Woodworking is a popular hobby, but it can make an excellent business opportunity as well. If you enjoy working with wood and would like to turn a profit at it, there are a few tools that you should add to your shop before you open it to potential clients.
Thickness Planer
Do you plan to do any projects that involve found or reclaimed wood? If so, a thickness planer could be a good investment for you. This tool is useful for repairing some of the imperfections you might find in wood that hasn’t been treated or worked on before. You can use it to fix the surface defects you find. One of the chief benefits of a surface planer is that it allows you to purchase cheaper wood and fix it up yourself before incorporating it into your next project.
Moulding Knives
Moulding knives are useful when woodworkers need to make precise, specifically shaped cuts into wood pieces. The category covers a broad range of knife types that you can use for different projects. To make sure you have what you need to do the job, you can order custom-made moulding knives that are designed to fit your exact preferences. In most cases, you can request a set of knives that are intended to work with the brand or model of machine that you have in your shop.
Evaluating High-Tech Investments: Is CNC Worth It?
When it comes to advanced tools for your woodworking business, investing in CNC machinery can be a significant decision. CNC equipment allows for precise and detailed cuts, automating much of the process. However, determining whether it’s the right investment for your shop can be challenging. In this guide, there is a lot of information for deciding if CNC is the right investment for you, helping you weigh the pros and cons of integrating this technology into your business.
Plunge Router
Every workshop dealing with wood needs a few versatile tools. The plunge router fits into this category nicely. This tool can help you form regular cuts or make joints. Most routers can accept a host of different bits that you can swap out whenever you need a different size or type. A regular plunge router with average power and a set of basic bits is a great starting point for any shop.
Table Saw
A woodshop needs a few larger pieces of equipment to handle different jobs. If you’re wondering where to start, the table saw is probably the first big purchase you should make. Most table saws are powerful and quick. They can help you do anything from cutting large boards into smaller pieces to making intricate joints. It is a good idea to look for a fairly advanced model that includes wings and an iron table.
These are just a few of the basic tools that can help you get started on your path to a thriving small business that trades in crafted wood. There are several other tools that you might add to your shop as your business grows. You might also invest in specialized machinery to do more elaborate work for custom orders. Don’t forget to include the simple hand tools like a hammer and chisel.
