Joinery Equipment

10 Basic Power Tools for Woodworking: The Essentials

If you’re interested in woodworking, then it’s important to have the right tools. Power tools make the process a lot easier and can help you create beautiful pieces of furniture or other items. In this article, we will discuss 10 basic power tools that every woodworker should own. When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Be sure to do your research before making any purchases, and invest in quality tools that will last for years to come.

01. Cordless drill

Cordless drill drivers are one of the most versatile and essential power tools for woodworking. They are perfect for drilling holes and driving screws into wood. Cordless drill drivers come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will be comfortable for you to use.

When choosing a cordless drill driver, it’s important to consider the battery life and the speed at which the drill spins. A good quality drill will have multiple speed settings and a reversible direction so that you can use it for drilling into various materials. You’ll also want to decide whether you want a cordless drill with a keyless chuck or one that has a keyed chuck. Keyless chucks are easier to use, but they may not be as durable as keyed chucks.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect cordless drill driver, be sure to read the instructions carefully before using it. This will help you avoid any accidents and ensure that you use the drill correctly.

Dewalt Cordless drill driver — Dewalt cordless drill

02. Electric circular saw

An electric circular saw is a handheld power tool that is used for cutting wood. It has a circular blade that spins at high speeds and can cut through wood very easily. This makes it an essential tool for any woodworker. You can use it to make straight cuts, rip cuts, or even curved cuts.

The most important thing to remember when using an electric circular saw is to always use safety gear. This includes eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask. Always make sure the area around you is clear of debris before starting the saw. And never try to cut through metal with an electric circular saw, as this can damage the blade.

With these tips in mind, an electric circular saw is a great tool to have in your woodworking arsenal. It can make quick work of any cutting job and help you create beautiful pieces of furniture or other items. So if you’re just getting started in woodworking, be sure to pick up an electric circular saw. It will make your life a lot easier!

03. Cordless jigsaw

A cordless jigsaw is a great basic power tool for woodworkers of all levels. It can be used to make straight or curved cuts, and it’s relatively easy to control. They can also be used to create decorative patterns or designs on your project pieces. When choosing a cordless jigsaw, be sure to pick one that is comfortable to hold and has good battery life.

04. Cordless router

A cordless router is one of the most versatile and essential power tools that a woodworker can own. It can be used for a variety of tasks, such as shaping edges, making joints, and hollowing out areas. A cordless router is also very portable, which makes it ideal for working in tight spaces or on delicate projects.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using a cordless router. First, always use sharp bits and blades. Second, take care not to overheat the router by working too long in one spot. Finally, be sure to wear eye and ear protection when using this tool.

05. Cordless belt sander

Cordless belt sanders are one of the basic power tools for woodworking. They make the process of sanding a lot easier and can help you create beautiful pieces of furniture or other items. They are great for quickly removing excess material from a project piece. They can also be used to create a smooth, finished surface on a piece of wood. Cordless belt sanders come in different sizes, so it is important to choose one that will fit your needs. There are also different types of cordless belt sanders, so it is important to choose one that will work best for your project. They can save you time and money in the long run.

06. Handheld electric planer

A handheld electric planer is a power tool that is used to smooth out rough surfaces on wood. It can also be used to shave off small pieces of wood, making it a versatile tool for woodworking. A handheld electric planer is an essential tool for any woodworker, as it can save you a lot of time and effort when working on a project.

There are many different types of handheld electric planers on the market, so it is important to choose one that is right for you. Some factors to consider include the size of the unit, the power level, and the features that are available. You should also make sure that the planer you choose is compatible with the type of wood you will be working with.

Once you have chosen the perfect handheld electric planer for your needs, it is time to start using it! Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before operating the tool, and make sure to wear appropriate safety gear when working.

07. Cordless biscuit joiner

A biscuit joiner, also known as a plate joiner, is a woodworking tool used to join two pieces of wood together. It is essentially a handheld router that cuts a semi-circular groove in one piece of wood and into which a small “biscuit” made of compressed wood fibers is inserted. The biscuit joiner is then used to clamp the two pieces of wood together while the glue dries, resulting in a strong joint.

There are many different brands and models of biscuit joiners on the market, but they all perform the same basic function. Many woodworkers prefer cordless biscuit joiners because they offer greater flexibility and mobility, especially when working on large projects. When choosing a biscuit joiner, it is important to consider the size of the biscuits that it uses.

08. Cordless impact driver

Cordless impact drivers are one of the most basic and essential power tools for woodworking. They are very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as driving screws and nails, drilling holes, and even loosening bolts. Cordless impact drivers are very powerful and can make your work go much faster. They are also relatively inexpensive, so they are a great investment for any woodworker. So, if you’re looking for a basic power tool that every woodworker should own, then a cordless impact driver is a great choice.

09. Electric miter saw

An electric miter saw is one of the most important tools for any woodworker. It allows you to make precise cuts at a variety of angles, which is essential for many woodworking projects. Miter saws come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it’s important to choose one that will best suit your needs.

There are two main types of electric miter saws: sliding and compound. Sliding miter saws have a blade that slides along a rail, which allows you to make long, precise cuts. Compound miter saws have a blade that pivots on an axis, which allows you to make more intricate cuts.

No matter what type of electric miter saw you choose, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and practice safely before attempting any projects. With the right tools and a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful woodworking projects that will last for years to come.

10. Electric table saw

An electric table saw is one of the most important power tools for a woodworker. It can make quick, precise cuts in wood, and is essential for many woodworking projects. Table saws come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it’s important to choose one that will suit your needs. When shopping for an electric table saw, keep in mind the size of the projects you’ll be working on and the amount of space you have in your workshop.

