Woodworking is a challenging but rewarding interest. While it does take time to develop your jigs and intarsia skills, it all begins with having the right tools to make your initial projects productive and achievable.
If you’re just getting started with woodworking, here are five woodworking tools that will help make the job a little more workable.
- Table Saw – Table Saws are the centerpiece of any workshop but there are some considerations. Saws can take up a lot of space and they can be expensive. If you’re competing for room at home, there are portable saws that might be perfect. But if you have the area, you should consider a contractor or cabinet saw. Though they’re more expensive, the features that they offer can save you money down the road. They can also make your work a little easier, offering less vibration, easy blade adjustments and dust guards.
- Chisels – Chisels are cutting tools and a mainstay in any workshop. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they can be used to round corners and remove glue. Chisels are most effective when they’re sharpened, so you should also invest in a sharpener.
- Combination Square – It might be easy to overlook a square when you’re first purchasing tools, but a square will set you straight. The ability to develop fine woodworking skills has a lot to do with measuring lines, angles, etc.
- Clamps – Clamps are important tools for your workshop. They have a variety of uses, most notably for holding wood in place while you cut. But clamps are also used to holding joints together while the glue dries. C-clamps can be used but if you’re looking to make life a little easier, sliding clamps made by Bessey are the way to go for their ease of adjustment and stability
- Orbital Sander – Now, you can forgo buying a sander at the beginning of your woodworking pursuit, but after your first project, your shoulder, your elbow and your wood finish will beg you for one. Sanding may not be the most fun aspect of woodworking, but an orbital sander will help even out your final project.
