Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

8 Essential Woodworking Tools You Need in Your Arsenal

  • Written by Chloe Taylor


No matter if you’re looking to take up a woodworking hobby or just want to be ready in case anything at home needs to be fixed or renovated, you’ll need a few tools to have at arm’s reach. Luckily, you don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on top-of-the-line gear – for example, you can find woodworking dust extraction equipment at reasonable prices. Here are a few tools that you’ll definitely want and be able to acquire without breaking your bank.

Electric drill

This tool will be your best friend throughout many projects. And modern drills are not only reserved for drilling holes. If you grab a model that comes with attachments, you can turn your drill into many different tools. There are also corded and cordless drills. Cordless ones are practical, but if you want to take your woodworking seriously, a corded drill will do the job since they are more powerful and long-lasting.

Jigsaw

This simple tool is incredibly useful for many woodworking tasks. This type of saw cuts in back and forth direction, allowing you to use it with one hand. It’s also very easy to control when it comes to speed and direction, so you can use it even for different designs. It’s also suitable for cutting metal and plastic, so it will come in handy in many situations.

Circular saw

This type of saw is useful for most tasks you’ll come across during your woodworking projects, so it’s great to have it in your arsenal. A circular saw is budget-friendly, great for precise cutting and very versatile. The hardest part is learning how to use the measuring gauge, but once you figure that out, you’re set. You can also make a circular saw stand that will allow you to position the wood perfectly and rest your saw. It can be very handy for certain projects that require precision.

Nail gun

While these do the same thing as a hammer, they are much easier to use. You won’t need this tool for normal tasks like hanging up a picture frame, but bigger woodworking projects will definitely benefit from a nail gun. These are perfect for installing plank walls, making baseboards and trimmings and adding shiplap.

Sawhorse

This is not a tool per se, but they are really handy to have around. These four-legged structures offer great support and balance for long and heavy pieces of wood that you need to cut and ensure safety in the workshop. It can also be used as a makeshift bench when you’re in a pinch. When working on big projects, you might even need a pair of sawhorses, but one of these is a great investment while you’re just starting. You can buy a sawhorse in a shop (there are steel, fibreglass and plastic ones) or you can make your own—it’s a great practice project.

Sander

A random orbital sander is a great tool to have. It’s a little more expensive than a palm sander, but if you can afford it, you’ll find it very easy and practical to use. They will give you a very smooth finish and leave no swirl marks on your surfaces. The entire sanding process will be a breeze with this tool in your arsenal.

Squares

This tool is key for precise measuring. They will ensure all your surfaces are aligned and straight, especially if you need to have some accurate angles. There are many different squares you can buy and they all have different functions, but a standard square will be fine to have in your kit.

Chisels

Chisel is a very old school and underrated tool, but ultimately useful. It can help you with all sorts of jobs like reshaping wood, glueing joints, cleaning mortises and many other tasks. However, when buying a chisel, opt for something that’s of good quality. Get something perfect for really hard materials which will reduce the need for sharpening and make it a lot safer to use.

Your woodworking projects will greatly depend on your tools. If you have plenty of tools at your disposal, you can tackle a wide variety of projects and have an easier time finishing them. However, beginner woodworkers usually have a tight budget, so you want to limit your tool investments. All of the aforementioned tools are simple, basic and affordable and will last you through your first few years of woodworking. Start with these, and as you get better, you can freely invest in something more niche and expensive.


Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...

Top Services Offered by Diesel Mechanics in Brisbane

Keeping a diesel vehicle running at its best takes more than the occasional oil change. When you invest in regular specialist care, you protect the ...

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional House Removalists

Moving day should feel like the start of a new adventure, not the end of your patience. Yet once the settlement papers are signed and the champagne ...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Managed IT Solutions and IT Services in Townsville

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, companies must adapt to embrace the transformation ahead. With an evolving technology landscape, mana...

Types of Catering You Should Consider for Your Next Event

Choosing the right type of catering service can elevate your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether it’s an elegant wedding, corporate func...

Understanding the Benefits of Split System Installation for Your Home

Climate control is essential to maintaining comfort in your home, especially during the extreme temperatures that many regions face. Whether you’r...

Best Aluminium Window Sliding Designs for Natural Light and Airflow

Bringing natural light and airflow into a space is one of the most efficient ways to create a healthy and comfortable home. In Sydney and across Aus...

Maximising Operational Efficiency: Electric Winch Hire Australia and Hydraulic Power Pack Hire Solutions

Image by jcomp on Freepik From urban construction sites and remote mining operations to coastal maritime facilities, specialised equipment solutio...

Navigating the System: Your Guide to Support Finding Work with a Disability Around Melbourne

Image by freepik Finding the right job can be a challenge for anyone, but it can feel particularly daunting when you're also navigating life with a ...

Say Goodbye to Draughts and Hello to Savings: Your Guide to Perth Window Replacement

Image by prostooleh on Freepik Are your windows looking worse for wear? Are you paying a hefty power bill due to sneaky draughts and poor insulation...

How to Choose the Right Horse Trailer for Your Riding Needs

Many horse owners travel long distances for riding lessons, competitions, or to move horses between properties. Having a safe and reliable trailer i...

Sydney Turf Installer for Instant Green Lawns and Long-Term Performance

Having a green lawn at home makes everything look better. Whether it’s the front yard, backyard, or a small patch beside the driveway, people in S...

Designing Better Living Spaces: Why New Kitchens in the Blue Mountains Are in High Demand

The Blue Mountains region is seeing a steady rise in home upgrades. According to recent housing data, kitchen renovations remain one of the most req...

The Role of Packaging Manufacturers in Reducing Supply Chain Costs

In today’s fast-paced logistics and distribution landscape, businesses are under constant pressure to optimise operations and reduce expenses. One...

Customising Roller Shutters for Warehouses, Factories, and Logistics Hubs

In today’s fast-paced industrial and commercial environments, security, functionality, and efficiency are paramount. Whether you manage a busy log...

LIFE STYLE

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers much-needed solace for many. Here’s why. A Hint of...

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional House Removalists

Moving day should feel like the start of a new adventure, not the end of your patience. Yet once the settlement papers are signed and the champagne glasses are rinsed...

Understanding the Benefits of Split System Installation for Your Home

Climate control is essential to maintaining comfort in your home, especially during the extreme temperatures that many regions face. Whether you’re looking to cool down in the summer or stay...

Navigating the System: Your Guide to Support Finding Work with a Disability Around Melbourne

Image by freepik Finding the right job can be a challenge for anyone, but it can feel particularly daunting when you're also navigating life with a disability. The good news...

Say Goodbye to Draughts and Hello to Savings: Your Guide to Perth Window Replacement

Image by prostooleh on Freepik Are your windows looking worse for wear? Are you paying a hefty power bill due to sneaky draughts and poor insulation? Well, it might be...

Designing Better Living Spaces: Why New Kitchens in the Blue Mountains Are in High Demand

The Blue Mountains region is seeing a steady rise in home upgrades. According to recent housing data, kitchen renovations remain one of the most requested improvements in New South Wales...