As a carpenter, there are many tools that you will need for your workshop. The list includes a tape measure, pliers, a claw hammer, a nail gun, and many more. These are all essential tools. But, other than the ones we’ve mentioned, there are others you will need.
These are the power tools. All carpenters must have had the thought, “what power tools does a carpenter need?” Different carpentry tools serve various functions. Without the best power tools for a job, finishing a project is challenging.
While starting carpentry, you must prepare to meet your clients’ needs. Stock up your workshop the necessary power tools. Not every woodworker has a prepared list on hand for the tools they will need. This is why we are here for you.
This article will provide you with a list of carpentry power tools for beginners. Please make sure that you store your devices in a safe and dry environment to prolong their lifespan.
List of What Power Tools Does A Carpenter Need-
- Circular Saw
- Power Drill
- Sander
- Jigsaw
- Radial Arm Saw
- Table Saw
- Surface Planer
- Jointer Planer
- Compound Miter Saw
- Router Saw
Circular Saw
Whether you’re a woodworker or a carpenter, having a circular saw is essential for your trade. The circular saw is one of the best carpentry tools for a woodworker. The device is fun and easy to operate. Its work is to crosscut wood. It is a versatile tool that can handle some tasks that a table saw can do.
The only tricky part about handling this tool is using the measuring gauge. Once you get this out of the way, this tool is one you cannot work without. You can change the saw to adapt to different jobs. Once you learn how to use this tool, you are on the way to becoming an expert. You will dice and cut wood with the precision of a pro.
The circular saw is also used to cut sheet wood like medium-density fiberboard or plywood. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the first tool that you should buy.
Power Drill
There are three types of power drills for carpenters:
1. The hammer drill
2. Impact drivers
3. Regular drills
Your power drill can either have an extension cord or be battery powered. For commercial and residential services, you can use the regular power drills. If you need a regular power drill for commercial purposes, make sure that it has high power and voltage.
Regular power drills have one significant benefit. You can turn them into electric screwdrivers by changing the bit. The power drill has a switch that can change the rotation of the bit. It can turn to an anti-clockwise movement from a clockwise position.
Hammer bits are well known for the force they offer. The bit has a back and forth motion that allows you to drill through solid materials such as concrete.
An impact driver power drill doesn’t have as much force as the hammer drill but works in the same way. It is a handy tool that you can use to drill through rigid plastic material and thin metal sheets.
When buying a power drill, make sure that you go through the pros and cons of using a corded drill and a non-corded one. A corded drill is more powerful and adaptable for different jobs. But, a cordless drill has the benefit of portability. A corded drill is cheaper than a cordless one. It can also work more than a cordless drill since it has more power.
Other options you should consider before buying a power drill is the size of the chuck. You can choose between a ½ inch or a 3/8 inch chuck. You also have the option of a key less or keyed chuck and choosing between a hammer and a straight drill. All this will depend on your preference and the types of jobs you need them for.
Sander
Whether you’re looking for DIY wood working tools or commercial tools, put a sander on your list. There are different types of sanders in the market. They range from random orbit sanders to belt sanders. They all cater to specific jobs.
If you foresee a future working with wood most of your time, a sander is one of the tools you’ll reach out for. They are functional devices that every carpenter will need on their workbench.
Jig Saw
Another critical tool for carpentry beginners is the jigsaw. With this device, you can cut circular or carved patterns. The jigsaw is also known as a saber saw. As you travel along your woodworking journey, you may come across a band saw.
The band saw gives the jigsaw competition in jobs that need thick pieces cut. The jigsaw is a much better tool for a beginner. For the best results, go for a jigsaw with orbital-action. It has a system that allows you to change blades and is comfortable to hold onto.
Radial Arm Saw
A carpenter needs the top woodworking tools to do their job well. One of them is a radial arm saw. Looking at the device, it might seem intimidating. But, it is one of the simplest devices used in woodworking and carpentry.
If you have a lot of wood that needs to get cut fast, this is the power tool you should reach for. While using this tool, you must maintain focus to get an accurate cut.
Even experts have a hard time keeping this tool’s accuracy, so make sure you are careful while working on it. The most significant benefit of this tool is how fast it can cut tons of wood.
Circular saws are making significant improvements and advancements in the industry. Due to this, radial arm saws seem like antiques. But, they are convenient tools for any carpenter to have in their workshop. You have to take extra caution while working with some carpentry power tools.
Table Saw
The table saw is a versatile tool. It’s one of the modern carpentry tools woodworkers handling commercial jobs should have. If you’re cutting a lot of wood using the same dimensions, this power tool is the one you should go for. It will make your work easy to do.
The table saw has an adjustable set blade. Once adjusted, you can use it to cut wood at an angle. The table saw is the center of all woodworking shops. Ensure you have the budget to buy the best one you can get your hands on. Check out the features before you buy the tool.
Surface Planer
The surface planer is useful for squaring and milling rough cuts. You can also use it to trim the board and make it less thick. It has rollers on its edge and a set of blades at the center. The rollers hold onto the piece of wood while the blades thin it down.
Make sure you get a surface planer that can thin wood to a 1/16 of an inch. It is an accurate tool that does its job fast and with a high level of accuracy. Surface planers are one of the most heavy-duty power tools in carpentry. Make sure you use it with utmost care.
Before using the surface planer, use a jointer if you’re working on a curved plank, and that has a bow.
Jointer Planer
Unlike other modern carpentry tools, the jointer only does one thing: its job is to make your wood flat. When the board you’re working on is flat, working on it is easy. Before you put wood into the planer, make sure you treat it with the jointer.
Compound Miter Saw
Another significant buy for your workshop is the compound miter saw. This power tool is exceptional at cutting angles. The angles include compound cuts, mitered angles, and beveled angles.
The compound miter saw offers you the option to position the motor head in two directions. This allows you to cut either compound cuts or straight angles. If you’re a beginner, you should start with the 10- inch saw as you move on to the 12-inch.
There are models of the compound miter saw that will allow you to cut crosscuts and angles on wood up to 16 inches wide. Once you get to expert-level, you will ignore your table saw and circular saw for some time.
Router Saw
Any good list for beginner carpentry tools would be incomplete without a router. A router allows you to make decorative shapes on the pieces you’re working on. They are suitable for cutting dados and rabbets. As a beginner, you have the option of two bases: the plunge router base or a stationary base.
You want to go for the stationary base as it can handle different tasks. The router you choose should have a motor of 2-hp.
Make sure you also check our complete guide to the best tool bags for carpenters and best carpenter tool belt!
Conclusion
Working with wood requires many different tools. While we haven’t discussed all here, it’s essential that a carpenter knows the basic ones to use for other jobs. To answer the question “what power tools does a carpenter need” you will have to check your goals and tasks.
They will guide you on the kind of power tools you should buy. We cannot stress enough that you should be careful while working with power tools. Always make sure that you’ve got the correct protective gear to ensure your safety. What power tools do you think all carpenters need to have? Your commentary will be useful to our readers and us.
