carpentry/woodworking advice needed

@Wizzywig (7847)
August 12, 2008 4:13am CST
As my husband nears retirement, he intends to take up woodwork again. Can you advise me as to what I could buy him for Christmas that would form a good basic tool kit? I'm assuming chisels, saws etc but really dont know what types/sizes etc. What would you suggest? (Thanks in advance)
2 responses
• South Africa
12 Sep 11
I would sugest that you let him in on your plan and make sure what he already have and what he still need. Tools of any type are just too expensive to buy at random. It is very easy to buy something that he already have or that he can't use for what ever reason. That is why it is difficult to supprise sombody with tools. Rather take him with you and let him sellect what he needs within your budget. Good luck.
@Wizzywig (7847)
21 Sep 11
Thank you for your suggestion... I bought the tools. My husband was delighted & since then has left them to rust in the garage having lost the enthusiasm to use them
• South Africa
29 Sep 11
I am quite happy to hear that you followed my suggestion. Don't be to hard on your husband. It is very possible that it is not an enthusiasm problem that he has, but rather his imagination that is letting him down. You can help him with that by requesting him to make you a specific item that can be useful in the house or garden. Start with something that will be easy to make to ensure his success in doing a good job, and then praise him when it is finished. That will boost his self confidence and mabe also his imagination. If you are happy with the result you can slowly ask for more complex items. Just keep in mind that the wood and other materials can be expensive so that will also have to be included in a budget. It is possible to save by using the wood of vegetable crates or discarded shelves. Even the firewood that we purchase in stores can be transformed into very nice ornaments with the correct skils and tools and of course "patience". I wish you better luck this time.
• Philippines
12 Aug 08
I would suggest a jigsaw or a table saw,most of woodworkers or carpenters dream of that.My best friend is a carpenter and he always say he wished for something like table saw or jigsaw. I too am a frustrated carpenter,but i have learned a lot from my friend.And I would love to have someting like a table saw or atleast a jigsaw.
@Wizzywig (7847)
12 Aug 08
thanks for your input, I'll start checking out the cost.