If you are considering a carpentry project, it is a good idea to know which tools are common for woodworking in Monroe, LA. This will help you determine which tools should be purchased (because you have other plans beyond the current project) and which will be more cost-effective to rent. Before you invest in major purchases, here are five common woodworking tools:
- Claw hammer: The basis of all carpentry, the claw hammer should be present in every household. A well-balanced hammer makes a big difference in whether your large woodworking project or simple picture hanging will be successful. A 20-ounce hammer is heavy enough to drive nails, and yet is also easily used when you need to use the claw side to pull them out. Choose a fiberglass or steel handle for strength, or a wood handle if you wish to reduce hand shock.
- Tape measure: Both a woodworking and household staple, you should always keep an accurate tape measure in your tool box. Choose a 25’ option to cover most projects and have a tape that winds up easily. The tape measure also needs a good tab on the end so it is easy to secure that end to where you are measuring. Otherwise, your measurements will vary as much as ⅛”, which makes a surprising difference in some projects.
- Moisture meter: Your project’s success depends on the moisture contents of your lumber. This is especially true for floors and cabinets, as excessive moisture leads to warping and diminished strength. Some meters use small pins to measure moisture, which will create an indentation you need to fill. Others use IntelliSense technology that uses sensing plates to measure moisture without leaving marks on wood. Choose a moisture meter that has settings for all different species of wood so it will be useful for any lumber you purchase.
- Chisel: While often associated with woodcarving and artistry, chisels also perform other needed functions. Those include cleaning out joints and saw cuts. Use chisels made from high-alloy carbon steel or chromium-vanadium steel with hardwood grips. There should also be a metal cap at the end of the grip to preserve the handle when you hammer into it. Acquire a variety of sizes, too, from about ¼” to 1 ½”. This allows you to address many different projects, and if you purchase, it is often more cost-effective to buy these in a kit.
- Level: A level is one of those tools that, once acquired, you’ll find yourself wondering how you ever lived without it. Usually made of brass-edged wood or metal, a level is a long rectangle shape with a bubble reading for level (horizontal) and another for plumb (vertical). The goal is to get the bubble between the lines to create a level or plumb surface. You likely do not need a six-foot level used in construction, but 48” works for many woodworking projects. An eight-inch level is a smaller tool that works for small jobs like picture hanging, but also becomes necessary for leveling smaller parts in larger projects.
Ram Rent-All, Inc. offers equipment rental in Monroe, LA. Our stock includes small and large equipment, including some items that will accompany your collection of common woodworking tools. Visit us today if you need to know which tools are common for woodworking or already know what you need to rent from us.