Woodworking Tools - Buy the Basics, Buy quality

To truly enjoy woodworking as a hobby, and to pursue the activity on a more serious basis, it will be principal to have the literal, woodworking tools. In order for any activity or pastime to be relaxing and successful, proper tools are a must. But this does not mean that the beginner has to spend a fortune to get the new hobby underway. Good used tools for woodworking are available, and many sources sell fine tools and power equipment at discount.

Basic Woodworking Tools

Carpentry Framing

Here are some of the basic woodworking tools needed for a good start:

• Chisels: It is best to look for durability when shopping for chisels, so it may be best not to try and save money on this item. The woodworker uses chisels quite a bit and this key item should be built to last. Rockler chisels are a good bet, according to many with experience. The starting workshop will probably need chisels fluctuating in size from ¼ inch to 2 inches in width. But chisel size will depend on the projects planned. A woodworking mallet is a good accessory for flourishing chisel work. It would be best not to pound on the cope of a good chisel with a regular hammer!

• Clamps: These helpful items are needed when gluing projects and they come in a wide range of sizes. Clamps are relatively reasonable and most of those sold in market and at tool auctions will work fine. Clamps can sometimes be found used, in good condition, so the wise craftsman will pick up extra clamps when possible.

• Carpenter and woodworking squares: This is a tool that can make a principal when construction furniture and other items that need literal, corners and angles. Every workshop or tool kit should have a framing square or carpenter square. A tri-square is used in furniture projects, with sizes fluctuating from 3 inches to as large as 12 inches. Many squares are marked in both inches and in the metric scale. The combination, or two-piece, square has a headpiece that slides on a steel blade.

• Drills: Most workshops will need a power drill, either a cordless model for portability or a drill that is related to the power source. A good drill should have reverse capabilities, changeable speed and some attachments. High-voltage batteries are best for cordless drills, to ensure fullness of power for projects. Two batteries are a great idea, so that one can be charged while the other is working for you. A good option of drill bits is also essential.

• Hand planes: These age-old, primary tools are used for a range of projects. For example, the jackplane is most often used for rough shaping (various sizes). A block plane is generally a trimming plane. Smoothing planes are employed for fine shaping and tend to be a bit smaller.

Finding Tools

It is best not to rush out and buy cheaper tools just to get the workshop supplied. A bit of patience and some truthful shopping should turn up quality tools that won't break the budget. In addition to local hardware stores, craftsmen and builders often find exquisite tools on the Web or at auctions. Take care when purchasing used tools however. Good tools last a long time and will pay for themselves many times over.

Woodworking Tools - Buy the Basics, Buy quality

To truly enjoy woodworking as a hobby, and to pursue the activity on a more serious basis, it will be principal to have the literal, woodworking tools. In order for any activity or pastime to be relaxing and successful, proper tools are a must. But this does not mean that the beginner has to spend a fortune to get the new hobby underway. Good used tools for woodworking are available, and many sources sell fine tools and power equipment at discount.

Basic Woodworking Tools

Carpentry Framing

Here are some of the basic woodworking tools needed for a good start:

• Chisels: It is best to look for durability when shopping for chisels, so it may be best not to try and save money on this item. The woodworker uses chisels quite a bit and this key item should be built to last. Rockler chisels are a good bet, according to many with experience. The starting workshop will probably need chisels fluctuating in size from ¼ inch to 2 inches in width. But chisel size will depend on the projects planned. A woodworking mallet is a good accessory for flourishing chisel work. It would be best not to pound on the cope of a good chisel with a regular hammer!

• Clamps: These helpful items are needed when gluing projects and they come in a wide range of sizes. Clamps are relatively reasonable and most of those sold in market and at tool auctions will work fine. Clamps can sometimes be found used, in good condition, so the wise craftsman will pick up extra clamps when possible.

• Carpenter and woodworking squares: This is a tool that can make a principal when construction furniture and other items that need literal, corners and angles. Every workshop or tool kit should have a framing square or carpenter square. A tri-square is used in furniture projects, with sizes fluctuating from 3 inches to as large as 12 inches. Many squares are marked in both inches and in the metric scale. The combination, or two-piece, square has a headpiece that slides on a steel blade.

• Drills: Most workshops will need a power drill, either a cordless model for portability or a drill that is related to the power source. A good drill should have reverse capabilities, changeable speed and some attachments. High-voltage batteries are best for cordless drills, to ensure fullness of power for projects. Two batteries are a great idea, so that one can be charged while the other is working for you. A good option of drill bits is also essential.

• Hand planes: These age-old, primary tools are used for a range of projects. For example, the jackplane is most often used for rough shaping (various sizes). A block plane is generally a trimming plane. Smoothing planes are employed for fine shaping and tend to be a bit smaller.

Finding Tools

It is best not to rush out and buy cheaper tools just to get the workshop supplied. A bit of patience and some truthful shopping should turn up quality tools that won't break the budget. In addition to local hardware stores, craftsmen and builders often find exquisite tools on the Web or at auctions. Take care when purchasing used tools however. Good tools last a long time and will pay for themselves many times over.

Woodworking Tools - Buy the Basics, Buy quality