What Tools Does A Joiner Need?
When thinking about getting into joinery, you need to keep in mind that this career will come with something of an investment. By this, we mean that you will need to purchase a tool kit. But if you’re new to the job, you may find yourself confused over the most essential tools and what you’ll need to buy first. So, what tools does a joiner need?
Joiners work with wood and this means that there are a lot of important tools. From various types of saw; both powered and handheld to chisels, hammers, screwdrivers and more, you’ll definitely need a diverse set of tools.
Buying tools for being a joiner is fraught with decisions but we would always suggest going for the best tools you can afford. After all, you’re going to want them to remain durable and reliable for as long as possible.
In this guide, we want to introduce you to some of the most essential basic tools to get you started on your journey to becoming the best joiner you can be.
What Tools Does An Apprentice Joiner Need?
If you’re doing a joinery apprenticeship, the good news is that you shouldn’t be expected to have anything. The company you are working for and training with will typically provide you with everything you need. This is certainly the case when it comes to PPE such as steel toe cap boots, a hi-vis vest, gloves and, if you’re working onsite, a hard hat. Although this is something that carpenters would do, not typically a joiner.
That said, if you can afford to buy your own tools then that certainly does have its advantages. But at this stage of your career journey, you don’t need to go over the top and buy absolutely every item in the tool store. The following tools are considered to build a basic kit that’ll get you through most work days and beyond.
Claw Hammer
The claw hammer is one of the most basic yet essential tools of any woodworker. This will be used for driving nails into timber as well as featuring an end that will remove them when needed.
Tape Measure
You won’t get far if you can’t take precise measurements when crafting structures so it is important to have a high quality tape measure. You’ll want one made from metal as these are durable and don’t lose their accuracy over time.
Measuring Square
These simple tools are designed to help you measure angles precisely and correctly. No self-respecting joiner would be seen without a set.
Chisels
It’s worth investing in a high quality set of chisels from the off. Cheap ones don’t retain their edge very well and will need to be replaced very quickly. While you might pay a little more for a good set of chisels, it’s worth it. Your set should include different sizes of chisel and these will give your versatility when working with a lathe or hand carving. For detailed work, they’re a must!
It’s worth keeping in mind that, along with your chisel set, you’ll need a mallet for driving them.
Handsaw
There are so many different types of saw and each has its own use but a hand saw is about as versatile as it gets. They can be used for ripping and cross cuts and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Backsaw
As well as a good handsaw, you’ll need a backsaw. These saws have fine teeth and are designed for more detailed work such as making dovetails or mortise and tenon joints.
Screwdrivers
No woodworking tool kit would be complete without a decent set of screwdrivers. It’s important to have a selection as different tasks require different shapes and sizes. There are lots of excellent screwdrivers sets out there that allow for excellent versatility.
While these are some of the most basic tools you will need, there are many more. It’s a good idea to build your collection up over time rather than trying to invest in everything in one go, especially since an apprentice’s wage might not easily cover everything at once.
What Power Tools Does A Joiner Need?
Power tools offer a way to get the job done much more quickly and efficiently. While you could, in theory, do most joinery tasks using hand tools, you’ll probably want a decent set of power tools to get you through the working day. Consider the following;
- An electric drill does far more than just make holes. With the right bits and attachments, you can use a drill for sanding, grinding and much more.
- An orbital sander is great for giving a clean finish as the design on the discs along with the motion of the tool won’t leave marks on the surface of the wood.
- A jigsaw is a powered cutting tool designed for detailed work like curves or circular patterns. While a bandsaw will do the same job, a jigsaw is more versatile and ideal for beginners.
- A circular saw is often considered to be one of the most important power tools for any joiner or carpenter. It’s great for cutting stock and is much easier to use than a table saw, although this is something that you may wish to consider investing in down the line.
- A mitre saw is used to cut bevels and angles and is imperative in the workshop of any good joiner.
- A wood router is used to shape decorative pieces that might include things like dados and rabbets. It’s possible to install the tool into a router table which is preferred by many people.
Conclusion
Working as a joiner means that you will be constructing items made from timber; this might be furniture, staircases, doors, window frames, moulding and much more. But whatever you are making, you’ll need the right tools to get the job done. When starting out, it is a good idea to purchase high quality tools that will stand the test of time, as you’re going to get a lot of use out of your equipment.