One important factor to consider when purchasing power tools is the warranty. Many tools come with a limited warranty, so be sure to read the fine print before making your purchase. It’s also important to register your power tool so that you can take advantage of any warranty coverage that might be available.

Another factor to consider when purchasing power tools is the accessories that are available for them. Many manufacturers offer a variety of accessories that can make using their tools even more versatile and convenient. Be sure to check out what’s available before making your final decision on which tool to purchase.

Conclusion | 10 Basic Power Tools for Woodworking

If you’re just getting started in woodworking, then it’s important to have the right tools. In this article, we discussed ten basic power tools that every woodworker should own. These tools will make your life much easier and help you create beautiful pieces of furniture or other items. Do you have any other essential power tools that you use for your projects? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading and happy woodworking!

7 Best Hammers for Chisel

There are various kinds of hammers that can be used for wood chisels. If you are looking for the best hammers for your Chisels then this article is right for you. Carpenters use the chisel hammer to strike the end of the chisel wood handle during chopping the wood. They also use it to assemble the furniture. A smaller head hammer will hit more precisely on the COP (center of percussion) and you will get the most effective strike.

Normally, the chisel hammer is made from plastic, nylon, steel, brass, or wooden and it can be of different sizes and weights. Most of the case the chisel handle is made of wooden. So you have to choose the right hammer from the different sizes and weights hammer for your right work. Normally, a low weight and soft-faced hammer are good for the chisel. As per as possible avoid the heavier and the metal hammers. They can damage the chisel handle. The soft face and lighter weight hammer will less damage to the wood. To maximum control and get the most benefits hold your hammer at the end of the handle.

Wood is Good WD205 Mallet, 18-Ounce

This Wood is Good 18-Ounce Mallet is guaranteed unbreakable. The head is made of a tough urethane material designed to be quiet and yet able to transmit the maximum blow to the tool. Urethane head is 2-3/4-inch diameter.
The handle is beautifully turned out of selected New England hardwood and is polish sanded.
Made in the USA.
It’s light enough for delicate chisel work.

Shop Fox D2810 Brass Head Mallet, 12-Ounce

The mallet has a maple handle which is comfortable to hold.
The head is made of brass and connects to the handle with a threaded bolt.
The weight of the mallet is 12 ounces which are right for chisels.
Durable and Compact design
Affordable price

Estwing DFH 12 Rubber Mallet

Estwing DFH 12 Rubber Mallet is a double face hammer. The two faces are not the same type; the red face is comparatively soft than the yellow face.
The handle is designed to fit the grip of the user’s hand ensuring comfort & control. high quality, well made, and durable, the handle is what shines for me.
The weight of the mallet is 12 ounces which are right for chisels.
Made: It is made of USA

Estwing Dead Blow Hammer – CCD45

The Estwing dead blow hammer has a polyurethane construction. It is extremely durable and designed not to damage wood and other softer materials.
Multi-Use Mallet
Oil and Chemical Resistant
Comfortable, durable vinyl grip for a strong hold in all conditions
Made in the United States

Amazon Basics Rubber Mallet

Solid rubber head delivers softened positive blows for shaping and blunt strikes
Contoured fiberglass handle provides a comfortable grip
450 gram rubber mallet for comfortable a wide variety of uses
Country of Origin: ‎China
Backed by an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warranty

KAKURI Chisel Hammer 375g

It is a high-quality Japanese hammer ideal for adjusting planes, chiseling, and nailing.
DOUBLE FACED HEAD: A dual head supports your woodworking. One side is flat, and the other is slightly domed. It is made of quality Japanese carbon steel.
A Japanese heavy-duty hammer. The handle and head are wedged.
The wooden handle is made of natural Japanese oak wood that fits comfortably in your hand.
Made in Japan

Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer

The heavy-duty forged steelhead of Estwing Drilling/Crack Hammer provides maximum strength and durability for a lifetime of hard work. Both faces are fully polished.
The handle is made of fiberglass which is lightweight, durable, and offers a comfortable controlled swing with a ribbed grip to prevent slips.
Weight: the weight is 3 lbs (Pounds). Right for heavy-duty work.
Uses: Designed for striking cold chisels, brick chisels, punches, star drills, hardened nails, spikes and more.
It is made in the United States

Here we explain the different types of hammers for your Wood Chisel. Choose your best hammer for chisel according to your woodwork, and chisel sizes. Never use the loosen hammer it will damage your work and also risk injures.

Wood boring auger bits

The auger bit has a helical screw blade for boring deep and large diameter holes into the all types of wood. It is one of the most common types of wood boring bits. Traditionally, it was used in a hand brace, currently the wood boring auger bits are made for use both in power tools and brace. Many companies like Irwin, Milwaukee, Bosch etc. make this tool. All auger bits are not same; they come in a variety of ‘patterns’ or shapes. These bits range in diameter from 1/4 inch to 1 inch. They are long than others bits which makes them nice for long or deep holes. So they can able to bore deep holes which are very smooth. The screw blade can also act as conveyor to remove shavings or debris from the hole. Different types and designs auger bits are available for boring holes. It consists of feed screw, cutting lip, flute, spur, twist, shank, and tang.

What is an Auger?

A wood auger is a drilling device which is used for making holes in wood. It includes a rotating helical screw blade to drill and remove the drilled out material. It may also have a guide screw on the tip to draw the bit into the wood with using less force.

