Since the beginning of time men have worked with wood to mould it into shelter and to serve many different functions. Really the only thing that has changed is the tools they use to make their projects. In fact, the basic concepts of drilling, sawing, and shaping have remained the same throughout time. It is only the speed and precision with which they are able to do it that has changed.

The 3 Most Important Pieces of Woodworking Machinery

If you could only stock your workshop with three pieces of machinery, what would they be? Here are some reasons why these 3 pieces of equipment make a complete workshop.

1. Circular or Table Saw: This can be a handheld or table saw. A table saw offers more versatility as it can be angled for mitre cuts and allows jigs to be used for better precision in cutting long lengths of boards. A hand saw can make straight or curved cuts. Even materials other than wood, such as vinyl siding, can be cut with a saw with interchangeable blades.

2. Router with Table: A router allows for fancier cuts and more professional looking woodworking projects. The table beneath the router just makes the job easier. A guide fence keeps wood in place as it cuts. An adjustable table will allow you to work intricate details at a height that gives you the most control.

3. Jig Saw: When your wood projects are not limited to mouldings and flooring a jig saw allows you to craft all sorts of smaller, more detailed projects. You can create toys, decorations, carve signs or intricate fireplace mantels with a jig saw.

Of course there are dozens of pieces of woodworking machinery and basic tools that serious wood workers need. Usually the home improvement novice starts with the tools they need for their first project and build from there. In trying to decide what a good first project to tackle is and which tools are needed to go with it, one of the easiest and most affordable is to install wood mouldings. Crown moulding is inexpensive and requires learning how to make mitre cuts. There are corner pieces on the market that make the job even easier and the only machinery needed is a basic saw. An air compressor that has a hydraulic finishing nailer attached is also another great piece of machinery for installing wood mouldings or flooring.

Timeless Tools of the Trade

There are hand tools that are timeless and are still used the same today as they were even centuries ago. The chisel for example can shape a single piece of wood into a masterpiece. A good set of chisels today can still create the details of a router with precision based on the skill of the craftsman.

A hand square or set of squares allow for exact squaring of corners and edges. They are the first step in the old carpenter's adage, “measure twice and cut once.” Squares make sure everything is right before making any permanent cuts.

Combining the best of the old and the new is most likely to create a workshop of woodworking tools and machinery that work for you. Soon you'll develop a preference for the way one tool works over another and your inventory of machinery will grow to reflect the next big project on your list.