I love listening to you guys while I'm out working in the wood shop. You're pretty spot on. I've been in this game for many years but I still enjoy the beginner tips. It takes me back. Started with $100 and a trip to Walmart to buy cheap power tools back in 2009. Got a full blown shop now that paid for itself from that 100 dollars investment. Making a small set of cabinets this week. 5k profit. In 1 week! That's Dr. Salary and I didn't have to go to college or jump into debt. Never give up and never go into debt just hustle harder.
Heck yea Bill! Thats how you do it and thats what Im trying to pass on. Everyone starts small if they are smart about it and lets their tools grow with them! Great advice!
only difference is that a Doctor's salary is Guaranteed... you will earn as a doctor without a doubt, but starting a business is ALWAYS risky as most businesses FAIL... on the other side of the coin I would say, at least for me, being able to say "I'm a self-made successful business owner" would mean more (to me) than saying "someone taught me how to be a doctor"... there is no college that teaches you how to become Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos... If you survive the risk of starting a business, the reward is great.
@deezle1460 , a lot of students also fail on their attempt to become doctors or anything else. That being said, those three billionaires went to college. College gives you an advantage, but you still have yo have the entrepreneur gift naturally or learned) to become one. I am not arguing. I am just fiving my point of view.
I just built my wife a halltree for the mud room (first time wood working since I was 10) now my wife wants me to make a side hustle out of it. In 2 hours I have people wanting the concealed shelf, halltree, cat boxes, and noodle boards. I'm booked for 6 months already. How do you keep up
Lol. Thats awesome! But dont take on more than you can do. It takes the fun out. I don't do many customs to I can build in bulk. It allows you to speed everything up.
Keep your lady happy by adding dust collection to your shop. A shop vacuum keeps the dust out of the house and saves you from the “death stare” as you track dust everywhere. It also reduces the amount of dust that you are breathing in.
I started with a mitre saw I bought with money I made selling some old fence panels I had. Now I do about $15-$20k in sales over the summer months. Good father son side business.
I got a lot of my tools from estate sales, yard sales, or auctions. I paid $7.00 for my circular saw, $81.00 for my table saw, $5.00 for my belt sand. I have two routers one I paid $13.00 with a table and the other was $5.00. Even little things like a square, angled clamp, paint mixer for a drill and 48 inch straight edge I got all four for $1.00.
If you want access to CNC, lasercutters, etc, look for local makerspaces. Many of those places are nonprofits; if you are willing to volunteer, you may even be able to use the equipment for free after hours for a longer time period.
I cannot tell you how greatful I am for you. Your videos have pulled me out of my bi-polar shell. And your incouraging words about only you are stopping you, actually brought me to tears. Not in this video . Thank you you really cannot know the extent of my gratitude. Continue to be you. I tell my nieces and nephews always be uniquely you. Thank you
BTW… about 20 years ago I went back and modified the 10” Contractors… segmented belt, lathe turned sheaves instead of cast pulleys, blade stabilizers, re-aligned the blade, miter slots, and fence. The old (1969 vintage) Baldor went up in flames. I had it rebuilt and it again it fried itself in less than two years. I increased the blade speed, (juuust a little) and installed the largest dual capacitor motor I could find. A lot of torque , a lot if horse power, and very smooth. If you can’t afford to move-up, modify what you have but be warned, it is possible to overspeed the blade and THAT can be deadly .
Yeah I'm team ryobi lol . I bought the blue blag HD special on sale. For $200 ish I got a chainsaw , impact,drill,right angle,sander,sawzall,jig saw,skill saw and sander. I also got a 7in mitersaw cordless that runs on the same battery. Yeah overall for under $500 you can have a full functionality system with tools that you can add on to with the +1.
A planer/jointer is massive, so much time is lost sanding and it opens you up to making tons of different cutting/serving boards. I got the other saws and tools with everything else all the little pieces of equipment but after getting a planer it's literally a whole new world.
My boyfriend lives in Nigeria and wants to go into furniture making. I am passing this video on to him. Thank you so much for explaining what is needed to get started.
This video is completely necessary for every beginning woodworker. The fancy expensive tools may make the job easier, but you need to be "all in" before spending that money. I appreciate your emphasis on not going in debt to upgrade your tools. I really enjoy your videos.
