Are you ready to set up your own woodworking space? Are you looking for a way to create something unique and special just for your home? Well, if that’s the case then you’re definitely going to want to take a closer look at some of the things here on our list. You want to make sure you’re checking out your space for each of these things. Not to mention that you have at least a bit of gear out there when you’re setting up a woodworking shop.

All About Your Space

So, let’s start out by talking about the actual space that you’re going to need. You’re going to want something that’s large enough, of course, you’re going to want it to have a few very distinct and important features as well, so let’s take a closer look at what some of those things are and then we’ll get into the actual tools that you’re going to need in order to get started (or at least the ones you’re going to want to make your life a little bit easier, right?

Large Space

The most important thing is that you need a large amount of space. This includes plenty of space for the power tools that you’re going to be using as well as the project that you’re going to be building. Also, keep in mind that you’ll likely want space to store at least a few projects at a time and you’re also going to need space to work on any of the decorative elements like staining or engraving. You need to make  sure that your space is going to be large enough for the largest project that you want to work on. Also, while you can set up and do some things outside, you might want to make sure you have enough room inside too ensure you can work in less than ideal weather.

Plenty of Light

Having the right amount of light is going to be another crucial aspect. You need to make sure that you can see everything that you’re doing when you’re doing it or you could end up with cuts going in the wrong ways and in the wrong places. With the right lighting you’re going to be able to create as detailed of a piece as you want, which is definitely going to give you more freedom and a whole lot more fun as you continue working on different things.

Adjustable Light

You want to make sure that you’re not just relying on natural lighting or even fixed lights overhead. You want to make sure that there is also some detail lighting or adjustable, clamp lights that you can move around. They make some that are on cords and some that have their own stands and just about everything you could think of. So if you have a lot of windows and natural light and you also have a few smaller lights you can carry around with you then you should be fine.

Organization

Finally, make sure that you have an organization system. It doesn’t need to work for anyone else, but it definitely should work for you. That means you need a space that you can store all of your tools when you’re not using them. It also means laying things out in a way that you can find them when you’re in the middle of a project and you know what you need next. Setting up a woodworking shop is a whole lot easier when you know where all the things you’re going to need actually are and you can walk right to them when you’re ready for them.

The Tools You Need – Power Tools

When it comes to working on any major project there are going to be power tools that will make things a whole lot easier. These are the things that are going to help you make even better cuts and they’re going to help you get a better looking finished piece when you’re all done. Make sure that you’re doing your research to get the best quality products out of your power tools. They’re going to be expensive and you definitely don’t want to have to replace something just because you got one that’s not quite ideal the first time around.

Jointer

Are you looking to make joints the easy way? If you’re looking to build anything that has more than one piece and needs to be joined together at a corner this is definitely going to be the best way for you to do it. This tool is going to help you cut out the pieces you need to make that corner but it takes care of some additional pieces and needs as well, which make it a great addition to any shop. Just keep in mind that this thing is big, and that means it’s going to need quite a bit of space just to store it let alone space around that you can actually use it.

Router/Router Table

Table Saw

A table saw will make just about everything that you’re doing a whole lot easier. You won’t have to worry about trying to keep to a straight line with your hand saw or trying to find a place to use it. This saw, and table are going to be a great way for you to get those straight cuts and to make sure that you know all of your angles as well. You may also want to opt for a circular saw to make sure you can really get all of the cuts that you’re looking for and so you are always ready for the type of board you want to work with.

Shop Vacuum

Sander

A sander, and especially a drum or detail sander, can be great for anyone looking to get started on woodworking. You want to make sure that you have the ability to really style your piece and make sure that it’s going to look great when you’re done, right? Smoothing out all of the rough edges is definitely going to make it look a whole lot better than leaving the unfinished piece just as rough and rugged as it was when you got it. No matter what you do, you’re going to end up with rough or sharp edges on a finished wood project, so don’t take it as a personal thing, and get a sander.

Power Drill

A power drill is going to make it a whole lot easier to get started on different types of projects. You’ll be able to use it just to make holes or you can actually screw in (or out) the screws that were put into the wood. If you’re reusing wood that was used from a different project you’re definitely going to need to take out some pieces that were used to attach it, right? Well, that’s another area where the power drill is definitely going to come in handy and help you out. You’ll want one of these to make sure you can get started on some of your more basic projects where you don’t use joinery as well.

The Tools You Need – Hand Tools

When it comes to some of the work that you’re going to do you really just can’t beat doing it with your hands (or you need to). So you’re going to need a few hand tools lying around to take care of some of the basics. And these hand tools are going to let you really get into the project that you’re creating because you’re literally building it with your own strength and your own two hands. Don’t underestimate the power of getting it done your way.

The Basics

There are a number of basics that you’re definitely going to need if you’re planning on doing anything with wood, whether it’s woodworking or building or just fixing things around the house. That’s your basic items like a hammer and nails, a tape measure and a level. These things are going to be crucial to anything that you do and you should always make sure that you have them lying around. Pliers, both needle nose and standard, and a screwdriver are going to be good additions to your basic tool kit as well and these items will help you get a lot of things done.

Clamps

When you’re trying to join anything together, whether with joinery or with a jig and screws or just screws in general you’re definitely going to need clamps to help you out. These come in all different sizes, but you should have several of each and they should be fully adjustable as well. Make sure you have enough that you can work on even somewhat larger projects and that you get some that aren’t going to scratch or damage your project while you’re working on it. You want them to have a good grip, but not one that’s going to imprint on your boards.

Wood Selection

Okay, so when you’re just getting started you don’t necessarily need to have a whole bunch of wood pieces laying around. You could just go to the store and pick up what you need for that actual project, but as you continue on you’re definitely going to start massing a few pieces from every project that you didn’t need (at least, if you’re estimating with a little wiggle room). You’ll also end up with a few little pieces from the ends or strips from a piece of plywood that you didn’t use and those could all come in handy for some project down the road.

Safety Goggles

Make sure that you always have plenty of safety goggles and ear protection around. These are going to be extremely important, especially when you’re working with any kind of power tools. You don’t want anything to be flung toward you or toward anyone else and if it does or if something is too loud (which power tools absolutely are) you don’t want to be injured in any way as a result. Make sure you’re wearing your protective gear so you can keep yourself better protected.

Workbench/Table

This is going to be a great aspect of your space because it gives you the amount of space you need to set down your project. If you’re still in the middle or if you’re trying to work on it with hand tools you’re definitely not going to want to do that on the floor, right? So make sure you have a workbench or a table that you can set things up on and so that you can continue working with a good amount of support. But this isn’t the only way that you can set up your projects.

Sawhorses

These are going to be invaluable if you’re working on anything large or if you’re planning on staining anything. They allow you to work with your power tools when you have larger items as well. If you’re trying to cut a board that’s longer than your table saw’s table you’ll want to support it with sawhorses so that you don’t have to worry about binding. These are also great for setting out pieces that you have clamped together or anything that you want to dry when you’re staining. In general, sawhorses can do just about anything and they’re easy to find in wood, metal and even plastic.

Wrapping it Up

The most important thing is that you just have a bit of fun with it. Woodworking should be an enjoyable task. You should be enjoying yourself when it comes to setting up a woodworking shop. So, make sure you’re picking up the most important tools that you’re going to need and then work your way around from there. You might be able to make it work with only a little bit of a money investment if you’re savvy and you’re willing to do some of the work by hand instead of with a power tool. So check out the options and enjoy your new space.

Vince