I wanna build stuff

[IBM]

The muses are in my head, and I have the creative urge to build something....I have no idea why, maybe it's an age thing (turned 29 yesterday)...

So, anyone in here know a rotary sander from a screwdriver? Anyone suggest a couple of essential tools? Where's a good place to get a decent work bench for cheap.

If you're nice I might even post a pic of whatever gets built so you can have a good chortle....and before you ask, all the bent nails sticking out all over the place are 'design features'...

[Theo]

You could start by building yourself a workbench

Get the design on paper with all your measurements. Trip to a lumberyard or B&Q or something similar. Either get the wood cut for you, or purchase a shiny new circular saw. Few nails and a hammer, bit of sanding, perhaps a finish and you're a gogo.

[theslasher@ntlw]

Try screwfix there tools are quite cheap or lidl's do tools now and then.
Good luck with the build need any advice drop us a line.

[windog]

Building your own work bench first is a good idea. before buying a lot of power tools you will need the basic essentials first, a good square, a hand saw, (I personally like the japanese saws that cut on the pull stroke) a plane and a basic set of chisels. Screwfix do do quite cheap tools, but beware, in some cases you are very much "getting what you are paying for"

[Funkstar]

For tools you also have to remember how much you will use them. DeWalt are amazing tools, but if you are not using them all day every day they are probably overkill.

[IBM]

As it stands I've got a fairly cheapy multi purpose tool kit (hammer, screwdrivers etc.) a hammer power drill, and a small B&D hand sander....

I'd love to get a circular saw, but probably can't justify it right now, so will have to make do with a hand saw and a clamp.

I'm looking at getting a jigsaw, although what I'd really like is one of the freestanding setups I used to use in diy class back in school (although no idea how much these cost, or where to get them, or even what they're called).

As for building a workbench, it's a good idea, although I'll have to clear some space in the garage since I think that a folding one might be a little beyond me in terms of stability and errrr usability. I'll look into it....cheers

[Funkstar]

The big free standing saws with the verticle blade are band saws. the matching free standing drills are drill presses. both very cool

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...50484&ts=39047
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...25633&ts=39074

Screwfix have pretty much everything you need

[IBM]

Oh yeah baby...can I get a Tim Allen Urgh Urgh Urgh Urgh...lol

Yeah, I don't think I'm quite up for justifying that kind of expenditure, but it's a good website anyways.

Hey, there's one for £79.99

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...9791&id=56797#

Probably breaks down after 10 mins...

What about DIY classes, like furniture construction, woodwork, stuff like that. Then I can use their kit, get some guidance, and it'll still cost less than a power tool if I decide it's not for me? I'm going to have a look around West London and see what there is...there's got to be something...

[BenW]

Those are band saws, they have one massive saw that constantly goes around in a clockwise motion. The freestanding jigsaws are called scroll saws.

Like this: http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...16917&id=20397

Oh yea and i forgot to say, band saws are about 7-8ft tall

[Zak33]

build stuff

www.lego.com

[IBM]

build stuff

www.lego.com

I have a four year old son, and you come in here, thinking that I do not have Lego. Hah, I laugh at your impudence!

[Zak33]

ohhhh

do they still make Mecano ?

[Auran]

Not like they use to

Once built a working replica of Tower bridge with my Grandfather as a kid. It was that tall I needed a box to do the bits at the top and had I been brave enough I could have driven a pdeal car over it

Ah, halcion days when toys were toys and you made your own fun.....

[IBM]

Mecano was cool...and ultimately the most fidely, irritating, frustrating invention ever. Who here skinned a knuckle or two trying to get one of those tiny bolts onto a screw way down inside you're latest construction?

Anyway, I've decided to get a cheapy scroll saw (thanks Ben), a regular handsaw, a Workshop Vice (it's only 3" though, thinking about getting something a little more accomodating), and a 2" Smoothing plane.

Anyone else got any suggestions?

Plus, what do you use to cut perspex/acrylic? Would the scroll saw do?

[Skii]

[arthurleung]

I actually built a windtunnel with lego, giving me pretty decent results for my physics report (Scottish AH Physics) It sucked air in at 6.6 metres per sec

It you can't be arsed to cut stuff up (like me), LEGO is your best mate.
Would have took me ages to build a windtunnel with wood.

And it is completely tool free