Woodworking is such an attractive hobby for quite a number of people because of its practicality and its beauty. One can create a piece that is functional or artistic or maybe even both depending on the creator’s choice and abilities. Unfortunately, many are intimidated to venture into this type of hobby. What many are unaware of is that one does not need a warehouse full of tools or an unsurpassed talent to be able to create masterpieces which are worth showing off. This guide will help aspiring beginners to choose the right tools for this kind of hobby.
Starting a hobby like this requires a decent set of tools and equipment. This does not mean that one has to have a shed full of hand drills or power tools as this can prove to be very expensive. Many beginners are sometimes quick to believe that power tools are the instruments of choice and that hand tools are a thing of the past. A quick look at the magnificent pieces created during the 17th and 18th centuries however will prove that hand tools are just as capable of producing high quality pieces as their modern counterparts.
No woodworking tool collection is complete without some of the most common tools there is in the tool shed. A beginner should own a hammer with just the right weight to facilitate ease of use and efficiency. Most woodworkers work with hammers that weigh 20 or 24 ounces. Nail sets are also a must. Every woodworker must also own a measuring device to ensure accuracy of the pieces. A combination square is a good choice for beginners as it serves both as a depth gauge and a ruler. It can also be used to measure 45-degree and 90-degree angles. Owning a tape measure is also a must since this tool can also be useful for other purposes inside the house. Beginners who plan to work on smaller projects first will do well by using a 12-foot or 15-foot tape.
Owning the right set of shaping tools is another necessity when starting this pastime.
Hand planes can serve this purpose very well. This tool is used to smoothen the wood’s surface. More specialized shaping and hollow planes are used to shape contours and hollow out certain surfaces. While others may choose to buy the more expensive hand plane models, one can never go wrong with the tool’s older versions.
Cutting tools are another requirement for this type of hobby. Handsaws are capable of giving high-class performance as well as serving as a form of exercise. When purchasing saws, it might be helpful to know that fewer teeth per inch equates to a rougher cut. A slower but finer finish is achieved when using saws with more teeth per inch. There are several handsaws made for very specific purposes but a beginner can cope with the three most basic types. A crosscut saw is used when making cuts across the wood’s grains; a ripsaw is for cutting along the wood grain while a Japanese ryoba saw is used for general cutting purposes.
After every part is cut, a woodworker would need clamps to hold every part in place and assist in assembly. A C-clamp would be a sound investment for beginners. Lastly, smoothing hand tools are used to give the almost finished products a cleaner finish. A beginner would need to own a chisel to smooth and shape wood and raps and files to give a more refined shaping effect.
Portable power tools are also available for novices and most of them actually prefer power tools over the traditional hand tools. Their only drawback is that they are considerably more expensive. But for those willing to shell out a few more bucks, the following tools are every woodworker’s must-haves. Routers are power tools used to smooth, shape or decorate wood. Several types are present depending on the buyer’s need and the specialty of each.A circular saw is also a smart addition to one’s power tool collection since it probably is the most flexible of all the portable power tools. Drills are also very essential since they can also be utilized outside the woodshop. Their main purpose is to facilitate attachment by drilling holes for fasteners. The most common drill in use in most woodshops is the 3/8″ drill. Portable hand held sanders are also very common in most woodshops as they can be used to shape and smooth edges and surfaces.
When it comes to making woodworking a hobby, starting modestly is the perfect way to begin. With the right mix of tools, patience and resourcefulness, a humble hobby might soon become a source of pride.