As a beginner woodworker, you should buy the most important tools first. With the right tools, you will be able to complete your projects and, more importantly, gain valuable experience. With that in mind, here are five woodworking tools to get you started.
Circular saw
Used primarily to make straight cuts, a circular saw is a must-have tool even for a beginner working on a budget. With a circular saw, you would not necessarily need to buy a table saw because a circular saw can perform most of the work performed by a table saw. For instance, you can use a circular saw to make bevel/miter cuts, as well as make straight accurate rip cuts, including long rips. Moreover, with the right blades, you can use a circular saw in fine woodworking projects.
Miter saw
With a bevel angle ranging from 0 degrees to +45 or -- 45 degrees, a sliding compound miter saw is specifically designed for cutting wood and other materials at different angles accurately. For this reason, a miter saw is an essential tool for woodworking projects that require angled pieces. Examples of such projects include making picture frames, ceiling trim, decorative wall panels, cabinet molding, crown molding, wall panels and baseboards. Miter saws are generally classified into two main categories: compound and non-compound miter saws. Compound miter saws have a blade tilting (bevel) system in addition to the mitering system, meaning they can make compound cuts. A compound cut is basically a combination of both a bevel and a miter cut. The cost of a miter saw depends on its size and features. Hop on over and read Protoolzone's top miter saw buyer's guide for your woodworking projects.
Jigsaw
Similar to a band saw, a jigsaw is used primarily to cut curved and circular patterns in stock. Moreover, when fitted with the right blade, a jigsaw can cut other materials including drywall, fiberglass and steel. Beyond cutting patterns, you can also use a jigsaw to make bevel and compound cuts in materials. Jigsaws are available in both corded and cordless models. While both models are portable, the latter model can be used virtually anywhere on a job site, making it popular with contractors. If you are looking for versatility, you should go for an orbital-action, corded jigsaw with a quick blade change system.
Table saw
This is arguably the most important and versatile tool in a typical woodworking shop. You can make a table saw to make a variety of cuts including rip cuts, cross-cuts, dados, tenons, as well as miter/bevel cuts. This means that a table saw will likely be the centerpiece around which you use or organize all your other tools, so you should not skimp on this important woodworking tool. Table saws generally fall into one of three categories: hybrid saws, contractor's saws and cabinet saws. Some of the most important considerations when buying a table saw include the size, voltage requirements, fence system, safety features and dust collection system.
Cordless drill
A cordless drill is a versatile and useful woodworking tool that you can rely on for both big and small woodworking projects, from remodeling projects to installing fixtures. Some of the important considerations when choosing a cordless drill include the type of batteries and motor. Drills with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are generally more powerful and run longer between charges compared to drills with nickel-cadmium batteries. Similarly, drills with a brushless motor generally last longer and generate more power compared to drills with other types of motors.
Conclusion
Some of the most important tools for a beginner woodworker include a cordless drill, table saw, miter saw, jigsaw and circular saw. Consider these items to be some of the best gift ideas for the husband, brother, father, son, friend on your shopping list for any occasion!
