Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Sharaj
A decent workshop requires some basic carpentry woodworking tools, which includes some power tools and a set of handheld devices. With a variety of resources, you will be flexible to accept a wide range of projects.
Hereby, you maximize the chances of your success. However, there are more instruments and devices that you can count.
So, do you have to include all of them? Well, we will make things easy today by knowing about some must-have carpentry tools UK that set up your workshop in the best possible way.
1. Circular Saw
You might think that circular saw is more of a carpentry tool. But, some of the woodworking experts will disagree because none of the power tools can be more versatile than a circular saw.
Use it with a clamp-on straight-edge and a circular saw can be accurate like table saws. If you need to cut sheet goods similar to plywood or MDF, then you will not find anything better than a mini circular saw.
When you are starting your workshop with a small investment, you should include one of these saws into the arsenal. On the other hand, if you are already using a saw, then you might adapt to its circular variant. Using a circular saw is not much critical though.
It has a learning curve that includes the usage of measurement gauge. Master this power tool and you can cut and dice with high precision.
2. Table Saw
Soul of every wooden project, a table saw is one of the major machines that organizes all the other power tools to work around it. Table saws have the strength to cut straight, but they can be also useful when you need mitre and bevel cuts.
Purchase such a tool according to your budget and requirements because it will be the life of your workshop for a long time.
A table saw is one of the must-have power tools because it cuts all the wooden pieces easily and efficiently, especially if you need to cut them into the same dimension. Due to adjustable blades, a table saw becomes very versatile and useful in a wide range of projects.
3. Compound Mitre Saw
Once you choose suitable circular and table saws, it’s time to invest in another major power tool that’s invaluable when you need mitre, bevel and compound cuts. Yes, we are talking about a compound mitre saw that allows you to angle the blade in two different directions. So, whether you need mitre cuts or bevelled, you can use a compound mitre saw for effective results.
If you are a beginner, consider a compound mitre saw worth 10 inches. However, a 12-inch saw will be more versatile and you will be able to tackle a lot of wooden projects. Once you develop a habit of using such a powerful tool, you might not spend much time with the circular or table saw.
Overall, a compound mitre saw is a must-have power tool because it gives you the facility to cut the wooden pieces at different angles. Whether you need to make some frames or just want to cut some pieces into half, a compound mitre saw is the best machine you can use.
4. Jigsaw Tools
All the cuts in your workshop will not be straight. Its where you need something that can give you perfect shaping and precise cutting results. A jigsaw is perfect power tool when you need some “not so straight cuts”.
You don’t need to do much while using one of these power tools that work with a blade that moves up and down. Several jigsaws allow you to control the cutting speed that gives you complete control over their usage. If the tool has a quick-release mechanism, then blade replacement becomes easy.
You can use either a U or T shaped blade depending upon the project. A Jigsaw is a must-have power tool for your workshop because it’s manoeuvrable like any of the hand tools and also efficient like a power tool.
5. Radial Arm Saw
A radial arm saw is a simple to use power tool that is useful when you need to cut a large number of wood stocks. Its accuracy depends upon your expertise level. However, if you compare the precision with other saws, you might not feel satisfied.
What makes a radial saw a must-have power tool for a workshop is its ability to cut a large number of wooden blocks without taking much of your time.
Radial arms saws are one of the most favourite tools for experts because of its secure nature and convenient usage. Such saws are not portable, so you would need some extra space in your workshop. Always wear all the safety gears before you start using a radial arm saw.
6. Band Saw
Having a band saw in your workshop adds a variety of capabilities in your hands, including ripping and curved cuts. This machine is also useful in cutting lumber into small pieces. Apart from that, it can do most of the other tasks like other saw variants.
These are the reasons why band saws are popular in lumber mills and professional workshops. As it’s clear from the name, there are two wheels connected with a band that moves the blade of a band saw. Its blades move up and down into the table.
Sound old school? But, a band saw is one of the safest cutting machines that you can purchase. You will never experience kickbacks or any other safety concerns while using a bandsaw.
7. Scroll Saw
Looks similar to a sewing machine, but a scroll saw is a lot more than that. Such machines are a great addition to professional workshops because many projects are incomplete without a scroll saw.
When you need to create delicate wooden pieces or ornamental arts, then there is nothing better than scroll saws. Talking about precision, a well-made scroll saw can overshadow any of the other cutting machines.
