Why It’s Important to Get the Right Woodworking Tools It’s an old adage that a bad workman blames his tools. But it’s also a fact that buying poor-quality tools doesn’t pay in the long run. Good-quality tools will do a better job, be nicer to handle and if well looked after will last you a lifetime. We all want the best we can get, but at the same time we don’t have money to burn. So how do you go about selecting woodworking tools? The Essentials If you’re building a toolkit from scratch, then there are certain staple items which need to be included. The most common woodworking tool is probably the saw. Of course, these come in all shapes and sizes and as hand tools and power tools. Which you choose will depend on the type of work you’re going to be doing, but a good general-purpose saw is a useful starting point. Another essential item is a drill. Most people will opt for a power drill and there are plenty to choose from without having to spend a fortune. It’s worth looking for a model that can also be used as a powered screwdriver as this will save you money later. If you need to make joints or fit locks, then a chisel is needed. Again, there are different types and it might be tempting to splash out on a complete set. However, if you think about the type of jobs you want to do and choose carefully, you’ll find you can get away with just two or three. This approach will allow you to buy better tools that will last you for a long time.
There are other tools such as planes and clamps which you may need at some point but which you can probably get away without buying immediately. By gathering tools as you need them for specific tasks, you can build up a good toolkit without breaking the bank. Buying Tips The most sensible advice for choosing the best wood working tools is to look for quality at a reasonable price. In other words, buy the best you can afford. Professionals will want to spend more to get the latest features and useful extras. For the occasional woodworker, however, it’s pointless spending a lot of money on something which will only see occasional use It’s worth considering not just the tool but any parts and accessories that go with it. When you’re buying a plane, for example, going for a trusted make means you can be sure of being able to get spare blades or replacement handles in future. Opting for something cheaper may leave you struggling when components need to be replaced. If you’re buying power tools such as drills and routers, or a major piece of machinery such as a lathe, it pays to do your homework beforehand. Spend a bit of time online reading up on the various makes. Look at reviews from other users and make sure what you’re buying is going to meet your needs and be reliable.