Many woodworking TV shows suggest that woodworking focuses solely on using costly, stationary power tools such as table saws, band saws, and planers.
When it comes to woodworking, woodworkers commonly rely on fundamental hand tools for various tasks such as measuring, layout, marking, fastening, trimming, chiseling, and more. Having a basic set of essential hand tools is crucial as it enables beginners to commence their woodworking journey and remains equally beneficial as they progress and acquire more advanced tools in the future.
1. Claw hammer
It is likely that everyone has utilized a hammer in their lifetime. Though there exist numerous hammer variations tailored for various purposes, the claw hammer with a sleek, slightly curved “finish” head is considered the most adaptable for woodworking. It is advisable to select one that is not excessively weighty, but provides a comfortable grip. Beginning with a 16-ounce or 20-ounce hammer is recommended.
We can begin by discussing the most essential tool found in every household – the claw hammer. It is important for the claw attached to one side of the head to possess a proper balance, while the opposite side, which is the finished head, should have a slightly rounded shape.
The waffle head is another type of head which is primarily utilized in construction and when driven into wood, it creates a unique pattern resembling a waffle mark. However, this type of nail is not appropriate for woodworking purposes.
The 20 oz. claw hammer is the most popular choice among buyers, as it provides enough weight for driving nails and is also conveniently maneuverable when it comes to pulling them out.
Although wooden handles may have a charming appearance, they may not be able to withstand the pressure exerted while pulling numerous nails. Hammers equipped with a steel or fiberglass handle, on the other hand, will provide greater strength.
Nevertheless, the fiberglass and metal handles lack the ability to absorb vibrations caused by hammering nails, unlike a hickory handle. Additionally, it is crucial to guarantee that the fiberglass and metal handles possess a rubberized grip in order to maintain control and comfort. In the event that a large number of nails need to be driven, the wooden handled hammer proves to be more effective in minimizing stress on the hand and wrist as well.
2. Layout square
An essential tool in woodworking is the layout square, often known as a speed square or rafter square. This tool is not only efficient and simple for marking straight lines during end cuts, but it can also be utilized for swiftly marking angles up to 45 degrees or measuring up to 6 inches. It’s a practical tool to always have on hand in the workshop, whether you store it in your back pocket or nail pouch.
A layout square, also known as a combination square, is available in 6” and 12” dimensions. The majority of woodworkers prefer the 6” version due to its convenience for portability. Additionally, since most of the wood materials used have a maximum width of 6”, the 12” size is excessive.
The layout square, which is in the shape of a triangle, is a useful tool for marking square cuts on wood. After measuring the length of the intended cut, align the layout square with the board’s edge. By utilizing the short side, you can achieve a straight, square cut along the end grain.
Using the layout square, you are able to measure angles effectively. This is beneficial for measuring a bevel on a table saw or marking a cut for a miter saw. Additionally, the layout square can be utilized to ascertain an angle that already exists.
Make sure to purchase a metal one to ensure durability, as the plastic ones tend to be fragile and may warp, rendering them ineffective.
3. 25-foot retractable tape measure
You can opt for a standard retractable tape measure, which serves various everyday measuring purposes. To ensure convenience, you have the choice of selecting a tape measure with markings in both standard and metric units, or you can utilize a separate tape or ruler specifically for metric measurements.
It should be noted that the hook on the end of a tape measure has a slight back-and-forth movement, purposely designed to ensure accuracy in measurements. This feature allows for consistent measurements whether the tape is hooked over the end of a board or pressed against an object, compensating for the thickness of the hook.
4. Utility knife
For woodworkers, a crucial tool is a utility knife equipped with a disposable blade and a reliable locking mechanism. This adaptable cutting tool serves multiple purposes, such as making precise marks on wood, tidying up hinge mortises, and countless other situations requiring a knife. When searching for a utility knife, opt for a robust one with a metal casing instead of a lightweight box cutter.
5. Chisels
Cleaning out waste from joints and mortises can be effectively achieved with a well-sharpened chisel. By employing the correct technique, the precision and cleanliness of the cuts and notches produced by a chisel are unparalleled compared to any other woodworking tool. Although traditional woodworkers and craftspeople possess a variety of chisels in various sizes, beginners can conveniently begin with the sizes of 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch.
