Woodworking comes in several forms and requires lots of specialized tools to get the best results possible. For the sake of your project’s quality, be aware of the tools you need to get you started with woodworking. Using improper tools can ruin your wood or even act as a working hazard. Go in with the correct tools and avoid complications, safety risks, and frustrations.
A Collection of Saws
Saws come in all shapes, sizes, and applications, and to name them all would take too long. But you should be aware of some of the most common saws woodworkers use to do their projects. Circular saws, tools built to cut long pieces of wood, have three primary blade variations.
- Ripping blades: These cut material with the grain.
- Crosscut blades: These cut across the grain.
- Combination blades: These can cut with and against the grain.
Another popular saw is the jigsaw. It enables woodworkers to make precise and intricate cuts quickly without needing to use extreme force. Alternatively, you may also need a bandsaw, which creates curved cuts and removes large sections of stock.
Orbital Sander
After you complete the cutting portion of a project, you’ll come to the point where you need to smooth out the wood and create a fine finish. There are many ways to accomplish this, but one of the most popular methods is to use a random orbital sander. Orbital sanders ensure that there is an even smoothness throughout the pieces, eliminating random patches of roughness.
They also serve to hide any sections where there is the cross grain. When two wooden pieces meet, their grain does not necessarily line up. A random orbital sander can smooth out these pieces without ruining the look of the cross grain.
Lathe
Those interested in woodturning, which is another form of woodworking, will need to utilize a lathe. This tool rotates a block of wood at speeds up to 1,500 RPM, allowing the turner to cut away very quickly at wooden pieces. Due to the rate at which these enable you to cut the wood, you must know how often to sharpen your tools to keep them ready to work.
The lathe has many moving parts and delicate internal components, so you must clean and maintain it regularly. Keep up with your cleaning schedule and ensure that your lathe can maintain its speed without running inefficiently or allowing the wood to become dislodged.
Know Your Project
Every woodworking project will require a set of specialized tools to complete your piece. This means you need to know what the job calls for and what tools you need in your kit. Know the tools you need to get started with woodworking and always use the most appropriate ones for that day’s project. Otherwise, you’ll risk injuring yourself, ruining your tools, or destroying your wooden pieces.
