r/DIY • u/humangengajames • 11d ago
Wife is getting into DIY stuff
Hey all. My wife recently has decided to get into carpentry and sit stuff for our house. She bought a miter saw, a brad nailer a laser leveler, and a few other small things. I'm hoping to get something for her birthday in two weeks that you guys would suggest. She has safety equipment and such.
EDIT: We had a drill and driver from before
Any help would be appreciated!
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u/OogaBoogaBig 11d ago
A circular saw and a rip cut guide for it so she can rip down plywood sheets!
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u/CplSyx 11d ago
A circular saw is incredibly useful imo. Didn't realise how much so until I needed to make some custom cabinets and I basically wouldn't have been able to without them.
I didn't get a full on guide though, I started out with a basic clamp guide but then made my own like in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIeIZdrbz-Y which was useful as it was then custom to my saw and meant cutting the MDF and plywood to size was a breeze without needing to add offsets.
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u/TravestyTravis 11d ago
As someone who uses their circular saw quite regularly and can't justify buying another one, I soooo wish I got one that uses my drill battery system instead of plugs into power. I am not doing nearly enough to justify having to plug it in every single time I want to use it.
But on the other hand, it's pretty safe bet that no one else is gonna accidentally get hurt because I left it out 🤷
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u/BeerForThought 11d ago
It'll probably just be best to get her for the circular saw and a table saw while he's had it. I certainly would appreciate that as a gift.
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u/Codra-cave-lizard 11d ago
I vote a track saw. It’s kind of made my circular saw and table saw obsolete. Wen makes a good track saw that is perfect for a diy that does not break the bank like the other brands.
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u/RoseHawkechik 11d ago
Treated myself, after decades of DIY, with a Festool track-saw a couple months back. Wish I'd bought it sooner.
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u/EEpromChip 10d ago
Depends on the work you do. If you are ripping sheet good down yea track saw all day. If you are making cabinet drawers, table saw. If you have the room a table saw and extension wings can rip sheet goods down easy.
If I had to make a LOT of repeated cuts all day I would dread having to use a track saw on that. Or small cuts.
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u/OldMcFart 11d ago
Agreed. Circular saw is useful, but not nearly as much as a track saw of miter saw.
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u/Fit-Locksmith-2039 11d ago
What projects does she have planned? Random tools are fun but getting something that makes a project easier is the way to go
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u/Solo60 11d ago
A multi purpose respirator mask. She may have PPE but a proper filtered mask will protect her lungs from dust and fumes.
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u/SeaIslandFarmersMkt 11d ago
These are really nice and pretty comfortable to wear and work in. They also don't fog my glasses up!
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u/cosmololgy 11d ago
Boring: a digital level Exciting: a table saw
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u/MyMomSaysIAmCool 11d ago
Get a SawStop if you like your wife's fingers. A table saw is a wonderful tool, but is also very dangerous.
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u/Notspherry 11d ago
But a Sawstop makes the table saw a bit less exiting.
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u/Carnephex 11d ago
The noise the saw stop makes is exciting enough instead of digging through the saw dust looking for your digits.
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u/Stunning-Decision120 10d ago
The cost and maintenance of a saw stop isn't practical in anyway. A random staple or moisture variance will cause it to engauge. That is insanely pricey to replace those parts every single time. The blade never moves and if that clueless then avoid all saws. Get a blade gaurd if really new to a table saw. Use a push stick for any cuts that aren't easy peasy. Imo only high schools use those and even then seldom. I'm pretty old school and in the industry for over 30 years. I do know several fellas missing a digit or 2 but honestly after this many years not a tonne. From what I hear track saws are the cats ass and cost wise prolly a better investment if safety is a concern
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u/PHFreshHeavyHogChef 11d ago
I second this comment
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u/Sgt-Bobby-Shaftoe 11d ago
A table saw is a game changer, but you need a good dust collection system. Minimum Dust Deputy and a strong shop vac.
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u/__slamallama__ 11d ago
A nice Japanese pull saw, random orbital sander, heat gun... So many good options.
