Simple Woodwork: Use Small Tools For Woodworkers

Some of the tools and equipment you might need in carpentry or woodwork shops are quite obvious. Saws with different sized teeth, a hammer and a drill with spare bits are the basics, but there are some other inexpensive items which can come in very useful at times and make life in the woodwork shop a bit easier.

A selection of screwdrivers in different sizes, a level for getting things straight, a measure, a set square, a straight edge and some chisels are things that you will at some point need. Sandpaper, or glass paper is essential for finishing wood and an oilstone for honing chisels and plane blades, and a punch for sinking nail heads below the surface will all come in useful.

If you choose a screwdriver that has a quarter inch tip, it will fit size eight straight slotted screws. A number two cross-slotted screwdriver will work fine on size five and ten slotted screws. Electric screwdrivers are useful tools, but not essential.

A bradawl has a point at one end and can be used to make a hole to start screws off in the wood and this helps to make sure that they go into the correct place.

A spirit level makes sure that shelves and other items are level, but using it correctly is essential. The level has a bubble inside a glass tube of liquid and this bubble needs to be in the center if the surface is level

Use a cheap cork pad as a sanding block. Cut it to the right size, then wrap sand paper, or glass paper round it and fit it into the slots. This gives something to grip onto and allows you to put some pressure on. Sanding without a pad, or block, is harder to do and it will not give as good a finish.

A set square is an easy tool to use when you are marking angles on wood prior to cutting angles for joints, or frames. It gives you a ninety-degree angle (right angle) and a forty five-degree angle. Use an old set square from a technical drawing kit, or pick up a cheap one from a school supply shop.

Proper woodworker’s try squares and set squares, specially sold for workshop use are much more expensive, but you don’t need anything that fancy. Always keep your set square in an easily accessible place and use it often to check angles as you work.