Woodworking is a form of art and the woodworkers are the artists.
They work in their workshops to create new forms of art every day. The art pieces are made of wood. The raw wood is sawed, shaped, curved, and jointed to form the finest piece of art.
In this whole process, various tools are used from the start to the end. Each of them has its own purpose and specialty. One cannot be replaced by the other.
Woodworking tools are the most vital key to create flawless art. Some tools are so important that they can be found in almost every wood workshop.
If you want to start up your own workshop, you must list these most essential woodworking tools right away.
11 Essential Woodworking Hand Tools
Woodworking is all about the touch of the woodworker’s hands. There is no alternative to the tasks which are best done manually.
Such tasks require specialized tools for performing each job. Hand tools make a lot of works easier for the woodworker. All it requires is to have the perfect tool for each job.
The woodworking requires some compulsory hand tools within reach for effortless woodworking. Some of the woodcraft tools are mentioned in this list. Let’s check them out.
1. Chisel
A woodworking chisel is a small hand tool with a categorically shaped blade. The edge of the blade bears different angles and sharpness for serving different cutting purposes. The blade remains mounted on a handle typically made of wood but can be of other materials too.
To cut the wood, the chisel is forced into the wood piece by striking on the handle with a wooden mallet. Chisels can be of different types based on their shape, size, structure, and cutting edge angle. Such as mortise chisel, socket chisel, bench chisel, framing chisel, paring chisel, skew chisel, and so on.
Uses of Chisel
Chisels play a vital role in woodworking. It is used for carving out wood. The outline of the design is laid using a chisel. It helps in making small detailed cuts with the help of smaller chisels. It can also help in creating tenons, pairing and scraping.
2. Clamps
A clamp is a very useful tool in any workshop. It is a fastening tool. It holds an object in a place to work without drifting. Clamps are of various types based on their usability and structure. But all of them have the same purpose of preventing movement by applying inward pressure.
Typically, a clamp includes jaws to hold the object and fasteners to tighten the space between the jaws. Some examples of clamps are hand screw clamp, bar clamp, parallel clamp, toggle clamp, T-track clap, bench clamp, edge clamp, and so on.
Uses of Clamps
Clamps are used in almost every field of construction such as metalworking, welding, carpentry, and so on. In woodworking its importance is immense. It holds wood pieces in a place to make a cut. The clamps hold the wood piece tightly in a place to avoid drifting while applying force on the wood to make a cut.
3. Handsaw
The saws which are used by hand manually to cut objects are handsaws. A typical handsaw includes a wooden handle and a sharp blade with numerous pointed teeth. Handsaws are of different types based on structure, shape and size.
Handsaws are not limited to a handle and blade structure. It also comes in frame design. such handsaws have a robust frame to hold the blade in position with high tension to cut objects.
Uses of Handsaw
Handsaws are used in woodworking to cut through wood pieces or other materials as per the requirements. They can make small to large cuts. Different handsaws serve different purposes of cutting wood pieces. The user gets the maximum control over cut while working with a handsaw and can make precise desired cuts.
4. Carpenter Square
Carpenter’s square is basically a scale. This form of scale is the combination of 2 scales joint together at 90o angle. The 2 scales resemble two arms. One arm is wider which is named“ blade” and the other is narrower which is called “tongue”. The wider arm is about 2” wide, whereas the narrower one is 1.5” wide.
Typically, such scales are made of steel and also called steel squares or framing squares. However, they are also made of aluminum and plastic. Such scales are lighter and resistant to rust.
Uses of Carpenter Square
Woodworking requires a lot of measurements to gain accuracy. A slight mismeasurement might lead to a huge crisis. That’s why the carpenter’s square always needs to be there on a woodworker’s workbench. It is used to measure the lines and angles to make the perfect cut.
5. Level
The level is an unusual type of measuring instrument. This measuring tool consists of a glass vial with liquid inside. It may have a glass barrel or a circular glass vial with curved glass. The liquid is moderately filled in the vial to leave a bubble in it. As for the liquid, usually alcohol is used in it due to its low surface tension and viscosity.
The Colouring agent is also added with it to increase visibility. The bubble moves within the vial when this scale is placed on a surface. The perfectly straight alignment will have the bubble in the center of the vial. The bubble will shift from the center to other directions with each degree of inaccuracy.
Uses of Level
The level is used in woodworking to examine the accuracy of the alignment of woods. Not only the wood pieces, the blade of the saw, the worktable and the designated wood piece all have to be aligned precisely for obtaining flawless cuts. The level is used for checking all those arrangements.
6. Measuring Tape
Measuring tape is a flexible scaling instrument. These might come in different forms, but all have the same purpose of measuring. There are measuring tapes of the metal strip, plastic, ribbon, polymer and others. All of them have a linear scaling mark in it.
Different measuring tapes have different scaling system. Some come in inches, some in meter or millimeter and some also have a combination of all. The length of the tape also makes a difference. The most famous tape among the woodworkers is the self-retracting spring mechanism metal tapes. They come in cases.
