Getting into woodworking can seem overwhelming if you’re just starting out. There are thousands of tools and projects to consider. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and just want to know the basic items that you’ll need to get started, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled this list of basic items that you’ll need to help you get started. Once you’ve completed a couple of simple projects, you’ll have a much better idea of what specialty tools and accessories that you may be interested in. Getting into woodworking does not have to be difficult. Get started sooner than you thought and with less money than you thought possible.
1. You’ll need tools for marking and measuring your work. A measuring tape, a level, and a corner square are sufficient for getting you started.
2. You can make your straight cuts with a standard circle saw. Get an attachable wood guide to ensure that your cuts are straight.
3. A jigsaw is great for making curved cuts. You’ll find a lot of uses for this tool as you get into woodworking.
4. Shaping your wood can be done with a block plane. A router is also a handy tool to have for finishing edges and joints.
5. For drilling holes, you can use a standard cordless drill. If you can, go ahead and invest in one with a higher voltage so that you don’t run out of drilling power when you need it.
6. You will need a way to smooth corners and edges. A manual sanding block is good for small jobs and a power sander is relatively inexpensive and easy to use on larger surfaces.
7. You will need a way to glue pieces of your work together. Clamps are inexpensive and give you a lot of control over how your project turns out.
8. When you’re ready to move up to larger machines, you can choose from table saws, band saws, jointers, drill presses, planers, and more. These tools aren’t totally necessary to get started, but you may eventually want to upgrade.
9. Your first project may be building your own wall storage and work bench. You will find great uses for a vice on your workbench. It holds pieces that you’re working on right near your work surface.
10. You will need safety gear. Make sure that you invest a little in appropriate protection for your chest, eyes, ears, hands, lungs and feet. Woodworking is very enjoyable, but can also be very dangerous. Practicing good safety habits will help you to ensure that you enjoy woodworking for a lifetime.
11. Finally, you’ll need wood to work with. Do a little research to determine which types of wood will be the right density to be durable enough for your purposes. For pegs and joints that match your projects, consider using wood dowels that are made from the same material as your project. Hardwood dowels are great with furniture because they give joints a lot of strength and also take stain and finishing the same as your project.
About the Author: Dave Murphy is the founder and president of Good Wood, Inc., which makes a high quality wood dowel and the best hardwood dowel on the market. They also create wooden balls, wood knobs, wooden toy parts, custom wood parts, and more. They offer safe wood finishing, wood turning and can import from off-shore when necessary. Visit http://www.goodwoodinc.com for all of your wood product needs.