Woodworking involves many different tasks. What could be an essential tool for a carpenter could be dusty and unused in someone else's shop. For a beginner, all of these tool options can be overwhelming.
But no matter what type of woodwork you are interested in, there are some basic skills that are universal for everyone. Every carpenter has to cut, drill, shape, join, measure and finish , and every job requires the right tools.
We've rounded up some of the most popular tools in each category, highlighting what they're used for and which tools are most important. If you're working on a tight budget, don't buy a tool, so find out how to use it. Start by choosing a project you like, then buy the right tool for the project
A few notes before starting.
- Here we focus on carpentry, not carpentry. There is a lot of overlap between the two, but generally a carpenter makes buildings and structures, while a carpenter makes things from chairs to pens. Many of the tools listed here are also used in carpentry.
- We have not included the safety equipment. Regardless of the type of woodworking you do, always have the right safety equipment on hand.
- The names of tools and materials vary by region. You may see a hand tool or a dovetail tool, but they are the same tool.
Woodworking tools that cut
© FamiliesWood cutting is probably the most basic step in woodworking. Whether you're making furniture or wall art, every carpenter needs to cut the wood across the grain (space) and across the grain (section).
Although modern power tools cut with incredible speed and precision, almost any wood carving can be done by hand. Even today, small cuts are made with a quality hand saw.
I see the table
The table saw can be used for cutting and cross cutting, making it a versatile tool at the center of many workshops. Thanks to its wide and flat table, it is also ideal for cutting large pieces of flat material such as plywood. If you want to try this before investing in a full-sized table saw, consider Jobsite's portable version, which is often much more suited to DIY.
The count has seen
The miter saw is a more focused tool that produces fast, accurate and easy to repeat cuts. If you often work with relatively narrow material (six inches or less), a miter saw is a huge time saver.
counterbox
If you don't make enough cuts to justify buying a miter saw, consider a miter saw box. It is basically a handsaw that is operated with a plastic or wooden frame and slots to guide the handsaw at a predetermined angle. The default box allows for relatively fast cutting at the lowest cost.
puzzle
The jigsaw is perfect for cutting curves and circles on wooden surfaces. Beginners sometimes avoid when they encounter "chat" (fast vibes). But with a little practice and patience, a jigsaw is a valuable asset in any collection of woodworking tools.
© FamiliesI see the deal
A narrow-blade jigsaw is suitable for very detailed tasks such as holding joints (hence the name), as well as cutting complex grooves and assembling joints.
I saw the tape
The vertical blade of the bandsaw cuts the material in half and cuts the curve. Because it is large, the band saw remains stationary while the carpenter changes the material to be cut. If you're cutting a 2x6 into two 1x6s, a bandsaw is much better than going across the table twice.
I saw the parchment
The bandsaw is a smaller version of the bandsaw. The jigsaw with a narrower mouth opening is designed for detailed work on smaller substrates. It works especially well if you are doing fine details with thin wood.
I saw the ad
A circular saw is essentially a carpenter's saw, but it also has its place in a carpentry tool kit. If you only cut plywood occasionally, it is better to open a circular saw more often than to invest space and money in a full table saw.
Drill woodworking tools
© FamiliesDrilling is an essential part of woodworking, whether it be holes for nails and screws or pins to hold work in place. Your tool choices include:
Cordless drill driver
A few decades ago, cordless drills were a luxury for carpenters. Many inexpensive options on the market today make it a must.Most carpenters have a drill / machine to drill holes and mounting screws.
drill
Some holes require a level of precision that cannot be duplicated with a cordless cordless drill driver. In this case, the drill can drill precise and easy to repeat holes.
hand drill
The hand (mechanical) drill has become a special tool. However, the accuracy and the ability to drill in minutes can be very useful when working with thin or fine materials.
Hole saws, drill bits, Forstners and other special drill bits
When drilling holes, drilling is only part of the equation. Many professional carpenters supply hole saws, spade bits, drill bits, fasteners, and other specialized drill bits.
Instead of spending a lot of money at once, it is usually better to choose it according to your needs. Trust us, you will soon find yourself with many options.
A woodworking tool of that size
© FamiliesAll kinds of tools can shape wood. Design can take place at the beginning or at the end of a project. In wood carving and turning it is basically a .
The size of these wooden tools.
hand plane
This simple tool has been around for centuries and is still one of the most effective. Accurately calibrated spirit level that removes material quickly or transparently in a thin layer. They come in a variety of sizes and styles. For most novice carpenters, Stanley's six-inch block planer is a good place to start.
Orbital sander
Cutters make life easier when you're ready to sand wood surfaces or hide unwanted knife marks.
Belt sander
Belt sanders can remove material too quickly. This is an aggressive tool, so you need to be careful not to overdo it.
planner
Leveling reduces the thickness of the board and makes it even. This is a great tool if you are buying raw wood to save money. The equalizer ensures that the two opposite planes are uniform and aligned.
