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When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore the top five hand tools every beginner woodworker should invest in. These tools were carefully chosen by an experienced woodworker, and are essential for any woodworking project.
The first tool on the list is the tape measure. While it may seem like a basic tool, having a reliable tape measure is crucial for accurate measurements. The article will review several options, including the fast cap old standby and the Lefty righty tape measure, and provide tips on how to use them effectively. The second tool on the list is the square, with the Swanson speed square being recommended as the best option for most projects. The article will also cover clamps, chisels, mallets, and flush trim saws, providing insights on the best options for each tool.
Key Takeaways
- The top five hand tools every beginner woodworker should invest in are the tape measure, square, clamps, chisels, mallets, and flush trim saws.
- Having a reliable tape measure is crucial for accurate measurements, and the Swanson speed square is recommended as the best option for most projects.
- F-clamps are a great general clamp for holding things together, while pipe clamps are an inexpensive way to add to your clamp collection.
Tape Measures
Fastcap PS-16 16-Feet Old Standby ProCarpenter Tape Measure
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The Fastcap PS-16 16-Feet Old Standby ProCarpenter Tape Measure is a durable and lightweight tape measure that is perfect for most woodshops. It features a 16-foot tape that doesn’t take up much belt space, making it easy to carry around. The blade is protected by a nice rubber coating, making it more durable than metal house tape measures. Additionally, the tape measure has a Lefty righty feature that makes it easy to read the measurements from both sides of the tape. The Fastcap PS-16 is also very affordable, making it a great option for beginners.
Lufkin L1125B Home Hand Tools Measuring & Layout Tapes, Multi
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The Lufkin L1125B Home Hand Tools Measuring & Layout Tapes, Multi is a tape measure that is not as durable as the Fastcap PS-16. The blade sticks out from underneath the tape measure, making it more susceptible to damage if dropped. However, it is still a good option for beginners who are on a budget.
It is important to note that when using multiple tape measures in the shop, they can be off from each other even if they are the same brand. Therefore, it is recommended to only use one tape measure for a project.
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Squares
SWANSON Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square, Blue
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The Swanson Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square in blue is an aluminum square that is seven inches on one side. It can be used to mark angles and draw 90-degree angles for 90-degree cuts. With its shoulder, it can be easily laid on top of a 2×4 or 2×6, and has graduated marks up the edge for easy pivoting to turn down to whatever angle you need to cut. It is a great square for most projects and is a good starting point for beginners.
Stanley 45-910 24-Inch x 2-Inch Steel Rafter/Roofing Square
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The Stanley 45-910 24-Inch x 2-Inch Steel Rafter/Roofing Square is a framing square that is very inexpensive and can be used for most projects. It is a good starting point for beginners who need a bigger square from time to time. The framing square can be used to scribe a mark with a pencil along the short edge, and then flipped over to scribe a mark that should be the same. If the mark is not the same, the square is not square.
Taytools 776049 Removable Carpenter Framing Square Fence Anodized Aluminum 7-7/8 Inch Long
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The Taytools 776049 Removable Carpenter Framing Square Fence is an anodized aluminum fence that slides right onto a carpenter square. It can be tightened down with a thumb screw and is used to give a ledge or a large speed square. It is a good accessory to have for a square.
Swanson Tool Co TC131 12 inch Combo Square with Stainless Steel Rule
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The Swanson Tool Co TC131 12 inch Combo Square with Stainless Steel Rule is an extremely handy combination square that can be used for a bunch of different reasons. It can be used to set depths and adjust the square to get into tight spaces. It is a great tool for beginners to have.
DFM Small Carpenter Square Alloy Steel Made in USA with Fixed Miter Angle Pin
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The DFM Small Carpenter Square is an alloy steel square that is made in the USA with a fixed miter angle pin. It is a small triangle square that is handy to have and can be used on smaller projects like furniture. It is a good accessory to have for a square.
Woodpeckers Delve Square, Precision Woodworking Square Great for Furniture and Cabinet Making
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The Woodpeckers Delve Square is a precision woodworking square that is great for furniture and cabinet making. It has a couple of features that are not found on a lot of other squares, but it is very pricey. If you are on a budget, the Swanson Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square is a good alternative and does basically the same thing as the Woodpeckers brand.
[Video] 3 Most Common Mistakes
When Setting Up Shop
A woodworking friend of mine shared this video by Ralph Chapman with me that helped him set up his workshop.
The video explains the benefits of Ralph Chapman’s guide about setting up an affordable workshop and avoiding the most common mistakes offers to anyone interested in woodworking.
Clamps
IRWIN Tools QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp, 18-Inch
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The IRWIN Tools QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp is an essential tool for woodworkers. It is a one-handed clamp that is easy to use and provides a strong grip. The clamp has a 300-pound load capacity and can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks. It has a quick-release trigger that allows for easy and fast adjustments. The clamp also has a non-marring pad that protects the workpiece from damage.
Jorgensen 2-Piece Steel Bar Clamp Set, Light Duty F-Clamp, 8-inch & 12-inch
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The Jorgensen 2-Piece Steel Bar Clamp Set is a great choice for light-duty clamping tasks. The set includes two clamps, one 8-inch and one 12-inch, that are made of steel and have a nickel-plated finish. The clamps have a load capacity of 300 pounds and feature a comfortable handle for easy use. They also have a swivel pad that adjusts to the workpiece’s surface to prevent damage.