Types of auger bits

There are different types and designs auger bits are available in the market for boring holes such as pole auger bit, Ship Auger Bits, Solid Center Auger, Spur Auger Bits. Each of the bits has unique designs to easily eject chips from the hole during drilling. According to twisting the wood boring auger bits are two types; single helical twist and double helical twist. The single helical twist has a solid center and one cutting twist whereas the cutting twist is wrapped around the solid center. On the other, the double twist also known as Jennings bit which is stronger and very fast chips cleaners. These bits range in diameter from 1/4 inch to 1 inch.

Can I use an auger bit in a power drill?

Traditionally, the auger bit was used in a hand brace, but at the present time the wood auger bits are also made for use in power drill. The auger bit with tapered square shank is suitable for brace while the straight-shank version is suitable for power drill. When auger bit is used in power drill, its speed should not exceed more than 600-700 rpm. All long wood auger bits feature 7/16″ adaptable hex shanks.

What are auger bits made of?

The auger bits are now made from higher carbon steel for more rigid and resilient properties. These bits are softer than the bits which are making from high speed steel. This soften property makes them popular for cutting wood. The drill bits are also made of Titanium bit, titanium nitride or titanium carbonitride coated, Cobalt, or Cobalt coated. The coated bits have more strength compare to their un-coating bits. High speed steel (HSS) is steel alloyed with cobalt, tungsten or molybdenum, or coating with titanium, black oxide, or carbide tipped.

Which drill bit is for Wood?

It is necessary to bore a hole in almost every type of woodworking project. Many things like medium, surface of the projects play an important role for drilling a hole. Since the wood is softer than metal, so the wood drill requires less force than metal.

Titanium and cobalt bits are useful for wood project. But they can be a little too strong for wood projects. So they shouldn’t be your first choice. In this case the bit has some slipping risk. On the other hand the coating of Cobalt and titanium will change the behavior of the Cobalt and titanium bit. The Titanium-coated drill bits have reduced friction which is best for hardwood, softwood, PVC, fiberglass and steel. But the price is comparatively high. Cobalt and cobalt coated drill bits are used for drilling hard metal and steel.

How do you drill through an auger bit?

An agar bit is designed to run very slowly and with minimal pressure, the RPM of which is usually around 600-700 during drilling.

How do you sharpen auger drill bits?

Wood auger bit can be sharpened. Titanium coated drill bits are coated with Titanium nitride which is gold in color. If these auger drills bits are sharpen then the coating will be affected. On the other hand Cobalt bit is an alloy material. When you sharpen an auger bit you have to be careful not to damage the bit.

Best wood boring auger bits

The key to choosing the best wood extrusion bit is the width and depth of the holes required, how important the speed is to you, and how long the blade will last. Normally Irwin, Milwaukee, Bosch etc manufacturing companies made the best bit for wood.

Irwin auger bits

IRWIN is one of the leading manufacturers of wood drilling bits company. The bits have durable hardened cutting edge for long life in tough materials, including nail-embedded wood. Fits both hand braces and power drills. The power drills bit Available in both 7/16″ and 5/8″ impact rated shank sizes. The Taper square shank containing bit is fits for hand braces. The common IRWIN Auger Bits are pole auger bit, Ship Auger Bits, Solid Center Auger.

IRWIN Weldtec Ship Auger, 5/8-Inch x 17-Inch (3043007)

The IRWIN WeldTec 5/8-inch Ship Auger Bit features a hard cutting edge which provides an extended cutting life. The strength and durability of the bits are improved by weld to the base material. It is 17 inch long and has 7/16-inch quick-change impact shank. It is made of alloy steel. The tool is perfect for any woodworking project.

Milwaukee auger bit

Milwaukee Auger Drill bits make easy work of a variety of drilling tasks and reduce the effort required for each hole. The auger design pulls the drill into the wood, increasing the efficiency of the operation. The new Ship Auger bits are constructed of high carbon steel and feature a new cutting head design with a special heat treatment process to provide optimal life.

Milwaukee 48-13-3000 3 Piece Ship Auger Set

Milwaukee ship auger bits have a new through center cutting design for improved life in nail-embedded wood. The set includes 3 piece ship auger bits that are ½ inch, ¾ inch and 1 inch. The Length of these bits is 18 inch and the Twist Length is 15 inch. The longer shaft length makes it easy to drill deeper or overhead without an extension. Each of the bits contains 7/16″ Hex Shank. It is made in China by Stainless Steel. This product is durable and easy to use. The flute of the wood auger bits is coated and wide enough to remove the maximum amount of chips. Even deep hole chips can be removed nicely. Moreover, the bits are suitable for electrical and plumbing work.

Bosch auger bit

Bosch wood boring auger bits offer leading-edge technology in wood drilling. It is designed for superior performance against nail hits.

Bosch NKMT13 13/16 In. x 13 In. Daredevil Auger Bits

Bosch Daredevil auger bits offer leading-edge technology in wood drilling. Here the letters “NK” mean nail killer. The design Dual cutting edges deliver easier nail cutting and balanced drilling. The Open-faced and Wider flute of the bits offers improved chip removal. A reinforced spine delivers additional strength during aggressive drilling. It is made of high-grade steel for longer bit life and ease of use.

Conclusion

When choosing a wood auger bit, it is important that you pay attention to your needs. Also, the manufacturer provides the wood boring auger bits with instructions on the safety, maintenance, and optimal use of each drill bit that all users must comply with.

Different types of wood varnish

Different types of wood varnish are required for many purposes to protection of surfaces from decay and corrosion and for decorative purposes. It is a clear and transparent or slightly colored finishes. It is resinous substance. The varnish is very durable and provides better UV protection. It dry slowly so needs more time to work and allow dust to settle on it which is the drawback of this finish. It works better when apply on the top of dyes. Keep in mind that the varnish is not formed by any single or specific chemical substance. Traditionally they are made by combination of substance. The majority of the varnishes are polyurethane based resins or oil based or solvent based. Depends on the combination ingredients the varnishes are classified into different types.