The air compressor is essential in woodworking in my opinion, the pancake compressor with a stapler/brad nailer, HPLV sprayer and blow gun will be invaluable.
I’m not a carpenter, however, I love building and repairing things myself. Love your channel as it gives me the ability to make my wife the things she loves for the house/garden without having to pay big box prices and the feeling of accomplishment of doing it myself! Thank you!
Hi Matthew. I haven't heard you mention it, but a lot of people have had to sell their tools because the "hobby" just never worked out for them and they needed the money. While you probably won't find a brand new tool still in a factory sealed box, many of the better pawn shops in many cities have really good selections of tools more than adequate for the beginning woodworker to get started in following your templates and others from other RU-vid woodworkers. As they build an income stream, the newcomer can go to Lowe's, Home Depot, or elsewhere to move up in the type and quality of tool they add to their collection.
I have to say, I feel very thankful for finding your videos. Recently I was racking my brain trying to think of ways to make some extra money and here it is. I’m fortunate enough to have a lot of the tools you mentioned to get started and it’s time to make them pay for themselves. One thing I’d like to add is never underestimate the value of good lighting in your workspace and use your PPE. Thanks and keep up the good work!
My opinion is that you treat your purchases as if you’re making an investment on YOURSELF. Sure, you can get by with 5 channels, roll up windows, and a cassette player but it’s better that you don’t. It took me years to buy a set of cordless drills. I finally pulled the trigger on them 2 years ago. Now I wish I had done it decades ago. Good tools are expensive, no doubt, but, they can also add value to your business and your overall well-being. And, amen on NOT using a credit card. I buy used tools from time to time. Such as drill presses, disc sanders, bandsaws, welder, etc…. Great content. Thanks for sharing.
Bro, i just bought a house with a large shed and my roommate has all the tools you mentioned, plus we work in a cabinet shop. Oh we about to get hustlin
I have access to endless amount of wood along with every tool known to man and the desire to create n build I have the customers just need the knowledge to execute each project thank u for filling n the blanks
I’m recently retired from CNC 5 axis mold making. I finally get to play in the shop with wood. Thank you Matt for your broadcast. Most of all thank you for promoting “get out there and do it” encouragement.
Smart, humble, selfless, unbiased and helping others. I found your channel a couple months ago and love everything about your videos. I finally have me a shop that I can set up for woodworking, time and money but your videos help out a lot to get me started and going. Thank you!
There is inly one tablesaw to buy… the next model up from the one you just bought!😁 I grew-up on a Rockwell (tells you how old I am) 10” Contractors Tilt Arbor 220v. One day I started working in shops and no matter which shop I was in, we were almost always using the same saw. A cabinet saw, 10” Unisaw. The Unisaw was incredibly smooth when compared to the 10” Contractor saw. One day (about 42 years ago) I was on the 12-14 Tilt Arbor which was just a super-sized Unisaw. While on the same project I went back to the Unisaw. I couldn’t believe how much it jumped around when compared to the 12-14. I guess the moral of the story is to use the tools you have at hand and only move-up when you have the excess funds, the space, and when the new tool show a significant savings in time, ease of work, and quality of work. We would all like a 14” Martin, but I survived many years with the 10” contractors.
Simply put, I owe you a ton of gratitude, you've supplied me with the inspiration and knowledge to where I'm finally able to breathe financially and reinvest and save. Im 57 years old, this is a first in my life. If you're ever here in my neck of the woods we'd like to take you out for the best steakhouse you've ever been, Again thank you, and know you made a huge difference for a family that was at a high stress level, youre living right by teaching people as the saying goes "how to fish"
Had to downsize drastically. Sold most of my tools but I kept all my hand tools. My jig saw, circular saw and speed square are my go to. The only tool I don't have is the pocket hole jig, but I do have a orange box store gift card that's been waiting to be spent. I think I'll be getting one this weekend. Thanks for the inspiring videos Matthew.
Good stuff as usual. On battery powered tools. Pick a brand and stick with them. 20 years ago I bought one of the first 18V Ryobi sets. The blue ones. No they were not great but Ryobi promised not to change the 18V connection point. I upgraded to the green ones in 2007 with a refurbished Drill Driver set for 79 dollars with 2 batteries and a charger. The refurbushed Impact driver assembled lots of metal buildings driving self tapping screws. I finally broke it after 5 years putting self tapping hex heads into drill stem. That was some tough chyt. I am still using the replacement 11 yrs later. I really like the 18 volt Brad Nailer. It is not fast but neither am I.
