If you’re looking to get into woodworking, or already are, then these seven tools will be the start of the perfect collection of woodworking supplies. Though there are many specializations, these seven pieces of equipment will be versatile enough that every type of carpenter will need and use them regularly, whether newbie or master.
Chisels
Chisels are available in almost any size with varying shapes and materials. If you have a tougher material, that means less time that you must spend sharpening your chisels and more time that you can work. Chisels are perfect for creating dovetails, tendons, and so much more. A craftsman can be told apart from a factory worker by use of a chisel to create intricate and precise marks. Meaning, the chisel is great for creating tight and perfect joints with less waste.
Whether you have a table mounted or handheld circular saw will depend on what you do. However, either way, you will be able to do almost anything with this tool. From creating cut offs to dados, this lightweight saw is a necessity. However, everything has positives and negatives. This saw’s weight can lead to uneven cuts and danger if not held firmly and watched carefully.
If you got married, then you might have gotten this for the wedding present from someone. It’s a home staple, woodworker or not. However, that doesn’t mean it’s only for DIYers. While a drill press might be more along the lines of what a master would need, this tool can be used by anyone and can also be turned into a drill press with the right conversion kits.
Working based on side to side movement at about 20,000 stroker per minute, this tool can be used in many ways, In fact, that’s one reason that the oscillating saw is also called the multi-tool. Some examples of what this saw can do include trimming wood, cutting openings, sanding wood, scraping off adhesive and paint, removing mortar, and creating plunge cuts. If you have this tool, you can create, refurbish, or even destroy almost anything.
Router
This hand help tool is often mounted upside down and used to hollow out pieces of wood in an area. Additionally, it can be used to cut profiles for mounding, adding decorative edges, and cutting joinery. The best feature of this tool is the ability to obtain an unlimited number of profiles so that you can meet any requirement that comes up in your woodshop.
Table Saw
As you can see, saws of many types form the foundation of the woodwork. This saw is at the center of most woodshops. Located on a large table, as the name might suggest, this is probably this biggest tool in the shop, by space is taken. As such, it’s the addition to this list showing that hand tools, no matter how important, will also be joined by their more stationary friends. Several blades can help you create your woodworking masterpieces so long as you remember to set the depth of the blade and the width of the fence. Be careful of the hands; safety is vital with a table saw.
Safety Tools
While your shop will always need a new tool to “finish the collection” it’s never too soon to add safety tools to the list. Eye protection, as well as mouth protection and even ear protection, can help protect your sight, lungs, and hearing while working in the shop. If you have the money, setting up a vacuum system to collect sawdust can go yards in creating a safer environment for you and those in your shop. If not, make sure to keep ventilation and regularly clean to avoid the many sawdust related issues.
Creating the perfect woodshop is a dream for any woodworker from novice to master of trade. However, just a few things can put anyone off to a great start, no matter the level of experience or interest within woodworking. If you are looking for blades for you oscillating saw or want advice on what saw to get, don’t forget to check out Ryker Hardware!
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