Backstory

So, everything has a beginning. My journey is no different. I guess it started Christmas of 08 when I bought my own first real tools - the Ryobi One+ 18v 4pc starter set. A set that I have still. Sure, I had gotten a few older hand me down tools like a drill, but they certainly had limitations - like a 1/2" bit. So I took the plunge and bought it. The set has been a champ, with the only issue that the circular saw may or may not be perfectly square anymore.

I started with the reciprocating saw, circular saw, drill and flashlight. In the 18 months since, I've added:

• spiral saw
• fan
• radio
• corner sander
• random orbit sander
• jigsaw
• angle grinder
• weedeater/trimmer

I think there may be another one, but perhaps not. The One+ system is fantastic, and the Lithium batteries have made it 10x better. I'm thinking of completing the set, as far as I need to.

The workshop was also just a shed for a very long time. Institute of Collecting Junk, and it was giving out MJAs (Master of Junk Acquisition). I really thought I had some pictures from when we bought the house (December 08 - hence the tool acquisition), but you'll just have to imagine. Plywood interior and exterior. Old, nasty carpet probably from the 70s. Logs and junk on the side. It was truly a junk storage point. And outside of making a couple of $20 tables, I hadn't really put anything in there of any substance.

Fast forward to early this year. One house project I wanted to do was replace a slatted hall door with a solid faced one. To put the new hinges on, I really could have used a router. So, I bought one. A Craftsman 17543 dual-base. Ever since, it's been an avalanche. I've gone from having a complete junk filled shed to what almost resembles a shop.