What Every Woodworking Shop Needs to Boost Productivity and Efficiency
If you currently consider woodworking to be a hobby but are looking to turn it into your vocation, equipping yourself with the right tools in your workshop can make all the difference. Though there are a variety of tools that are industry or product-specific, there are also general must-haves for woodworking shop ease and efficiency that you’ll want to be sure you have before you dive into woodworking as a professional venture. However, answering the question, what tools do I need for a woodworking shop, is often open to interpretation.
At CanCam, we are your top choice when looking for industrial CNC routers for sale. Though we know that a CNC router can be invaluable in any woodworking shop, we also understand that it is not the only piece of equipment you will need. In this post, we dive into what every woodworking shop needs to be successful. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to expand the capabilities of your shop, having a variety of tools can help support your business in operating efficiently.
See our posts, Must-Have Tools for Furniture Making: A Quick Guide for Beginners and Must-Have Cabinet-Making Tools to Improve Your Workshop Quality and Productivity, for industry-specific information to guide you in setting up your workshop.
What Every Woodworking Shop Needs to Boost Efficiency and Productivity
No matter the size or specialty of your woodworking shop, there are a variety of tools that can help make your work easier and more efficient. Below is a list of tools that woodworking experts agree are good to have in a workshop. Though some tools may not be required for your specific type of work or may be more advanced than you need, use this list to help you determine what tools might best support your work.
Power Tools – table saws, miter saws, and band saws are some of the most common equipment used in a woodworking shop. You may also wish to consider adding a drill press, CNC router, jointer, planer, or orbital sander to your power tool lineup to improve your overall efficiency.
Hand Tools – hand tools are essential in a woodworking shop. Popular hand tools that you should consider for your workshop include chisels, hand saw, clamps, mallets, screwdrivers, allen keys, and combination squares.
Measuring and Layout Tools – basic measuring and layout tools are a must-have in any woodworking shop. Be sure to have a tape measure, speed square, calipers, marking knives, and a pencil on hand.
Finishing Tools – the type of finishing tools you will need in your workshop will depend on the specific products you produce. Some of the common finishing tools that you may consider for your shop include a spray gun, paint brushes and rollers, rags and tack clothes, and finishing oils or varnishes.
Work Surfaces – when setting up a woodworking shop, don’t forget about your work surfaces and storage needs. A workbench, outfeed table, lumber storage, and tools storage should all be considered to help ensure your workshop is uncluttered and easy to work in.
What Safety Equipment Should I Consider for a Woodworking Shop?
When considering what every woodworking shop needs it is important to not overlook safety equipment. Woodworking shops in particular can benefit from a dust collection system. However, other safety equipment such as hearing protection, eye protection, respirators, and fire extinguishers should be used properly in your shop.
See our post, How Does a Dust Collection System Work? What You Should Know to Keep Your Workshop Clean and Safe, for more information on why a dust collection system should be considered essential in your woodworking shop.
What CNC Machine Would Be Best for My Workshop?
A CNC router for woodworking is a more advanced tool that may not be accessible to beginners. However, the addition of a CNC router can help you take your passion for woodworking from a hobby to a full-time venture with its ability to improve efficiency. If you are looking to add a CNC router to your shop, our post, What is the Best CNC Machine for Woodworking? Your Guide to Selecting a CNC Router That Meets the Needs of Your Workshop provides helpful insight.
There are many tools that could be considered must haves for woodworking shops. However, when it comes to setting up your shop, leaning into your preferred processes and tools is a good place to start. If you are looking to enhance your woodworking shop with a CNC router, the experts at CanCam are here to help. Contact a member of our team today or see our post, Why a CNC Machine is a Must-Have for Woodworking Workshops of All Sizes, to learn more about how a CNC router can take your shop to the next level.
