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Home & Garden Articles
Do you know the Woodworking Basics
Wed 08 Nov 2006 - 14:22
Do you know the Woodworking Basics
By Thomas Hardin
Woodworking has always been a very popular hobby, and with affordable, high quality tools readily available, there has never been a better time to get started. There are a wide range of woodworking projects available, so you rest assured that whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced craftsman, there is plenty for you to try. However, one area that often causes confusion, particularly for beginners, is the subject of woodworking tools. Whereas a decade or two ago things were much simpler, there are now a wide range of electrical tools on the market as well as the more traditional hand tools, and it can be difficult to know what is essential to get started. To help you on your way to building your first woodworking project, here is a brief list of essential tools to get you started.
When using tools of any kind, safety is paramount, so above all else you should ensure that you have a good set of safety glasses.
Whilst not strictly a tool, a good, solid workbench is essential. Although it is possible to build your own, you can now pick up a good quality workbench relatively cheaply from almost any DIY store. When buying a workbench, look for something sturdy with good build quality. You may also want to keep an eye out for optional extras, such as a built-in vice or tool tray that may come in handy.
A good quality saw will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run, and it can be worth investing a little extra in a high end model if your budget will allow it. There are several types of saw available, each of which is designed for a specific task, though to get started, most tasks can be performed with the combination of a rip saw and a back saw. When buying a saw, look for a high-quality blade with a sturdy, comfortable handle. The number of teeth per inch the blade carries is also important, and in general, the more it has the finer the cut it will produce.
Drills are another essential piece of woodworking equipment. Aside from being able to drill holes, many also include fittings that will allow you to use it as an electric screwdriver or sander, for instance. You also have a choice of whether to have battery operated or a cordless drill. The latter is far more portable, though typically may be less powerful than a corded version. Drill bits are also an essential purchase, and it is important to buy the right bit for the job. It is worth paying a little extra for high quality drill bits, which will last far longer than their cheaper alternatives.
Sanding can be a laborious task, and it is becoming more and more commonplace to use an electric version. You can make do with various grades of sandpaper and a sanding block, though again if you can dig a little deeper into your pocket, a good quality electric palm or belt sander will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. In addition to sanding equipment, a hand plane may also be a useful addition to your workshop, which will allow you to shape smooth woods.
There are countless other tools available that will allow you to do much more, and if you're looking to move on to harder projects, or make your workshop a little more high-tech, a jigsaw or router is a good place to start. Jigsaws are typically used to cut shapes out of wood or create curved edges, whilst routers can be used to create beading, dado and other smoothed edges. Again, spending a little extra is always worthwhile when it comes to woodworking tools, as cheaper models will produce a lower quality finish and will tend to blunt much quicker.
Tom Hardin is the owner and operator of www.tomstoolshed.com. He has been using woodworking tools since 1975, when he purchased his first table saw to build furniture, supplies, toys and "what-nots" for his family and friends. He has also done extensive remodeling and basement finishing and wants to share his knowledge with people looking to do the same.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Hardin
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