Module 2: WOODWORKING TOOLS AND THEIR USES
OVERVIEW
Woodworking is a productive craft that involves cutting, shaping, and joining wood to
create useful things from raw materials. In this module students will be introduced to different
woodworking tools and be familiarized on how these tools work. Further, the student will be
able to determine the right tools for the right work.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, student be able to familiarize the different type of
woodworking tools
LEARNING PLAN
WOODWORKING TOOLS AND THEIR USES
2.1. Marking and Measuring Tools
2.1.1. Carpenter’s Folding Rule or Zigzag Rule
Carpenter’s folding rule or zigzag rule a wooden scale used for measuring and setting out
dimensions. It consists of four pieces each 15 cm long hinged at the ends to make folding.
When open out its total length is 60 cm.
2.1.2. Push-pull Tape Rule
Push-pull Tape is used to measure longer distances available from one meter to 50 meters
long.
2.1.3. Gauges
Gauges are very important carpentry tools used for marking and cutting. A gauge essentially
consists of a small square or rectangular wooden stem sliding in a wooden stock. The stem
carries one or more steel marking points or a cutting knife. The gauge is then held firmly
against a planed surface and pushed along to get the required markings.
(source: wikipedia)
2.1.4. Slide Caliper Rule
Slide caliper rule is a special tool used to measure outside diameter of cylindrical objects.
(source: en.wikipedia.org)
2.1.5. Chalk Line and Reel
A chalk line or chalk box is a tool for marking long, straight lines on relatively flat surfaces,
much farther than is practical by hand or with a straight edge. They maybe used to lay out
straight lines between two points, or vertical lines using the weight of the line reel as a plumb
bob.
(source: stanleytools.com)
2.1.6. Lead Pencil
A lead pencil is a used for marking rough work.
2.1.7. Scratch Awl
A scratch awl is a woodworking layout and point-making tool. It is used to scribe a line to be
followed by a hand saw or chisel when making woodworking joints and other operations. The
scratch awl is basically a steel spike with its tip sharpened to a fine point.
(source: amazon.com)
2.1.8. Scriber
A pointed instrument used for making marks on wood, bricks, etc., to guide a saw or in sign
painting.
(source: wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk)
2.1.9. Compass
A compass, also known as a pair of compasses, is a technical drawing instrument that can be
used for inscribing circles or arcs. As dividers, they can also be used as tools to measure
distances.
(source: vectorstock.com)
2.1.12. Divider
Divider is an instrument for measuring, transferring, or marking off distances, consisting of two
straight adjustable leg hinged together and ending in sharp point.
(source: amazon.ca)
2.2. Guiding and Testing Tools
2.2.1. Straight Edge
Straight Edge is a machined flat piece of wood or metal used for testing the trueness of
surfaces.
2.2.2. Try Squares
Try Squares are used for a variety of purposes like measuring and setting out dimensions,
testing flatness, drawing parallel lines at right angles to a plane surface and checking
squareness of two adjacent surfaces. A try square consists of a steel blade with a wooden or
cast iron stock. Sizes vary from 150 to 300 mm according to the length of the blade. the blade
is graduated to serve as a scale.
2.2.3. Level
Level is used for both guiding and testing the work to a vertical or horizontal position.
2.2.4. Plastic Hose with water
Plastic hose with water is one of the best and accurate tools for guiding work in establishing a
horizontal level.
(source: bricky.com)
2.2.5. Sliding T-Bevel
This is like a try square with sliding and adjustable blade that could be set to any angle other
than 90o.
(source: aliexpress.com)
2.2.6. Angle Divider
Angle divider is a double bevel square used to divide an angle in a complicated work in one
setting.
(source: pinterest.com)
2.2.7. Miter Shooting Board
A plain board with 45o guide fastened on top of the upper board. This device is used in
designing patterns, cabinets and the like.
(source: woodworking.stackexchange.com)
2.2.8. Miter Box
A device used as guide on the hand saw in cutting objects to form a miter joint.
(source: homedepot.ca)
2.2.9. Plumb Bob
A metal tool used to check a vertical line. The word plumb means perpendicular to a horizontal
line.
2.3. Toothed Cutting Tools
2.3.1. Saw
2.3.1.1. Hand Saw
All hand saws used in wood working essentially consist of two main parts: the blade and the
handle. The blade carries the cutting teeth and is made of steel. The handle is made of wood
and is used for holding the blade and applying pressure. The teeth of the saw are given a set
to prevent the saw from binding during the saw operation.
