Whether you pursue woodworking as a hobby or as a profession, it’s important to plan your work area beginning with the tools you need most. While most woodworking operations eventually feature numerous tools, starting out with the basics will help to save money, as well as train you to buy tools only as you need them. Below, we look at some tools that every woodworker needs—a router, a mortiser, a sander, a jointer, a moulder, and a dust collector—and explore whether domestic or industrial grade woodworking machines are right for your operation.
Routers
Depending on its model, a router can have a variety of functions, with the most common functions being sanding, trimming, and drilling. Handheld routers typically have the least routing capabilities, while CNC routers typically have the most. Handheld routers are usually sufficient for hobbyist woodwork, whereas commercial operations typically require a CNC router, which are controlled by computer and may have as many as four cutters for speed and accuracy.
Mortisers
Mortisers are used to produce holes of various sizes and depths, a necessary application in most areas of woodworking. When purchasing a mortiser, always look for a model that allows you to set the depth of holes by adjusting the mortiser head. For the most mortising capability, many woodworkers prefer chain and chisel mostisers.
Sanders
If you plan on producing finished woodwork, a sander is a necessity. If your woodwork will require both heavy sanding on rough wood and refined sanding to prepare wood for staining or painting, choosing a sander that can accommodate both by switching out sanding belts is the best option.
Jointers
Also referred to as surface planers, jointers produce flat edges on boards to adjoin them with other boards. Jointers are commonly used in furniture production, but they are also valuable for any woodwork that involves fusing two or more boards to create the appearance of a single wood piece.
Moulders
Moulders are used to shape pieces of wood, with their applications ranging from the production of wooden bowls to the shaping of furniture pieces. Moulders are capable of producing designs that range from simple to complex.
Dust Collectors
A dust collector is usually one of the last machines a woodworker purchases, but its impact on the lifespan of other machines is critical. Dust collectors come in three basic types: downdraft tables, individual collection units, and facility wide collection systems. For hobbyist woodworking, the first two are sufficient, while facility wide systems help to cut down on the cost of dust collection and dust collector maintenance in larger operations.
What Determines the Need for Industrial Grade Machines Versus Domestic Grade?
The best indicator of the need for industrial woodworking machinery is when domestic or light commercial grade machinery fails to support an operation’s production demand and production rate. Furthermore, only when production is high is industrial machinery a sensible purchase and justifiable expense. To save money on industrial models, many woodworkers shop for late model used industrial woodworking machinery that has a dependable maintenance record.
