Posted by Mark Jones on August 14, 19103 at 20:51:09:
In Reply to: Riviera to ambitious for beginner? posted by Jeff Johnson on August 14, 19103 at 12:04:30:
Hi there,
I was originally trained as a machinist as well... woodworking has technical aspects just like metals, but sometimes you have to be a bit more "freehanded" in your work. The blueprints and patterns are very helpful. Once in a while you may run into some tricky spots, mainly in attaching members that may or may not require bending/twisting. Glen-L is only a phone call away, and believe me, I'm building a BoJest and have made lots of calls.
As for the three indispensable tools:
Ryobi (or other) 18 volt cordless combination pack (circular saw, reciprocating saw, reversible 2 speed drill/driver, vacuum and light... best 200 bucks I ever spent. Buy the best vertical bandsaw you can afford, preferrably with a large table for cutting your frames, mount a halogen light next to it. Besides a heavy built table saw, buy a variety of japanese razor saws (cut on pull stroke)... very accurate and small kerf.
Adding to that list, and I think you'll need them, small and medium hand planes, power plane, good quality chisels from 1/4 - 1", heavy duty rasp (horseshoer's rasp is excellent). A disc sander (converted angle grinder) big enough to run a 7" pad is a great (but aggressive) tool.
Finally, my constant companion throughout the building process has been the "Boatbuilding With Plywood" book authored by Glen himself. I also purchased "Inboard Motor Installations"... both books removed many obstacles and inspired me in new directions.
Lots of builders read this forum, so you have quite a "brotherhood" here to help. Good Luck!!!
- Mark