(source: indiamark.com)
2.3.1.2. Power Saw
It is the type of power tool that comprises sturdy blades, chains, wire, set of teeth, etc. it is
basically used for the work piece in large cuts. It can cut wood, plastic, metals, concrete and
other materials like tiles and bricks. It can make curvilinear and straight cuts. There are 3
varieties of blades that come with the power saw – rotating blades, reciprocating blades and
circulating blades.
(a) Circular saw
A circular saw is a power-saw using a toothed or abrasive disc or blade to cut different
materials using a rotary motion spinning around an arbor.
(source: tradetools.com)
(b) Jigsaw
A jigsaw is a saw which uses a reciprocating blade to cut irregular curves, such as stenciled
designs, in wood, metal or other materials.
(source: amazon.com)
(c) Table saw
A table saw is a woodworking tool, consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor,
that is driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes through the top of a table, which
provides support for the material, usually wood, being cut.
(d) Reciprocating Saw
It is the form of a powered machine used for cutting the work-piece by applying push and pull
motion of the blade. It has larger blades and resembles a jigsaw construction. It is commonly
used in construction, remodeling and demolishing work. It has a variable speed motor. It can
cut through lumber even if it is embedded with the nails. The saw can also cut all forms of
metals like steel, aluminum, copper and cast iron.
(source: ebuy7.com)
(e) Band Saw
It has long and sharp blades made up of a continuous band of toothed metal between the
wheels to cut the material. It is majority used in woodworking, metalworking, lumbering, etc. it
is used for cutting curves and slice through tough materials with fewer efforts.
(source: amazon.com)
(f) Miter Saw
It is also known as a power box that makes accurate crosscuts and miters in a work piece. It
is done by pulling the large mounted circular blade down on the board in a quick motion. It is
commonly used for cutting, molding and trimming at the selected angles. Generally, the saw
is small, portable and has the blade size ranging from 8 to 12 inches.
(source: shakedeal.com)
2.3.2. Files
Files are metal tools of different shape and size used for abrading, reducing, smoothing and
cutting metal, wood or other materials.
(source: aliexpress.com)
2.3.3. Sandpaper
Sandpaper and glass-paper are names used for a type of coated abrasive that consists of
sheets or paper or cloth with abrasive material glued to one face.
(source: cbkhardware.com)
2.4. Chisels
A large variety of chisels are used in carpentry for removing wood varying from very fine
shavings removed by hand pressure to thick sections removed with the help of a mallet or
hammer.
Chisels have forged steel blade fitted into wooden handles and are specified by the shape and
width of the blade.
There are four common types of chisel, namely:
1. Paring Chisel: is a light duty tool used to plane long surfaces parallel with the grain of
wood. It is not driven by blows, but manipulated by steady sustained pressure of hand.
The blades are 5 to 50 mm wide and 225 to 500 mm long.
(source: wiki.ezvid.com)
2. Firmer Chisel: has a flat blade about 100 to 150 mm long and 3 to 5 mm thick. It is
the most general-purpose chisel. It is used by hand pressure or mallet depending on
the amount of material to be removed. Width varies from 3 to 50 mm.
(source: indiamart.com)
3. Beveled Edge Firmer Chisel: also known as dovetail chisel this type of chisel has
beveled edges. The beveling of the edges reduces the thickness of the chisel at the
sides enabling it to enter sharp corners and finish them. This chisel is used for fine and
delicate work.
(source: toolstop.co.uk)
4. Mortise chisel: this type of chisel is used for taking heavy and deep cuts resulting in
more stock removal as in making mortises. It is made with a heavy blade with generous
shoulder or collar to withstand the larger force of the mallet blows. Blades vary in width
from 3 to 16 mm. the blade thickness is from 6 to 15 mm.
(source: fine-tools.com)
2.5. Planning Tools
In the past all planes were made out of high-quality wood but metal planes have now replaced
wooden planes. As compared to wooden planes metal planes are more efficient, can be used
with greater control, can be easily adjusted and give better finish.
2.5.1. Wooden jack plane
A jack wooden plane is the first plane used on timber for trueing it. It consists of a block of
wood or stock into which the blade is fixed with a wooden wedge. The bottom face of the stock
called sole is made perfectly smooth and level. The blade made of high carbon steel is fixed
45o to the sole and is held in position by a tapered wooden wedge. Another blade is fixed on
the cutting block between the blade and the wedge. This does not do any cutting but only
supports the cutting blade and prevents shattering. Is also helps in breaking the shavings as
they are produced by making them curl. Jack plane are 350 to 425 mm long with blades 50 to
75 mm wide.
(source: alibaba.com)
2.5.2. Metal Jack Plane
A metal jack plane is a general-purpose woodworking bench plane, used for dressing timber
down to the correct size in preparation for truing and/or edge jointing.
