Power Tools and Woodworking

One of the most enjoyable and relaxing hobbies you can have is woodworking and it can also be a great way to increase the value of your home. Installing new kitchen cabinets, finishing a basement, or remodeling a bathroom are all good projects for a DIYer with a few previous jobs under their belt and they will also give you a chance to use some of your new power tools.

Just about all DIYers like to collect power tools – if you haven’t already started your collection, give it a little time – you soon will. Most homeowners have the basic drills, circular saws, and sanders, but as you get further into woodworking you may have the opportunity to purchase more excusive power tools such as:

• Jointers – these are used primarily for cabinet work, interior trim, and furniture making
• Table saws – this stationary saw can provide exact cuts for any type of woodworking project
• Planers – dress your own lumber for cabinetmaking, interior trim, paneling, and furniture making with this handy power tool
• Radial arm saws – this powerful stationary saw is like a circular saw and compound mitre saw combination – it’s ideal for precise cuts on interior trim
• Band saws – this large stationary saw is like a giant jigsaw with more power – it’s great for detail cutting
• Nail guns – say goodbye to sore arms and shoulders, these handy tools make nailing fun instead of a chore. They’re available for finish and framing work and run on batteries or compressed air

A big part of woodworking is establishing an organized work area – few things are as frustrating as searching for a tool you know you have and not being able to find it. A designated work area also helps to keep your prized power tool collection safe and sound.

The size of your work area can depend on the type of woodworking you plan to undertake. If you expect most of your projects to take place outside or in various rooms of your home, you can probably get by with a workbench and a few shelves to keep your power tools up off the floor. However, if you anticipate getting into woodworking projects such as cabinetmaking or building furniture, you’ll need a decent sized room or shed to set up as your work area.

You should allow plenty of room around all of your floor standing power tools and keep in mind that you may be maneuvering long boards through your planer, jointer, and table saw. Band saws and floor standing jigsaws may not need quite as much space. If you’re planning on quite a few stationary power tools, add electrical outlets as necessary to prevent the use of extension cords which can become tripping hazards. Any good woodworking shop should also have enough overhead lighting – it helps to see what you’re doing and when working around powerful machines that can cause severe injuries, attempting to perform a task in the shadows isn’t a good thing.

Woodworking Safety

Any good workshop should have a well stocked first aid kit – this holds true even if you plan on doing most of your woodworking outside of the shop. Your shop should also have adequate ventilation and if you plan to do a lot of sawing and sanding, a dust collection system can also be a good idea.