When building a woodworking toolkit, there are several essential power tools that make the process of woodworking more efficient, precise, and enjoyable. Here are seven must-have power tools picked by the editors at the Woodworkers Institute and why they’re important:
1. Table saw
Why: The table saw is the workhorse of any woodworking shop. It excels at making long, straight cuts (rips) in boards and can also be used for crosscuts, dadoes, and miters with the right jigs and accessories. Its accuracy and versatility make it essential for projects requiring precise and repeatable cuts.
2. Miter saw
Why: A miter saw is crucial for making precise crosscuts and miter cuts, especially for trim work, picture frames, and furniture making. It allows for quick, repeatable cuts at various angles and is often used in conjunction with a table saw for accurate and clean joints.
3. Router
Why: Routers are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, such as shaping edges, cutting grooves, dados, and rabbets, and creating decorative profiles. With different bits, a router can handle tasks that would be difficult or impossible with other tools.
4. Jointer
Why: A jointer is used to flatten and square one edge of a board, which is essential for accurate joinery. By creating a flat reference surface, it ensures that your workpieces will fit together correctly, which is especially important for projects requiring precision.
5. Planer
Why: A planer is used to thickness boards to a consistent size after one face has been flattened on the jointer. It’s essential for ensuring all your boards are the same thickness, which is critical for fitting pieces together accurately in larger projects.
6. Band saw
Why: The band saw is great for cutting curves and irregular shapes, resawing thick boards into thinner pieces, and making detailed cuts that are difficult with other saws. It’s also safer than a table saw for some tasks, such as cutting small pieces or complex shapes.
7. Random orbital sander
Why: This sander is essential for achieving a smooth finish on your workpieces. It removes material quickly and evenly without leaving swirl marks, which can happen with other sanders. It’s a must-have for preparing wood surfaces for finishing.
These tools form the backbone of a woodworking shop, each serving a specific and crucial role in the creation of accurate, high-quality projects.
These are our pick for the seven must-have power tools we would want. You may well have your own picks, and we would love to hear what yours are and why in the comments section below.