll pick things up as you go along.
   Happy woodworking!
   Mikaol