Are you motivated by the scent of sawdust? Perhaps it is a suitable moment to attempt DIY woodworking ventures. If you are a novice woodworker, what are the essential tools to possess in your workshop? Continue reading for a brief overview.
Woodworking is a highly satisfying hobby that is both practical and versatile. The possibilities of DIY projects are endless, ranging from furniture and fixtures to innovative tech accessories, with your imagination being the only constraint.
To begin, all you need are basic skills, from which you can learn and progress. However, before anything else, you will require beginner woodworking tools for your workshop. This article presents a summary of the indispensable woodworking equipment.
1. Tape measure
In the beginning, you will come to understand the significance of following the timeless advice: measure twice before cutting once.
By taking accurate measurements throughout your project, you can save considerable time and frustration at the workbench. The crucial first step is to have a reliable tape measure. Nowadays, there are numerous tape measure options available, but most likely you already possess one of the traditional retractable steel tapes, which still serves its purpose effectively.
If you don’t need to be completely accurate, you might want to consider purchasing a digital or laser-based measuring device. While these models are slightly more expensive and generally less precise, the convenience of not needing to hold the tape at the other end may be beneficial in specific situations.
2. Cordless drill
If you’re thinking step by step, you probably already have a cordless power drill. It can be used to drill holes, among other things, thanks to its electric-driven torque. However, by utilizing appropriate bits and jigs, a reliable cordless drill can serve as your main drill/driver for various tasks, such as creating a pocket hole or inserting screws. The only uncertainty remains whether your drill is sturdy enough to tackle any challenge it encounters.
When considering cordless drills, it is important to note that they are available in different voltage ratings. The power of the drill increases with higher voltage. For a workshop with great flexibility, it is recommended to choose an 18-volt model, which might be more powerful than the current one. This highlights the fact that spending a little more on such a model can bring significant advantages.
Alternatively, selecting a corded power drill is an option to consider, as it offers reliability and cost-effectiveness. However, it does come with the disadvantage of having a cord and slightly less power. Nevertheless, if your tasks mainly take place in a workshop and you don’t require high hole-drilling capacity in hardwood, this drawback may not be significant.
When considering your power drill, the next important choice to make is the chuck size. The chuck size dictates the size of bits that can be used with the drill. Will you opt for the regular option or upgrade to the heavier-duty ½” chuck? Having a larger chuck size will result in higher costs. However, the wider diameter at the base of the bits also offers increased durability. This can help you avoid the inconvenience of frequent broken drill bits.
3. Circular saw
If you have ever attempted to make a square cut in hardwood using hand saws, you will realize that the circular saw is the most indispensable power tool for novice woodworking enthusiasts, even more so than a cordless drill. This versatile tool efficiently cuts pieces of wood by spinning a round, high-speed saw blade with sharp teeth, making it crucial for accurately sizing wood.
You have the option of selecting from three types of circular saw blades.
- Ripping: Evenly spaced teeth for cutting with the grain
- Crosscut: Staggered teeth for cutting across the grain
- Combination: Includes both arrays of teeth for either task
To begin setting up your hobby shop, it is recommended to start with a carbide-tipped combination blade. However, it would also be beneficial to consider purchasing a quality finishing blade for rabbet joints and starting dovetails. Another factor to consider is the diameter of the blade. The smallest size available is 7 ½”, but this may restrict the thickness of the wood you can cut. It would be preferable to opt for a 10″ or even 12″ blade for better performance.
4. Random orbital sander
Unless you find manual sanding to be a zen activity, it can be tedious to hand sand with sandpaper. However, sanding is an inevitable task for woodworkers as it is the key to achieve a smooth and satisfying surface.
The random orbital sander excels in this aspect. It operates by rotating an abrasive sandpaper pad in a random motion, resulting in a uniform and polished surface. In contrast to a belt sander, it offers the convenience of portability and makes it simpler to handle larger workpieces.
When it comes to power tools, a random orbital sander is an affordable option. You can purchase a quality one for less than 100 dollars.
