5 Tools To Get Started Woodworking

written by Chelsea Rodgers

If you have always wanted to get started woodworking but felt it was too overwhelming to tackle on your own, then we’re here to help. We’re going to tell you the 5 basic tools you need to dive right into woodworking with confidence.

These tools (in our opinion) are the tools that can get you started woodworking and won’t sit on the shelf collecting dust. You’ll get the most bang for your buck with these tools:

1 Table saw

It’s no secret that the table saw makes a woodworker’s life so much easier, making cutting wood a more accurate and convenient process. By investing in a table saw, you’ll be able to cut down boards, make crown molding, and even cut curved or crooked boards. Table saws come in many shapes and sizes, a very popular model is the all-purpose Contractors Saw by SawStop. It gives versatility, reliability and safety for a variety of users.

https://www.sawstop.com/table-saws/by-model/contractor-saw

2. Drill

If you plan to do a lot of woodworking then you don’t want to cheap out on the drill, invest in a quality drill. The same goes for the bits. You pretty much use the drill on every project so you want your drill to keep up with your craft. Our favorite is the Rikon Model 30-212VS: 12” VS Drill Press because it features a powerful motor and a Vari-speed pulley system that adjusts to chuck speeds with a simple turning of a lever! https://www.rikontools.com/product/30-212vs

3. Pocket Hole Jig

Basically jigs allow you to drill what’s called a ”pocket hole” into the ends of boards so that you can drive a screw through it and attach pieces together, There are so many different options for jigs. You can go itty bitty to large benchtop mounted jigs. For beginners, we recommend the Milescraft Pocket Jig2000 Pocket Hole Jig. It’s the perfect size that doesn’t take up a whole lot of space. You can find it on our sister company, Eagle America’s website. (www.eagleamerica.com) Item number 400-2101.

4. Router

The router is undeniably the most versatile tool to any woodworker. It does a lot more than just cut out fancy edges, Routers are commonly used for cabinet making and plunging. But the router can also make joints, cut dadoes, and even cut rabbets. We like the Rocky30 Trim Router (#9060) because it is compact and easy to use. The Rocky30 can be used with a fixed base or a plunge base, making the router even more versatile than ever. The Rocky 30 is now available cordless!

5. Sander

Woodworkers know the key secret to a quality finish to any woodworking project is a great sanding. The Oscillating Spindle Sander is in our opinion the king of all sanders. This sander is one sander with two distinct functions – giving you a spindle sander and a belt sander all in one machine.

#mlcs #woodworking