Acrylic wood Varnish

Acrylic varnish is clean, extremely transparent and does not tend to yellow. They dry quickly, dust-resistant and non-toxic water-based varnishes. These are generally good UV resistors which mean they can be used on the outside as well as indoors. They can also be used in materials other than wood, so they are more versatile than many other varnishes. Acrylic wood varnishes used for a final removable industrial protection level are usually mineral-spirit-based acrylic either without being water-based.

Exterior wood Varnish

The exterior wood varnishes are specially formulated by adding UV protection ingredient for use outside. This UV protection ingredient helps the wood under the layer of varnish to protect from UV lights.

Polyurethane wood Varnish

Polyurethane wood varnishes are generally hard, durable, and resistant to abrasion, heat, mild acids, solvents and other chemicals and will give a clean, solid finish. As a result, they are often used on floors and in areas where there is a lot of wire and tear like many household projects. Some wood finishers are not find interest to use it in finish furniture or other pieces of detail. They are not resistant to UV (sun) light, so, if you want to use them in the outside then you should use with a UV protector, otherwise it will degrade quickly. Polyurethane wood varnishes do not have a tendency to penetrate into the wood so are often used with oil based varnishes, epoxy sealer, oil modifier or shellac solution to increase bonding capacity.

Yacht wood Varnish

Yacht varnishes are also called spar varnishes or marine varnishes. It was originally made for use on ships or boat sparks to protect wood from the effects of sea and weather. The primary goals are water resistant and elasticity, so that sparks are flexible and adhere to. At present, most of the yacht types of wood varnishes are made based on Tung oil and phenolic resin for a high gloss finish. These are ideal for the use of outside wood, but not for surfaces that are going on. This varnish is not good UV-resistant.

Alkyd wood Varnishes

Most modern commercially produced varnish contains some forms of alkyd for better performances. They are chemically modified natural or vegetable oils. Sometimes various resins may also be combined with them as part of ingredients.

Shellac wood varnish

Shellac is not firmly a varnish. It is used as a primer for other varnishes, like Polyurethane and Acrylic that cannot penetrate well into the wood.

Flat Varnish

Flat varnish is special type of non-gloss finish which avoids the effort of a rubbing varnish. They are generally more costly other types of varnishes because it requires special preparation and additives to prevent the glossing effect as the varnish dry.

Knowledge on the different types of wood varnish is very important for a woodworker for their wood working project.

Different Types of Wood Finishes

We use many Wood Finishes to protect the wooden surfaces from moisture and other environmental agents and enhance appearance. It is the final step of woodworking project. It creates a protective layer on the wood surface. They are good for both new and old furniture. The wood finishes are different from one another by colors, durability or self life. Some of them can be removing by solvent, whereas some others particularly that are sock into the wood are often difficult to remove. So you have to choose right finishes according to your demands. It gives the low value wood to a high value wooded out looking.

Depends on absorption capacity wood finishes are two types such as surface finishing and penetrating finishing. We can place all most all the wood finishes of these two categories. In below we describe some of the most common types of wood finishes.

Surface finishing: Surface finishing is easier to apply on the surface. It creates extra layer on the top of wood surface. It leaves natural look to the wood. The most common surface finishes are lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, varnish and wax etc.

Penetrating finishing: This type of finishing is also applied on the wood surface but it get into the wood. Normally they are oil based finishes. It is durable but it doesn’t create a natural look on walls. Linseed, Danish, and Tung oil is a type of penetrating oil.

Again, the wood finishes are also classified into two groups – water based and oil based finishes. The water based finishes dry very fast and can be used on all types of woods. On the other hand they are less durable and have little odor compare to oil based finishes.

Varnish

Varnish is a clear and transparent or slightly colored finishes. It is resinous substance. It is very durable and provides better UV protection. The varnish dry slowly so needs more time to work and allow dust to settle on it which is the drawback of this finish. It works better when apply on the top of dyes.

Shellac

Shellac is a natural product which is collect from the secretion of female lac bug. It is a resin type material and sold as a flakes (solid form) or liquid form. The liquid form is produced by dissolving with a solvent such as alcohol. The application process is very easy and dried quickly. When the solvent evaporates it is safe and gives a glossy look to the wood. It is not heat resistant, so it has a limited uses in some furniture like dining table. The Shellac has a shorter shelf life than other finishes.

Stain

Wood stain is a type of paint which is used to changes or enhances the wood color. They are available in different colors. They do not protect the wood.

Lacquers

Lacquer is thinner as compared to the other finishes. So, it is normally applied by spraying. It gets into the deeper wood and show up the natural beauty of the wood. Lacquer contains evaporating solvent, so it dries very fast. It provides extremely glossy look to the wood. The Lacquer is durable and resistant to alcohol, water and fruit juice. However, after a while it can begin to discolor. Once applied, we can remove it by using lacquer thinner. Normally it is used in different instruments like guitar. The woodworker needs a well ventilated and open workplace to apply it because it gives off harmful fumes and risky in presence of fire.

Dye

Dyes are one kind of wood finishes. Normally they are used to protect interior wooden surfaces. Application process is very easy with brush, sponge, or spray gun.

Oil finishes

Oil finishes are used on wood for improving the appearance of unfurnished wood. They make wood moisture resistant and look richer. It can be used for both the interior and the exterior surface. The most common finishing oils are Linseed oil, Tung oil and Danish oils. The oil finishes can be classified into drying oil and or non-drying oil. Between two of them drying oil is popular to woodworker. Linseed oil, Tung oil and Danish oils all are drying oil. Vegetable and mineral oils are non-drying oils. Woodworker can easily apply the Tung oil which provides an attractive and natural appearance, so they prefer it very much.

