Woodworking is an art that requires precision, patience, and the proper set of tools. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a DIY enthusiast, or looking to jump into woodworking, understanding the purpose and application of various woodworking tools is crucial. If tools are not used correctly and safely, all of these tools can be very dangerous.
In this article, we'll explore some of the most commonly used woodworking tools and the ones we use to create our pieces.
Planer
A planer is a tool that creates uniform wood thicknesses across its length and width. There are different types of planers, such as hand planers, electric hand planers, and large equipment planers. Hand and electric hand planers require more skill as it's more about look and feel than putting the wood through a machine. These tools require the operator to shave the necessary depth across the wood grain by feel and sight. On the other hand, large equipment planers are machines in which you insert the wood that takes off the depth needed across the wood grain.
Example Uses of a Planer
A planer is particularly useful when working with rough lumber, such as when making a tabletop. Using a planer ensures that all the boards are of the same thickness, resulting in a smooth and level surface. All lumber we use is rough lumber, so a planer is necessary in our shop to ensure the wood is all the same depth and smooth.
Jointer
When preparing stock for a project, it is essential to use a jointer. This tool is used to flatten the face of a board and square up one edge to this face. Jointing a board before putting it through the planer is essential for one even surface. Otherwise, the board may not lay flat despite being the same depth.
Example Uses of a Jointer
When building a tray or cutting/charcuterie board, all pieces must be even, flat, and square to fit together seamlessly when gluing.
Table Saw
A table saw is a versatile tool that can be used to make straight cuts along the length of a board (rip cuts) or across the width of a board (crosscuts). It is an indispensable tool for many woodworking projects.
Example Uses of a Table Saw
When buying wood, it is unlikely that you will find the exact width you need. Therefore, you must cut the wood to the required width at some point. To do this, you will need first use a jointer to create a straight and square side. If you use unmilled or reclaimed wood, you will need to cut the pieces down to the desired width after jointing before putting them through the planer.
Using a table saw can be intimidating, but with accompanying tools like feather boards and push tools, it can be made safer.
Band Saw
A band saw is a versatile tool ideal for making curved or irregular cuts. It is perfect for creative projects and can also be used for ripping and crosscutting boards, especially smaller pieces. You can buy different types of blades for the bandsaw to achieve different cutting purposes.
Example Uses of the Band Saw
I make various items like charcuterie boards or cutting board handles, which require precise cutting and angles that are difficult to achieve with other tools. I utilize templates and patterns that guide me in cutting as close as possible to the desired shape to achieve accuracy. I use a router or a sander to smoothen the surface for further refinement. I also use the band saw when working with tiny pieces of wood.
Mitre Saw
A mitre saw is a specialized tool for cutting precise angles, usually for moulding and framing. It can also be used for making cross-cuts to the desired length.
Example Uses of the Mitre Saw
A mitre saw can help you achieve seamless corner joints if you are making a picture frame. You can set the saw to the right angle and cut all four pieces of wood, ensuring the corners fit perfectly. This applies to any piece where angles are essential. I used to consider the mitre saw and circular saw as my favourite tools until I became more experienced using the table saw and learned how to use each one for its best purpose. I primarily use the mitre saw for cutting pieces to the same length or for angle cuts.
Drill Press
A drill press is a tool used to drill holes into wood, metal, or plastic precisely and easily. It is beneficial when you need to bore multiple holes of the same depth using the same drill bit.
Example Uses of the Drill Press
We use our drill press regularly to ensure consistent hole depth for taco board dowels. We also use a Forstner bit on the drill press to cut consistent holes for wine racks.
Router
A router is a tool that can be used for hollowing out an area on the face of a wooden piece. It is commonly used for creating decorative edging, making grooves, or designing intricate patterns on furniture. There are different types of routers available. We use a fixed base router that is placed upside down on a router table for performing hands-free joinery and finishing edges on templates. We also have a plunge router that allows you to go deep into the wood and create intricate designs. Additionally, we have a handheld trim/edge router that is handheld and easy to handle and maneuver, used for making trim or edge cuts.
Example Uses of a Router
If you're making a wooden jewelry box, you can use a router to add a decorative edge to the lid. We use the router to finish off the edges with a flush trim bit of all our charcuterie and cutting boards and the edges on many of our decorative pieces so that there are no sharp edges.
Jigsaw
A jigsaw is a tool that can be used for cutting curves and straight lines in various materials. It is beneficial for cutting intricate patterns or shapes. However, using a jigsaw requires a steady hand. I find it challenging to use for cutting hardwood and instead opt for a bandsaw. But when it comes to cutting wood out of the center of a piece, a jigsaw is the perfect tool for the job.
Example Uses for a Jigsaw
If you're creating a wooden puzzle for children, a jigsaw would be the ideal tool to cut out the individual pieces. Similarly, we use the jigsaw to cut out holes for handles on trays, cutting boards, and charcuterie boards.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is a handheld tool used for making straight cuts in wood. It is a portable and versatile tool that is perfect for large projects where you need to make a straight or crosscut on a piece of wood that is too big for other saws.
Example Uses for a Circular Saw
If you plan to build a deck, a circular saw can help cut the planks to the correct size. A circular saw is often used to cut large pieces of wood that are too wide for a table saw or challenging to handle on a mitre saw at their existing width and length. Since it is portable, we find it convenient to use the circular saw outside for making cuts before bringing the wood inside the house and down to the workshop.
Conclusion
Woodworking is an art that requires a variety of tools to execute accurately. Each woodworking tool has a specific purpose, and understanding how to use it effectively is crucial to achieving high-quality results. Whether you're creating furniture or decorative items, these tools are critical in helping you achieve a professional finish. With precision and care, your woodworking projects will be a testament to your craftsmanship. So, don't hesitate to invest in the right tools and Happy woodworking!
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