It is crucial to have a variety of chisels included in any workbench, as they serve a purpose beyond woodcarving. For any woodworker, chisels are essential tools for tidying up joints and cuts made with a saw. When searching for chisels, opt for those crafted from high-alloy carbon steel or chromium-vanadium alloyed steel.
Optimal grips for hammers are hardwood, particularly those with metal caps, as they prevent the handle from getting deformed when struck.
In order to effectively complete your woodworking tasks, it is crucial to have a range of chisel sizes, starting from ¼” and increasing in increments of ¼” up to at least 1½”. The smaller chisels are ideal for mortise work, while the ¾” and 1” ones prove most suitable for door hinges. Additionally, the 1½” chisel is highly effective for chipping out wood. If desired, you can also acquire a corner chisel that can effortlessly remove a notch from the wood by simply striking it with a hammer, similar to a hole punch.
Specialty chisels, unlike most chisels, may only have a bevel at the cutting edge rather than on all sides. This bevel is typically at an angle of 20 to 25 degrees along the length of one side, while the other side remains flat. The length of the blade varies between 4 and 7 inches.
6. Level
In order to determine whether a stock piece is perfectly level or vertical, a level is required. It is convenient to possess a long level (measuring 24 or 36 inches) and a torpedo level (approximately 6 to 12 inches in length) for various project sizes and spaces.
It is essential for every woodworker to have a few levels in their toolbox. While a 6-foot level predominantly used in construction might not be necessary, a 48″ level is often suitable for various woodworking projects you undertake. Additionally, an 8″ level, commonly referred to as a torpedo level, is typically required. These levels are crucial for checking the horizontal (level) and vertical (plumb) alignment of your constructions.
7. Screwdrivers
Having a power drill-driver is useful for screwing in various situations, although some projects require the precise touch of a manual screwdriver. It is necessary to have different sizes of flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers. The most common sizes of Phillips screw tips are #1 (small), #2 (standard), and #3 (large). Additionally, it is beneficial to possess basic sets of square, Torx, and star screwdrivers.
Having a good set of screwdrivers is essential for woodworkers, as quality construction is crucial. Most screwdrivers are made of soft metal, which leads to them stripping out and becoming useless when force is applied for the first time.
In order to accomplish the task, it is necessary to have a heavy-duty, square-bladed screwdriver, preferably of considerable length, which provides substantial torque. Additionally, a slot screwdriver in both small and medium sizes will be required.
In order to work on cabinets or in confined spaces in woodworking, it is necessary to have a screwdriver with a slim shaft. This allows access to screws located inside deep holes, a feature provided by a cabinet screwdriver.
Consider acquiring a few medium-sized Phillips head screwdrivers along with a stubby, handy for accessing narrow spaces. Additionally, it might be beneficial to possess a ratcheting screwdriver.
8. Sliding bevel
A sliding bevel resembles a square, but it offers the added advantage of being adjustable to various angles and securely fixed with a locking mechanism, making it highly useful for replicating angles.
9. Nail sets
For most sizes of finish nails, a set of three different nail set sizes will suffice to sink nail heads flush or just beneath the wood’s surface.
10. Block plane
A small block plane is a crucial tool that every woodworker must possess. It is a traditional woodcraft instrument employed for eliminating fine wood shavings, and it proves to be essential when refining edges during assemblies.
11. The moisture meter
Having a reliable wood moisture meter is crucial for the overall success of any woodworking project you undertake. Lumber mills make efforts to dry their lumber batches based on where the wood will eventually be used. For example, if the wood is obtained from the damp Northeast but will be transported to the dry Southwest, it will undergo a more extensive drying process compared to the wood that remains in the Northeast for woodworking purposes.
The moisture content levels of the woods you use for your specific geographic location are crucial for ensuring the success of your woodworking project, be it wood flooring, kitchen cabinets, or fine furniture.
Certain moisture meters come with pins that puncture the wood’s surface, resulting in small holes that can damage the appearance and necessitate filling. On the other hand, there are pin-less moisture meters equipped with sensing plates to analyze the wood underneath without causing any surface blemishes.
Nevertheless, pinless moisture meters are not created equal – it is advisable to find one that utilizes technology that remains unaffected by the moisture present on the wood’s surface, like Wagner moisture meters equipped with IntelliSense™ technology.
