12 Essential Tools You Need When Working With Wood

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Working with wood is so much fun – many people absolutely love it. Moreover, there is a wide variety of tools with features to help you to achieve the results you want. However, there are so many different types of tools for working with wood that it quickly becomes overwhelming if you’re just starting out.

So, depending on your experience in woodworking, start first with the essential tools and as you gain more experience, you will naturally know which ones to buy next.

But, if you are not sure where to start, keep reading for a list of tools you need to use when you begin working with wood.

The Tools You Need When Working with Wood

Working With Wood, Drill, Level, Tape Measure — Power Drill, Level, & Tape Measure

Power Drill and Impact Driver

The power drill and impact driver are the tools to use for screwing and drilling holes. That’s because these tools make the job much easier than an ordinary screwdriver. Also, be sure to grab a quality drill bit set to round out your use of a power drill.

Nail Gun

Nail guns are for use in place of hammers. They are convenient and quick because all you have to do is pull a trigger and your nail is auto-nailed into the wood. What could be easier? So, try out a nail gun like the one at https://www.stoneycreekwoodworks.com/best/brad-nailers/.

Moreover, you will find this tool invaluable, especially in plank wall installation. What’s more, you may also use this when you are installing baseboards. Although it does not completely replace hammers, it is an important tool in your woodworking box.

Miter Saw

Also referred to as a chop saw, a miter saw is one of the best and quickest way to cut wood boards. This is for cutting boards at an angle but also for straight cut boards. In addition, it’s the tool to use to take on simple building projects that use standard lumber pieces.

Tape Measure

Another essential tool for woodworking is a tape measure. Choose a retractable tape measure that is at least 25 ft long. To get correct measurements, be sure to attach the tab or hook firmly. If it gets loose, you will have to start over to get the correct measurements.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is good for cutting bigger wood pieces. Although a miter saw is a very useful tool, it cannot cut wide wood pieces. This is the reason why circular saw is a must-have, particularly if you are just getting started with building your own furniture.

Random Orbital Sander

Sanding wood is hard and tedious labor. This is why many people prefer a random orbital sander, which sands a surface easily and smoothly. Use this for your backyard blocks, cabinets, and other furniture pieces.

Levels

Working with wood requires levels. Unless you’re a professional contractor, you most likely won’t need a six-foot level. Instead, for most woodworking projects, consider a 48-inch level. It’s also a good idea to get an 8-inch level, which is commonly referred to as a torpedo level. The majority of quality levels are made from metal or brass-edged wood.

Jigsaw

A jigsaw is a tool that is used for cutting non-linear lines in every piece of wood. For instance, it is the best tool for cutting out the hole for the sink when you are working on your bathroom countertop. It is also great for your woodworking projects that require decorative cuts.

Router

A router is a cornerstone tool for any woodworking project. It does lots of jobs in your personal woodshop when you fit it with the right bit. You might use a router for flattening big pieces, adding round overs, and routing mortises. When buying a router, choose a plunge router as it lets you do more like routing pockets and mortises.

Table Saw

It works like a circular saw but is much better to use if you need to cut a perfectly straight line. You’re best to use a table saw when working with woods that are light enough to lift easily.

If you are just a newbie in woodworking with a lower budget, stick with a circular saw at first. But, if you don’t mind the cost, a table saw is of great help with your woodworking projects.

Safety Equipment

While woodworking is fun and enjoyable as you play with your creativity, it is also a little dangerous, especially if you don’t wear proper protective or safety equipment. Therefore, ensure that you always work with the following safety equipment:

Safety Glasses – There are numerous styles of safety glasses to choose from. But, make sure to choose the best safety glasses, the ones with side screens and impact-resistant lenses to protect you against debris and dust when you are using power tools.
Hearing Protection – Some power tools are very noisy and may produce more than 85 dB. This is why hearing protection may come in handy when you work with various woodworking projects.
Gloves – You must use gloves to ensure that your hands are safe from any injuries like cuts and splinters. However, there are power tools that don’t allow users to use gloves. So, be sure to read the tool’s user manual to know if it’s safe to use with gloves.
Face Shield – Unlike safety glasses, a face shield is to protect the whole face and often useful when grinding.

The Bottom Line

When you are ready to invest in different woodworking tools, shop carefully. To begin, check several stores for the best prices. Aside from that, get online and do your research to know what will give you the best value for your investment.

If you have any tips to add or questions to ask, please let us know in the comments below. We’ve also included other links below for other designing home projects.

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12 Essential Tools You Need When Working With Wood