Took 2 4 inch C clamp cut them in half and made 2 14 in clamps. But they still work as 4 in clamps also. Just drilled holes in a little 1.5 by 1.5 board and put wing nuts and Bolts in it. Only have a drill, skill saw, jigsaw, and little mouse sander. Next for me is either a table saw or miter saw, both would help a ton really leaning towards miter first just because of something I want to build would help a ton. Got a couple things listed on Facebook buy sell websites hoping I can get enough to pay for that saw when they sell even if I have to start out with used one first. Your videos are awesome and very informative appreciate all the information you share. Keep them coming especially your smalls that make money. Good stuff.
Thanks Matt, just getting started on a side hustle, and everything you said makes perfect sense, especially do not go into debt pay as you go!!! Thanks for the videos!!!
My 1st video and glad to know I'm starting right. Education is key! I have been doing small projects and really love working with wood. I need to learn more about how to tell the types of wood and how to make grooves, and splines...ect. Thankful to have your videos to learn from and Congratulations on the You-Tube Award! I'll be watching you!
I got lucky in that, because of my hatred of the jigsaw, my wife gifted me a WEN bandsaw for Christmas/birthday/anniversary one year. I'll give the tool it's credit, it does it's job. I just hate using them and reciprocating saws. I will always recommend the clamps from Harbor Freight. They're cheap and completely do the job just like their more expensive siblings.
I am still new to wood working but not so new with using tools. For anyone starting out with only a circular saw, I would recommend circular saw guide if you want straight cuts. Or maybe I just have shaky hands lol.
I agree completely! Saw guides are awesome. Also if you know the cut sizes most of the big box stores will cut it down for you into manageable sizes. In the meantime folks can make their own with a straight piece of lumber and just measure and clamp it. I also recommend putting a piece of closed cell foam insulation under it. The wood grips well and gives you a nice cut with minimal tear out. Just set it aside and use it as a dedicated cut base.
@@MatthewPeechWoodworking Ah, see that is out of the box thinking! Although I get my lumber from inside the box...big box that is:) so pieces rarely start out straight. I feel a need to shift away from Home Depot lumber if I intend to turn hobby into $$$.
Great suggestions for starting out. I would recommend buying the quality brands or 2nd tier brands that are still high quality. They'll last a lifetime if you take care of them. Also buy the same brand consistently so your batteries will work for all the tools.
Hey Matt, My name is Matt too, I’m a woodworker and enjoy watching woodworking videos on RU-vid, but I have to say your channel is awesome, you make cool and innovative project. I’ve been doing similar things selling smalls in my area to find tools and custom furniture builds for myself. I’m changing my outlook and turning this into more of a business. Thank you for motivating me to take the next step
Craigslist, Facebook market place, eBay! Last year I stumbled on a deal while looking for a Dewalt 14.4v drill because I had a 14.4v 1/4” impact driver and drill but the drill needed repair, $$. A Dewalt 18v kit, circular saw, reciprocating saw, drill, & flashlight with a charger and one hood battery for $50. I got there and the seller remembered he had a second drill with a so so battery and another charger. He tossed that in too. It doesn’t need to be new. Be on the lookout so you can pounce on a deal when it comes by.
I have to say I just inherited a garage full of tools. I already had my miter, table saw, drills, but I got like drill press - I mean 5’ tall! A lathe, sanders, grinders, band saws -2, routers, radial arm saw, (which I’m scared to death of) and all the hand tools from 4 generations. Some I don’t even know what they are! I love watching your videos. Now to make and start to sell! Thank you for all your videos Mathew!
No worries Sheri! Man it sounds like you have the full set up. Don’t fear the saw… respect it. Fear will get you hurt. Go make that money! Thanks for the follow!
Matt, I really like how you deliberate in your explanation, and emphasis on keeping things simple. You've really given me a ton of great ideas and I appreciate it! If you saw my shop, you'd think I am some kind of master woodworker. I clearly am not, but I enjoy woodworking when I get the chance to do it. When we moved to MN a couple years ago, our home came with a very nice shop space. I know some very accomplished woodworkers who seriously deserve the shop I have, so I am a little embarrassed. Still process of setting it up, but getting there. Thanks again!
