15 TOOLS TO START WOODWORKING

LEGGI QUESTO POST IN ITALIANO

Welcome back among the pages of my “Diary of an Apprentice Woodworker”!

Today I’ll take as an example, that reminds me of my childhood,  Kids TV Shows  where they demonstrated how to create some little projects whit paper and glue.

Do you remember how they  illustrated the tools  that would be needed to  implement the project  of the episode?

Very  simply  (they addressed to children) were showing  all the tools and materials needed before you start with the actual construction.

And it’s to those TV Shows that I want to inspire for this article.

WOODWORKER’S TOOLS

By now I intend to  simplify as much as possible  this topic that is really extensive.

In fact there are a lot of tools, including  Traditional Joinery  and Modern Joinery, used by Woodworkers.

On entering the  shop of a Woodworker  you have certainly noticed large machines like  saws  of all kinds,  planers,  work benches  etc …

But it’ll certainly eye fell also on the famous work bench.

 


With this article I will help you to select just the tools you need at first, to make small and simple projects.
And on the wall near this bench, a myriad of  tools of which it’s hard to understand the usefulness, if you are not a Pro.

Also because many of those tools are quite expensive and we don’t want to spend so much all at once!

Maybe we’ll buy a little at time…

At the end of this article, you should create your little Woodworking Kit and you will be ready to start to Work Wood.

Ok, let’s start!

THE BASIC TOOLS FOR WOODWORKING

Let’s discover  the tools that you should buy now  if you want to begin to make a small project with wood .

I write this article because I  know  the uncomfortable feeling  you can get when, in the middle of a process,  you find yourself without a crucial tool and you are forced to stop.

Right in the middle of the creative flow!

These things make me nervous…

Obviously  I’m not talking about tools that we all have in the garage (pencils, screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, wrenches etc)

And I’m not talking about  security objects  (even these deserve a separate article), but for now you should at least wear thick gloves and a mask to avoid breathing in wood dust.

Let’s talk about specific equipment and a little more professional.

So don’t get caught unprepared!

Arm yourself with these 15 essential tools:

  1. Measuring Tape
  2. Woodworker Set Square
  3. Woodworker Compass
  4. Hammer
  5. Vise
  6. Clamps
  7. Hand saw
  8. Jigsaw
  9. Circular saw
  10. Drill/Screwdriver
  11. Manual Planer
  12. Electric Planer
  13. Sandpaper (various grits)
  14. Chisels
  15. Files and rasps

Probably still you do not have a real  Work bench .

So I suggest, in the meantime, to work on  an old table  to not have troubles.

 

BEFORE YOU’LL BEGIN I TELL YOU A SECRET

You do not need to go looking for one by one all these tools to buy

I have already done all the work for you 

(Then don’t say that the Wood Blogger doesn’t love you …)

You can click on pictures or links below to see them in the online store and buy right now!

Enjoy the reading



MEASURING TAPE

For now it will go well with a 5 meters measuring tape  like the one above.

Ok, maybe that you have it already in your home, but it’s one of those  essential tools  that instead we tend to forget and I want to remember it  anyway.

One of the most important features that a Woodworker needs is accuracy.

You have to be accurate in sizes and cuts.

You need to know all  the dimensions of the pieces  we’re going to assemble already  from before starting the construction of a project .

For this I’m also preparing the design and planning lessons : to enable you to  arrive at the practical work with very clear ideas .

This will not waste time and valuable material!

Indeed, if I were you I’ll also buy  a good gauge .

 

WOODWORKER SET SQUARE

The Set Square is another “precision” tool  very important for you.

What I suggest at this stage is a  combined set square , stainless steel, very light, durable and  rich in useful features .

In fact, in addition to  centimeters and inches  indicated on the long side, it is equipped with a  stylus to trace,  a level and a swing.

Do you think is  important for a Woodworker to create perfectly squared corners?

I would say so!

 

WOODWORKER’S COMPASS

Another useful precision tool!

The  Woodworker’s Compass  will help you to draw perfect circles and much more.

In fact, this tool is also used to  bring measures  and  draw straight equidistant  or  parallel  to shaped edges .

I think is better to shell out a little more money and have  an extremely precise compass.

I don’ t recommend you to take that old and inaccurate school compass of your child.

You’ve been busted!

 

HAMMER

Ok, this is a  fairly common tool  in every home.

Especially for us who are fan of joinery!

But I think it’s important to mention this because it  is crucial  in its  extreme simplicity  and to have not it on hand could be very annoying.

The hammer is probably  the most used tool in our business  and is certainly one of the most representative.

So, buy  a good comfortable and sturdy hammer  if you still don’t have it!

(Read the Guide on joints with hammer and nails  for more)

 

VISE

Now to the tools that will help us to  hold firm our and working them in peace.

In fact we often have to use a tool that is used with two hands (such as a planer  or  chisels and hammer) and we need that piece that we are working still remains.

durable and stable vise is right what you really need.

Here I recommend you one that  you can simply screw on your  work bench.

This is not a real  woodworker vise but if you are just starting and want to do small jobs, yet can fit.

When you’ll have a real Roubo Bench ( clicking here you’ll discover how to build it by yourself using few tools and saving money) it will be another story.

 

CLAMPS

Another tool that you need in the moment you’ll  combine, and especially paste , your wooden pieces, to keep them firmly stopped while you’re waiting for the  glue to do its job.

They will be very useful in keeping steadfast work pieces that we can not block in the vise that I advised you before (which is for small pieces)

Then you’ll have to take your Clamps!

Essential!!!

 

HANDSAW

A Real Woodworker cannot be without it!

