Top 10 Hand Tools Every Woodworker Needs

Posted under Bandsaw Guides by wandi on Thursday 14 January 2010 at 1:22 pm

Top 10 Hand Tools Every Woodworker Needs

If you’re not sure what hand tools you’ll need to get started in woodworking, this page should help. Below are the Top 10 hand tools you’ll need for nearly any woodworking project.

1. Claw Hammer (Finish Head)

Everyone has used a hammer at some point in their lives. While there are many types, the most versatile is the claw hammer with a smooth, slightly rounded finish head. Choose one that is not too heavy, but feels good in your hand. I prefer a 20 oz. model.

2. 6″ Layout Square

A Layout Square is an invaluable woodworking tool. Not only is it probably the quickest and easiest tool for marking a square line for an end cut, but can be used to quickly mark any angle up to 45-degrees or measure up to six inches. I keep one in my back pocket or nail pouch whenever I’m in the shop.

3. 25′ Retractable Tape Measure

A Retractable Tape Measure is another tool that is an absolute must for any woodworker. A quality tape measure should have both Standard and Metric markings, a locking mechanism and a slightly loose hook on the end of the tape. The hook is loose on it’s rivets by design so the user will get accurate results whether the tape is used to take internal or external measurements.

4. Utility Knife

A Utility Knife with a locking mechanism that uses disposable razor blades is another requirement for the woodworker. This versatile cutting device can be used for scribing a mark in a piece of stock, cleaning up a hinge mortise or any of a hundred other times when a knife is needed.

5. Chisels

The Chisel is another essential woodworking tool. A finely-sharpened chisel is perfect for cleaning out waste from joints and mortises. I like to keep one each of 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ width bevel-edged chisels within easy reach.

6. Level

When you need to know if a piece of stock is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb), you need a level. I like to keep two levels available: one relatively long level (I use a 28″ or 36″) and a short, 6″ Torpedo Level.

7. Screwdrivers

Like the claw hammer, everybody has used a screwdriver at least once or twice in their lives. I keep a few versions in my shop: #1, 2 and 3 sizes of both Phillips and Flathead varieties, as well as a couple of square head, Torx and star drivers.

8. Sliding Bevel

A Sliding Bevel is very similar to a square, except that it can be adjusted to any angle and locked in place using a locking mechanism. This is very handy when an angle needs to be duplicated.

9. Nail Sets

A nail set looks somewhat like a small, round chisel, but is used to sink nail heads flush or just beneath the wood’s surface. I keep three different sizes in my pouch.

10. Block Plane

The last absolute necessity every woodworker should have is a small block plane. This device is used for shaving thin amounts of wood away from the stock, and is invaluable for cleaning up edges during assembly.

Source : http://woodworking.about.com/od/gettingstarted/tp/TopTenHandTools.htm


Bandsaw Main Features

Posted under Bandsaw Guides by wandi on Thursday 14 January 2010 at 1:09 pm

Bandsaw Main Features:

The two main things to consider when choosing a band saw are the depth of cut and the throat. The saw’s depth of cut is the distance from the table to the upper blade guides. Many band saws are marketed on this feature alone, which tells the prospective buyer how thick of stock can be cut using the band saw. However, some saws that have only a six-inch depth of cut can have an optional riser added to the unit which extends the depth from six inches to twelve. This allows some less expensive saws to be able to cut thicker stock, particularly when resawing.
The throat is the distance from the blade to the vertical frame section of the body of the saw. This distance determines the width of cut that can be completed on the band saw. The throat on a free-standing cabinet band saw typically exceeds the 12 to 14-inch throat of smaller, bench-top models. When you see the term “18-inch Band Saw” advertised, realize that it is the throat measurement to which the manufacturer is referring.

Size of Bandsaw Motors :

Another consideration is the size of the band saw’s motor . Most home-level models incorporate a 3/4 to 1 horsepower motor, whereas professional models will have larger motors with variable speeds. For woodworkers, the variable speed won’t really matter, as slower than max speeds should be incorporated when cutting metals and some hard plastics.
Source : http://woodworking.about.com/od/woodworkingmachines/p/bandsaws.htm

Bandsaw Set Up

Posted under Bandsaw Guides by wandi on Thursday 14 January 2010 at 1:00 pm

Bandsaw Set Up

When setting up band saw, read the instructions that accompany the unit very carefully. There are numerous fine adjustments which are necessary for the band saw to cut properly. Failure to follow these instructions, which include setting the blade tension and adjusting the blade guides, thrust bearing and side bearings, will decrease the performance of the saw and make blades much more likely to break.
Not only will the owner’s manual help you set up your saw properly, it will help you become much more familiar with the proper methods for safely cutting with your saw. A band saw is among the safest of power woodworking tools, but the saw is must be set up properly before use. A band saw is a fun tool to work with, but only if used correctly.

Source : http://woodworking.about.com/od/woodworkingmachines/p/bandsaws.htm


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