Uses of Measuring Tape
The measuring tape is the most common measuring tool used for measuring the length of the woods and cuts in woodworking. It is used in everyday work for delivering precise measurements.
7. Centre Punch
Punch is a tool made of metal with a pointed fine tip. The handle of the tool is usually broad and rounded to facilitate hammering. An iron hammer or wooden mallet is used to strike on the broad handle to insert the pointed edge on the targeted object.
This tool can be of varying types based on their purpose. Each of them has its specific structure and properties complementing its purpose. There are drift punch, center punch, prick punch, decorative punch, transfer punch, letter punch and others.
Uses of Centre Punch
The punch tool is used by woodworkers to mark the center to assist in drilling. It also used for duplicating patterns of markings on different pieces. The letter punches are quite impressive in its work. They are used for engraving letters or numbers on wood pieces.
8. Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is the most common woodworking tools in any workshop. It will be one of the must have woodworking tools in your list if you are a serious DIY guy or enthusiastic woodworker. The claw hammer like a normal hammer has a T-shaped structure with a small change.
Where normal hammer has two rounded edges, the claw hammer has one rounded edge and a claw edge. Typically, the head of such a hammer is made of forged steel. It remains attached to a strong handle to deliver a good grip while working with it. Based on its construction form it is of various types. The differences cause differences in utility and durability.
Uses of Claw Hammer
The claw hammer is used in woodworking to take out nails from wood pieces. The claw of the hammer is very useful for the purpose. By inserting the claw on the nails head, the hammer is used to pull the nail out forming a lever. It makes the task a lot easier.
9. Sliding Bevel
Sliding bevel is an essential woodworking tool. The tool includes a pivoting blade, a screw and a handle. The blade of the tool creates angles with its pivoting mechanism. The desired angle is fixed on a position with the help of the screw. The tool also has a varying screwing system. Some have wingnuts or some have thumbscrew. And lastly the handle. A typical sliding bevel consists of a wooden handle. It can be of plastic too.
Uses Sliding Bevel
The sliding bevel is mainly used for marking angles on the wood. It plays a vital role in woodworking. This handy tool can easily duplicate the angles from one to another. With the help of this tool, precise angled cuts can be made.
10. Block Plane
A block plane is a small accessible device. It is a wooden device made for manual use. It has a blade embedded on the bottom of the wooden frame. The blade is like a chisel that consists of the bevel on one side and plane on the other. In a typical block plane, the bevel side remains up leaving the flat part on the down. The angles must be tuned properly to make necessary cuts. The ergonomic structure makes it very handy to use.
Uses of Block Plane
The block planes are used for giving a finishing touch to the completed work. It can cut end grains to give a smooth finish. With this tool, shallow cuts can be made having smaller angles.
11. Sanding Block
A sanding block is a sanding paper holding device. It is one of the most basic woodworking tools. It is a small box-like object. The typical sanding block is square in shape, but the structure and shape changes based on usability. Woodworkers normally make it with wood.
Uses of Sanding Block
The sanding block’s main purpose is to stick the sanding paper on it. The block with the sanding paper helps to remove the rough grains off from the wood surface. It helps in making the layer smooth.
10 Essential Woodworking Power Tools
Woodworking requires a lot of cutting, sawing and shaping. These can be accomplished by traditional manual tools too, but would not be as effective as the power tools.
Woodworking power tools ensure an effective woodworking process and make it easier. These tend to give flawless results at a faster rate. That’s why woodworkers always prefer having power tools besides the traditional instruments.
Some of the essential woodworking power tools are highlighted in this list with their purposes and uses.
1. Circular Saw
Circular saw is one of the most used wood workshop tools. It’s a must-have woodworking tool in carpentry. Its motor is powered by electricity. Many also use hydraulic or gas generated motors. It consists of a circular blade which assists in making cuts. Its size and structure make it very handy to use and carry. It makes clean cuts and moves swiftly while cutting. The cuts gain narrow kerf while cutting with it.
Uses of Circular Saw
The circular saw is used for making straight cuts. It is used for rip cuts, crosscuts, or even for a blend of both cuts. It can penetrate through wood effortlessly and thus very convenient for use.
2. Power Jointer
A power jointer is the starter tool for woodworking. It is one of the most essential woodworking power tools. The size of the machine is big to hold big wood pieces. The blade remains in the middle of the big working table. The blade separates the table into two sections. Both sides of the table are equally balanced having an even plain surface.
Uses of Power Jointer
The power jointer is used for making uneven wood boards perfectly flat. It works as the foundation of the whole woodworking process. The design will collapse if the designated wood piece is not even on all corners. And that’s why a power jointer is used for making the wood precisely flat from all sides.
3. Sander
Sander is also a common power tool in woodworking. Fineness is complimented in woodworking and thus sander is very important. This tool consists of a sanding pad on the bottom of the power wheel. The mechanism is different in different sanders. Woodworking requires various types of sanders based on their working technique. Some examples of sanders are orbital sander, detail sander, stroke sander, belt sander, flap sander, oscillating spindle sander, and so on.