Hey Matt, I have a 12x16 shop and I'm looking for dust collection tips and ideas. You give great advice and tips on so many things, figured you might have some on this subject. Thanks
Love it dude!!! Not just tips, but with a message as well. Great video. I have retirement coming in the next 2 to 3 yrs and I will definitely be filling my time with a lot of these projects. Inspiring! Cheers!
If you can't afford tools there may be a maker space in your area that has every tool you'd ever need and more. I travel a lot for work so the first thing I look for in a new town is a maker space. We live in a travel trailer so not a lot of room for big tools.
First of all thank you for this wonderful video. I’ve been following your channel for the last couple days when I stumbled across one video researching information I get made fun of every project where I venture into something I haven’t done involves 20 or 30 videos minimum to learn how to do something right and the best way to go about it Next month I will be 60 years old. I have a great job and lots of tools. Definitely some. I have my eye on like a jointer/planer. Pretty sure I have most of the basics , that combined with the knowledge, I am learning I am hoping to make a decent retirement income. Not that it’s necessary, but I definitely enjoy doing this type of stuff and the little things is definitely a win win. I really appreciate your non-bias when it comes to tools and brands. Personally, I like Ridgid tools. For two reasons I did work at Home Depot for 10 years and remember them took on the rigid name and the story behind the Emerson Company in Paris, Texas that was going to lose 1000 employees and Home Depot saved all those jobs. Not many know about this also the lifetime warranty, especially on batteries has a value to me.
Bro, I love watching you channel. Your helping people doing wood working. I've been in construction my whole life and ran across your channel and now you have me interested in doing my own side things!
This is a great time of year to get combo deals / bundles on the cordless equipment from the box stores. This includes drills, drivers, circular saws, trim router, etc...
Very true, very informative video. As a caviat I would say that most people should also keep in mind the style of Woodworking that they intend on doing. As an example, I make cusom gun grips and a bandsaw is a must have. Not that a scroll saw won't do most of the job. But the woods that I use are extremely rare and expensive so in order to be profitable I have to buy larger pieces and resaw to smaller size and get the most out of them. The biggest 3 questions that I try to keep in mind with tool purchases are... 1. Is this tool going to allow me to make a better quality piece? 2. Is this tool going to speed up production? 3. Will this tool allow me to broaden out and create different products? You are absolutely right about not going into debt. Another great way to prevent that is to shop pawn shops, yard sales, and the used market in general. Used tools generally are at a steep discount and when you upgrade can be resold for what you paid for them. Great videos btw.
Hello Matthew, I just built my 1st fan trellis and it’s not too shabby. I took a photo and can see what I need to do to make them look better. Greatly appreciate your videos with the step by step. Still trying to get comfortable using the table saw, since I messed up pretty bad with my inconsistent cuts with my 1st attempt fan trellis.
Not to scare you or anything, but when I took wood shop way back in high school we were being taught how to safely work around the table saw and out of the entire class I am the only one that got a kick back right in the gut from the table saw! I still hate the table saw to this day!
Only discovered your channel a couple days ago and you've managed to motivate me so much that I'm already buying equipment and getting into business. Thanks so much for your content
Been watching your videos for awhile now. This one really caught my attention by your way of talking / teaching to “Me”. I don’t have the equipment but want to start a side hustle business. Saving up like you said for the pieces. Thanks for your knowledge and sharing
Thank you Matt! Your videos are awesome and some of the best that I have seen! Your honesty is a blessing to say the least and I pray that your channel becomes one of the most successful! I love woodworking but have only built for family. You my friend have opened a door for me with new ideas. Thank you and may God bless you tremendously!
Thanks for the video! Funny thing is how you started with the circular saw. I recently built a changing table and crib for our new son (finished in the nick of time 😅). I used a HF table saw and a cheaper Craftsman miter saw from Lowes. Anyway, when I was done, it occurred to me, certain things would have been much easier with a circular saw, which I still don’t have. 😂 Guess I’m going out of order, but planning to grab a 20V Craftsman circular saw that fits the battery platform I already have for my nail gun, drill, and driver. Haha.
I've got the video paused at 'need a drill press'. Not necessarily. There are many videos on making your own drill press. I made mine out of scrap wood and 2 drawer sliders. Small, portable, can use on angle for those times you really need to have your drill as straight as possible. I would like to get an actual drill press for my shop at some point, but for now it isn't a pressing issue. Thanks for the video.
