Most people who think about getting started in woodworking, look at their budget and then wonder exactly how they’re going to buy a wood shop full of tools on the budget that they have. Fortunately, woodworking tools can be relatively inexpensive if you stock only the most essential. So whether you would like to start a woodworking business or simply complete DIY jobs around the home here are 7 essential woodworking tools that you need to have to get started.
7 Power Tools Every Woodworker Should Have:
1. Circular Saw
While some professional woodworkers might argue that a circular saw is more of a carpentry tool than a woodworking one, it is indeed a handy power tool. If you had to choose between a circular saw and a table saw, the circular saw would be your best bet. This is basically because a circular saw used with a clamp-on-straight-edge is just about as accurate as a table saw and can handle quite a few tasks that you would actually use a table saw for. When using a circular saw you should always be mindful of your fingers and the safety of others around you. Be sure to read all the instructions on the manual.
2. Cordless Drill
One of the most obvious advantages of the cordless drill is that it is in fact, “cordless”. This basically means that you no longer need to trail along 20 to 30 meters of cord. This makes the cordless drill incredibly convenient and portable. It also makes it extremely lightweight. Another advantage of the cordless drill is most models often feature a built-in work LED light, which makes drilling in hard to reach places hassle-free.
3. Jigsaw
The next power tool that every beginner should have is the Jigsaw. It basically allows you to cut circular and curved patterns in stock. While band saws are used by professional woodworkers, a jigsaw is ideal for a beginner. If you want increased versatility you should choose an orbital-action corded one. It has a simple and convenient system for blade changes, while it also feels great in your hand.
4. Table Saw
The table saw is usually the heart and soul of your woodworking shop. So you should take out time to do research into the best table saw your budget can afford. Table saws contain many different features. You need to decide the most common features that you will be making use of. You basically need to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. And one of the only ways that you can basically do this, is by thoroughly researching the table saw you are interested in.
5. Miter Saw
A miter saw is slightly cheaper than a table saw, and is priceless when it comes to cutting compound angles on the ends of a piece of stock. Once you learn how to properly use a miter saw, you will find that you make use of your circular saw less often.
6. Paint Sprayer
When it comes to painting your projects, you could use the good old-fashion brush or roller. However, there are lots of advantages to having a paint sprayer in your wood shop. Paint sprayers are ideal for painting kitchen cupboards which basically need a mirror like finish without the brushstrokes. There are many different types of paint sprayers on the market and you should research the features and benefits of each one and then decide which is best for you.
7. Router
The last tool that every Woodworker should have in their shop is the router. You can purchase a stationary based router or a plunge router. A quality stationery base model should be adequate. You should choose a router model that is at least 2-HP and has electronic speed controls. It should also have a soft starter mechanism and be easy to make bit changes.