Just coming back from the enormous tool show and since there were thousands of people there, someone gave you the bug.
Your not sick at all, you’ve got the bug to start a new hobby. Time to try your hand at woodworking. Swing by the library and check out a few books on the subject or continue to read our blog.
Honey, I’m Going Out to Pick-Up a Few Things
To quote John Eaton (the 13th U.S. Secretary of War), “If you ain’t got no axe, you can’t cut no wood.” That’s just another way of saying you need the right tool for the job. So, as a burgeoning woodworker, here’s a list of “gotta have” tools:
Chisels.
The sizes you’ll want to purchase are ¼, ½, ¾ and 1 inchers. Might want to grab two sets from a pair of different manufacturers just to see which one you like best. You’ll likewise need to keep them ultra sharp.
Screwdrivers.
Get a nice set of screwdrivers that includes diverse sizes of flathead and Phillips. While you’re at it, throw a couple of star drivers, Torx and square heads.
Block Plane.
You want to give your wood a nice shave. That’s where a small block plane comes in handy. It’s good for edge cleaning, too.
Claw Hammer.
No need to go big with this tool. A 20-ouncer will suit you just fine.
Level.
Choices can be the old bubble-based model or one of the high tech laser jobs. If you’re going to the traditional, get a 3-footer and a 6-foot unit.
Two 6-inch Layout Squares.
Without this, how would you measure a straight line or mark a 45-degree angle? This one is pocket sized, but it wouldn’t hurt to also buy a 12-inch one.
Nail Sets.
After you hammer a nail in place, you don’t want its head sticking-out. Enter a nail set. This tool will let you hammer the nail beneath or flush with the surface of the lumber.
25-foot Retractable Tape Measure.
Get one that has standard markings on one side and goes metric on the other. Make sure it locks. The hook at the end of the tape measure has a little give for a reason. That will help you for internal or external measurements.
Sliding Bevel.
This device is a spitting image of a square. The big difference is that it’s flexible and can be swung around to every angle conceivable. With the locking feature you’ll be able to transfer the precise measurement to another piece of lumber.
Utility Knife.
What an indispensable tool, unless you’re taking a flight somewhere. Purchase one made of some metal alloy that has an internal compartment where you can house the unused, sharp razor blades in case the current one gets dull. This beats a well-tuned kitchen knife by a mile.
Want more tips on wood working? Read up on some of our past posts!
