Woodworking Tools & Supply Compendium

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Understanding Tools and Supplies In The Woodworkers Shop

Do you consider yourself a woodworker? Is it just a hobby or a full time career? Finding the right tools and supplies for the job can eat up valuable time. I made this lens to speed up the process of buying woodworking tools and supplies so you can get back to the shop.

I will explain what these tools are for and why you need them in your woodworking shop. I will also describe the various supplies used in woodworking as well as material and hardware.

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Woodworker's Guide To Hand Tools 

If you have done home repairs and maintenance, you may already have the hand tools necessary to build most woodworking projects. Many hand tools make woodworking easier, but I don't recommend you go out and buy all of them right away. You only need the basics to produce quality wood projects.

Tape Measure
The tape measure should be at your side at all times while your working. Do not set it down, keep it in your nail pouch or clipped to your pocket. Get in the habit of putting your tools back in their original spot and things will go a lot smoother. For woodworking a 16' or a 25' measuring tape works fine.
Center-point TapeCenter-point Tape
Now you no longer need to compute fractional formulas with this unique dual scale tape...

Center-point Tape


Squares
The square is used for measuring as well as keeping angles true. The Framing Square is primarily used for 90-degree angles, while a speed square or T-bevel is for angles other than 90 degrees. A combination square is used for measuring; marking gauge, depth gauge, and centering screw holes.
Stanley 45-011 Premium Aluminum Rafter Square

Hammers
The claw hammer is used for driving nails and pulling nails. It is also good for adjusting stubborn pieces of wood that will not line up. A mallet is used when a regular claw hammer might mar the finished surface of a project.
Vaughan 133-30 TC16 16oz Commercial Curved Claw Hammer With Hickory Handle

Nail Punch
Every woodworker should have a nail punch for driving finish nails below the surface without damaging it. Nails should be set below the surface so the holes can be easily filled. A typical nail punch set consists of a 1/32", a 1/16", and a 3/32" these will handle most woodworking jobs.
Grip 61200 3-Piece Heavy Duty Nail Punch Set

Level
Levels are used for installing woodworking projects by keeping the plumb (vertical) and level (horizontal).
They range from 96" to 12"; a woodworker needs only a 24" and a 12", while the 48" comes in handy for setting cabinets.
Kapro 784-40-24 24Inch Kapro Lite Box Level

Wood Chisels
A woodshop should have a ¼-, ½-, ¾-, and 1inch wood chisel set. Keep them sharp for best results in removing wood from hard to reach spots. They can be used in conjunction with a hammer or manipulated by hand.
Crown 4 Piece Butt Chisel SetCrown 4 Piece Butt Chisel Set
Get precise hand cutting and paring of woodworking joints, such as dovetails or mortise and tenons, with this unique 1/4'', 1/2'', 3/4'' and 1'' chisel set. Each chisel has a blade length of 3-1/2''..

Crown 4 Piece Butt Chisel Set


Hand Saw
Handsaws are not used much due to electric chop saws and table saws, but they come in handy at times. A coping saw is used for cutting decorative curves in molding and other specialty instances. You might need a hacksaw for cutting metal screws and other hardware modifications.
Disston 12'' Cross-Cut Tenon SawDisston 12'' Cross-Cut Tenon Saw
Still handcrafted from the world's finest materials, historic Disston handsaws are back! This gorgeous 12-points-per-inch, cross-cut-filed saw makes clean, smooth in-cuts in handmade tenons. The folde..

Disston 12'' Cross-Cut Tenon Saw


Utility Knife
The utility knife comes in handy in the woodshop, make sure to keep a sharp blade, or it becomes unsafe for you and your project.
Stanley 10-777 FatMax Locking Retractable Utility Knife

Screwdriver
The two main types of screwdrivers you should keep on hand are Phillips head and flat head (slotted). An electric drill can strip out a screw head; this is where the hand held screwdriver comes in handy.
5-Piece Felo Screwdriver Set - Internet Only Special Offer!5-Piece Felo Screwdriver Set - Internet Only Special Offer!
This premium set includes five beech-handled, German-made screwdrivers
(two Phillips, three slotted) in the most popular sizes. Black-tipped shafts
run up through the handles for added strength. A..