Together
Connectors are often used with equalizers. The joints form the lengths and edges of the wood, creating clean right angles. If you put the pieces of wood next to each other, for example for a table top, the carpenters will make sure that the pieces fit together well.
© FamiliesSand paper
As it is used and replaced, sandpaper can be considered a "material" rather than a tool. But it is important in woodworking, so we include it here.
Sandpaper is excellent for smooth work or curved surfaces. If the stones are gone, feel free to throw them away. Don't forget the old do-it-yourself saying: "Life is short, abrasives are cheap."
lathe
If you are interested in woodworking, you will have a lathe in the center of your shop. There is something magical about watching the wood turn at work as the pieces of wood fly by and the material slowly transforms into finished products.
Spade
The blades form everything from hinges to sculptures. While the size and shape will depend on your specific needs, a quality, well-sharpened chisel is essential for almost any type of woodworking.
router
Routers are great for changing the edge profile of your project. Whether you're tackling a bench router or a custom woodworking desktop router, this handy tool has a variety of uses.
Lime and Rasp
The hand plate and chisel remove and shape the wood. Files make small changes and smooth surfaces, while chisels remove layers of wood. The combined file and grater tool allows users to easily switch between the two tasks.
Woodworking repair tools
© FamiliesOnce your wood has been shaped, you need to tie it together. Carpenters use the following tools for binding:
Hammer
The hammer and hammer options, along with nails and other fasteners, allow you to fasten just about anything.
Pneumatic nails
A pneumatic nailer is a fantastic tool if you are hoping to drive a lot of nails or want a good all-in-one shop tool.
Drill / screwdriver and screws
Screws are another great way to fasten wood together. You will use a drill / machine to countersink the screws and drill pilot holes to reduce splits.
drain
Sometimes the key is to keep the working parts together. Mechanical and pneumatic staplers are particularly useful during the realization of your projects.
pocket puzzle
The most popular pocket hole is Craig's. Pocket holes are often used in furniture construction to hide fixing heads.
Braid of biscuits
The biscuit joint essentially cuts a narrow hole in half, so that the thin wooden ovals (biscuits) can be glued or fixed. So they look like horizontal shock absorbers.
cut
Whether it's drying the glue or holding the pieces in place before drilling, most carpenters feel they can never have enough clamps.
Carpentry tools that measure
© Families"Measure twice, cut once" is wise advice for woodworkers. But measurement involves checking squares, checking levels, and finding ways to simplify repetition.
Measurement is so important that there are far more specialized tools than we can list here, trying to fit everything from gauges to hygrometers. Here are some common carpentry gauges.
tape measure
Found in almost every woodworking toolkit, thin tape is one of the most used tools on this list.
low
Layers are great for checking layers and haircuts. The long strips of metal often do double duty as a straight edge.
compound square
Combo boxes are useful for planning your tracks, but also important for calibrating your gear. Squared or uneven tables and miter saws will cause hours of frustration.
square of speed
Carpenters prefer speed boxes to carpenters, but these handy little tools are a good investment. If possible, choose a metal box; Plastic can warp in heat and break easily in rough work environments.
puzzle
Masks are a great time saver and can be used as real measuring tools. Jigsaw guides your tools to help you create smooth cuts, notches or finishes, greatly reducing the dimensions involved in each process.
Pre-engineered jigs are available, but most carpenters tend to prepare them themselves for precision construction. If you're making multiple identical pieces, even a single design jig will often save you more time than it takes to make it.
Woodworking tools and finishing materials
© FamiliesOnce you have finished all the cutting, shaping and cleaning, do not spoil the finish. Use the same level of attention to complete your project to make sure it's something you're proud of.
These carpentry tools are used for finishing;
Paint and paint
each project has its own needs and each carpenter has his preference for finishing. Experiment with different brands and ingredients to find the product that gives you the best results
brush and cloth
A collection of brushes and wipes will make it easier to apply paint and stains. This is another area where personal preferences come into play. Try out different materials and brush types to find your favorite.
nail cloth
An adhesive cloth is a padded cloth used to clean the surfaces between the upholstery layers. some carpenters swear by them and others avoid them altogether.
keep the dust out of your finish
dust collection system. Don't try to finish your project with airborne sawdust and debris. That nice wet spot won't look good in a few hours if it's covered in sawdust. The dust collection system sucks all the dust out of the air as you work. This makes it easier to complete your projects and healthier for your lungs.
Vacuum cleaner shop. A dedicated workshop vacuum cleaner can be the force behind a dust collection system or complement a custom system. Either way, it helps keep your store clean and your workspace a little less cluttered. A good workshop vacuum cleaner can also reduce the dust emissions of various saws in the hook drain hole.
