For a great start in woodworking, any aspiring woodworker should first concentrate on getting his hands on some of the basic hand tools. Basically, a woodworker should have some measuring tools, cutting tools, shaping tools, joining tools and a few equipments for safety and maintenance. If one were to list all the tools in the categories above, it will be quite a long list.
So, we have decided to list only the most basic must-have hand woodworking tools for beginners.
- Tape Measure:
Take any woodworking project you will always need to measure things. That is why the very first thing that you must have is a tape measure. A quality tape measure will last for ages, so make sure you buy a good one. A retractable tape measure that is at least 25” with both metric and standard marking and one that comes with a locking mechanism is a good choice.
- Combination Square:
This tool helps one to pencil a line on a stock at 45 or 90 degrees. It can multi-task are a ruler and a marking gauge. Buy the best quality combination square you can afford, as it is going to be one of the most used tools.
- Hand Saws:
There are actually a variety of saws and a beginner will definitely need to include a couple of types in his tool kit like cross cut saw, dovetail saw, rip saw, etc. Saws are used to cut both across and along the grains. For a beginner, having a cross cut and a rip saw of 8-10” length are good enough.
List of basic woodworking tools for beginners.
- Chisels
Chisels are among the first must have woodworking tools for beginners. In fact, here one size fits all doesn’t work – you must have a set of bench chisels of sizes ¼“, ¾” and 1”, as well as ¼“mortise chisel. They come quite handy to clean your mortises and joints.
- Screw Driver
A good set of screw drivers is indispensable for a woodworker to own. Don’t try to cut costs here as a cheap set of screw driver won’t last long. It is advisable that you buy the best quality you can afford.
- Levels
In order to check if a stock is perfectly smooth or not, you will need levels. Buy them in two sizes- a long one around 36” and a short torpedo level which is around 6”. They last for a lifetime, unless you lose them.
- Block Plane
A small block plane is needed forchamfering edges, smoothing end grains and leveling joints. It also helps in shaving away thin slices of wood from the stock to give it a better finish. So, it is another indispensable woodworking tool for beginners in the field.
- Finish Head Claw Hammer
The claw hammer with a finish head is a very versatile tool, one that you will use almost every day. Choose one that has a comfortable grip and is not too heavy for you.A20 oz. model is typically a standard one to have.
These were some of the basic hand woodworking tools for beginner. As a rule make sure to buy quality tools only as they are not only durable but also safe.