Wax

Wax finishes provide very glossy surface to the wood. It may be harder or softer. It is not very durable, you can remove it easily. Waxes are available in liquid, paste and solid stick forms.

Polyurethane Finish

Polyurethane is a durable and water resistant finish. Mainly two types polyurethane are available in the market – water based and oil based. Water based polyurethane is faster drying, low odor and low toxic while oil based polyurethane is fairly inexpensive, durable and easily applicable. Polyurethane finish is durable compare to varnish and lacquer and perfect for bookcase, kitchen cabinets, desks, door, side tables, furniture floor etc. The application process on wood surface is very easy.

Biscuit joiner tool

Biscuit joiner tool is not a basic woodworking tools; it is special type equipment. It is also known as plate joiners. A biscuit joiner is used to join two pieces of wood together without staples, nails, or screws. It is an electric woodworking tool. This tool has a small blade which is used to cut semi-circular slot in the opposite edges of two pieces of wood. You can easily use the biscuit joiner. Hermann Steiner, a citizen of Switzerland invented the system in 1956.

Uses of Biscuit joiner tool

The Biscuit joiner tool is mainly used for joining two pieces of plywood, particle board and medium density fiber board. It is also used in solid wood. The work pieces can be joined through perpendicular or horizontal process. Among them the edge to edge joining system is the most common type system.

Biscuit Joiner Accessories

The Biscuit Joiner has three most essential accessories – biscuits, blades, and glue.

Biscuit joiner blade

The biscuit joiner consists of a small motorized “saw blade” to cut oval shape hole into the wood pieces for inserting biscuits. There are two types Biscuit joiner blades are available- 4-inch blades and 2 inch biscuit joiner blade. But the major of the biscuit joiners have 4-inch blades.

What is a biscuit

A biscuit is a thin, oval shape of wooden piece typically which is made of compressed beech wood. The biscuit is expanded after absorbing glue in the slot and fill the slot. This swelling capacity of it provides holding power and accuracy alignment. The thickness of the biscuits is 0.148 inches and available as three different sizes which are designated as #0, #10, and #20. Among them the measurement of the #0 is 5/8 inch wide and 1 3/4 inches long. On the other hand the #10, is 3/4 inch wide and 2 1/8 inch long whereas the #20, is 1 inch wide and 2 3/8 inches long. The biscuit should be smaller than the slot for accurate and perfect alignment.

Glue

The glue should have wetting capacity to expand the compressed biscuit. When the slots fill with glue, it should not be fully covered.

How to use a biscuit joiner

Take two pieces of wood which would to be joined. Cut the slot on the two pieces of wood by biscuit joiner tool. After cut the slot, the glue is applied into the slot so that ¼ of the slot depth covered with glue. Insert oval shape wooden biscuit into the slots. Center the biscuit into the slots but it is need not essential to get them into the exact center. Two boards are clamped together to create tight, smooth, and seamless joints. The glue wet the biscuit and helps to expand the compressed biscuit. It helps to keep the wood pieces accurate position and improve the joining strength. Keep the clamp until the glue dries.

Carpenters pliers – pincers

There are various types of pliers available for specific functions. The pliers that are used in woodworking project are called carpenters pliers. Actually, it is known as carpenters pincers. It is one kind common and basic hand tools for carpenters. They use it to pull out nail or to hold wide range of object firmly. Normally it is made of steel alloys combination with other metals like vanadium or chromium. These metals improve strength of the pliers and prevent them from corrosion.

Parts of Carpenter pincers

The carpenter’s pincers have many parts such as jaw, cutting edge, pivot point and handles. Each of the parts has specific tasks. The functions of the parts are described as below:

Jaw

Carpenters pincers have broad range rounded jaws. It protects the wood during extracting nails or staples to damage. It also helps to pulling out the nails and staples.

Cutting edge

The cutting edge has beveled type and broad tip. It provides the pincers an extra cutting strength to grip when the carpenters want to cutting or pulling the nails. The edge of the good quality pincers will meet together without any gaps and provides plenty of cutting strength.

Pivot Point

Pivot point is the center point for moving the handle and jaws. Normally, it consists of a nut or screw. Some has two pivot points. The first pivot point acts as a lever on the second one, magnifying the force applied to the jaws for the same amount of effort.

Handles

The handles act as levers to force the jaws. Normally, the most part of the handle are covered with plastic or rubber for comfort and for good looking. The carpenter’s pincers consists of two handle. When the force applied on the handle, they moves in opposite directions, around a center pivot and comes together like scissors.

What are carpenters pliers used for?

The carpenters pincers are used for gripping and pull out nails or clevis pins from wood without damaging the wood work piece surface. It has wide rounded jaws; therefore it would not dig into the wood. It is also useful for repairing windows and doors, removing skirting boards and renovating furniture. Some pincers are design with hammerhead to striking the nails. Moreover, it is also used for cutting nails, wire or staples.

Difference between End cutting and carpenters pincers

The main difference between the End cutting and carpenters pincers are cutting edges, jaw size and handle length. The end cutting pincers have very sharp cutting edges compare to carpenters pincers. Therefore it can easily cut nails and bolts, so it is used for cutting while carpenter pincers are used for pulling nails. Most of the end cutting pincers sizes are 150mm to 200mm whereas the carpenters pincers can up to 300 mm. On the other hand the width of the head can be 20mm-30mm. The end cutting pincers may have return spring to reduce the effort for repetitive task. End cutting pincers, also known as end cutters, nippers or end cutting pliers.