5-Piece Felo Screwdriver Set - Internet Only Special Offer!



Clamps

While the do-it-yourself woodworker can get away without having clamps, a professional woodworker will need an assortment of clamps to assure the job looks good. A 4" C-clamp is used for smaller applications, while a 48" bar clamp is crucial for gluing panels and manipulating troublesome material.

Sure-Foot u2122 Aluminum Bar ClampsRockler's exclusive design features an extra-wide 2-1/2" foot for exceptional stability and higher base that raises bar 1-1/2" above the table for excellent handle clearance. Create 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft ... or longer clamps with the Extension Connector Kit!

Sure-Foot u2122 Aluminum Bar Clamps

Sure-Foot u2122 Aluminum Bar Clamps

What Power Tools Do I Need? 

In order to build most woodworking projects you will need a few power tools. Some are crucial, while others simply speed up the process. Remember to be safe when using power tools, never get in a hurry. Use good judgment and caution at all times, one mistake with a power tool can be devastating.

Miter Saw
Every woodshop should include a miter saw or chop saw. Used to cut lengths of plywood as well as moldings this tool is one of the most important.
DeWalt DW715R Factory Reconditioned DW715 Heavy-Duty 12-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw Plus BONUS DeWalt DW3123B 12Inch X 32T Circular Saw Blade a $40 Val

Circular Saw
The circular saw is used for general rough cutting in a woodshop, unless you are good at cutting a straight line, which takes a steady hand. Rip guides and jigs can help in cutting straight, but it does not compare to the table saw. Keep a variety of blades on hand for different types of material. The more teeth the finer your cut will be, and make sure the blade is sharp to keep from splintering your project.
Makita 5007MG Factory Reconditioned 7 1/4 Inch Magnesium Circular Saw

Table Saw
Probably the most important tool in a woodshop, the table saw performs like no circular saw can. With a fence to guide you, this tool can make perfect cuts in any type of material. Thin kerf blades are better for hardwoods, while more teeth cause less splintering. Change your blade often to prolong the life of your table saw, and keep it dust free around the motor by blowing it off daily.
Jet JWTS-10 1-1/2HP 10'' Workshop TablesawJet JWTS-10 1-1/2HP 10'' Workshop Tablesaw
Jet JWTS-10 1-1/2HP WRKSHP TBLESW

Surface ground cast iron table with miter slots and beveled edge provides a sturdy, flat work surface

Steel extension wings increase your work a..

Jet JWTS-10 1-1/2HP 10'' Workshop Tablesaw


Drills
An electric drill is a proven timesaver in the woodshop, while a cordless drill can be invaluable. Make sure you choose a drill with 3/8" chuck and variable speed. Another great option is the keyless chuck, which makes changing bits lighting fast. If you purchase a cordless drill, make sure it has two batteries so you are not waiting on one to recharge to finish the task at hand.
Makita 6347DWDE Factory Reconditioned 18V 1/2 inch MForce TM Cordless Drill/Driver

Drill Bits
Every woodshop should have a drill index that contains 1/16" to ½" drill bits. For drilling larger holes, paddle bits are great. Keep your drill bits sharp to prevent unsightly splintering as well as stress on the drill. You can sharpen them yourself, or send them in to be professionally sharpened.
Performance W9015 21 Piece Drill Bit Set

Nail Gun
Today woodworkers use nail guns because of the time they save. It will sink any size nail into the hardest material in a matter of seconds, even countersinking the head. If you are constructing a large project out of wood, the nail gun is the only way to go.
Bostitch BT200K-2 Factory Reconditioned 5/8Inch to 2Inch Oil-Free Brad Nailer Kit, 18 Gauge

Jig Saw
If you cut arches or pockets in your projects, a jigsaw is necessary. Always use a sharp blade to extend the life of your drill and ensure a fine cut every time. Various blades can be purchased to cut other material like metal and ceramic, making the jigsaw a versatile tool in the woodshop.
Bosch 1590EVSK Jig SawBosch 1590EVSK Jig Saw
Top-handle jig saw is loaded with great features to make it the most
precise and powerful jig saw on the market!