Uses of Sander
The main purpose of a sander is to make wood surfaces smooth. Edge and the exposed layer of wood remain uneven and rough while working on it. The wood sander is used to work over these rough surfaces to make them smooth and flat.
4. Thickness Planer
A thickness planer is almost like a jointer in terms of structure and purpose. However, they are two different machines. The thickness planer has a different cutting mechanism than a jointer. It consists of 3 body parts. A cutter head, a flexible table and rollers. The body of the machine is capable of fitting flat wood chunks to make required cuts. Portable thickness planers are also available in the market. The portable ones have a fixed table, unlike the typical planers.
Uses Thickness Planer
The thickness planers are used for flattening wood boards. The even thickness of the wood board is important for woodworking. That’s why a thickness planer is used to cut off uneven sides and make them equal on both sides.
5. Jigsaw
Jigsaw is the most used power tool in woodworking. It is an essential power saw for cutting woods. It consists of a small length blade that is replaceable. The blade comes with different teeth arrangement to be used for different purposes. It works in a reciprocating mechanism that is the blade moves up and down continuously to cut through the material. The jig saws can be both corded and cordless. The cordless ones are more flexible and handier to use.
Uses of Jigsaw
Jigsaws are used for cutting out shapes on wood pieces. It can cut from different angles. Miter joints can be made using a jigsaw. Jigsaws are also used for cutting out different stencil patterns.
6. Wood Router
A router is both a power tool and a hand tool. It is held by hand with its high grip convenient handle to control this power tool. It is a very important tool in woodworking. The structure of the machine has a broader lower part with a slender blade. The blade extends from the base point. Its blade looks like a spindle. This spindle-like blade is rotated by the electrically powered motor.
Uses of Wood Router
The router tool is used for trimming wood pieces. The shape of the wood is perfected by this tool. It can also cut to some extent to bring the desired shape on the wood. Mostly it is used for shaping.
7. Miter Saw
A miter saw is a cutting saw with a flexible cutting head. It can move the head up to certain angles. The cutting head consists of a circular blade with large and sharp teeth to cut through the wood efficiently. The size of the blade ranges from 8 inches to 12 inches. It works by pulling the cutting head down to the wood piece. It is also called to be a drop saw. Miter saws can be of various types. Some of the examples are: compound miter saw, LED miter saw, miter box saw, standard miter saw, and so on.
Uses of Miter Saw
The miter saws are used for cutting miter cuts. It is the main purpose of the saw. It can also make precise crosscuts.
8. Band Saw
A band saw is a versatile wood cutting tool. This saw makes woodworking a lot easier through its effortless sawing technique. Though a band saw is a large-sized tool, it is very useful. The saw works with a band blade. The continuous blade remains hooked on the two giant wheels and rotates in an orbit. It moves in a very fast velocity to cut through big wood blocks and even logs. The body of the saw is built with heavy metals to retain a sturdy body to bear heavyweight and work efficiently.
Uses of Band saw
The band saw is used for sawing large to small wood pieces. It is used for cutting multiple blocks of wood at a time. It is used for shape cutting, to make circles, to make notch cuts and other unique cuts. The bandsaw is also useful for resawing too.
9. Power Drill
A power drill is found in every workshop. A wood workshop is no different. Carpenter needs a power drill every now and then. The power drill typically includes various forms of drill bits. These are interchangeable as per their functions and necessity. The power drills are of different types based on their functionality, power and size. They can be both corded and cordless. The mechanism of all the power drills is almost similar. The device is powered electrically to rotate the bit as fast as possible.
Uses Power Drill
The power drills are generally used for drilling holes in wood pieces. Depending on the drilling bit, the hole can be of varying size and shape. It is also used for screwing fasteners.
10. Bench Grinder
The bench grinder is very important in woodworking. For woodworking, all the metal tools must be very sharp and polished to make precise cuts in the wood. That’s why it is really important to have a grinder in the workshop. The bench grinder is the best option as it takes lesser space and sits on the benchtop. It is easier to use and handle.
Uses of Bench Grinder
The bench grinder is used for sharpening tools. It is mainly used for metal tools like chisel, gouge, blades and other similar tools. After rigorous use, the cutting metals fade and become blunt. That’s why using a grinder is better for gaining improved results.
Final Words
The best woodworking tool can give you the best experience in woodworking. The opposite can make your woodworking journey a nightmare.
Instead of having a hard time doing woodworking, it is better to search for correct tools. This set of essential woodworking tools are the basic tools found in a normal woodworker’s workshop. The more effective tools you have the easier will be your work.
In woodworking, it is essential to have the right tool for the right job. Each tool is irreplaceable. That’s why while buying a woodworking tool you must be cautious of your necessities and the tool’s purpose. I hope you have a great woodworking journey.
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very good article
Very nice and helpful ideas on machines and I really appreciate you for a good lesson, thanks so much