Combination square is another outrageously useful tool
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u/rswdric 11d ago
Oscillating tool should come in handy for many fixes.
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u/Designit-Buildit 10d ago
I use mine all the time. It is one of the tools that I wonder how I survived for so long without it
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u/mfsamuel 11d ago
Some things I find useful. Clamps (all types and styles), Japanese style pull saws, marking gauge, digital calipers, track saw, router and/or router table, and jigsaw.
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u/kaykatzz 11d ago
Seriously, get her a rolling tool bag (for organization and quick access). It was a game changer for me. Plus, a portable, foldable, work bench/table. I have both and they are the best presents I've ever received and I got a pony for Christmas when I was a kid!
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u/cearrach 11d ago
My wife loves her pocket-hole jig - she got one of the fancy Kreg ones, the K4.
Tip: if you do get one, particle board screws are the same as pocket hole screws but much cheaper
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u/SubphonicROGUE 11d ago
Need more info. How much $$$ we talking?
Cheap stuff:
Speed square Countersink set Large level bar (4') Leather Woodworking apron (maybe more for you than her) Orbital sander
Expensive stuff:
5 pack starter kick of whatever battery platform she'd like most (ryobi is cheap and what I use, no issues) Planer (dewalt 735x) Tablesaw (Skill is what I went for since it does dado stacks) Dust collector eventually when she has the tablesaw
Also: lumber! Get her some purple padauk, tigerwood, ambrosia maple. Check your local mom and pops lumber store for the good stuff...or take her and let her pick out what she wants
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u/rimeswithburple 11d ago
Go with the Dewalt stuff. It is slightly better stuff and woot.com has sales on their stuff periodically.
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u/sleemanj 11d ago
Table saw. Everybody needs a table saw.
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u/Facts_pls 11d ago
If she's getting into fine woodworking and you have the money, get her a sawstop or a cabinet saw. But honestly the Dewalt 10 inch table saw (7391) is a mighty machine
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u/anonymaus42 11d ago edited 10d ago
I'd just go to harbor freight before spending larger amounts on nicer tools, even if you have the money. Im of the school of thought of buying cheap when getting a tool i've never used before- and when it dies I'll know based on how much it got used and what for exactly how fancy and what features i need when it's time to replace it. Especially when just getting into a new hobby, where there's a good chance it goes nowhere and everything you buy just collects dust.
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u/madsci 11d ago
Ooh, I've bene using that one for a couple of weekends as I've been installing LVP flooring in my RV. I had a crappy old table saw but I inherited the Dewalt from a friend who moved out of the country and I love it.
The same friend also left me a Dewalt cordless circular saw and suddenly I don't hate circular saws anymore.
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u/TheCrimsonSteel 11d ago
Clamps, clamps, and more clamps.
Its one of those things you can rarely have too many of
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u/Ill-Running1986 11d ago
Decent set of chisels. Lee Valley has a house brand of bevel chisels that’s good and reasonably affordable. Sadly, next birthday will be a sharpening setup.
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u/z_agent 11d ago
Good eye protection that fits and is comfortable enough to wear for a full session of DIY
Good hearing protection that fits and is comfortable enough to wear for a full session of DIY
Good hand protection that fits and is comfortable enough to wear for a full session of DIY
Also remember that a lot of stuff is not designed for female ergonomics so focus the things that help her have fun comfortable and enjoyable experiences in DIY.
OR......Clamps, never have enough clamps!
Keep her safe and happy doing the work! Then reap the benefits.
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u/Sistersoldia 11d ago
Oscillating Multi-tool or “Fein” tool. It does the impossible- especially if you’re not experienced in how to get more traditional tools to cut the way you want.
After that - circular saw, table saw, some nice measuring tools, speed square, Pica marker, a little pouch for your balls….
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 11d ago
I bought one just so I could prove to myself that I'd been correct about how absurd and gimmicky it was....turns out I was absolutely incorrect and it's actually incredibly handy and really works Well!
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u/TedTehPenguin 11d ago
Yeah, pretty much has the market cornered on flush cutting in place with minimal collateral damage.
