WOODWORKING: These are the tools you need to get you started.

to get started in woodworking

1 / Bosch GTS-10XC Table Saw

This machine comfortably leads the portable table-saw pack in South Africa. It’s well made and being a Bosch product means it has great backup service. With an integrated sliding carriage, a 2.1 kw motor, a decent riving knife, integrated rear outfeed table, maximum cutting height of 80 mm and ripping capacity of 635 mm, it ticks all the starter boxes. R12 299

2 / Bosch GEX-125 Random Orbit Sander

A really good all-round palm sander. With its excellent on-board micro-filter, sanding pad brake, easy hook-and-loop disc attachment, and, most importantly, the variable speed control, it represents fantastic value for money, it’s lightweight, and extremely versatile. A full range of 125 mm Bosch sanding discs is available, although we recommend the Klingspor (also German) range of discs. They are available in packs of five, and boxes of 50 and 100 discs, with the quantity depending on your selected grit. R1 050

3 / Metabo KGS Compound Mitre Saw

The Metabo KGS is the top-selling small compound mitre saw in SA. Lightweight and compact, with its sliding feature for wider boards, left and right extension supports, integrated mains-powered laser line and working light, 216 mm blade, integrated dust collection and the ability to cut angles of up to 47° on either side of the 90° centre line, this saw is a powerful, compact package at a superb price. You will get even better cutting results by adding a premium Freud blade. R2 999

4

/ Bosch POF 1400 Router Bosch’s reputation and backup in South Africa is legendary. The POF 1400 is the perfect router for starting out. It’s wonderfully easy to handle, and its 1 400 W motor, variable speed control, fine depth adjuster and superb fence make this an exceptional beginner’s choice. Comes complete with ¼” (6.35 mm) and 8 mm collets, removable fence and carry case. R1 749

5

/ Bosch GST-90 BE Jigsaw A jigsaw is one of the most versatile power tools in your workshop. Whether you are cutting curves or straight lines, a good jigsaw is a necessity. This excellent Bosch Professional model features a 650 W motor, variable speed, bevel cutting up to 45° on both sides of the blade and good dust collection. It takes all standard bayonet-shank type blades and the maximum cutting depths are 90 mm in wood and 20 mm in steel. This is a great beginner jigsaw. R1 920

6 / Kreg Jig K5 Pocket Hole Joinery System

If you aren’t quite ready for making dovetails, mortise-andtenon- and lap joints by hand, then the quickest and easiest way to join timber is definitely with Kreg’s K5 Pocket Hole System. Pocket-hole joinery is the fastest and easiest way to build projects from decks to cabinets, tables, frames and panel doors. R2 999

7 / Shinwa Square

Your projects need to be properly square. If they aren’t, they won’t fit together properly. The Shinwa Japanese square is an excellent, budget-friendly stainless-steel square, featuring a lip on one side and accurate 45° and 90° layout ability. It will last you a lifetime and is inexpensive and beautifully made. A proper-quality, accurate square will take a large amount of frustration out of your many woodworking projects. R399

8 / Narex Super Line Professional Bench Chisel Set

A good-quality basic set of bench chisels is essential to your woodworking. From cutting joints to trimming wood, we all need them. This set uses exactly the same quality steel as all of the high-end Narex cabinetmakers’ chisels. The basic set consists of four bevel-edge chisels (8 mm, 10 mm, 16 mm and 32 mm). This range should cover most of any woodworker’s requirements. They are factory sharpened at a 25° primary bevel and like all quality chisels, require extra honing for peak performance. Narex has been making cutting tools since 1929, so you can be confident

9 / Sjöbergs Nordic Plus 1450 Workbench

When starting out in woodwork, most people do not have a proper workbench with decent woodworking vices. A good quality, stable workbench with vices is time consuming and expensive to build, but is possibly the most essential tool in your workshop. Sjöbergs of Sweden is the world’s top workbench brand and they have come to the rescue of the starter woodworker – enter the Sjöbergs Nordic Plus 1450 Workbench. With a solid front vice, a full-width end vice and full dog-hole layout, this bench has a working surface of 1 340 mm x 500 mm and is built of solid European Birch. R6 195

10

/ Kakuri Ryoba Hand Saw Japanese hand saws are legendary. Unlike Western-style saws, which cut on the push stroke, Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, which is far easier for beginners to learn to cut straight kerfs. The Ryoba is a double-sided saw; one side has cross-cut teeth and the other has rip-cut teeth. Effectively, you get two dedicated saws for the price of one! These saws are scary sharp and cut very fast. Cabinetmakers the world over use Japanese saws in their daily work, as they are efficient, cut a narrow kerf and leave a remarkably clean surface after the cut. From R399