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[W949]Woodworking Tools And Equipment

by Ray J. Walberg, Ray

You will need a number of hand tools to properly shape wood:

Clamps-It is a good idea to have a variety of sizes, but they do not cost much, and they last a long time, so used ones will serve as well as new ones.

Bench chisels-Get about 6 of these, ranging from one quarter of an inch to one inch.

Wire brushes-Good, stiff ones

Saws-At least a back saw, a tenon and a dovetail saw. They get a lot of use, so if you buy them used, make sure the teeth are not damaged, but you can have the sharpened.

Files-Start with a ten inch bastard mill file; you can add others later.

Hammer-A good quality 16 ounce hammer.

Mallet-Needed for driving chisels

Allen wrenches-Various sizes

Screwdrivers-A set of various sizes in both Phillips head and flat head.

Awls-Marking and Scratching

Pliers-Channel lock and Needle nose

Scrapers-A paint scraper and a hand scraper

Miscellaneous-T bevel, tape measure, steel ruler, level, putty knife, utility knife and protractor

The ideal way to set up a woodworking shop is to buy a small quantity of good quality tools rather than a lot of cheap hand tools. You'll only end up paying more in the long run if you buy cheap tools, since they will have to be replaced often. Brand names to look for are Armstrong, Stanley and Snap On.

You can buy used tools if you look for ones in good condition. There are many antique or German made hand tools on sale. Hand tools last longer than power tools, since they are no mechanical parts to cause problems, so older ones are not a problem. Older hand tools are also frequently of better quality than newer ones.

Many hand tools can be found at yard or garage sales, but you may have to search a lot to get everything you need. Check the newspapers for ones that are offering tools (sellers frequently mention the types of merchandise they have)and visit as many yard sales as you can to build your collection.

Another excellent source for used hand tools is flea markets. Since there are so many more tables, you can cover a lot more ground than you can at garage or yard sales. Just remember that flea market merchants are used to haggling over price, so don't pay the first price they quote, you will probably be paying too much.

At both yard sales and flea markets, you can get a better bargain if you wait till the end of the day, since the sellers may then be happy just to get rid of their stuff. Another hint is that if someone is selling a number of tools, they may be willing to give you a quantity discount.

Woodworking is an ancient art. People have been working with wood for centuries. The only real big difference is the tools used. Woodworking machinery today is more advanced and there is more variety in choices than ever before. These tools really have only changed the speed and precision, not the actual techniques.
Top Three Tools
There are three main pieces of woodworking machinery that a woodworker needs. These three will really help when it comes to getting a project done quickly and making it precise. The circular or table saw is the first of the three. You can use either a handheld or table saw. It offer versatility. It can make angled cuts, curves or straight cuts and is perfect for cutting long boards. It usually has changeable blades.
A router is a fancier cutting tool. It is used with a table to make use easier. It has a guide that holds the wood in place and allow you to cut details and other fancy work into your wood pieces. A jig saw is the final of the three tools you must have. A jig saw is great for smaller projects. It can be used to make toys, decorations or carvings.
Other Tools
The top three tools are not the only tools you might want. There is many other woodworking machinery you might want to buy. You will likely decide to add other tools to your collect as you start working on projects. You may learn through talking to their woodworkers about a new tool or get suggestions on tools to use to make your projects easier. One tool in addition to the top three that you might want to consider is an air compressor which can be used for hydraulic tools, such as a nail finisher.
Basic Tools you can not Forget
Besides the newer tools and machinery, there are some basic tools you should not forget to buy. You will need a chisel set and a hand square. You should also think about a mallet and measuring tools. It is through a combination of old, beloved tools and new, exciting tools that you can create some amazing projects. So do not write off traditional tools just because they are old and simple.
Some tools do not have to be fancy and electric to get the job done and they are exactly what you need to do the best job. You will find by using traditional tools and newer tools that you can make projects quickly, but that are also great quality and something you can be proud of.

Article Source : Pg. 132

About Author

Both Ray J. Walberg & Nils Wulfend are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ray J. Walberg has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Family and Home Management. Ray Walberg is publishing almost entirely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , an online site with topics around discount tools . His work on