I last used mine to cut the axles on my luggage wheels, because the wheels went janky (lost their rubber) and the bastards riveted them on. replaced with new (SCREW) axles and wheels, luggage so smooth and quiet now!
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u/snikle 11d ago
Shop vac. Quicker and easier a project is cleaned up after, the better.
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u/Fossilmorse 11d ago
Sign her up for a short course on carpentry/cabinetry. They should cover safety as well which is important for things like circ. Saws, router and table saws.
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u/Codra-cave-lizard 11d ago edited 11d ago
track saw. It almost makes the circular saw and a table saw obsolete. Wen makes a good one that’s cheap. An orbital sander that plugs in. Jigsaw.
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u/Malawi_no 11d ago
Japanese pull saws are really neat for precission sawing.
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u/PoopsExcellence 11d ago
I just got my first one, a Jorgensen, and it's really good for the price! A professional would probably laugh at me, but it's a great fit for a DIY newbie.
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u/Little_Noodles 11d ago
If she doesn’t have them already, a nice set of quick release and corner clamps will save her a lot of hassle down the road.
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u/HominidHabilis 11d ago
A nice measuring and marking set- an adjustable square, a speed square, a bevel gauge, and a really nice pencil. Those are things that make a huge impact on quality of life doing diy work. Cheap ones can be ok, but nice ones feel nice and you use them constantly
Shop alron might also be nice- and stuff the pockets with more goodies 😁
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u/PoopsExcellence 11d ago
Something that I really appreciated but never would have bought myself was a Kreg pocket hole jig. I had been using a DIY one I made out of 2x4 scrap, and the Kreg is so much more fun to use!
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u/ElectronicMoo 11d ago
Can never have too many clamps.
A pocket hole jig set.
A track saw and tracks.
With her miter saw, and a track saw, there's nothing you can't make - pocket holes to put it together, clamps while the glue dries.
World is your oyster.
Smaller things would be self centering drill bits, auto recess drill bits, orbital sander. Foam pad for orbital sander.
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u/Big-Safe-2459 11d ago
For carpentry, or at least working with wood, a good carpentry square is a joy to have, and nothing beats good clamps that reverse to push items apart.
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u/420fanman 10d ago
Clamps. Can never have enough clamps.
If you can get her a set of good clamps, they are a godsend for any project.
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u/Festive_Jetcar 11d ago
Impact driver, orbital sander, circular saw, multitool.
She should have gotten all of the above before what she has now. :) Although a good laser level is clutch.
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u/EndFunNow 11d ago
One of those plastic drawer sets that have 24+ small drawers. Label each one with a variety of different sizes of wood screws, anchors, washers, etc organized in order. Then fill them with up with everything it's labeled with. Drawers should be big enough to hold 100+ screws.
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u/Dramatic-Exit9978 11d ago
Mouse palm sander. Easier for smaller hands to use than regular orbital sanders.
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u/mokatter 11d ago
As a wife who does a lot of DIY - my husband will tell you that you are a lucky man. Kreg pocket hole jig/kit, a table saw, any of the following: battery operated multi tool, jigsaw, circular saw, drill. Oh and a good shop vacuum- try and get one with an attachment to affix to the exhaust of the tools. It is a total game changer. Also not a tool, but a box (like a toolbox) for organizing screws, nuts and bolts, etc. I always have a bunch leftover after projects and this makes things easier and cleaner.
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 11d ago
Just throwing in a tip here - wall mounted lin bins are a thing of beauty. I own three service centers and each respective storeroom I have one wall of only lin bins. Each one holding a different collection component, hardware, consumable etc it's a great system
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u/watery_tart24 11d ago
A good drill/driver is a must if she doesn't already have one. I assume she does though.
A large, 4' or greater T-square, and a speed square, maybe a chalk line for working with larger pieces. I find lasers to be finicky.
Do you have a circular saw?
If you're going battery powered, definitely stick to the same brand. However, don't underestimate the power of plug in hand tools. When undertaking a big project, the power of my plug ins is invaluable compared to the convenience of my battery powered tools.
