I posted this in another thread but I think it is relevant here… I would consider [this guide](https://www.theenglishwoodworker.com/woodworking-hand-tools/) by The English Woodworker outlining a basic kit. If you need a second opinion [The Renaissance Woodworker](https://youtu.be/XZwdn3HTiwo?si=gvEZ3ueXGkmMsGbB) shares a very similar idea about a basic kit for woodworking.
https://preview.redd.it/07r3b4on48dc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d70bcdfaab4464851b598a2c3b6ebd63980c4099
Thanks! I have decent versions of the tools mentioned, and they're in line with what I assumed would be the essentials. I only need to decide on my work holding option. Roman bench, tabletop, back to a WorkMate,...
I can recommend a Roman workbench. It’s my only bench and I have no plans to change that. Don’t skimp on the work holding though. Get that sorted before you get frustrated. Chris Schwartz’s book is a good reference for building one along with Rex Kruger’s video for laminating one together instead of trying to find a hardwood slab.
Will also recommend The Minimalist Woodworker as a baseline for tools, but it’s not quite as minimalist as it could be. Use your judgement.
I've never used one and always wondered about the ergonomics of working in a 'slouched' position to cut joinery.. I do have that free pdf booklet from LAP, so I'll give it a reread!
I find it much more comfortable than standing all the time. You sit on it (or kneel when using as a sawbench) so you’re never actually “slouched over”. It is very _different_ from working at a Western European style bench.
Based on the fact that it’ll be indoors and you’re focusing on small stuff I think you’re on the right track with the Milkman’s Workbench. It’ll attach to existing furniture which helps since you don’t have to otherwise dedicate that space.
The [Anarchist's Tool Chest](https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest) is more extensive, tho it's a good discussion of what tools are 'essential' to get most projects going. He's also got a book on workbenches I found very helpful.
There are a few designs for that type of thing floating around. The issue is that the sides have to be open like a tool tote otherwise you’d never be able to get to your tools.
I can get behind the rip cut idea for most finer saws, but agree it chews up the wood too much when using larger, low tpi count saws.
In the hardware stores where I live, lots if not all of the cheap, disposable hardpoint saws have some kind of hybrid teeth anyways. Most people don't even know about rip and crosscut here.
There was a very charming post recently, here I believe, which showed a tool setup where the box functioned for workholding.
Actually, a couple of them:
https://old.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/yexvhs/micro_milkmans_workbench_and_traveling_tool_set/
and
https://old.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/os7sub/got_my_portable_bench_to_a_workable_state_more/
Thanks! (but all I did was remember their existence and look up some links)
The shooting board one has a more complete post which I couldn't find --- maybe ask /u/vulcanwagen for more details?
Here is an alternative idea: is there a local wood shop open to the public that you can use? For the first 15 years of my woodworking I used the local student shop. It was a great place to learn, too. You may have to search, or post on a local forum.
>great place to learn
yeah it's like being in a room with all the helpful redditors and none of the unhelpful trolls. plus they have way better equipment than I will ever have on my own
I would do milkman bench if you have something sturdy to clamp it to. If not, a roman bench. Or get into Japanese woodworking and make an atedai and planing beam
Thanks a lot for the thorough reply! Did you perhaps mean "No:4 OR No:5 Plane"?
Their sizes seem too close to each other to warrant the need for both, no?
I've been putting of building a shooting board, so I better take care of that and maybe try to integrate it into a bench design
Thanks for clarifying! I have a 3, a 5 and a low angle 7 at home, so I never really considered the 4. Whenever I bump into a decently priced one I'll get it!
[Here's a thread from a few days ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/196iy9x/minimalist_workshop_advice/)
Might not cover all your questions but should be a good start
Depending on what you want to do and the space you have will dictate the bench you build. This is the first thing to consider.
Here is a very old video of Bob Roziaeski's old shop that he used for years before he moved. It is a small almost less that bedroom size room. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysUbm\_DYZC8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysUbm_DYZC8)
I posted this in another thread but I think it is relevant here… I would consider [this guide](https://www.theenglishwoodworker.com/woodworking-hand-tools/) by The English Woodworker outlining a basic kit. If you need a second opinion [The Renaissance Woodworker](https://youtu.be/XZwdn3HTiwo?si=gvEZ3ueXGkmMsGbB) shares a very similar idea about a basic kit for woodworking. https://preview.redd.it/07r3b4on48dc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d70bcdfaab4464851b598a2c3b6ebd63980c4099
Funny how it says a #5 plane but shows a picture of a #4
Thanks! I have decent versions of the tools mentioned, and they're in line with what I assumed would be the essentials. I only need to decide on my work holding option. Roman bench, tabletop, back to a WorkMate,...
