Three Lists of Essential Tools

Over at Lumberjocks yesterday, Tim Dorcas put up a blog entry about what tools a beginning woodworker might want to buy if the spending limit was $1000. It is primarily a power tool list, but a great exercise in prioritizing shop tools. I posted a comment about what a more minimalist shop might look like, but in principle I agree that Tim listed a set of tools that allows a wide range of work and will get you started.

I always enjoy this kind of list because it gets me thinking. Another great example is a list that Christopher Schwartz posted a while back. This won't fit a $1000 limit, but it gives a sense of what might be important in a more blended shop.

Finally, while trying to dig up Chris's post, I found another from Robert Lang that you can ponder. Enjoy!

Photo of violin maker's tools courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Just Plain Bill