Whether you are about to start woodworking or have been dabbling as a hobby for a while and are thinking about how to develop your skills further you will, undoubtedly, have started thinking about what tools you need. Many professionals will consider their tools and extension of themselves, having very particular views on what is, and isn’t, a good tool. This, combined with the range of woodworking tools available, can make it an almost overwhelming decision.
There are five key areas that you need to consider when choosing your tools, measuring, holding, cutting, finishing, and assembling. While this article is too short to provide a detailed look at each, it can help you start thinking that you already have, what you need and where you can get them. Prime Tooling in Sheffield has a wide range of affordable woodworking tools, so you can test things out and find out exactly what you want.
Measuring wood
Who hasn’t heard the phrase ‘measure once, cut twice’? And having the right tools for measuring will make all your woodworking a lot easier. This isn’t just about a tape measure though, angles are just as important, perhaps more important when it comes to assembling things, so invest in some quality squares as well.
Holding wood
Sooner or later, you will need more than just your two hands. While you might be able to get away with the odd cut by holding the wood against a worktop, eventually you’ll need a workbench to hold the wood you are working with and clamps to hold pieces together.
Cutting wood
A saw it going to be one of the most important tools you have in woodworking and anyone who is serious will have multiple saws for different cuts. Whether it’s cutting with or across the grain, making rough cuts to get working pieces or fine, detailed cuts as you add detail there will be a saw for you. Those who are serious about their woodworking might also want to invest in tools like a table-saw or a bandsaw.
Finishing wood
As you approach the end of your project, you will need tools to help you finish the wood. Whether these are things like sanders to ensure a smooth finish, or planes and files to make shave and shape wood for the perfect fit.
Assembling wood
Finally, when it comes time to put your pieces together, you’ll need some woodworking staples. Drills are, obviously, useful for making holes, but many will also double as an electric screwdriver to save a lot of effort. But the mainstays are likely to be the mallet, which you can use to gently tap your (hopefully) close-fitting joints together and, of course, the hammer for getting those screws in.
What do you buy?
If you are becoming serious about woodworking, then you will, sooner or later, start developing your preferences for tools, but to begin focus on buying the best you can afford and testing it out. Like any hobby, you can always change your tools, and as much fun as researching your tools might be, it’s much better to be making things!