Conclusion

Always choose right carpenters pliers for your woodwork, so that they fit well. You should not use the pincers for thicker objects that the sizes are projected. Never use them as a hammer. Otherwise they will be damage.

Types of woodworking screwdrivers and their uses

Screwdriver is one of the important hand tools for different woodworking project. It is used to drive or loosen screw into the wood. A woodworking screwdriver has some basic parts like handle, shank, blade, and tip. It has many variations but two basic types of screwdrivers such as flathead screwdriver and Philips type screwdriver are most popular. Always try to use exact screwdriver for driving or loosening a screw. Otherwise it can damage the screw or the tip of the screwdriver or woodworkpieces. You should keep in mind, all the time use flat head screwdriver for flathead screw and Philips screwdriver for Philips screws. Sometimes you may needs long blade for a lot of torque. You may also need a small or medium flat screwdriver so that they can reach easily in work place. At starting, use minimal force on to the screw. Although all most all the screwdrivers are handheld, few of them are electric. It is also used in many maintenance works like mechanical, electrical, jewelry work etc.

Parts of a screwdriver

A traditional Screwdriver has four basic parts; Handle, shank, blade and tip.

Handle

The handle is cylindrical and widest part of the screwdriver. It is used for griping during work time. Normally it is made of hard and durable plastic, wood or metal. The handle should be comfortable so that people can feel comfort during maximum torque.

Shank

The shank is thinner than handle. Normally it is made of hard steel. It attached to the handle and the blade. It can be long, medium or short. The long shank will provide more torque than a short shank.

Blade

The blade can be seen in flat head screwdriver.

Tip

The tip is the end of the blade or shank. Actually the classification of the screwdriver depends on this part of the screwdriver. Normally it is made of steel. When you use a screwdriver always try to use exact matching tip; never use a wider or narrow tip. If we use a wider or narrow tip, then it may damage the surface of the workpiece or screw or tip. The tip may be magnetic to easily grab on to the screw. Some of the screwdriver has detachable tip; in this case it is known as bit. Normally it is shown in a set of screwdriver where contains one holder and several bits.

Types of woodworking screwdriver

There are various types of screwdriver that are used in woodworking. Actually they are classified according to their shape and sizes. They are made for different types of driving surface like slot, grooves etc. of screws. Among them flathead and Philips type screwdriver are popular. Besides these two basic types of woodworking screwdriver, some of other screwdrivers such as square head screwdriver are also used in woodworking.

Flat head screwdriver

Flathead screwdriver is very simple and most common; hence it is also known as regular screwdriver. It is fits to the single slot screw. From earliest time, it is the most common and basic types of screwdriver. The flat head screwdrivers are two categories; flared and parallel types. The flared screwdriver has slightly wider edge tip compare to their shank. On the other hand the edge of the parallel screwdriver is same width as the shank.

Philips screwdriver

The Philips screw driver contains a cross or a four star point, hence they are known as cross screwdriver. You can apply more force or torque with these screwdriver compare to the flathead screwdriver. These types of woodworking screwdriver have less possibility to slip out. So they can damage on the head of the screw and the workpieces very low. To avoid damages, you should choose the exact screwdriver. Henry F. Philips designs this screwdriver and the screw in 1930s; this is why the name is Philips screwdriver. They can be small, medium or large. Further some screwdriver such as Pozidriv, Frearson, Supadriv looks almost similar to this but they are slightly deference. Pozidriv can provide more torque then Philips type screwdriver but their design is very complex. You can use flathead screwdriver instead of it but not with Robertson screw.

Frearson Screwdriver

Frearson screwdriver also has cross slot as like Philips screwdriver. But it is slightly difference; The Philips slot looks like U-shaped whereas frearson slot looks like V-shaped. Moreover, the screw slot of it is deeper then Philips screw. It is also known as Reed and Prince.

Square screwdriver

The square head screwdriver is not tapered and has very sharp corner whereas Robertson is slightly tapered and round corner. If you use square screwdriver in a Robertson screw oppositely use a Robertson screwdriver in a square screw, then it can damage the screw or driver. You will get huge torque and driving force. Today it is not a popular screwdriver.

Robertson screwdriver

Robertson is almost same as square screwdriver. Some people know them as square head screwdriver. The Robertson screwdriver’s tip has slightly taper and slightly rounded corners. The tapered socket tends to retain the screw, so it is easy to use. Normally, the USA Companies are manufacturing square type screwdriver. Robertson are popular in Canada. It reduces damage of the screw or workpiece. The all four side of the square head grip strongly and apply better torque.

Torx head screwdriver

Torx look like star screw but it has six point head. So it will get a lot of surface area in touch to the screw. It reduces slip out. The Torx apply more torque then Philips screwdriver. Normally it is used mostly in electric, automobiles, motorcycles, computer etc.

Offset screwdriver

Offset screwdriver is special types of screwdriver with the blade at right angles. It is used where a straight screwdriver cannot reach or too difficult to reach. It is come with combination of flathead or Philips head tip. It may contains magnetic tips or ratchet mechanism.

Ratchet screwdriver

Ratchet screwdriver is also special types of screwdriver. It has a lock and unlocks system. When you rotate the handle clockwise, then it will lock and works i.e. it tighten the screw. On the other hand, when you rotate the handle to the counter clockwise, then it will unlock (freely rotate) and does not works. A ratchet screwdriver is used greatly where needs to apply same torque. It can be flat headed or Philips headed. The can also come with a ratchet bit holder and several different types of bit.

