subject: Woodworker's Tools [print this page] After you've established your shop, you should invest in some power tools. This list of the magnificent seven power tools are generally accepted as the basis for a thriving workshop.
A circular saw is number one on the list. Test before you invest. Check out the saw's speed and structure to determine how it handles all categories of wood, from soft to hard. The circular saw will end up being the first thing you reach for when you have to make a cut.
You'll also need a power drill. Battery operated drills are handy, but you will find it is nowhere near as strong as an electric powered one. Corded drills also can be operated at slower or faster speeds depending on the job. A good all-purpose corded drill with a 3/8ths inch capacity won't cost too much and will have a variety of uses around the house.
Once you invest in a jigsaw your cutting options will take your work into new directions. Their thin blades can cut a various speeds during operation. Look for a jigsaw that allow you to swap out blades without snapping your patients.
Every workshop should have a sander. They are very easy to handle. Because the sanding surface spins that various rates, it creates a nice, even finish that only the pros can achieve using a hand sander.
You'll have to dig a little deeper into your pocket for the next item, a table saw. This is important so don't try to skimp. Find a strong one that has a handle that lets you lower or raise the saw. Most of all, a table saw should have a sound motor that is strong enough so that it gives you a clean cut whether you are working with hard or soft wood.
For making cuts at vertical and horizontal angles at the end of a piece of wood, you'll need a compound miter saw. A miter saw will eventually become your substitute for the circular saw, allowing for clean, sharp cuts with a little practice.
The final power tool is a router. This tool allows you to cut and shape wood by hollowing out a targeted area. Start with a stationary base model that has a minimum 2-horsepower engine and a variable speed option. A wide range of router bits allows you to create round, square, and V-shaped grooves that will add to the beauty of your woodworking project. After you know how to use a router, you'll be able to make beautiful designs.