Power tools are noisy. Aren’t they? But this is not the case with scroll saws. They are quiet to such an extent that you can use them in the middle of the night and no one feel any disturbance. Moreover, you don’t have to deal with a lot of dust because such a machine doesn’t create much debris while cutting.
8. Sabre Saw
Works similar to a jigsaw, but sabre saw has an extended blade and a guard that protects you from its movement. Its blade moves up and down to cut the wooden blocks. You can control the cutting speed and replace the blades without using additional tools.
Sabre saws use a variety of blades to work according to the requirements, which means it’s a versatile tool that will allow you to accept a lot of wooden projects. Using a sabre saw makes minimal stress on your wrists when compared to other handheld cutting tools.
Still, it gives you maximum control over the cutting speed and workpiece. Overall, a lifesaving power tool that you can include in your workshop without expanding the initial budget.
9. Power Jointer
You might know various ways to straighten the edges of your stock. However, power jointer is one of the most efficient ways to flatten the rough edges of reclaimed or rough wood.
It removes all the arches and bows from a wooden piece, to give you a straight working piece. For the first few steps of any furniture project, a power jointer is very quick.
You can include it in your workshop so that you can move on to other projects without wasting much time. It’s true because handheld tools take much of your hard work and time when compared to a jointer
10. Thickness Planar
Planning to square some rough lumbers in your new workshop? Then, a surface or thickness planer is another time-saving tool that easily skims off the unwanted wooden parts from your workpiece. When required, such a tool also reduces the thickness of a wooden board.
A thickness planar has simple functionality. There is a series of rollers along its edges while in the middle you will see several blades. Rollers grab the rough wooden part and its blades remove them as you move the workpiece.
Many thickness planers give you the option to change the speed. So, you can use one of these tools to change the exterior of a wooden log, according to a project. However, you should use a jointer before using a planar if there is a bow or curvature on the wooden piece.
11. Power Drill
When we talk about must-have workshop tools, a power drill is one of the most powerful and versatile devices that you can use to complete a wide range of wooden structures. You can try either corded or cordless version.
A mains powered drill is comparatively more powerful and versatile than a battery dependent variant. However, you can use a cordless tool virtually anywhere without worrying about its power cable.
Consider some of the factors when you hunt for a power drill, such as chuck size – whether you need a ½ inch or 3/8-inch chuck, hammer or drill movements, keyless or keyed chuck and few more. Know your requirements and usage before you invest in one of the power drills.
12. Impact Driver
Start using an impact driver and you will be its fan in no time. No matter what screw types you are tightening, an impact device gives you fast and accurate results. This is a compact and lightweight power tool that you can carry anywhere.
If you are going onsite to install some of the wooden structures, then impact drivers should be on the top of your buying list.
13. Drill Press
Why do you need a drill press, if you have already invested on a drill? Because a drill press gives you a stable base so that you can create straight holes with optimum precision.
Moreover, you don’t have to deal with any gravity and hence no stress on your wrists while working.
A drill press is useful when you have to finish a lot of drillings. As it drills at an angle perpendicular to the board, you will get always get straight holes. Such a power tool operates at different speeds and you can also change the drilling bits according to the requirements.
Hence, you can cover a wide range of wooden projects that you cannot finish with a handheld drilling tool. It’s the reason why this equipment is a must-have too for your workshop.
14. Bench Grinder
As the name suggests, bench grinders are fixed machines that are helpful when you have to sharpen some tools or blades.
Quick, convenient to use and easy to maintain, a bench grinder is an essential power tool for your professional workshop.
It’s easy to maintain because you only have to clean it using a metal brush or diamond dresser.
15. Sander
A sander is a must-have tool to finish any of the wooden structures. Whether you need to smooth out a wooden piece or get it ready for painting, sanders are always helpful. Such a powerful tool is also helpful when you have to rejuvenate a restoration material or surface.
It’s easy to use and comes with replaceable pads that you can choose according to the required finish. You can select a belt, random or orbit sander as per the needs.
Try a sander that’s comfortable to use a comes with variable speed control. Choose it carefully, because if you have a workshop, then there are chances that you will use the sander after every 10 minutes. Overall, one of the most versatile, practical and useful power tools that you can own.
16. Wood Router
If you need to create customized cuts or notches in a piece of furniture, then wood routers become an essential part of your workshop.
One of the most versatile power tools, a wood router is a portable device that you can simply guide using your hands to get the desired cutting results.
Apart from woodworks, you can also use such a tool to cut plastic or aluminium.
