Now that I'm a homeowner and spring is soon to arrive, I plan on doing some home improvement. I believe there are several brave souls who have taken the plunge and done your own home renovations. Here are a couple of questions:

1) What sort of sander do you recommend? Is it better to use a round sander or one that goes up and down? I plan on using it for general purpose sanding, ie, sanding furniture, walls, wood, etc.

2) What sort of jigsaw do you recommend? I don't really wanna buy a circular saw but figured a jigsaw would take care of quicky sawing needs.

3) Are there are other tools I need? I don't wanna go crazy and am looking to buy just what I need.

Ohh...what about brand? Should I stick with the ol' Craftsman or are there comparable brands that are not too expensive yet meet some quality standards.

Loads of thanks!

In terms of brands, you can't go too far wrong with Craftsmen, Dewalt, or Mikita for power tools.

i've always preferred dewalt products.

I would probably get a random orbit sander if I had to have just one sander for general little projects. Belt sanders are nice but can do more harm than good in the hands of a novice.

As for brands and kinds of tools, I'm assuming that you have Home Depot in your area; Home Depot sells a brand called Ryobi that is maybe a tick or two below the best, but of tremendous quality and durability (I use a lot of their tools myself); If I were you I would invest in a set of rechargeable 18Volt tools including a drill, small circular saw and some other stuff (they have a jigsaw as well, I just can't find it) that use a common charger and battery: They have several options in store--this is the only one I can find online: http://tinyurl.com/25qq94

Other tools you need? Fuck, where to start? I really need to know moreof what you are planning on doing first.

We'll get you through this, T.

Yeah, if you're clear that a sander and jigsaw are essential to the planned project, go for it. Otherwise, figure out what you're doing and everything you need before you start shopping. Don't worry if you find that you run out of materials or need something else; you can always go back. The more you can get upfront, though, the easier it will be.

Not sure what the U.S. equivalent would be, but Reader's Digest makes a kick-ass DIY manual (plus supplemental texts) over here. They will give you a good idea of what to get and how to use them.

"oh yes, there will be blood!" - jigsaw






*actually, i hope not and that it goes very smoothly for ya T*

Thanks, guys.

The sort of renovating I plan on doing are things such as preparing the wood trim on my house for painting (some of the paint is chipping), putting up a brick planter (doesn't require the above-mentioned tools, I know), refinishing furniture, removing and putting up new wall trim, sanding plastered walls, pulling out carpeting, putting new floors down....the list goes on.

Ohhh...and I figure a nail gun might be nice. Definitely a level, a mallet.

As I begin a project, I'll assess the tools and products I need. Plus, a friend (who has experience) has offered to help and teach me and will make this easier for me as time goes on.

I'm totally excited about getting started!

I would love to give you some advice, Tania.
But I can't even build a halfway decent Pinewood Derby car.

Too bad, because I work here:
www.grainger.com
And I could use a lot of that stuff, if I could use a lot of that stuff.

Have fun with the project, though.

So, does that mean we get an Obner discount, Todd?

I'll double up on the orbital sander rec - don't bother with the belt sander, it's far too strong for most jobs and, as Yail said, usually does more harm than good to whatever you're working on. I need one of these as well. I've been borrowing my dad's for years whenever I need one.

And when you buy a drill/screwdriver, get one with two batteries because you will find that the battery dies right when you're in the middle of a project. Trust me.

Also, don't watch New Yankee Workshop before embarking on any project because you'll get totally discouraged. Norm has every damned tool in the world and knows exactly how to use each one to make perfect things every time. That smug bearded asshole.

Fuck Norm! He builds furniture from scratch -- I'm not that adventurous!

I have a cordless screwdriver with TWO batteries. I'm definitely gonna invest in a drill.

Todd:
You work for Grainger. I have to buy stuff from their all the time for the building, since we have a Grainger supply warehouse here in Lincoln. What do you do there?

I write for the catalog. Product descriptions, and such.

Combo kit might be good to get you started.

http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGu ... ctID=10904

black and decker makes dewalt, milwaukee, makita, etc...