It’s  a symbol  rather than a tool.

Whenever I imagine a woodworker I see  an old man in his dusty shop full of boards and chips.

Bowed on a  bench  with a handsawcutting a piece of wood .

Ok, it’s a stereotype!

But I’m just a little romantic when I imagine something like this.

(Read the article on the wood cut for more)

 

JIGSAW

I remember the first time I saw one at work I brightened.

It was something  absolutely wonderful  for me!

A  saw  (much less laborious than handsaw) that allows you to  shape the wood  in a fairly  simple and accurate way.

Drawing shapes with wood … GREAT!

Okay, it’s not so great, but for me at that moment it was.

The discovery of the  jigsaw

(Read the article on  the wood cut  for more)

 

CIRCULAR HANDSAW

For now we speak of a  circular handsaw .

Then we will have to equip ourselves with a  circular saw bench,  but for now I think is a big expense and if we have to do only some small objects  the handy one will be good.

Needless to say that is very useful.

It’s true that you can get from any DIY Shop and let you cut the pieces as you want.

But if you want you to feel free to make changes  and cut new pieces, you will not have the famous  annoying snag I was telling you about at the beginning of this article.

I can say, having a Circular Saw will make you free!

(Read the article about  cutting wood  for more)

 

DRILL / SCREWDRIVER

The classic  Cordless Drill  used by a bit all the workers.

This is also likely that you already have it.

In that case you must ensure only to have  wood drills bits.

But  if you do not have it, buy it now  because soon there will be much to be drilled and screw, unscrew and screw …

So it will be fun!

(Read the guide on How to drill the wood for more)

 

HAND PLANE

Here is another indispensable tool for the woodworker!

Another tool that I imagine in the  dusty romantic workshop

Our  craftsmen , right now, is patiently and with fluid movements planing a wonderful chestnut piece.

Wield firmly with hands marked by  work,  his trusty  plane , companion of many creations.

It’s such a beautiful moment that I will not ruin it with technical details.

Close your eyes for a moment and dream with me …

(Read the article about Planing wood for more)

 

ELECTRIC PLANER

Stop dreaming!

You’ll also need an  Electrical Planer   if you don’t want to work too hard.

In fact, the  hand planer  is beautiful and romantic (and useful in many cases), but when the pieces  to be done are many and big  in comes into play  convenience.

Accuracy, speed and fatigue reduction.

What else do you want?

(Read the article about Planing wood for more)

 

SANDPAPER

Even Sandpaper  is a  tool .

And it’s essential!

To  finish, polish and smooth , but also to  “age”  a piece sanding the paint .

I suggest you to arm yourself  at least 3 different grits: a fine, a medium and a coarse-grained .

 

CHISELS

You don’t have to be  Michelangelo  to know how to use it and I’m not saying that  tomorrow you’ll be able to sculpt a David  better than him, in  beech .

But having a set of chisels you can  refine and make small interventions.

High practical rate instrument (and even a little artistic).

(Read the article about Joints for more)

 

LIME AND RASPS

Last, but not least! 

There are different  shapes and sizes .

The  difference between file and rasp  is that the first serves for  smoothing  the most delicate and has thinner teeth , while the second serves for  roughing  and  more massive interventions.

In fact, the  rasp  is provided with a coarser and powerful texture.

Both are nonetheless very useful.

 

CONCLUSIONS

In this article I merely describe in broad outline these  basic tools  that  you have to equip yourself to start woodworking.

Then we deepen them one by one in the next posts to  learn how to use them in the best way.

Even if you’re out of luck and you have none of the mentioned  tools,  with a few hundred euro you will have a small but consistent carpentry  that will allow you to do so many things and above all  fun.

Meanwhile, as always, I encourage you to  report any inaccuracies or additions  that could be done in the article,  commenting below .

If this blog can become a point of meeting between professionals and apprentices is above all thanks to you and to your contribution.

Also remember to follow my FB page  The WoodBlogger  to stay informed!


If you like it you’ll look even on my Instagram and Pinterest !

Good luck
See you next time!

The Wood Blogger

WOODWORKING: MOST USED ARTIFICIAL WOODS

 


Welcome back! 

Today I want to start telling you a short story . 

When I was a child I used to play in the football team of my country. 

I was one of the most timid children and immediately, because of my nature, I was relegated to the role of defender.

What does it mean to be a defender? 

Being a defender of a Football Team means you have to stay there, near the penalty area of your team and never cross the halfway line, being careful to stop the opponents forwards.

artificial woods

So do the dirty work, grab and kick and then the other players take the credit and honor of the victory. 

In fact, most of the other children could go on the attack and score some goals, or at least try to do it.

There is no greater satisfaction for a child who plays football! 

So, sometimes, I also felt useless and marginalized within the team. 

Continua a leggere →

WOOD: MOST USED SPECIES

LEGGI QUESTO POST IN ITALIANO

Welcome back in my Apprentice Woodworker’s Blog!

We continue our Trip inside  the Joinery facing one of the most important issues: Wood Types (or, more properly, Wood Species) .

You can’t plan and  start a job without knowing the material that you’ll use!

And you can’t choose the right wood if you don’t know the characteristics of the most common species at least.

Often, in front of an object or furniture made of wood , appreciating the warmth and grain I asked myself:

What  kind of wood it is?

wooden gazebo

That’s why I asked George (the woodworker who guides me in this adventure) to help me carry out this essential guide.

In fact, continuing to read this article you too can:

 

  • Recognize the most common Wood Types
  • To know its characteristics
  • Choose the right material for your projects

Continua a leggere →