With 6.4 amp motor...

Bosch 1590EVSK Jig Saw



Router
For rounding and creating decorative edges, the router is the only way to go. Routers also make dadoes and grooves or flutes, so make sure you have one in your woodshop. Low horsepower models are great for the do-it-yourself woodworker, but if you are a professional, you will want a router with high horsepower to ensure longer life span.
Porter Cable 690LR RouterPorter Cable 690LR Router
The new lever release feature lets you make quick and easy height adjustments, especially when table mounted.
..

Porter Cable 690LR Router


Router Bits
A good selection of router bits is essential in creating beautiful work in the woodshop. A few of the must have bits are; roundover, flush trim, and cove. Include a chamfer and rabbeting bit for more specific projects. A mortise bit is generally used for setting hinges in the wood giving it a flush look.
Freud 13 Piece Super Bit SetFreud 13 Piece Super Bit Set
Application: Offers a mix of woodworkers' favorite bits, including "V" grooving, flush trimming, chamfering and dovetailing.
All bits have 1/2" shanks.
Set comes in Freud's unique shadow box case ..

Freud 13 Piece Super Bit Set


Sander
If you have a lot of sanding to do get an orbital sander, this will pay for itself in valuable time. Vibrating sanders are great if you just have a small amount to sand. If you are a career woodworker, the orbital sander is necessary. Sandpaper comes in different grits for various stages of sanding. Fine grits are used for the final sanding process, while course grits are used for removing irregularities and excess glue seepage.
Porter Cable 390K 5'' Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop PadPorter Cable 390K 5'' Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop Pad
A new standard for palm-grip sanders! This low-profile tool's revolutionary 3.5 Amp EnduraTech brushless motor boosts performance in every major aspect of operation; and with 71% fewer wearable parts,..

A Look at Woodworking Material 

Woodworking materials come in many types, try to start a list for reference if you are a beginner. As time goes by you will use the reference list less often. Soon you will be knowledgeable with every wood species as well as the different types of material.

Plywood
Plywood comes in 4' x8' sheets of varying thickness, this is ideal for creating cabinet walls, floors and shelves. Thinner stock is generally used for cabinet's back and drawers. It is available in any type of wood finish. Plywood is layered using thin sheets of veneer glued together and pressed flat making it ideal for woodworking projects.
Precut PlywoodPrecut Plywood
High quality A2 grade veneer core plywood...

Precut Plywood


MDF
Medium Density Fiber or MDF is a great product; it never warps bends or twist like plywood. The only drawback is its weight, which can is around 95 lbs. per 4x8 sheet. It comes in any species of wood like plywood. It consists of tiny fibers glued and pressed into a flat sheet; a thin veneer is applied to the flat sides when a specific wood type is needed.

Lumber
Lumber comes in hardwood or softwood varieties, in many different species. Generally ¾" thick but can be special ordered in thicker stock. It is used in making the face frames and doors on cabinets, as well as smaller woodworking projects.
Red Oak in Dimensioned SizesRed Oak in Dimensioned Sizes
All of our domestic species are premium grade stock. Note: The lumber on this page is offered at a price per lineal inch. To order, check the box next to one or more desired dimensions of lumber and c..

Red Oak in Dimensioned Sizes


Molding
Molding comes in any species of wood and is used for dressing up cabinets and other wood projects. It can add detail as well as hide seams and plywood edges. Some common types of molding include; base, casing, crown mold, chair rail, and shoe or quarter round.
3/8'' Quarter-Round Molding3/8'' Quarter-Round Molding
Great as a shoe molding or as an add-on to crowns. Available in birch, oak or
walnut. 1/4"W x 48"L x 3/16" thick...

