The Best Carpentry Tools
Becoming a carpenter takes years of education and training. Most people can't just pick up the tools they need to get the job done and start building a masterpiece. Some carpentry tools are better for certain types of work while others require only a few basic pieces. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Basics
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Carpenters need to have a arsenal of tools for most jobs, however, the need for more specialized tools increases as the difficulty of the project increases. All carpenters need to have a claw hammer that is sturdy. Hammers with a wooden handle are more stable than those with a metal handle and are less likely to shatter. For finishing work, a lightweight hammer can be used as well. Carpenters should have a variety of different-size screwdrivers in their tool belts and should also have a power drill with different-size bits and attachments. Companies such as Stanley and Kobalt make sturdy hand tools, while Black and Decker, Dewalt and Craftsman provide high-quality drills and accessories.
Miter Saw
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Miter saws are used for a variety of projects that involve woodworking. A miter saw allows a carpenter to make a cut on a perfect 45-degree angle so that the pieces can be put together to make corners. Mitered corners are seen on furniture and cabinet work most often but are also used when installing trim and crown molding. Miter saws can be expensive, however, there is a more affordable option for carpenters who do not use miter cuts frequently. A basic miter box can be purchased for a fraction of the price of power miter saws and doesn't require an electrical outlet to work. Bosch brand miter saws are considered to be among the elite when it comes to power and precision of cut.
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Router
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Routers have a wide variety of uses and make the job of a carpenter easier to complete. Routers can be used to create joints or dovetails but most often they are used because of their ability to carve intricate designs into wood. Rather than completing finishing work and carving with a hand tool, today's carpenters use routers to speed up the process and make more precise carvings. Routers have gone through many changes over the years, with early models being difficult to use. Today's routers are lightweight and the numerous attachments make using the tool easier than ever before. Plunge-cut routers are the most common and can be used to make holes in the center of a piece of wood.
Biscuit Joiner
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Joining together two pieces of wood can be a difficult prospect for many carpenters. While there are several methods of joining, one of the easiest and most-used methods is to employ a tool known as a biscuit joiner. A biscuit joiner cuts a small sliver of wood out of the edge of the two pieces that are to be connected. The sliver is just large enough to hold a small round disk known as a biscuit. When the biscuit is put in place and the two pieces are connected, the biscuit provides a sturdy joint between the wood pieces. Biscuit joiners have not been around as long as other tools, however, they are extremely popular. Only a few companies produce biscuit joiners, with Porter Cable tools having the widest selection.
Sander
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No carpenter wants to present a finished project that's got sharp edges, rough patches or splinters. Traditional sandpaper or sanding blocks can be used for small projects, but larger projects require a motorized sander to complete the work more quickly. Sanders can be loaded with different strength sandpaper depending on the project. Orbital sanders and belt sanders are the most common types of power sanders purchased because of their versatility. Large jobs like sanding a floor may require the use of a drum sander. Sanders are made by many companies including Skil, Hitatchi, and Black and Decker.
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