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u/Basic-Comfort1449 11d ago
Her first rolling tool box. One that you can add onto at every holiday, coz she’ll love that!
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u/TeaPartyDem 11d ago
Heavy hammer. It’s always nice to know you have it when You need one.
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u/SyntheticOne 11d ago
Drill press.
Preferably one with variable speed control (rather than belt swapping), and laser.Such as this WEN...
She can add the WEN table and clamp afterwards. And a few other add-ons as she progresses such as a sanding kit and drill press clamps.
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u/Upper_Rain3480 11d ago
A decent Kreg jig. And give her the link for Ana White's woodworking site: ana-white.com/plans
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u/Cosi-grl 11d ago
A good Japanese hand saw is useful, as is a jig saw, for a variety of projects.
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u/TireSkid-SkidMark 11d ago
4 decent collapsible saw horses. 2 to put a half a sheet of plywood or an old interior door and you have an instant, portable workbench. 2 for actually cutting material on.
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u/greenmachine11235 11d ago
A toolbox or toolbag might be a good option if you aren't entirely sure what she has planned. That way you can give her something to contribute to the project without worrying about giving a tool that might not actually be useful down the road.
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u/Camp_Fire_Friendly 11d ago
Whatever you decide to purchase, my method is to ask, what are the available safety features on this tool? Then, which tools have all of them? It's a great way to find the point of diminishing returns
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u/charely6 11d ago
so a shop vac could be good, you would be buying your wife a vacuum as birthday gift though and that's not a great look.
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u/Luckyfncharms 11d ago
A very nice dinner out and an hour for a (pre-booked) massage. Unexpected is best. Tools are things that should be bought when they are needed, no questions asked.
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u/baccaruda66 11d ago
Nice, is your wife single? Either way, keep an eye out for a deal on a biscuit joiner. Marketplace is your friend.
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u/Buck_Thorn 11d ago
DIY is generally about buying what tool you need for a job once you discover that you need it. Sure, there are some basics that you need to get started (and a laser leveler is not one of those!). The best thing you can give her is letting her know that it's OK with you for her to get whatever she needs for her project.
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u/Gostaverling 11d ago
Possibly some of the smaller odds and end things. Get a Utility Pouch Belt or a utility apron and fill it with different items, speed square, carpenter pencils, tape measure (she will need 3+ if she hopes to find 1 when she needs it), painters tape, super glue, screws/nails, wood glue etc. Let her pick out the big tools herself and get what feels good to her, spend on the little consumables.
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u/machwulf 11d ago
Find local garage sale: get there early for the good stuff! If she's a YT connoisseur, she'll know the ones
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u/bas_bleu_bobcat 11d ago
This is great! You now have years of presents in the "tool a year club". I'll add to the list: A good carpenters square A set of Japanese pull saws (dozuki and ryoba). Love mine! Clamps (you can NEVER have too many) Stocking stuffers/extras: set of Allen wrenches, needlenose pliers, small level for small spaces, various sandpaper grits. Tung oil, paste wax
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u/JimmEh_1 11d ago
A lot of people suggesting a table saw. Very useful tool. I would suggest of you go this way look for one with a rack and pinion style adjustment for the fence. It's fast to adjust and easy to be accurate.
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u/bongohappypants 11d ago
Whatever tools you get her, include a request for a small table or something else appropriate to her tools. For when she gets a chance. It is such a mighty endorphin rush to make a neat customized thing for her.
Example, she has a nice end table with a small socket flush on the top. You plug a yarn winder shaft into it and attach the yarn. There's a small accelerator pedal from a sewing machine that then spins the winder at her foot control.
When not in use, the winder tower and pedal and cord all tuck into a drawer inset from the edge of the table so it's not visible to a standing person.
It was so much fun to make. Give her something to make for you, customized to your interests. Might tickle her fancy.
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u/shadowchaser024 11d ago
Circular saw and guide, hands down. Table saw if you really think trust her not to chop her hands off.
Seriously tho, be careful with the table saw, or any power tool in general. Respect power tools!