3/8'' Quarter-Round Molding

Fasteners and Adhesives for Putting It All Together 

Knowing which type of fastener to use during each phase of a woodworking project is important. Nails, screws, and glue hold it all together. However, you must use the right one for each application.

Nails
Nails are used in conjunction with glue to create a bond that lasts a lifetime. Nails range from 5/8" up to 2 ½" Smaller nails are called brads, while the larger ones are called finish nails. Carpenters use larger nails called box or common nails these range from 1"-6".
Paslode 650213 1-1/4 Inch 18 Gauge Brad Nail 2000/bx

Wood Screws
Wood screws are ideal for fastening material that need added strength. Generally used in places not visible when finished, wood screws take longer than nails to install. They range from 1"-3" with a Phillips head for easy installation. Square head screws are commonly used for cabinet installation; they are less likely to strip out.

Wood Glue
Carpenter or wood glue can set up in a matter of minutes making it ideal for many wood projects. Weatherproof wood glue is used for outdoor application as well as indoor woodwork that is in a wet location.
Titebond® and Titebond® II Extend Wood GluesTitebond® and Titebond® II Extend Wood Glues
Slower setting gives you time to complete complex assemblies. Allows 15 minutes of open time. Available in both general purpose Titebond and weatherproof Titebond II formulas. Sold in gallons...

Titebond® and Titebond® II Extend Wood Glues

Am I Going To Need Hardware? 

Hardware is used in many instances in woodworking. It is typically made from metal and polished with a variety of finishes. Some hardware is common to woodworking, while other types are more specialized.

Knobs & Pulls
Knobs and pulls are used to open cabinet doors and drawers. They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Wood, ceramic, metal and plastic knobs and pulls come in any color you can think of. They are generally fastened with machine screws through a hole drilled in the door or drawer.
Grand Avenue Collection Oil Rubbed Bronze 1-1/4'' Rope KnobGrand Avenue Collection Oil Rubbed Bronze 1-1/4'' Rope Knob
The classic hand-forged look of the frontier, rooted in traditional styles
from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

1-1/4" diameter.
Plated metal.
Includes mounting hardware...

Grand Avenue Collection Oil Rubbed Bronze 1-1/4'' Rope Knob


Drawer Slides
Drawers need drawer slides to function properly. They come in many lengths from 12" to 30" and beyond, a cabinet will generally only need drawer slides in the 12" to 24" range. Full extension drawer slides are a bit more expensive, however the finished product is much nicer.
Accuride Full Extension Low Profile Box Drawer Slide (Series 2632)Accuride Full Extension Low Profile Box Drawer Slide (Series 2632)
Recommended
for smaller drawers such as those found in jewelry chests or tool boxes.75lb. load rating.

..

Accuride Full Extension Low Profile Box Drawer Slide (Series 2632)


Hinges
Hinges are used to hang doors so they open and close properly. Decorative hinges come in a variety of shapes and finishes. Often they are self-closing, so no latch is needed.
3/83/8" Inset Hinges


A low profile hinge with only the only the 2" long barrel showing. Use on doors with a 3/8" lip. No catch is required on the snap closing hinge.

..

3/8" Inset Hinges


Catches and Latches
Catches and latches are more decorative than functional, since the invention of self-closing hinges. They are typically is in specialty wood projects. A magnetic catch is useful for applications that do not merit externally mounted hardware. They can be push button types so it's easy to reach up and open a door with a push.
Magnetic Push LatchMagnetic Push Latch
Magnetic Push Latch is spring loaded and only 1/2'' high. Made of brown plastic...

Magnetic Push Latch


Shelf Standards and Clips
Adjustable shelves in cabinets are held in place with shelf standards or a hole drilled for shelf clips. The shelf standard is a strip of metal with notches for the clip; this fits in to a dado in the cabinet wall.
Brass Shelf StandardsBrass Shelf Standards
These brass-finished shelf standards can be either flush or surface mounted...

Brass Shelf Standards

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by Chris70

Cabinetmaker/Woodworker with over 20 years experience in design & craftsmanship. I own a cabinet shop in central Texas, which is my true passion as w... (more)
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