Bessey BPC-H34, 3/4-In. H Style Pipe Clamps
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The Bessey BPC-H34 H Style Pipe Clamps are an inexpensive and effective way to clamp large workpieces. The clamps are made of high-strength steel and have a load capacity of 1,000 pounds. They feature a clutch system that allows for easy adjustments and a large handle for comfortable use. The clamps also have a powder-coated finish that resists corrosion.
GeilSpace 3/4″ x 42″ Heavy Duty Pre-Cut Grey Metal Pipe, Industrial Steel Fits Standard 3/4 Inch Threaded Pipes and Fittings
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The GeilSpace 3/4″ x 42″ Heavy Duty Pre-Cut Grey Metal Pipe is a great choice for pipe clamping. The pipe is made of industrial steel and is pre-cut to 42 inches, making it easy to use. It fits standard 3/4 inch threaded pipes and fittings, making it versatile. The pipe has a load capacity of 1,000 pounds and is coated with a rust-resistant finish.
BESSEY KRE3531 PAIR 31″ K Body REVO Parallel Bar Clamp Now With Hex Key Clamping
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The BESSEY KRE3531 PAIR 31″ K Body REVO Parallel Bar Clamp is a high-quality clamp that is perfect for woodworking. The clamp has a load capacity of 1,500 pounds and features a unique parallel jaw design that provides even pressure on the workpiece. It also has a quick-release trigger that allows for easy and fast adjustments. The clamp comes with a hex key for added convenience.
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Chisels
Narex Czech Steel 4 Piece Set 6 mm (1/4″), 12 mm (1/2″), 20 mm (3/4″), 26 mm (1 1/16″) Woodworking Chisels
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The Narex Czech Steel 4 Piece Set is a great option for beginners looking for a reliable set of chisels. Made from high-quality steel, these chisels are durable and long-lasting. The set includes four different sizes, ranging from 6 mm (1/4″) to 26 mm (1 1/16″), making it versatile for various woodworking projects. The chisels have a beveled edge, which makes them ideal for precision work and creating clean cuts.
Narex 853600 5 Piece Boxed Set of Richter Extra Bevel Edge Chisel (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch) Cryogenic Treated Cr-V Steel Hardened to HRc 62 Ergonomic Ash Handles Stainless Steel Ferrules
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The Narex 853600 5 Piece Boxed Set of Richter Extra Bevel Edge Chisel is another excellent option for beginners. Made from cryogenic treated Cr-V steel, these chisels are hardened to HRc 62, making them durable and long-lasting. The set includes five different sizes, ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, making it versatile for various woodworking projects. The chisels have ergonomic ash handles and stainless steel ferrules, which provide a comfortable grip and prevent the handles from splitting. The bevel edge of the chisels makes them ideal for precision work and creating clean cuts.
When choosing a set of chisels, it’s important to consider the quality of the steel, the bevel edge, and the size range included in the set. Both of these Narex sets offer high-quality steel and beveled edges, making them ideal for precision work. The size range included in each set provides versatility for various woodworking projects.
Mallets
TEKTON Wood Handle Rubber Mallet Set, 3-Piece
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The TEKTON Wood Handle Rubber Mallet Set is a great option for woodworkers who need to hammer without damaging their workpiece. This set comes with three different sizes of mallets – 8, 16, and 32 ounces – so you can choose the appropriate size for your project. The rubber head of the mallets is designed to prevent damage to your workpiece, while the wooden handle provides a comfortable grip. These mallets are also durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for any woodworker.
Estwing – DFH-12 Rubber Mallet – 12 oz Double-Face Hammer with Soft/Hard Tips & Hickory Wood Handle
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The Estwing DFH-12 Rubber Mallet is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks. This mallet features a 12-ounce double-face hammer with both soft and hard tips, giving you the flexibility to choose the appropriate tip for your project. The hickory wood handle provides a comfortable and sturdy grip, while the rubber head helps to prevent damage to your workpiece. This mallet is also durable and long-lasting, making it a great investment for any woodworker.
Flush Trim Saws
SUIZAN Japanese Flush Cut Saw Small Hand 5 Inch Pull for Hardwood and Softwood Woodworking tools Trim
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The SUIZAN Japanese Flush Cut Saw is a small hand saw that is designed for trimming hardwood and softwood woodworking tools. This saw has a 5-inch blade that is perfect for cutting through small pieces of wood. The blade is made from high-quality steel, which makes it very durable and long-lasting. The handle is made from wood and is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip. This saw is perfect for beginners who are looking for a high-quality saw that is easy to use.
SUIZAN Japanese Folding Ryoba Pull Saw 9.5 Inch Double Edge Hand Saw for Woodworking
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The SUIZAN Japanese Folding Ryoba Pull Saw is a double-edged hand saw that is perfect for woodworking. This saw has a 9.5-inch blade that is made from high-quality steel, which makes it very durable and long-lasting. The saw is designed to cut through both softwood and hardwood with ease. The handle is made from wood and is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip. This saw is perfect for beginners who are looking for a high-quality saw that is easy to use.
Both of these saws are made by SUIZAN, a Japanese company that is known for producing high-quality hand tools for woodworking. These saws are perfect for beginners who are just starting out in woodworking and are looking for high-quality tools that are easy to use. Both of these saws are designed to provide a comfortable grip and are made from high-quality materials that are built to last.
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