essential hand tools?

Jan 21, 2014
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OK, the kid and I have officially been bitten by the pinewood bug. I can see that it is easy to spend too much money on tools that are ineffective. My question is twofold, what do you all see as the "must have" hand tools, and is which specialty tools are worth investing in? This all came about as I pondered buying a twenty dollar pair of "axle pliers", wondering if my old pair of pliers with electrical tape on the tips are just as effective. Thanks to the board for all of the great advice and information. We are looking forward to learning and sharing.
 
Hand tools: dremel and drill. Other tools: Scroll saw, drill press, bench sander. If you have all that you are set. There are more nice to haves, but those are the essentials. Nice to haves: band saw, router. PWD tools: silver bullet. That is pretty much all I can think of.
 
Depending on how serious you are wanting to get with the PWD world, are you wanting to race with the pros regularly or just once a year with scouts? That would need to be decided first...Then, I would suggest a mini screw driver for adjusting your steer, and I would suggest a good set of jewelers files and some mini wood files as well as a small air compressor, and a shop vac...
That should get you started along with what Rsullivan said...
Good luck to you.
 
Hi Second law.

I like the axle pliers and think they are a good investment.

This thing is pretty cool too if you don't want a full on compressor.

For the size it has some decent juice.

 
Thanks for the replies, fellas! Working with wood is new to me. I come from a more mechanical, metal fab type background. As far as Chief's question goes, I'm not sure how far this new journey will go yet, but we all know how hobbies turn into obsessions. Right now my son and I are enjoying the Scouting thing and both have an affinity toward PWD. Rising to the level of the experienced board members is a far off goal. The beauty in this endeavor is not only the time one gets to spend with family and friends, but it offers an opportunity to teach our children many practical lessons and skills. Plus it is WAY fun.
 
Need a small razor saw for the fenders and for cutting a khouse groove. +1 on the precision screwdriver, a pin guage to relieve axle holes I use an orbital sander a lot.I use the pwd specific pliers, they work well. Silver bullet, some small clamps if you ever do veneers.