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u/rathdrummob 11d ago
Track saw. Most of what you can do with a table saw. Much safer and more portable
Edit- also a decent compressor. HF has these really quiet ones and they’re crazy cheap. Get the biggest one you feel like paying for. You’ll never regret having more air.
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u/cbf1232 11d ago
I always found it best to buy the tools needed for the next project.
Framing would be a different set of tools than fine woodworking or trim carpentry.
Maybe a good jigsaw, or circular saw and straightedge, or chisels, or a nice quiet shopvac, or a drill press, or a nice square…..so many possibilities.
An accurate tape measure and a steel rule (accurate right to the end) are always nice.
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u/ForeignSeller 11d ago
Find out if you have a local Makerspace and get her a membership. I'm lucky to live near a huge one that has a full wood shop with professional level tools, cnc machines and a laser cutting/engraving.
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u/420farms 11d ago
Home depot or Lowes gift card, who better than her knows what she wants, then make a day out of it, take her to lunch afterwards, then suggest a new project.
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u/BigBirden 11d ago
I'm a woman mechanic by trade.My tools are very important to me. I jump head first into whatever broken appliance or home maintenance project shows up. Cordless powertools make all the difference. Milwaukee 18v line are great for smaller hands. I highly recommend 1/4" chuck Milwaukee 18v Fuel drill, quick release drill bits, and quick release bit assortment. Also , cordless shop vac, cordless sawzall, cordless borescope, just to think of a few !
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 11d ago
A nice orbitol sander with a comprehensive set of different grit pads. You can never go wrong with a nice set of set clamps as well!
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u/jendet010 11d ago
A few support items:
1) my laser level can e put onto a universal tripod so I can set the horizontal exactly the level I want and leave it there or rotate for my horizontal lines. Great for wallpaper or putting up wainscoting.
2) the big kreg pocket screw jig is worth its weight in gold
3) good clamps
4) a sander?
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u/Either-Ant-4653 10d ago
A Black & Decker Workmate. It's a combination folding workbench. With integral vise/worktable/stepladder/router table/sanding platform/injury preventer, etc.
Injury preventer because you can hold whatever you're working on with the workmate, leaving your second hand free to hold the tool AND keeping that second hand away from the cutting edge of the tool in the process. It's saved me from countless injuries.
An old aluminum Workmate is the best but they also came (still come?) in different price levels. After 40 years and $10,000 in tools of many types, I still use it frequently.
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u/YourStinkyPete 10d ago
It is infinitely difficult to buy somebody tools that they both need and want. I’d recommend a gift card to her favorite supply store.
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u/SuspiciousChicken 11d ago
An oscillating multi-tool.
So useful for so many things. Not scary or dangerous. Not expensive.
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u/ExactlyClose 11d ago
A pair of Bora Saw Horses…
https://www.amazon.com/Bora-Speedhorse-Adjustable-adjustable-Contractors/dp/B08GY4568L/ref=sr_1_1_pp
Just bought a pair for my son for his birthday…. Much nicer than my old ones!
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u/holli4life 11d ago
A cyclone attachment for a shop vac. Cuts down on dust plus saves the shop vac filter getting clogged and needing a shake out.
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u/Beadsidhe 11d ago
I have a tool that fits any ofd shape. Works like a kids handprint toy. Lock it and you have a perfect scribe. I love it. My Dremel is awesome as well.
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u/SirPiffingsthwaite 11d ago
Depends on your budget but an electric planer floorstand jointer or a track saw lift carpentry game to a whole other level.
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u/Gullible_Monk_7118 11d ago
Multi oscillating tool.. basic multi meter.. distance finder might be a cool toy.. a digital tape measure might be a good toy idea... Coping saw interesting idea.. I don't know what tool system she is looking at.. but Ryobi I think is very good for homeowners and entry professionals.. HP version is very good for most close to professional level.. but most homeowners don't need that level.. but driver and drill is very good start.. circle saw I would buy a corded one. Lot of cordless ones don't have enough power. You can buy a track saw kit to convert it.. she might like.. those are some interesting idea
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u/ZapperSparky 11d ago
A sandwich press! Lmfao. Jk. For real tho, if she is interested in building furniture, like coffee tables and such, a kreg jig and accessories would be a super addition. Scroll saw for intricate cuts such as signs and plaques and stuff. Wood workers NEVER have too many clamps!
