Since the days of using a sharpened stick for hunting prey and self-defense, humans have always needed some form of tooling to help shape a piece of wood into a distinctive shape. Today is no different, and if you’re considering taking up carpentry as a hobby (hint: you should because it’s a fantastic hobby), you’ll need a few essential tools to get started. This article will cover some of the main tools you need, and while some may seem obvious at first glance, you’ll find that it’s often the most basic tool that offers the most value.

A large selection of saws

Saws are a carpenter’s best friend; after all, how will you turn large pieces of wood into smaller ones! However, a dizzying array of saws are available for nearly every possible scenario, making it essential to choose the right saw For the job. Luckily, if you’re just starting out, you only need a few options, and you can save the more esoteric ones for later. So which saws do you need in your toolbox, to start with?

• Hand saw: The good old handsaw will be one of your most used tools in your workshop. You can use it to rip wood quickly and efficiently, and you should always have one on hand.
• Circular saw: A good electric circular saw will change your life. Most of the time you’ll be using your handsaw, but if you’re cutting thick wood or making relative cuts, a circular saw is what you need.
• Jigsaw: A jigsaw is an excellent tool for cutting shapes in most types and thicknesses of wood. Extremely valuable to have on hand.
• Metal saw:Even carpenters have to cut metal sometimes, which is why they need a hacksaw.
• Chain saw : It is a portable tool similar to a jigsaw, but with more finesse for precision work.
• Miter saw :Making miters is one of the most common cuts you will make. Therefore, having a good miter saw can make your life easier and your miters more precise.

hammers

Much like the humble saw, there are many variations of a hammer you’ll need to purchase to get the most out of your new hobby. To start, here is what should suffice:

• Nail puller: The claw hammer will be your go-to option as it has a range of uses. Spend some money and get a high quality one, you won’t regret it.
• Wooden mallet: These are essential for performing strikes that require strength with a bit of flexibility. They can be used with chisels or for tapping joints in wood.
• Hammer without rebound:A dead hit is a great tool that you may not use often, but is invaluable when needed.
• Rubber mallet:Same as a mallet but made of rubber rather than wood. The rubber is soft enough not to damage the surface of the material you are working with.

Impact drills and screwdrivers

Unless you like sore wrists, you should be looking to buy at least one electric drill and one electric impact driver. A drill is needed to drill holes, whether for screws or other types of holes, and an impact driver is needed to drive screws deep into wood. You can and should use hand drills and screwdrivers when finesse is needed, but you’ll end up using power drills for most jobs.

Scissors

No carpenter’s toolbox is complete without a set of chisels. However, all scissors are not created equal, and you’ll have to spend some cash to get a great set. In fact, you should get a quality set and a cheap set. You’ll use the quality ones when you need to do clean, precise cysts and shaping, and the cheaper ones when you don’t worry about damaging them (like in wood containing nails, etc.).

Tape measure

This tool, like the next one, is absolutely indispensable. You can’t engage in any form of trade, let alone woodworking, if you can’t measure things accurately. As with all the options in this article, you should get the high quality one you can afford as it will be sturdier and provide you with accurate measurements for longer. If possible, you should look for one that has both metric and imperial measurements, as this will give you the most flexibility.

Place de la Vitesse (Roofers Square)

The speed square is one of the most underrated tools a carpenter can have. In fact, if you ask any woodworker what his most valuable tool is, most would tell you it’s a speed square. These are used for measuring angles, guiding cuts and a whole range of other valuable uses.

Vice

At some point or another, you will need a vise. To avoid damaging your wood, you should invest in a table-mounted option that comes with protective jaws. You can make your own jaw guards, but it’s always nice to have them included in the box.

Honorable Mentions

• Clamps of different sizes
• hand plane
• File set
• Sanders
• Workshop vacuum cleaner

So there you have it, arguably some of the most valuable tools you need to get started in the wonderful world of woodworking! In addition to those listed in this article, there are many other tools that you might need and want to accumulate over time, and your skills will increase.

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