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What are Some Basic Woodworking Tools?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Woodworking is a popular profession and pastime all over the world, with many woodworkers having complex workshops with a wide array of tools. For home use, however, a few simple woodworking tools will serve beginners well while they explore the art, and additional tools can be acquired as they are needed. Because many woodworking tools are sharp, and some are motor powered, safety should be a paramount concern. Always wear eye protection and gloves when possible, and make sure to limit your exposure to glues, paints, and solvents while working.

A small woodworking studio begins with a solid workbench to which vises and clamps can be attached. The workbench space should be kept neat and uncluttered so that you can lay out portions of a project on it, clamping if needed to cut or carve the wood. Many commercially available workbenches have tool trays so that tools can be kept convenient but out of the way.

A tape measure.
A tape measure.

Basic power tools include saws and drills. Depending on the type of woodworking being done, saw needs might range from a small hand held jigsaw to a much larger table saw. If large scale projects are involved, a table saw should be acquired because it is a safe, rapid, clean way to cut large pieces of wood when used correctly. Hand held circular and saber saws are also highly useful. Most woodworkers are satisfied with a battery powered drill and a variety of bits. It is an excellent idea to purchase extra batteries and a charger so that the drill will not run down in the middle of a project.

A circular saw.
A circular saw.

Additionally, many woodworkers use power sanders to sand pieces quickly and evenly, although it is possible to sand by hand. The purchase of a router, a type of power tool ideal for cutting circles, designs, and patterns into wood at varying depths, may also be a good idea. Using a router is much more safe that using a saw, because it uses an enclosed blade system designed for piecework in woodworking and carpentry.

Protractors.
Protractors.

Hand tools include a hammer, wrench set, tape measure, hand saw, screw drivers, and a level. Chisels are also an integral part of woodworking, and usually come in sets ranging from small to large. Chisels can be used to cut or carve by hand or with the assistance of a hammer, and should be sharpened periodically so that they will leave a crisp and even edge. The acquisition of a hand plane is also advised, so that wood can be quickly and evenly shaved as needed. Additionally, measuring implements such as a combination square and protractor are recommended, to ensure symmetrical and even designs.

Woodworking can be a rewarding experience, and is limited only by the imagination of the woodworker. It is most crucial to be organized, safety conscious, and patient.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a Sports&Hobbies researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a Sports&Hobbies researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

@rundocuri- Your nephew may also want to consider applying for a small business loan so he can get some of the basic woodworking tools that he will need to do his work. Many banks are more than willing to loan money to help business start-ups begin operations. If your nephew has good credit or a co-signer, he should be able to get a low interest rate on a business loan as well.

Spotiche5

@rundocuri- I think that your nephew could get off to the right start with his woodworking business if he begins with a power sander and a set of basic hand tools. These items should be all he would need to take on a few basic woodworking jobs until he makes enough money to buy more equipment.

He can always improvise by using a table that he already owns until he can afford a workbench. If he needs to use a drill, a screwdriver will work for small jobs. He will just have to be sure not to take on any projects that he won't be able to complete until he has more woodworking equipment. However, this plan should at least enable him to begin his business with small jobs so he can start getting customers and making money.

Rundocuri

I have a nephew who is planning to start his own woodworking business. He doesn't have a lot of money, but wants to begin by purchasing the most necessary equipment so he can begin taking on projects for clients. Does anyone have any tips to help him get started with the right tools?

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    • A tape measure.
      A tape measure.
    • A circular saw.
      A circular saw.
    • Protractors.
      By: creative soul
      Protractors.
    • A power sander.
      By: Negaro Imaging
      A power sander.
    • Basic hand tools, such as a wrench, are sometimes used in woodworking.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Basic hand tools, such as a wrench, are sometimes used in woodworking.
    • Basic woodworking tools include battery powered drills.
      By: mbongo
      Basic woodworking tools include battery powered drills.
    • A bevel gauge may be used to create, duplicate and measure angles.
      By: Christopher Dodge
      A bevel gauge may be used to create, duplicate and measure angles.
    • Chisels are considered essential woodworking tools.
      By: Christopher Dodge
      Chisels are considered essential woodworking tools.