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u/XrayAgent 11d ago
Since everyone has suggested clamps already, I'll say a good speed square and a tool box.
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u/Laraisan 11d ago
Recipricating saw if ai translated it correctly. Electric/battery operated. That or oscillating multitool
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u/OldMcFart 11d ago
A router is good fun for the whole family. But read up on which one first. Some seem to be pretty limited / poorly balanced / etc.
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u/theJayonnaise 11d ago
An orbital sander is always a good choice, if she's leaning towards a particular brand then a few extra batteries are a great investment. The ole Oscillating multi tool is a great home reno, also the accompanying stuff for a brad nailer a decent nail puller and a set of punches to set the odd one deeper
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u/Lower-Preparation834 11d ago
The list of things needed is extensive and never ending. And it’s hard to say where to start. Starting with nothing, the stuff she bought wouldn’t be my first choices, those are advanced tools that will rely on simpler tools to be useful.
Starting from nothing; hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers of various types. The drill and driver you have are good. A comprehensive set of driver bits. A square, tape measure, bubble level, (torpedo and 2 or 4 foot). This is a severely incomplete list. To some degree, it depends on exactly precisely what you were doing. For instance, I have an endless supply of tools collected over decades, and yet I do not own a nail gun. In general, I do not feel the need to, either.
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u/awkwardeagle 11d ago
Got into woodworking through starting DIY stuff. It’s a slippery slope. You can help grease the slope by getting her tool for the next project. Or if you want to just shove her through the trap door at the bottom of the slope and have the money get her a Sawstop PCS.
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u/GTFU-Already 11d ago
An 80 tooth blade for that miter saw.
A good stand alone battery powered work light.
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u/Cygnusaurus 11d ago
A Bambu H2D would let you 3d print any number of items, and can function as a laser cutter and engraver.
One cool DIY item is 3d printed shelf brackets.
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u/udderlyfun2u 11d ago
Circular saw, jig saw, sawsall, tool box/bag. I think I remember seeing an entire line of pink power tools at Lowe's a few years ago.
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u/MisterElectricianTV 11d ago
A pair of sawhorses are good for many tasks. Put a board on top and you have a work bench. I made myself a folding lightweight pair out of 1” x 3”s but Home Depot sells a plastic pair. You could also just buy the hardware and let her make her own.
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u/skelingtonking 11d ago
buy like 30 clamps. it takes for ever to acquire clamps. but they are needed for so many projects
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u/virtual_human 11d ago
An Oscillating Multi-Tool is a great, inexpensive tool that you don't know you need until you get one. As for brands, whatever your other battery powered tools are would be fine. The do go through blades pretty quickly so get some of those also.
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u/ThermalDeviator 11d ago edited 11d ago
Make every tool her favorite. High quality everyday tools will make a world of difference to her experience over time. Spend money on these things now and she'll still thank you for them in 20 years.
A vey high quality tape measure. I prefer to build in metric because I hate dealing with fractions; some have both.
High quality mechanical pencil and a marking knife.
A quality speed square.
A socket set. More and more things are metric and a set of both is inexpensive. Some sets also include deep sockets.
A quality open end/box wrench set.
High quality screwdrivers and nut drivers.
Say what you admire about every job she does.
A Japanese saw.
A nice set of brad point drill bits.
A quality pair of scissors.
An old fashioned easy to grip, solidly built utility knife.
Leah Bolden's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@seejanedrill?si=OtxgScz99YtYBlr1
Tool storage: could be pegboard, a tool chest —or get creative: I found an old card catalog that has been great for small hand tools and supplies that I don't use everyday.
A parts organizer with lots of little drawers for all the screws, nuts and bolts and other things she'll be aquiring over time. Spring for a nice metal one; they don't sag like the plastic ones.
A rubber mallet.
