6 Essential Power Tools for Every Woodworker

 

It has been observed in a California power tool store that a lot of beginners aspiring to begin their careers in woodworking take a look at their budget and start bothering about how they can afford to purchase an entire shop with a lot of power tools to begin. You will be surprised to know that one doesn't have to spend a fortune to kick-start. In this article, we have identified only six woodworking tools that a beginner woodwork aspirant should have on hand from the beginning. And guess what! Most are quite affordable. With these six amazing tools, any beginner can manage almost any project. 

 

1. Power Drill 

 

An online tool store in California, stresses a lot on cordless drills. A few of you may have expected the list to start from the same. However, as we're referring to basic power woodworking tools, a corded drill is more powerful and accomplished. Undeniably, cordless tools are advantageous due to their portability. However, corded drills are less costly and can perform more tasks compared to cordless drills. There are quite a few options to choose from while selecting a corded power drill. You need to keep in mind whether you wish to get a straight drill or hammer drill, a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck, keyed or keyless chuck, etc. Know all your options before choosing. 

 

2. Circular Saw 

 

It has been found that a lot of users consider the circular saw to be more of a carpentry tool instead of an elegant woodworking tool. But many would disagree. Probably, there is no other versatile basic handheld power tool than a circular saw. If it is applied with a clamp-on straight-edge, the circular saw could be just about as precise as a table saw and manage a lot of the identical tasks, including medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or cutting sheet goods like plywood. If you have budget constraints, a quality circular saw should be an important handheld power tool that you should buy. 

 

3. Random Orbit Sander 

 

The third most important basic handheld power tool all beginners must possess is a random orbit sander. Comparatively, palm sanders could be cheaper and can use plain sandpaper, cut into quarter sections. But the random orbit version applies hook-and-loop fastened sanding disks. The random orbit motion won’t leave patterned scratches in the workpiece, like other types of sanders. However, you need to confirm that your local woodworking supplier already has sanding disks available in many grits to suit the model that you opt for because the key to proper sanding is to apply progressively finer grits. 

 

4. Jigsaw 

 

The fourth essential tool for any beginner will be a jigsaw. A jigsaw lets the user cut curved and circular patterns in stock. There isn’t any doubt that a band saw is more precise and can cut thicker stock, the jigsaw, or a saber saw, as it is popularly called by many, can be quite beneficial for a beginner. For adjustability, opt for an orbital-action, corded jigsaw that you’ll feel good in your hand and features a convenient blade changing system. 

 

5. Compound Miter Saw 

 

Once you have selected the most suitable jigsaw for your woodshop, the next major purchase you must consider has to be a compound miter saw. It isn’t as costly as the regular table saws. Any compound miter saw is indispensable to cut angles, such as mitered, beveled, and compound cuts. A compound saw lets you angle the motorhead in two directions. That’s why you can cut straight angles, or miters, as well as beveled miters, or compound cuts. 

Any 10-inch saw will be enough for many beginners. However, a 12-inch saw will expand your capabilities. A few models feature sliding saw heads that let you cut angles and crosscuts on boards as much as 16 inches broad. 

 

After you develop your ability to create accurate cuts with a compound miter saw, you'll see that the circular saw spends more time in the drawer and your table saw (to be explained in the next point) may not be used as much. 

 

6. Table Saw 

 

Once you own the five aforementioned handheld power tools in your arsenal and you've enough time to feel comfortable while using them, it is time to make your most crucial tool purchase. The table saw is considered to be the heart and soul of every woodworking shop, as it is the centerpiece around which all of the other tools are utilized and organized. The USP of the table saw is its proficiency in cutting sheet goods with precisely straight edges. However, it may also make just about any cut you wish to including bevels, miters, as well as dado grooves. 

You must purchase the best table saw that your budget can easily afford, as this tool will be the heart of your workshop for the future.  

 

Inference 

 

You must ensure that you purchase all the above-mentioned power tools from the best online tool store. Enjoy your profession as a woodworker!