5. Combination square
Square woodworking joints are essential, and a combination square is a necessary tool for marking joints. It is ideal for laying out joints, verifying the squareness of jointed edges, or determining the depth of a mortise. The ability to measure at a 45-degree angle simplifies the process of marking corners on boxes or picture frames.
When choosing among the four-, six-, and 12-inch versions, it is advised to opt for the 12-inch one. This particular size is ideal for accurately marking wood joints and measuring squareness in small cabinets. In terms of cost, the 12-inch Irwin offers similar functionality to the professional grade Starrett at just one-eighth of the price.
6. Block plane
A block plane is used for finely adjusting wood or joinery by shaving small, neat wood shavings.
To chamfer, trim, or fine-tune various wooden surfaces, it is advisable to opt for a block plane rather than sandpaper. The block plane, which can conveniently fit in a pocket or apron, is particularly suitable for gently rounding over the edges of a tabletop, trimming edge banding, and adjusting wooden drawer slides. The Stanley six-inch low-angle block plane is user-friendly and comes equipped with a knurled knob that allows for easy blade adjustment to ensure precise cutting.
7. Chisel set
The majority of individuals are unaware that the majority of woodworking necessitates meticulous chisel work.
It is necessary to have a collection of sharp chisels for tasks such as clearing mortises, creating a level groove, or accurately shaving the shoulders of a tenon for a precise fit. This set of chisels from Irwin/Marples, available in various sizes, is ideal for beginners. They are constructed with a fully forged core, enabling them to handle demanding tasks while still providing a comfortable grip for delicate work.
8. Jigsaw
When there is a requirement to cut curves, the most suitable tool for the task is a jigsaw. Blades designed for wood, metal, and plastic are affordable and simple to replace. Many jigsaws, such as the Bosch JS260 Top-Handle Jigsaw, feature a mechanism for changing the blade without requiring any additional tools when it becomes worn-out.
The best part is that a jigsaw is safe and not intimidating because it is light, quiet, has a comfortable handle, and does not have the kickback experienced with tools that have circular blades. With proper training and patience, the jigsaw can even cut straight lines proficiently.
9. Sharpening system
To have an efficient workshop, dull planes and chisels should not be kept. Even blades that are new and of good quality require a tuneup before they can be used. While sharpening stones and diamond whetstones are inexpensive choices, they may not save you time as mastering these sharpening techniques requires patience.
The Worksharp 3000 is a great option for blades that are under two inches in size because it operates at a slow and cool speed of 580 RPM. This ensures that the blades do not overheat and consistently produces sharp tools.
10. Clamps
It is often said by old woodworkers that you can never have enough clamps, and I believe this to be true. Clamps are rarely used individually, and purchasing them in sets is much more cost-effective. This set of six Bessey Clamps is an excellent starting point and can handle most projects that are under 36 inches. These clamps have padded, parallel jaws and can provide 900 lbs. of pressure, ensuring that projects remain square.
11. Drill/Driver combo
This combination of a drill and driver is a necessary addition to any woodworking tool collection. Consider them as auxiliary tools, not for creating joints but for inserting drawer slides, creating a makeshift guide, or securing a tabletop. Moreover, before novice woodworkers invest in a fixed drill press, a capable drill can handle numerous smaller drilling and hole-boring duties.
You prefer using a combination kit rather than individual tools as the need for predrilling is frequent. The drill can be used for creating holes while the driver is ideal for fastening screws. Makita provides an 18V combo kit with ample power, whereas this compact and lightweight Bosch set is ideal for accessing cramped areas.
12. Palm router
Routers create grooves or profiles in woodworking projects by spinning bits at high RPM. For a long time, only full-size three-horsepower routers were available for these tasks, but now the palm router can perform most of them with significantly lower cost and weight.
A palm router is capable of being operated easily with just one hand. Numerous tasks, such as creating a mortise for a hinge on a jewelry box or smoothing the edge of a table leg, do not necessitate the use of a larger router. The Bosch Colt is an example of a palm router that can be obtained individually or in a set along with an added plunge base.
