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Wood Working Tools

Good Tools are Essential for Wood Workers

Wood Working Tools - A Detailed Guide

By:Ciara McNamara

Wood working is a popular and relaxing hobby. When you get started, you will need a variety of wood working tools.

But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. By purchasing what you can used and shopping for discount tools you can build your wood working tool collection inexpensively.

Chisels

Look for high quality, durable chisels, as these will get a lot of use. Rockler wood working chisels are durable and affordable.

You will need a variety of chisels in sizes from ¼ to 2 inches wide, depending on the project. Chisels can be used by hand or you can tap them with a wooden mallet.

Clamps

Clamps are needed for gluing projects together. A wide variety of sizes are available. These are generally inexpensive, so pick them up whenever you find them.

These can often be found used in good condition. Buy some whenever you can find them cheaply to build your collection.

Squares

Squares are important for accurate measuring. You will need a framing square or a carpenter's square. A try square is often used in furniture making.

These come in sizes from three to twelve inches. Look for squares that are marked in inches and meters.

A combination square has two pieces: a head and a steel blade. These are a great tool for measuring 45 or 90 degree angles.

Drills

Drills come in corded or cordless models.

Corded drills work well and are less expensive.

Great features to look for include reverse, variable speed controls and attachments for a drill press.

If you want a cordless drill, look for high voltage batteries to be sure it will have adequate power. Look for a model with two batteries, so one can be charging while you work with the other.

You will need a variety of drill bits for wood working projects.

Hand planes

Planes are made of steel or wood and are used for a variety of purposes.

A jack plane is used for rough shaping and comes in twelve to fifteen inch sizes.

A block plane is used for trimming.

Smoothing planes are good for fine cuts and are eight or nine inches long.

Other wood working tools you will need include:

• 16 ounce claw hammer
• wrenches
• screwdrivers
• tape measure
• safety glasses
• sand paper
• level
• hack saw
• pliers
• hand saw

Finding Wood Working Tools

Don’t rush out to buy the cheapest tools you can find to supply your workshop. Wait until you can afford quality items that will last.

Buying cheap wood working tools is a decision you could well live to regret. A good set will last for years, unlike cheap tools which will have to be replaced many times over the same time period.

The internet is a good place to search for discount wood working tools. Look for well known names, such as Rockwell, Sears Craftsman, Hitachi and Ridgid tools.

Rockler wood working tools are well known for quality.

By purchasing major brands that are known for quality, you are more likely to end up with a product that will give you years of dependable use.

One way to find quality tools at an affordable price is to buy them used. These can be found at flea markets, yard sales, antique auctions or your local classifieds. Tools are often in good shape, particularly if they got little use.

Hand tools are almost always a good bet when purchased used.

Be careful when purchasing used power tools. They are generally good if they were gently or rarely used. Check them out thoroughly and try them to be sure they are in good condition. Ask about how often they were used and when they were first purchased to get a better idea of the overall condition.

By: Ciara McNamara, who publishes many articles for Inside Wood Working

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