Although some argue that the skills of a craftsman are not determined by the tools they use, the reality is that tools play a crucial role. Having the appropriate set of basic woodworking tools for beginners when beginning your journey in this craft will not only enhance your overall experience, but also result in significant long-term savings.
Starting out in woodworking doesn’t have to break the bank, despite it being a demanding hobby or career. By investing a few hundred dollars in durable tools, you can embark on this journey and rely on them for many years.
Essential Woodworking Tool for Beginners
1. Marking Gauges
Marking gauges are not only useful for both basic and advanced joinery, but they are also incredibly user-friendly.
It is crucial for beginners to acquire a bench plane as one of their initial woodworking tools, as it is necessary for various tasks like mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, rabbets, thicknessing, and numerous other woodworking tasks involving joinery.
In addition, they are highly cost-effective and have a long lifespan. Skilled woodworkers may prefer owning multiple marking gauges, whereas for beginners, a premium combination gauge proves to be the ideal choice as it serves the purposes of both a mortise gauge and a regular marking gauge.
2. A square that consists of different parts
The combination square is a crucial tool for those new to woodworking. Following it on the list is yet another layout tool, but it holds an even higher level of importance. The combination square surpasses other square types due to its convenience and adaptability, making it the perfect choice.
For woodworking beginners, having a reliable and essential tool like a combination square is highly recommended, just as a marking gauge. This tool enables marking and cutting at the two critical angles for woodworking—90 and 45 degrees.
A combination square is essential for all woodworking tasks, whether it be cutting a board to the desired length, joining edges, or constructing mortise and tenon joints. The accuracy of perfect 90-degree angles and equally crucial 45-degree angles for corner joints and various cuts cannot be overlooked, even if you prefer using power tools.
While combination squares may appear indistinguishable, do not be deceived into assuming they are all equivalent. Even a slight discrepancy of 1 or 2 degrees in your combination square can wreak havoc in delicate woodworking undertakings!
The first option provided below is a more affordable version that is capable of completing the task, although the quality may differ among products, so ensure that yours is square upon unboxing. Simply align it along a straight edge, make a mark, turn it over, and make another mark. If both marks align, then it is square! If not, attempt to adjust it or exchange it for a different unit.
3. Clamps are essential tools used to secure and hold objects firmly in place.
Clamps are essential tools that every woodworker will agree are indispensable. However, when you begin your woodworking journey, there is a basic set of clamps that you must have to effectively complete your tasks. Initially, as a beginner, you will require clamps for various purposes such as securing your work, gluing panels, completing the final assembly, and providing the extra assistance that seems to be constantly required. The necessity for clamps in woodworking cannot be overstated.
Prior to purchasing a set of 24 or more clamps from a nearby big box store, it’s important for beginners to be aware that they can suffice with approximately eight specific clamps.
The primary tools you will heavily rely on are sets of fixtures known as pipe clamps. These fixtures are affixed to galvanized pipes that come in conventional sizes and can be purchased at any home improvement store. Consequently, the pipes can be easily replaced with longer or shorter lengths, allowing their versatility to be applicable in various woodworking scenarios.
However, considering the fact that pipe clamps are bulky and weighty, it is advisable to invest in a few high-quality bar clamps. These bar clamps will suffice for most routine woodworking activities, particularly until you acquire a satisfactory workbench and vise.
By purchasing the appropriate clamps from the start, you can prevent a great deal of frustration and accumulating a large number of clamps over time.
A saw operated by hand.
The humble hand saw, although often overshadowed by high-tech power tools and precise machinery, remains an essential woodworking tool that every woodworker should possess. These basic tools are indispensable in any workshop, regardless of the advanced technology available.
Once upon a time, these versatile tools came in various forms and were used for a multitude of tasks ranging from making long cuts along a board to executing intricate joinery.
For beginners, using solely hand tools can be excessively time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, despite the recommendation of hand tool enthusiasts to purchase 2 to 5 hand saws.
While a few manufacturers continue to produce exquisite premium hand saws, it is important to note that the majority of inexpensive traditional saws are not worth your attention.
Fortunately, an exception arises from the opposite side of the world, as Japanese pull saws emerge as incredible and cost-effective tools that deliver outstanding outcomes. Additionally, these saws offer versatility, making them ideal for beginners due to their user-friendly nature, and the replacement of blades is both straightforward and inexpensive.
5. Smoothing Plane
The smoothing plane is highly regarded by woodworkers due to its iconic status. The act of effortlessly moving the plane along a wooden piece and witnessing the delicate shavings soar through the air holds a certain enchantment. Despite its simplicity, this experience brings immense happiness to those partaking in woodworking.
In my opinion, it is completely unnecessary for beginners to rush into purchasing a power joiner/planer despite the suggestions made by numerous guides. Aside from being expensive and occupying a large amount of space, these tools are excessive for individuals who are new to the craft.
When it comes to the basic woodworking tools that beginners need, a single high-quality smoothing plane is sufficient for all your planing needs. Moreover, becoming skilled in using a smoothing plane will significantly reduce the time needed for sanding, which, let’s face it, is the least enjoyable aspect of woodworking.
It is important to note that finding the cheapest smoothing plane available may not be the best decision as this particular tool is challenging to find one that functions properly. Most inexpensive models are often problematic and can lead to dissatisfaction, potentially leading you to invest a significant amount of money on a power planer.
