No matter if you are an experienced artisan or a beginner in woodworking, you will require certain crucial power tools for your projects. The shapes, sizes, and prices of these tools may differ. Additionally, most of these tools have both corded and cordless options. Due to advancements in battery technology, occasionally a cordless version might be more advantageous than a corded one.
When the time comes to perform actions such as drilling, driving, cutting, planing, joining, routing, or sanding, you will choose one of these power tools.
1. Drill and driver combo
It is recommended that beginners begin with a combination of a drill and driver as their initial power tools. While both a drill and impact driver have their own benefits, it is more cost-effective and convenient to purchase them as a combo. This way, you can prevent having multiple batteries and chargers scattered in your workshop.
The DeWalt 20-Volt Max Lithium Ion Drill Driver/Impact Driver Combo Kit is a great option for woodworkers. It comes with compact and lightweight models that have LED lights and ergonomic handles for comfort and control. Additionally, the kit includes two 1.3 amp-hour (Ah) batteries, a battery charger, and a carrying bag.
This combo kit has more than 36,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, which proves its authenticity. To help you organize your workshop, we have compiled a list of power tools storage ideas.
2. Router
A router, which is my preferred versatile woodworking tool in the shop, can perform a variety of functions. It achieves this by spinning cutters or bits at speeds ranging from 6,000 to 24,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). These functions include creating slots and grooves, shaping edges, straightening material, and even making joinery.
Routers are typically rated between 1-3/4 and 3-1/4 horsepower (hp), making them powerful tools. They come equipped with both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets to accommodate bits with varying shaft sizes. By adding a fence, the router can smoothly follow along the edge of the board, while using a plunge base enables accurate depth cutting.
The Makita D-Handle Router, which has a variable speed, has a 2-1/4-hp motor and a comfortable handle in the shape of a pistol grip to provide additional stability. Additionally, it is equipped with a smooth start system, a trigger lock button, and a sturdy grip that can be adjusted for both right-handed and left-handed individuals.
3. Palm router
A palm router, which is smaller and has less power compared to a full-sized router, is well-suited for tasks such as edge details, beveling, and other lighter jobs. The initial iterations of this tool were referred to as trim routers as they were utilized by cabinetmakers for trimming laminate on countertops. Nonetheless, the usefulness of a lightweight, one-handed router quickly became evident.
The tool is equipped with a small base plate to enhance visibility, and it is easier to control due to the lower torque. The Bosch Colt 1.25 HP Variable-Speed Palm Router Combination Kit provides numerous features, such as an edge guide and separate fixed and plunge bases.
4. Sander
Random orbital sanders are the practical tools used to smooth wood in most projects. These sanders come in diameters of five and six inches and are equipped with hook-and-loop or sticker-like adhesive for attaching the abrasive discs to the sanding pad.
The Bosch Sander is equipped with a soft body that minimizes vibrations and can accommodate hook-and-loop abrasives with eight holes for efficient dust collection. The tool includes a variable speed dial and a dust filter system. Additionally, it can be connected to a shop vac to handle larger sanding tasks.
5. Planer
Handheld power planers may not be essential for every shop, but they are extremely useful for flattening rough lumber, fitting doors, and straightening studs. This aligns with the old saying that suggests either bringing the material to the tool or bringing the tool to the material.
To operate a traditional hand plane for these tasks, one needs patience and a considerable amount of effort. However, with a tool like the DeWalt 3-1/4-Inch Hand Planer, which has a spinning speed of 34,000 rpm and has the capacity to make cuts up to 1/16-inch deep, these tasks can be completed swiftly. Furthermore, when the blades become worn out, they can be replaced or sharpened inexpensively.
6. Circular saw
While some individuals view the circular saw as primarily useful for carpentry rather than fine woodworking, there are others who hold a different opinion. It can be argued that there is no handheld power tool as versatile as a circular saw.
When working on a budget, it is advisable to prioritize purchasing a good quality circular saw as the first handheld power tool. This is because, when paired with a clamp-on straight-edge, a circular saw can be nearly as precise as a table saw and can handle various tasks such as cutting sheet materials like plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
7. Power drill
While a cordless drill may be anticipated on this list, in the context of fundamental power woodworking tools, a corded drill is deemed to be more flexible and potent. Cordless tools possess the benefit of increased portability, yet corded drills are cheaper and capable of accomplishing more than their cordless counterparts.
Before buying a corded power drill, it is important to consider various options such as the chuck size (3/8-inch or 1/2-inch), type of chuck (keyed or keyless), drill type (straight or hammer), among others. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all these options before making a purchase.
8. Jigsaw
The third necessary tool for beginners is a jigsaw. With a jigsaw, users can cut curved and circular patterns in materials. Although a band saw offers more accuracy and can cut thicker materials, a jig saw (also known as a saber saw) can be entirely effective for beginners. To ensure adaptability, select a corded jigsaw with orbital-action that feels comfortable to hold and has a straightforward blade-changing mechanism.
9. Table saw
After obtaining the four mentioned handheld power tools and becoming proficient in their usage, it is now the appropriate moment to acquire your initial and possibly crucial major tool.
The table saw is the most important tool in a woodworking shop as it serves as the main tool around which all the other tools are arranged and used. Its main advantage is its capability to cut sheet goods with precise straight edges, however, it is also capable of making various other cuts such as miters, bevels, and even dado grooves.
When considering purchasing a table saw, it is important to select the most suitable option within your budget. This tool will serve as the centerpiece of your workshop for a long time, so it is worthwhile to carefully identify the desired features and choose the table saw that aligns with both your financial capabilities and requirements.
10. Compound miter saw
Once you have selected the ideal table saw for your woodshop, the subsequent significant acquisition to contemplate would be a compound miter saw.
A compound miter saw is essential for making angled cuts, including beveled and compound cuts, although it is not as costly as a high-quality table saw. With a compound saw, you have the ability to adjust the motor head in two directions, enabling you to make both straight angle cuts (miters) and angled beveled cuts (compound cuts).
For many beginners, a 10-inch saw will suffice, however, using a 12-inch saw will increase your capabilities. Certain models feature sliding saw heads that enable you to cut angles and crosscuts on boards that are up to 16 inches wide.
Once you become skilled at making precise cuts with a compound miter saw, you will notice that you use your circular saw less often and rely less on your table saw.
11. Biscuit joiner
This tool, which can be held in the hand, is perfect for joining boards together using glue. It is equipped with a small blade that rotates horizontally, creating a crescent-shaped groove in a piece of wood. Then, a matching groove can be made in the neighboring board before they are glued together.
Firstly, the slots are aligned perfectly by the fence. Next, a compressed biscuit in the shape of a football is inserted, which brings the parts together. The compressed biscuit swells when glue is applied, creating a joint that is incredibly strong. The Porter Cable Plate Joiner is equipped with a handle that is comfortable to hold and a fence that can be adjusted with precision. Additionally, the depth of the cut can be modified to accommodate biscuits of varying sizes.
