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Many beginners trying to get started in woodworking take one look at their budget and worry about how they can afford to buy a whole shop full of power tools to get started. Fortunately, one doesn't have to spend a fortune to get started. There are really only seven woodworking tools that I would recommend any beginning woodworker have on hand from the start, and most are relatively inexpensive. However, with these seven tools, a beginner can tackle quite a number of projects.
Circular Saw
While some people consider the circular saw to be more of a carpentry tool than a fine woodworking tool, but some would disagree. There may be no more versatile basic handheld power tool than a circular saw. When used with a clamp-on straight-edge, the circular saw can be just about as accurate as a table saw and handle quite a few of the tasks that one would attempt with a table saw, particularly cutting sheet goods such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard. When woodworking on a budget, a quality circular saw should be the first handheld power tool purchased, as it is the one that will likely be the most useful as you get started.Power Drill
Some might expect to see a cordless drill on this list, but when we're talking about basic power woodworking tools, a corded drill is more versatile and powerful. Sure, the cordless is, well, cordless, which makes it more portable, but corded drills are less expensive and can do more than a cordless drill. There are some options to consider when choosing a corded power drill, such as whether you want a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck, keyed or keyless chuck, straight drill or hammer drill, and so on. Learn all about these options (along with some suggestions on what to look for when shopping) in this article on corded power drills.Jigsaw
The third tool for the beginner is the Jigsaw. A jigsaw allows the user to cut curved and circular patterns in stock. Sure, a band saw will likely be more accurate and can cut thicker stock, but for the beginner, the jigsaw (sometimes also referred to as a Sabre Saw) can be perfectly effective. For versatility, choose an orbital-action, corded jigsaw that feels good in your hand and has an easy blade changing system.Random Orbital Sander
The fourth most important basic handheld power tool every beginner should buy is a random orbital sander. While palm sanders are less expensive and can use plain sandpaper (cut into one-fourth sections), the random orbital version uses hook-and-loop fastened sanding disks, and doesn't sand in patterns, using a random sanding motion instead. This motion will serve to reduce the chance that any sanding marks may appear on the stock due to the sanding. Of course, be certain that your local woodworking supplier has sanding disks readily available in a number of grits to fit the model that you choose, as the key to proper sanding is to use progressively finer grits as you sand to reduce or remove any marks that are left behind from the previous sanding.Table Saw
Once you have the four aforementioned handheld power tools in your arsenal and you've had time to get comfortable with using them, its time to make your first (and likely most important) major tool purchase. The table saw is the heart and soul of every woodworking shop, the centerpiece around which all of the other tools are used and organized, so you'll want to buy the best table saw that your budget can comfortably afford. Take the time to learn which features you really want and the table saw that best fits your budget and your needs. This article will show you the most common features, and how to determine what features you need and how to know if those features are really well built, or simply added on to the saw because they are selling features.Compound Miter Saw
After you have chosen the perfect table saw for your woodshop, the next major purchase one should consider would be a compound miter saw. While not as expensive as a quality table saw, a compound miter saw is invaluable for cutting compound angles (beveled, mitered and combination cuts) on the ends of a piece of stock. Once you develop your ability to make precise cuts with a compound miter saw, you'll find that your circular saw spends a little more time in the drawer than it used to.Router
The last tool I recommend for every beginning woodworker is a quality router. While many routers available today offer two different bases (a stationary base and a plunge router base), for most beginners, a quality stationary base model will take care of quite a number of tasks, and can also be mounted in a router table should you choose to invest in (or even build one) one down the line. Choose a router model that is at least 2-HP and has electronic variable speed controls (as larger cutting bits should use slower speeds), a soft start mechanism and is easy to make bit changes (preferably with the ability to use both 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch shank router bits).
Nov 25, 2018 - My Basic Woodworking Tools List – Furniture Focus. Power jointer and thickness planer. Circular saw, for rough dimensioning (especially long rip cuts). Hand saws, a router and two router bits. Jigsaw, for cutting curves. Combination square and tape measure, along with crayons, pencils, a knife and an awl for marking.
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.
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.
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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.
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