6. Orbital Sander
When it comes to purchasing an electric wood-finishing tool, the orbital sander should be your top choice. These efficient machines eliminate the effort required for hand sanding and complete the task much faster. Unlike belt sanders, which operate in a straight line, orbital sanders utilize sandpaper pads that rotate in a circular or orbital motion.
When using regular orbital sanders, a circular abrasive sandpaper disk is rotated in a circular motion which effectively removes material quickly. However, it has a tendency to create swirl marks that are difficult to eliminate. In contrast, investing in a random orbital sander is highly recommended. These sanders do not revolve in a circular motion, but rather move in a random manner, resulting in a flawlessly smooth wood surface without any marks.
7. Hand Files
When it comes to shaping and smoothing wood, a hand file is often the most effective tool. If you invest in hand files made with high-quality steel, they can be both affordable and durable. Instead of attempting to sharpen them when they become dull, it is recommended to replace hand files. Now, let’s explore the available options for hand files.
- Rasps are rough-edged tools with coarse teeth. They’re used to remove large amounts of wood for general shaping, then allow finer files to take over.
- Half-round files have a flat surface on one side and a curved face on the other. This lets them be worked on straight and curved surfaces.
- Mill files are flat on both faces. They usually have coarse teeth on one side and fine on the reverse. Mill files also have toothed edges for tight spaces.
Rotary cutters share similarities with hand files, but they differ as they are specifically designed to function as electric drill bits. By inserting them into the drill chuck, the rotary abrasive action expertly eliminates material. Various patterns and cutting grits are offered for rotary files.
8. Hammer
Woodworking hammers vary, as there is no universal one. A carpenter’s claw hammer may come close to being a versatile tool, but even those exist in various types. Typically, woodworking hammers are required to perform two main tasks – pounding and prying. The effectiveness of these tasks relies on several factors.
- Head design including face size and weight. Some heads are smooth, as in finishing hammers. Some have serrated faces for gripping nails and fasteners, like you see in framing hammers.
- Claw design including length and curve. Finishing hammers have long and pronounced claws, while framing tools use a straighter edge used to split materials.
- Handle composition is critical for comfort. Most beginning woodworkers prefer a wooden or composite hammer handle. They deliver less shock when striking. Framers like steel handles. There’s more shock, but steel adds to the weight, so there’s more driving force. Steel handles also don’t break easily.
- Overall weight is important. Hammer weight is measured in ounces. Lightweight hammers are 8 to 10 ounces. Intermediate hammers are 16 to 20 ounces, while heavy-duty ones weigh 24 to 32 ounces.
Woodworking hammers come in various purposes and compositions. As novice woodworkers, there is a wide range of options to select from, and it is essential to determine the specific tasks for which the hammers will be used before buying. The following are the primary classifications of woodworking hammers:
- Finishing hammers are all-purpose. This should be your first purchase as they’re so handy.
- Framing hammers are tough. However, they’re a bit of overkill for most woodworking projects.
- Tack hammers are like brad drivers. They’re for small work and usually have two different head sizes with no claws.
9. Mallet
Do not mistake mallets for hammers. Despite both being tools used for striking, they serve different purposes. While hammers are typically made of steel, they can also be crafted from brass or plastic. On the other hand, mallets feature sizable heads made of wood or leather, which can be paired with handles of different sizes.
Mallets and hammers differ in terms of their impact force and surface effects. Unlike hammers, mallets are considerably gentler, as they absorb shock instead of imparting it. Mallets also leave minimal marks upon impact, which makes them ideal for delicately tapping wooden joints into place.
It is crucial for novice woodworkers to grasp the concept that a steel hammer should never be utilized on chisels. The impact from steel hammers can result in chisels forcefully poking or stabbing into the wood, resulting in uneven and rough finishes. On the other hand, using a mallet to tap chisels allows them to effortlessly cut through wood, applying consistent pressure and obtaining smooth slices.
10. Power Drill
Electric drills have become essential tools for beginner woodworkers, as only a minority of traditional artisans now rely on brace and bit or hand drills. These electrically powered tools are extensively utilized in workshops for various purposes, extending beyond solely drilling holes. Furthermore, by purchasing various attachments, one can transform their electric drill into a multitude of other tools.
When making your first power drill purchase, it is highly recommended to give careful thought to obtaining a corded model. Corded drills, operating on 110/120-volt currents, exhibit significantly enhanced torque and durability in comparison to cordless drills. Even though some individuals might perceive cords as obstructive, they will never disappoint you with a depleted battery.
11. Screw Gun
Screws are the most versatile choice for securing wood pieces together. They provide a strong hold and can be easily taken out when needed, which is useful for creating temporary joints or fixing errors. While having a standard hand screwdriver is essential, using a powered screw gun can greatly speed up and simplify the process of driving screws. This type of tool proves particularly valuable when dealing with numerous screws in a project.
Screw guns, which belong to the power drill family, are typically cordless nowadays, offering added convenience. The key distinction between a genuine screw gun and a power drill lies in the internal structure of the chuck. Screw guns are specifically designed to accommodate hexagonal or six-sided bit shanks, ensuring zero slippage.