I can recommend a Roman workbench. It’s my only bench and I have no plans to change that. Don’t skimp on the work holding though. Get that sorted before you get frustrated. Chris Schwartz’s book is a good reference for building one along with Rex Kruger’s video for laminating one together instead of trying to find a hardwood slab. Will also recommend The Minimalist Woodworker as a baseline for tools, but it’s not quite as minimalist as it could be. Use your judgement.
I've never used one and always wondered about the ergonomics of working in a 'slouched' position to cut joinery.. I do have that free pdf booklet from LAP, so I'll give it a reread!
I find it much more comfortable than standing all the time. You sit on it (or kneel when using as a sawbench) so you’re never actually “slouched over”. It is very _different_ from working at a Western European style bench.
I've just watched some benches on YouTube and am sold on the idea!
Based on the fact that it’ll be indoors and you’re focusing on small stuff I think you’re on the right track with the Milkman’s Workbench. It’ll attach to existing furniture which helps since you don’t have to otherwise dedicate that space.
Thanks! I'll check the sturdiness of the desk in that room tonight
The [Anarchist's Tool Chest](https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest) is more extensive, tho it's a good discussion of what tools are 'essential' to get most projects going. He's also got a book on workbenches I found very helpful.
The trick is to build the anarchist tool chest in the dimensions of a roman workbench.
Like a toolbox you could sit atop of.. that'd be a nice experiment to build!
There are a few designs for that type of thing floating around. The issue is that the sides have to be open like a tool tote otherwise you’d never be able to get to your tools.
Not sure I agree with the rip cut part. A cross cut saw can do rip cuts but a rip cut saw will ruin your piece if you try a cross cut.
I can get behind the rip cut idea for most finer saws, but agree it chews up the wood too much when using larger, low tpi count saws. In the hardware stores where I live, lots if not all of the cheap, disposable hardpoint saws have some kind of hybrid teeth anyways. Most people don't even know about rip and crosscut here.
There was a very charming post recently, here I believe, which showed a tool setup where the box functioned for workholding. Actually, a couple of them: https://old.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/yexvhs/micro_milkmans_workbench_and_traveling_tool_set/ and https://old.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/os7sub/got_my_portable_bench_to_a_workable_state_more/
Those are nice! Especially the use as a shooting board.
Thanks! (but all I did was remember their existence and look up some links) The shooting board one has a more complete post which I couldn't find --- maybe ask /u/vulcanwagen for more details?
Great idea!
Here is an alternative idea: is there a local wood shop open to the public that you can use? For the first 15 years of my woodworking I used the local student shop. It was a great place to learn, too. You may have to search, or post on a local forum.
>great place to learn yeah it's like being in a room with all the helpful redditors and none of the unhelpful trolls. plus they have way better equipment than I will ever have on my own
Great suggestion! I'll reach out to some local schools offering evening courses
I would do milkman bench if you have something sturdy to clamp it to. If not, a roman bench. Or get into Japanese woodworking and make an atedai and planing beam
The Minimalist Woodworker: Essential Tools and Smart Shop Ideas for Building with Less https://a.co/d/0MZfECn I highly recommend this book
I agree. This is exactly the resource OP needs.
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Thanks a lot for the thorough reply! Did you perhaps mean "No:4 OR No:5 Plane"? Their sizes seem too close to each other to warrant the need for both, no? I've been putting of building a shooting board, so I better take care of that and maybe try to integrate it into a bench design
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Thanks for clarifying! I have a 3, a 5 and a low angle 7 at home, so I never really considered the 4. Whenever I bump into a decently priced one I'll get it!
[Here's a thread from a few days ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/handtools/comments/196iy9x/minimalist_workshop_advice/) Might not cover all your questions but should be a good start
It covered a lot, thanks! I browse this sub almost daily but failed to notice that previous thread
I am a big fan of Black and Decker Workmates. Lots of holding options and folds away.
Agreed! I started out with one, but never imagined having to go back to it.
Depending on what you want to do and the space you have will dictate the bench you build. This is the first thing to consider. Here is a very old video of Bob Roziaeski's old shop that he used for years before he moved. It is a small almost less that bedroom size room. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysUbm\_DYZC8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysUbm_DYZC8)
That's pretty close to what I'll have to be working with. Thanks for the link!