I have drills, a miter saw, and circular saw; that’s it for my power tools. Aside from those tools, I have hammers, screw drivers, pliers, etc.
I have noticed that I am becoming very interested in woodworking and have done a few projects, but I want to continue to advance and perhaps someday be a furniture builder in my free time.
Which tools or power tools are absolutely essential to do your average woodworking project? Also, how can I learn more about these things? Is it just me, or is this the best past time ever?
25. March 2010 at 7:12 pm
It’s not just you, it is a great hobby
Essential tools are few, though it depends on what you’re wanting to do. Carving requires different tools than making bird houses. The style of furniture you like will also dictate to a degree what tools are needed. Stickley furniture can be made with (hand tools) a couple of good saws, a few planes, a drill with a few bits and a mortise chisel. Chippendale will require many more tools, including the above and several different size and style chisels, planes, steam bending apparatus and bending forms among a few others I’ve forgotten.
Power tools would be a similar situation with the more complicated pieces using more tools and bits or accessories for those tools.
You have the beginnings of a good tool set. The most important tool is safety glasses or goggles with power tools, then the table saw. It is one of the most versatile tools one can own for making straight cuts from ripping to crosscuts on to making some moldings like coves, chamfers, even making circular pieces. Beyond that I would add tools as needed depending on your choice of hand or power tool. There a usually several ways to accomplish a particular task so decide which is the safest most enjoyable for you and get the appropriate tools for the job.
I have a table saw, miter saw, drill press, jig saw, scroll saw, and a few drills and sanders but I prefer hand tools. I have about 200 planes (different profiles, sizes, etc…) chisels including gouges, straight, skewed, and V. Both rip and crosscut hand saws, miter saws, coping saws, bow and frame saws. Axes, hatchets, straight and curved adze’s. Brace and bits including screw driver bits, spoon, auger, gimlet, spoke pointer, and tenon cutters. Among many others that do not come to mind right away