The popularity of doing wood crafts has just exploded within the last few years. More and more crafters are choosing projects that are wood crafts. Wood crafts have lots of variety and different avenues to explore but it is important that a crafter have the right equipment. Following is a brief description of several types of equipment you may need in order to successfully do the projects-
Wood-building projects-can include projects where you put together pre-cut pieces or projects that involve the cutting and finishing of the wood before the project can be assembled. If you are looking at pre-cut projects than assembly tools (small vices, tweezers and sanding tools) will be all that you need. If you are looking to take on bigger projects such as turning out candlesticks, shelves or pieces of furniture you will need a Radial Arm. This type of saw can accomplish most of your precision cuts. Having a Router can come in handy as well. Other tools that would be useful would include: a small table saw, Bank saw, Scroll saw, Drill press, Belt and Wheel Sander. There are other assorted small woodworking hand tools that are available as well. What you get for your wood crafts really depends on what you will be working on, your budget and personal preference.
While most people think of power tools when they think about woodworking tools that is not the only type of tools you need to consider. You need to keep in mind that you do not only need power tools in order to successfully complete many different projects, you should also consider buying some hand woodworking tools. It can be confusing and overwhelming to know exactly which tools someone should buy when they are first starting, but there are simple ways to build your collection without spending a fortune. Following are some of the hand tools you might need for wood working projects-
• Clamps – You may need to buy these in a number of different sizes for different types of wood. These are fairly cheap and you should be able to find them for quite a reasonable price. It’s fine to buy these used if you want.
• Chisels – You may need quite a few chisels in a number of different sizes
• Wire Brush – When buying these keep in mind the stiffer the better
• Saw – You will need several types’ of hand saws, a tenon saw, back saw and dovetail saw.
• Planes – These will be needed to smooth the surfaces of wood. You at least need a simple one when you are starting to wood working projects.
• Scrapers-Be sure that you have a hand scraper and paint scraper
• Files-You may need to buy a collection of different files in different sizes.
Other Tools You should consider:
• Hammer-Be sure to invest in a high quality hammer
• Mallet – This will be vital for hitting your chisel
• Wrenches – You may need these in a number of different sizes
• Screwdrivers
• Tape measure
• T bevel
• Level
• Steel Ruler
• Set Squares
• Awls
• Putty Knife
• Protractor
• Utility Knife
• Pliers – It is important to choose ones with needle nose tips and channel lock.
It can be very expensive to set up your own woodworking shop. While it may be tempting just to rush out and buy the cheapest hand tools that you can lay your hands on in order to save money it is important to know that you really do get what you pay for. It can be a false economy to buy these cheap tools as they are unlikely to last anywhere near as long as high quality tools. If possible stick to reliable brand names. Well-known brand name tools tend to be quality tools for long term use.