re: How Many Tools?

Played around with "essential" tools when I filled out my tool chest. And the first few times I tried to work from it exclusively, it didn't have what I needed. Fast forward a few years, and that's still the case. Not meant to be a minimalist, I guess!

But yes, a coping saw is required IMO. As are a couple pairs of dividers, and a pair of winding sticks. Hammer, nail punch, push drill w/ screwdriver bits, and a 'second' to the shoulder plane.

Always an interesting topic.