Wally’s Workshop

Woodworking is one of the fastest growing hobbies; it~s fun and satisfying to make your own pieces of furniture. But if you~re just starting out, it can be frustrating not knowing the various pieces of equipment that you will need to complete your first project. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

First, go to your local hardware store and get some measuring tools. You will need the basics: a ruler, a tape
measure, and a protractor. These supplies are with school items, and you can get them all for only a few dollars. Check a discount store or local retailer.

For slightly more advanced projects, you may want to think about picking up a level. These are useful for marking straight lines, and to help you make sure that table and other surfaces are straight. They are therefore an important tool for making furniture.

Once you have your measuring tools in place, you will also need to have some way to cut and decorate the wood. There are many different types of saws on the market. Your choice will ultimately depend upon your previous experience with handling this particular type of tool and what type of project you will be working on.

One easy option for a saw is a circular saw. These are easily controlled and work well with wood, even if you are a novice. Circular saws typically are $100 or less, especially for a more simplistic version. The saw
basically has a circular blade with a hard covering on it for protection. The saw has a base that you sit on the
wood and run through saw through.

Additionally, there are three sub categories of table saws: benchtop table saws, contractor saws and cabinet saws. While the ins and outs of each of these saws or somewhat irrelevent to the beginner woodworker, it is important to be aware of the versatility that table saws allow.

Other major woodworking equipment you should consider purchasing includes various assembly and finishing tools. Assembly tools generally consist of common bits like screwdrivers, hammers, and different types of clamps. You will also eventually need to pick up shaping tools like joiners, chisels, rasps and hand planes. These are all readily available at any good hardware or do-it-yourself stores, and are generally inexpensive.

Okay, so you can put your furniture together. It looks great, but you will need to decorate it. That’s where
finishing tools come in. You should get sandpaper, steel wool, rounders, and anything else that can help you put the finishing touches on your furniture. For each project, you should select the stains, paint, or paper covering that you will want to use.

This may sound like a long list, but it isn’t really. Many of these items are easily obtained and are available in
common retailers. So, shop around to make sure that you get the best deals and, don’t be afraid to ask the salesman, if you have any questions about the product. Happy woodworking!

Bruce Silvello is the expert from For Deluxe Woodworking. You can find top notch woodworking information and resources at For Deluxe Woodworking. For past articles (along with future ones) at: http://www.fdwoodworking.com/news/