Conclusion

Some woodworking project cannot do without screwdriver. You do not need all types of woodworking screwdriver in your toolbox. You should consider what types of work you are doing regularly. To get benefits and for quality work, you should make sure about using the right types of screwdriver for your work. Do not use hammer for strike on the screwdriver or screw.

Woodworking clamps

Woodworking clamps work as strap. There are so many types of clamps that are used to place objects tightly together in carpentry works. The common joiner or carpenters clamps are bar clamps, pipe clamps, c clamps, spring clams, hand screw, Band clamps, Miter clamps etc. The clamps come in many different style sizes. One clamp cannot perform so many works. Therefore a carpenter may needs more clamps but not too many. Here we peek some essential clamps for woodworking projects.

1. Woodworking bar clamps

Bar clamps are especially used for carpentry works to hold pieces of wood together for flagging, gluing, nailing and cutting. A carpenter can use these woodworking clamps easily and quickly. They can be divided for light duty, moderate duty or heavy duty. The common woodworking bar clamps are parallel bar clamps, f clamps, one handed bar clamps, Deep throat bar clamps etc. They contain a bar which is looking as like I-beam. They are great for accurate clamping pressure.

Parallel bar clamps

Parallel bar clamp is one of the significant clamps for woodworking. It has two rectangular jaws. One of them is fixed whereas the rest one is movable. They provide strong clamping force to the accurate directions which makes easier alignments. Reasons the jaws remain parallel. Some parallel bar clamps have configuration so that they can use as a spreader. They are available in various lengths.

F clamps

F clamps is one kind of bar clamps which is suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects. It is designed with a slider bar which provides large opening capacity. Besides slider bar it also has two parallel bar and an adjustable screw. One of the parallel bars is fixed while another is moving. The adjustable screw is used for tightened. As the slider bar is smooth, it should be free from oil, graze etc. The name comes from that it looks like the letter ‘F’.

Deep throat bar clamp

Deep throat bar clamps is suitable for the work where extra deep reach is required home repair. They are very useful for high pressure application and wide opening capacity. They have versatile uses, so it will be great to keep in joiner’s collection with other carpenters clamps. These woodworking bar clamps are available in different depth from 6 inches to 79 inches.

One handed bar clamps

One handed bar clamps has two jaw. One of them is movable and other is fixed. The movable jaw contains a trigger grip handle and a release lever. When the trigger grip handle is press then the movable jaw go forward to the fixed jaw and give pressure to the work piece. While the work is complete then the joiners just have to press the release lever to open the clamp. It is so easy that a joiner needs only one hand so other hand is free for holding another position of the work. One handed bar clamps has also a spreader function. For this the fixed jaw has to set another end of the bar. This facility can be used many woodworking project like cabinet, chair or tables making project. The available sizes are from 6 inches to 60 inches.

2. Hand screw woodworking clamps

The hand screw clamps are extremely versatile and wonderful tools. It consists of a pair of jaws, pair of handles, and pair of screws. Two handles are connected with screws. The screws are design with right-hand and left-hand threaded that run through both jaws and connected them. They are adjustable and control the movement of the jaws. You can easily clamp tapered, angle or offset of a workpieces. Normally the jaws are made of wood.

3. C Clamp

Each carpenter starts their clamp collection with a few c clamps. It has two parts; frame and threaded screw with Tommy bar. The name comes from the frame shape which looks like the letter ‘C’. At the top of the frame has small flat edge whereas at the bottom has a threaded hole for holds threaded screw. On the other hand the frame side end of the screw contains a flat edge while the other ends contains tommy bar. These woodworking clamps made of cast iron or steel. Sometimes it is also refers as G-clamps or carriage clamp. It is an essential tool for joiners. They come in different sizes which also indicate the clamping capacity. It provides a massive amount of pressure into a small region. Therefore some project needs to use a piece of wood between the clamp edge and the surface of the workpiece to distribute the clamping pressure.

4. Pipe Clamps

The pipe clamps are composed of two heads, pipe, adjustable screw and handle. One of the heads or jaws is fixed whereas the other is moveable. The movable screw is control by adjustable screw with handle. They look like a bar clamp. The main difference between them is that it has a sliding pipe instead of sliding bar. So it has a long opening capacity which is related to the length of pipe size. It is less expensive then bar clamps but comparatively shorter length pipe clamps are expensive. They are various sizes and diameters such as 3/4˝ diameter pipe and 1/2˝diameter pipe.

5. Spring Clamp

Spring clamps looks like clothes clip. It has two jaws with two handles which are joined together by a spring. It is a small kind of carpenter’s clamps and has a limited opening capacity. They are available in different sizes and styles. They are perfect for use in many woodworking projects like gluing and domestic tasks. Spring clamps are also known as hand clamps or pinch clamps. Some of them contain adjustable jaw.

6. Band Clamp

Band clamps are used for clamping round, square, oval, hexagonal, rectangular or other bend shape workpieces. They may contain flexible strap, and ratcheting mechanism or open end wrench mechanism. Mainly two type band clamps are available; ratcheting band clamp and non-ratcheting band clamp. Ratcheting mechanism band clamp has very easy tightened and release system but the non-ratcheting mechanism is very frustrating system. To secure workpieces the applying pressure should be simultaneous to all the directions. These woodworking clamps are cheap and provide light pressure.

7. Miter Clamp

Miter clamps are used for assembling miter joints. This tool set may contain a pliers and clamps. When the miter joints are gluing, it needs pressure to keep wood pieces together; miter clamps are perfect for keeping pressure on gluing miters. The clamp has two sharpen point. They can be spread up to 2 inches. A joiner can applied and remove them with their hand but it may not be in accurate places. On the other hand they can place it more accurately, easily and safely with pliers.

