7 Most Essential Woodworking Power Tools That You Must Have

By definition, a power tool is one that needs electrical power to work. The prime reason for one to use power tools is that it makes the whole process of creating woodworking masterpieces fast, efficient, and cost-effective. We’ll talk about the 7 most essential woodworking power tools that all woodworkers must have.

Many beginners in woodworking take one look at their budget and worry how they can afford to buy a whole shop full of woodworking power tools to get started. Fortunately, one doesn’t have to spend a fortune to get started.

There are really only seven woodworking tools that I would recommend any beginning woodworker have on hand from the start, and most are relatively inexpensive. However, with these seven tools, a beginner can tackle quite a number of projects.

These are the most essential woodworking power tools:

1. Fix / Portable Table Saw

This is among the first power tools any professional woodworker buys and it is also among the most used power tools in a woodworker’s workshop. Also known as a jobsite table saw, this is one of the frequently used machines in every workshop or job site.

A table saw (also known as a sawbench or bench saw in England) is a woodworking tool, consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor, that is driven by an electric motor (either directly, by a belt, or by gears). The blade protrudes through the top of a table, which provides support for the material, usually wood, being cut.

In most modern table saws, the depth of the cut is varied by moving the blade up and down: the higher the blade protrudes above the table, the deeper the cut that is made in the material. In some early table saws, the blade and arbor were fixed, and the table was moved up and down to expose more or less of the blade.

The angle of the cut is controlled by adjusting the angle of the blade. Some earlier saws angled the table to control the cut angle. Find out our top 5 best portable table saw reviews here.

2. Corded / Cordless Circular Saw

Another versatile power tool that woodworkers cannot do without is a circular saw. This tool can be handheld or can be mounted on a table. You can set the depth of the cut and therefore with it you can create narrow slots, dado cuts, etc. Its mobility is an added advantage that you do not get with a table saw.

In woodworking, the term “circular saw” refers specifically to the hand-held type and the table saw and chop saw are other common forms of circular saws. “Skilsaw” and “Skil saw” have become generic trademarks for conventional hand-held circular saws.

Circular saw blades are specially designed for each particular material they are intended to cut and in cutting wood are specifically designed for making rip-cuts, cross-cuts, or a combination of both. Find out our top 5 best circular saw reviews here.

3. Corded / Cordless Jigsaw

If your woodwork needs cutting circles and curves, you must own a jigsaw. It is a handheld device and is quite indispensable in any woodworking workshop.

A jigsaw power tool is made up of an electric motor and a reciprocating saw blade. Jigsaws with sole plates that have a beveling function can cut angles typically up to 45 degrees relative to the normal vertical stroke to make miter joints.

The jigsaw is also sometimes referred to as a sabre saw. Find out our top 5 best jigsaw reviews here. 

4. Corded / Cordless Power Drill

Many people find cordless power drills to be useful for them, but they are not as powerful as corded power drills, yet they are more expensive. The corded power tools typically work when connected with an electrical power source.

They have a longer life and are steadier. There are a number of features that one should consider when buying a power drill like – whether you need a straight or hammer drill, what is the size of the chuck, or you need a keyed or keyless chuck. Find out our top 5 best power cordless drill reviews here.

5. Corded / Cordless Wood Router

In order to add professional finishing to woodwork, it is important for woodworkers to own a router. This tool will help you give shape to the edges of any woodwork. There are two types to choose from stationery and plunge base.

For beginners, stationery is good enough, while the plunge base is more advanced and apt for experienced woodworkers. Make sure the one you choose has electronic variable speed, is 2 HP, and is to make big changes. Find out our top 5 best wood router tool reviews here.

6. Sliding Compound Miter Saw

If the projects you take up need you to carry out some crown molding and similar other projects, then owning a compound miter saw definitely makes sense. It can help you to make quick and accurate cuts.

A miter saw in its earliest form was composed of a backsaw in a miter box, but in modern implementation consists of a powered circular saw that can be positioned at a variety of angles and lowered onto a board positioned against a backstop.

Powered miter saws are also commonly referred to as chop saws. Find out our top 5 best miter saw reviews here.

7. Random Orbital Sander

For professional finishing to woodwork, this device is a must-have. It works in circular movements so you need not worry about the direction of grains.

The random orbit sanding pattern is produced by simultaneously spinning the sanding disk and moving it in small ellipses. This ensures that no single part of the abrasive material travels the same path twice during the same rotation.

Because of this random sanding action, the tool does not leave swirl marks and is not sensitive to the direction of the wood grain. This makes it useful when sanding two pieces of wood that will be fastened at right angles. Find out our top 5 best random orbital sander reviews here. 

Summary

With all these tools in your workshop, you can take up any woodworking project as you like. When choosing the right woodworking power tools, make sure it is good quality ones.

Only get those with a reputable brand. A good quality power tool will always make your life easier. Trust me on this! All the best to you and Happy Woodworking!

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