It is often said that a woodworker is only as good as his tools. As a beginner woodworker, you do not need a vast array of these to finish your projects. It might do you well to start off with a few tools, and go from there. You can then spend time mastering them before increasing the size of your toolbox.
What tools are the most important for a beginner woodworker to have handy? Here is a handful of the basic ones needed to complete the more simple projects.
Power Drills
The word “drills” is used here because having two of them is usually a good idea. In the case of tight funds, a single corded power drill will work fine. Having a corded drill as well as a cordless drill is more efficient if you can afford the price tag.
Your average corded drill is going to be cheaper and more powerful than the standard cordless drill. Some corded drills can power motors with 10 or more amps up to speeds of 1300 RPM. Even more in some cases.
The advantage of the cordless drill is pretty obvious: it does not have a cord. This makes it easier to work into tight spots if you are working on something small. A corded drill can usually fit into the same areas, but it might take a little extra maneuvering. The cordless drill is simply a more convenient tool at times.
Not all power drills are the same. Keep an eye on the important details, such as the power of the motor, the size of the drill chuck, and the available safety features.
A Router
A router is a powerful, versatile woodworking tool. Routers are used to hollow out areas of wood. There are different variations available like the fixed base router and the plunge router. There are also older hand routers as well as modern electric routers.
Both the hand router and the electric router perform the same basic functions. The corded router is still more common because it is much easier to use.
A router with the right bits and jigs can perform many different woodworking functions. They can be used to cut circles, create mortises, dovetails, and a variety of different moldings. Their versatility is what makes them one of the best woodworking tools for beginners and experts alike.
Circular Saw
Another basic, yet versatile, woodworking tool is the circular saw. The circular saw is particularly useful because a clamp system can be used to convert the circular saw into a small table small, thus taking the place of two tools instead of one.
Using a circular saw as a table saw may not be recommended for every task, but it can perform many basic tasks with a high level of accuracy. It is capable of cutting straight lines down sheets of plywood with ease.
Larger circular saws are usually more powerful and efficient than their lightweight competitors. It should have simple controls for controlling the depth and angle of the blade. With the right jigs, a circular saw can cut a line bullet straight just like a table saw. But it takes time to set these jigs up. The option is there for those that can’t afford a table saw at first, or who are limited in shop space.
Hand Tools
Not every tool that a woodworker uses is for cutting or drilling in wood. You also need tools for measuring, shaping, and joining wood together. A few safety tools, such as glasses and a dusk mask, are a good idea also.
Basic tools for measuring include your framing square, measuring tape, compass, and sliding bevel. For shaping, you should invest in wood chisels, a smooth plane, and a utility knife. Finally, for joining wood together, you need hammers, clamps, and a variety of fasteners.
Learn These Tools And Add More
Spend time learning each tool as best as possible. Once you feel comfortable completing projects with these basic tools you can move on to more advanced tools like band saws, jigsaws, and even home-made jigs.
About The Author:
Ted Leger is a woodworking enthusiast who turned his hobby into a passion. You can find more woodworking tips and advice from him at his woodworking blog, http://www.WooDesigner.net