My patio cover did the same thing,I installed metal over foam insulation and that thing would sound like popcorn. Lol Have a merry Christmas and great New year.
Lol. Yea its great for holding in the heat or air but man it gets loud when its warming up. Not the greatest for recording. And a Merry Christmas to you as well!
I personally would recommend buying a tablesaw before any mitresaw(unless you side hustle is installing trim). With jigs you can do most cuts a mitre saw would. Maybe only benefit is it’s blade clearance to cut thicker material. And also I’d recommend getting atleast a trim router and template and flush trim bit to make MDF templates for projects or step with in a project that you might repeat often. Fast and accurate My plan would be circular saw and drill set to start. Then depending on need get tablesaw, jigsaw and/or router, and finally mitre saw and brad nailer.
I love your vids. This one in particular I like the most. I will, however, throw in a cheap bandsaw as a must. Once you get yours, you will understand. I went through the same process, realized my mistakes of buying unnecessary, but also upgrading as I learn more. I have tools in my garage I never use, but I bought every single tool off profit I made selling. Another tool I will add is a carpenter square. Don’t underestimate a decent square. Thank you once again for all the ideas and the great videos. You cater to both the amateur and the professional.
I agree 100% with your suggestions. Build at the speed of cash. Never go into debt for any business. It is so much more enjoyable to be working on something you love doing when you don't "have" to make a sell.
OMG!!! You have been life changing!!! Thank you so much for your channel. Have you ever thought about hosting a master class? I am so there if you do! Looking forward to your content…
I still use a 110.00 12” delta job site saw from 1998. Works for me. I do use other tools to make up what the saw lacks. Pocket jointing is the way to go. You can buy very inexpensive units. Professional cabinet makers around here use pocket joints all the time. Helps keep the time and cost down.
Just found your channel. Glad I did. I have been going through some stuff and working in my garage helps me lately. But your videos are very informative, and easy going. Good stuff bro
I want to thank you for inspiring me to do what I love to do I am 60 years old on my husband ss and I haven't sold anything yet but I know it will happen o am not perfect but it all looks good and the I do the better I will get
Excellent video....debating in my head which tools to buy for woodwork..now i know..starting out on small projects for customers..combining steel and wood.
I'm disturbed my how much we look alike. My brother turned me on to your channel because he thought you were me. He told me "I didn't know you had a RU-vid channel. It's really good."
I actually started with a miter box as well.. first project was a headboard since I didn't want to pay big money for one. Three months later I drilled holes for reading lights.
The most time saver for me is sanders I love sanding by hand but you got to give it to a good palm sander or belt sander when needed! PS. I just subscribed and am loving all the content you're putting out here!
I'd have one caveat. Completely agree that pulling the credit card to buy a tool you can't afford is a bad idea. BUT, I do believe one should buy the best tool one can afford. Case in point - I bought a "Parkside" router - cheap. Unfortunately it leaves a scratch on any surface where I use it. Don't overspend, but do get the best you can afford. My Kobalt router cost a bit more, but is worth the difference. Same goes for most things in tools, you get what you pay for. Great video and advice!
Recently tried to get started in woodworking and honestly at this point I'm wishing I hadn't. I have a small selection of tools and all I'm finding is endless frustration at the inability to get decent results. A circular saw and a few other tools just don't cut it; I need a table saw but the budget just isn't there. All of these RU-vid videos make all look super easy, but then... they're all working in fully equipped woodshops.
Hey, Matthew! I’m a new subscriber. Love your videos. You seem very knowledgeable and straightforward. No gimmicks. Very top quality content. This video was very helpful. It also seems like a good video for affiliate marketing. You should post links for all the tools that you shared in this video, then you get paid when subscribers follow your link and buy a tool. Just food for thought! I highly value your content and want to see you come out on top!
I don't know about you ,But I use the idea of 1/3 third ,1 part to my tools , 1 part to my materials, 1 part to profit. And it never failed me cause as you say ,Use what you have at hand till you can afford them fancy toys. Like when I was younger I wanted a motorcycle and I did that 1/3 idea 1 part to my food and rent or living expenses , 1 part to the MC , 1 part to set aside for any unexpected expenses. I know everyone is different but you want something put a side till you can get it. Like putting money away for holiday , one day. Keep up them encouragements and it will work if people just take heed.
