this post was submitted on 27 Sep 2023
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Woodworking

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hardened cross cut saw or steel that can be sharpened? (lemm.ee)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/woodworking
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Hi everyone,

I’m slowly getting into the craft of woodworking and I’m trying to pick out some “starter” tools. I don’t want to go completely cheap but I don’t want to spend all kinds of money (yet).

I was set on getting a cross cut panel saw for ripping and cross cutting (until I get a ripping saw) and a fine tooth pull saw for more accurate cuts.

My questions for recommendations are:

  1. Should I get a hardened cross cut saw and just use it until it’s junk or get one I can sharpen?
  2. Can hardened carbon steel chisels be sharpened or are they also “disposable”?
  3. Is it better just to get a “dovetail” saw than a fine tooth pull for small, accurate cuts such as a joint?
  4. On a different note, is a #4 planer the best to start with? A few videos recommend that over a #5 because a #4 is easier for smoothing.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I know I’ll have to just try a few things and see what works best, but I’m trying to be wise with what I get.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Look for used tools at garage sales and flea markets. The only people who should be buying $160 braces are rich retirees. I built a pretty great collection of tools in a year or so of hitting sales pretty regularly, and you end up learning a lot about what different tools are like, and how they work, and for pretty cheap. There's still tons of quality pieces out there from Disston, Stanley, etc.