Without the above woodworking clamps, occasionally the carpenters may have to use masking tape, electric tape etc as clamp.

Conclusion

The woodworking skills of the joiners will be improved, if they use different woodworking clamps in their projects. Always select proper clamps for the project and wear safety equipment. After using some carpenters clamps, it may mark on the work, so in these case try to use pad to avoid marking. Do not use any spoil clamps. Always collect adequate number of clamps so that you can use exact clamps.

Woodworking hammer

Woodworking hammer is equipment that used to create sudden impact force to drive or remove nails, fits parts, forge metal and breaking up objects. Most of them are hand tools but few of them are power tools. It comes in different sizes, shape and types depends on their functions. Different trades have a special basic tool for different uses. Usually all the hammers contain two main parts – head and handle. The head is perpendicular to the axis of handle. There are so many types of hammer but here we only discuss the carpenter hammers that are used in different woodworking project.

Claw Hammer

Claw Hammer is one of the basic tools for woodworking. It is used to drive the nail or pull the nails and some other works. It has two parts – head and handle. The head has two sides – one side is flat whereas other side has a ‘V’ shape with curved for removing nails from wood or other work piece. The head is made of steel and the handle is made of wood like hickory, fiberglass or steel. If the fiberglass or steel handle is used then it may use rubber or plastic or vinyl grip for control and comfort. The claw hammers are available in different sizes and weights such as 455-680gm. It is also known as carpenter hammer.

Framing Hammer

Farming hammer contains a longer handle and heavier than claw hammers. It is used to driving or removing large nails and doing carpentry work.

Ball peen hammer

Ball peen hammer contains one flat end and one round end on their head. Normally they are often used for hammering and shaping metal. They are also used to drive punches and cold chisels. The size and weight of them are as similar as claw hammers but their uses are not as versatile as the claw hammers. It is not essential for a woodworker. Generally the head is made of hard steel and the handle is made of wood or Hickory. They are also known as ball pien hammer, engineers or mechanics hammers. The common weights are from 110g to 165 gm but they can be range from 55 – 1100g.

Cross pein hammer

This woodworking hammer has two sides in head where one of the sides is flat as like ball peen hammer but other side is different which looks tapered. They are used for driving small nails; straighten the deformed nails, shaping metal or light joinery work. They come in two different designs – English and France/German.

Mallet hammer

Mallets are used in woodworking project to reduce damage to whatever we are hitting. They are made of soft materials such as wood, plastic, rubber. They have a board face which can be removable or fixed. Both of them have advantage and disadvantages. The removable face is replaceable which make it cheaper. On the other hand fixed face mallets have bouncing problems. To solve this problem a newer version mallets are come in which is known as dead blow hammer. It has a hollow head filled with lead or steel shot to reduce bounce. They are used for beating joint together, driving chisels, forming sheet metal, working on soft metals, and knock in dowels but not suitable for driving nails. It is a fundamental tool for a joinery work.

Soft faced hammer

The end faces of these woodworking hammers are made of soft materials like rubber, wood, plastic etc. It is the smaller version of the mallet hammer. It is used those cases where steel will possibly damage the work piece.

Lathe hammer

A lathe hammer head contains a smaller cutting blade and pulling nails in one end whereas the other end has a hammer head. It is used for cutting and nailing wood lath. It is also known as a lath hammer, lathing hammer, or lathing hatchet.

Knife edged hammer

This carpenter hammer looks like an axe because it has a knife edge in one end whereas the other end is flat surface. The carpenter use this woodworking hammer for cut or split wood.

Roofers and Slaters Hammer

This hammer has a spike at one side whereas the other end has a plane face. It is used for putting nail hole in slates and knocking the nails.

Non Woodworking hammer

Without these, there are many others hammers are available like Lump hammer or club hammer, Sledge hammers, Blacksmith hammer, Bricklayer hammer, Brass hammer, Cow hammer, Drilling hammer, Geologist’s hammer. But they are actually made for specific type of work which is given as follow:

Hammers	Used for
Lump hammer or club hammer	hitting cold chisels to break masonry in building site
Sledge hammers	breaking up masonry, stones and concrete, knock rigid assemblies
Engineering / Drilling Hammer	locomotive and steam engine work
Blacksmith’s Hammer	shaping steel
Welder’s hammer	remove waste material from round a weld
Blocking Hammers	shaping metal on a block or anvil
Geologist Pick Hammers	breaking up rocks
Planishing Hammer	metal working
Scaling Hammers	removing scale in industries like boiler
Brick & Mortar Hammers	breaking bricks
Bricklayer’s / Tilesetter’s Hammer	cutting brick or tile
Drywall Hammers	cutting plasterboard for pipes
Chasing Hammer	designed and shape metal jewelry
Toolmaker’s Hammer	delicate work in the machine shop
Railroad-spike maul Hammer	driving a railroad spike
bushing hammer	allows stone and concrete to be textured
Scutch Hammer	construction industry

Awareness using carpenter hammer

Always use the exact hammer for the work to avoid possible damage to the work piece and makes the work easier.
To get most benefits, grip at the end of the handle.
Always avoid loose head, damage handle or chip face.
To prevent probable damage of a work piece, use a piece of wood before hitting on a work piece.
Do not use the side for hitting purpose; use the head of the hammer. It would possibly damage the hammer.
Sometimes you have to rough the face with abrasive paper because after long time work the face can become polished.

Both the weight and handle type are the important factor for choosing a woodworking hammer. They have a relationship with comfort. The longer handle will help to get the full speed of the hammer but too long hand will delivers force to the wrong place. On the other hand a short handle will not deliver enough force.