Woodworking Tools

Choose and use woodworking tools with confidence

A shop full of tools can still produce poor results if the wrong tool is used or one is badly set up. Dull blades burn wood, a poorly aligned fence causes kickback, and a cheap purchase may not match the work you plan to do. Knowing what each tool does saves both money and frustration.

The guides here explain saws, routers, planers, sanders, drills, chisels and hand planes, plus how to tune them and keep them sharp. You can compare what a tool does, learn the order to buy in, and find the setup steps that make cuts cleaner and safer. Safety gets space in every guide, from guards and push sticks to eye and ear protection. When a machine behaves oddly or shows damage, stop using it and contact the maker or a repair service.