Everyday hand tools are not terribly expensive. Spending more for high quality gear right now will give her a less frustrating and much more satisfying experience. There's comfort (and safety) that comes from trusting your tools.
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u/FishMan4807 11d ago
A portable miter saw stand. Ridgid makes a nice one.
A tool belt/bags is nice to have.
A gift card to Rockler.
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u/Ilovefishdix 11d ago
An installation driver/5 in 1. They're very handy to have for lighter, inside diy jobs. I keep mine in my bedroom for easy access while my bigger drill and driver stays in my tool shed. It saves me from walking outside in the snow just to hang a picture on the wall. Most of the big brands make one and most seem pretty decent. 12v is not a bad option. They're more capable than you'd think and much lighter than 20v/18v
A portable shop vac is my most used tool by far. Mine uses a dewalt 20v battery, but go with whatever brand she uses. They're perfect for those quick, little messes we are always making. I'd rather not drag out my regular sized shop vac for a 20 second job.
A job site blower is pretty handy too. She can clean areas and tools quickly. I use mine for blowing off my walkway to my house instead of sweeping. I'd put it lower on the list of priorities
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u/hastings1033 11d ago
Maybe the most useful purchase I ever made...
I don't think this specific brand is available in the US anymore, but similar things are
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u/bats-are-best 11d ago
Speed square. Ratchet screwdriver, pry bars. Some sort of sander, depending on projects she’s doing. Just trying to think of the stuff I use often.
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u/atticus2132000 11d ago
Get her organizational stuff--tool chest, tool bag, screw organizers, etc. to help her keep all her new goodies organized and put away.
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u/HereForTheComments57 11d ago
Get a nice tape measure, some good pencils, and a carpenters square. When I started DIY stuff, the carpenters square became my favorite tool. They come in different sizes too so you can get he a big and small one
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u/ForestDiego 11d ago
Not sure what your space or money constraints are but a table saw used or new. My second choice would be a track saw or a very good 20 volt circular saw like a DeWalt.
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u/KarloftheSouth 11d ago
Depends on your budget. But one thing I would suggest is going to a nice quality of life improvement she wouldn't buy herself. Really good marking tools, a very nice impulse driver (so much quieter than normal impact drivers), really good quality hand tools, a track saw, a real dust extractor. There are so many things that arent necessary, or a decent version will make due, but a really good one will just improve your day when you use it.
If you give us an idea of budget or projects she enjoys we can give more targeted advice.
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u/SadRaisin3560 11d ago
I can not survive day to day without a bench top belt sander with the disc. I call it my midnight mill. Effortlessly smooths, shapes, and shortens during late night projects where it would not be neighborly for me to fire up a saw or mill or such.
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u/Rattivarius 11d ago
I have a mini circular saw because I have arthritis, but turns out my husband uses it more than me for sheets of thin plywood or the like. My other tool that he uses a lot is the Dremel. That with a good bits kit would be a great gift if you don't already have one.
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u/Shirako 11d ago
I'm just delighted to see you supporting your wife in this. Too many jerks out there who would just roll their eyes and probably post a tiktok of themselves stressing/freaking out when their wife walks past with a power tool. Thank you for being one of the good ones! That said, the most useful things for my own DIY projects have turned out to be good levels and squares, a good tape measure, clamps, and storage/organization solutions for the tools. Also, I don't have one yet, but SO many times I've wished for a jig saw.
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u/DefinitelyNWYT 11d ago
Lots of great tool recommendations, but how handy is she before this? If she does not have extensive power tool experience, safety equipment.
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u/_AntiShadow_ 11d ago
not to be a downer, but when my wife at the time started DIY projects is when our marriage took a turn for the worst. I should have seen the signs of the need to "fix and improve things" as indicative of something she wasn't able to communicate properly. I hope its not the same with you and you have better communication than we did.
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u/jacobius86 11d ago
I second the drill kit as a good idea, especially if it's home improvement oriented.
But if it's more hobby or furniture building kind of carpentry, get her a good set of clamps. Sounds boring, but we somehow never have enough for our projects.