(source: pinterest.com)
2.5.3. Electric Planer
An electric planer is a tool used to take off small amounts of woods by shaving it off in
increments. They usually have two or three blades to achieve this and the maximum amount
of material that can be removed in a single pass is usually around 1/8”.
(source: Lazada.com.ph)
2.5.4. Table Planer
(source: winstarmachinery.en.com)
2.5.5. Thickness Planer
2.6. Boring Tools
Boring tools are needed frequently for making round holes in wood. They are selected
according to the type and purpose of the hole.
2.6.1. Auger
Auger is a long steel bar with a fluted body for half of its length and an eye at the top through
which handle can be fitted for turning the auger. A small screw is provided at the bottom of the
auger to serve as a pilot in starting a hole. The auger is operated by holding the handle in both
hands and rotating while simultaneously pressing downwards. Augers are chiefly used for
rough structural work and are available in various sizes up to 25 mm diameter. Small auger
bits are also available for use with braces.
(source: bvs.org.do)
2.6.2. Gimlet
A gimlet is a smaller form of auger and is used for producing small holes. It is operated in the
same way as the auger.
(source: screwfix.com)
2.6.3. Brad Awl
Brad awl is a small tool used for punching or piercing small holes. It is generally used in starting
a nail or screw in hardwood.
(source: amazon.co.uk)
2.6.4. Drill
A drill is a tool primarily used for making round holes or driving fasteners. It is fitted with a bit,
either a drill or driver, depending on application, secured by a chuck. Some powered drill also
includes a hammer function.
Breast Drill
(source: goantiques.com)
Electric Drill
(source: homedepot.com)
Bench Drill
(source: indiamart.com)
2.6.5. Brace
a brace is a hand tool used with a bit to drill holes, usually in wood. Pressure is applied to the
top and the tool is rotated with a U-shaped grip. Bits used come in variety of types but the
more commonly used Ridgeway-and Irwin-pattern bit also rely on a snail point, which is a
tapered screw point shaped the same as a wood as the user turns the brace handle and
applies pressure.
The U-shaped part is a kind of crank. It gives the brace much greater torque than other kinds
of hand-powered drills. A brace and bit can be used to drill much wider and deeper holes than
can a geared hand-powered drill. The price of the greater torque is lower rotational speed; it
is easy for a geared hand drill to achieve a rotational speed of several hundred revolutions per
minute, but it requires considerable effort to achieve even 100 rpm with a brace.
(source: highlandwoodworking.com)
2.7. Fastening Tools
Fastening tools are used to fixed or connect parts of the work together with nails, screw, bolts,
etc. the term fastening for want of word is used to classify those tools employed in securing
the member or parts of the construction work.
There are several types of fastening tools.
2.7.1. Claw hammer
Claw hammer is a hand tool made of steel carefully forged, hardened and tempered. Claw
hammer size varies from 140 to 560 grams.
a. The 400 to 500 g is recommended for finishing work.
b. The 450 to 560 g is recommended for framing work.
2.7.2. Wrench
Wrench is a tool with handle and a jaw which may be fitted to the head of a nut to tighten or
loosen bolts. Wrench is classified as either plain, socket, or adjustable.
Phillips Screw Driver
Plain Screw Driver
Double End Type Plain Wrench
Adjustable Wrench
Back Wrench
(source: sears.com)
Combination Wrench
(source: en.wikipedia.org)
Socket Wrench
(source: shopyourway.com)
Rachet Screw Driver
(source: amazon.com)
Off set Screw Driver
(source: amazon.com)
Nail Set
(source: homedepot.com)
Yankee Screw Driver
(source: bikeforums.com)
2.8. Sharpening Tools
Experienced carpenters know the importance of sharpening tools in carpentry operations.
Sharp tools assure the worker in accomplishing a refined quality work. For amateur worker,
too much can’t be written on the subject of sharpening tools and methods of sharpening. If an
expert carpenter cannot produce good work with dull tools, what more can be expected from
an amateur with dull tools.
2.8.1. Oilstone
Oilstone is a block of fine-grained stone, usually oiled, for putting the final edge on certain
cutting tools by abrasion
(source: expertreviews.co.uk)
2.8.2. Pedal-powered Grinder
(source: doesyourcityhavecountryroads.com)
2.8.3. Bench Grinder
Bench grinder is a benchtop type of grinding machine used to drive abrasive wheels.
(source: shop.goldpeaktools.com.ph)
2.9. Holding Tools
Holding tool is an apparatus used to accomplished fine carpentry and joinery works. The need
for holding the materials in place rigidly to work on has come up with the idea of making the
simple horse or trestle. Holding tools maybe classified according to the service required:
1. Supporting
Carpentry work like sawing, chiseling, planning and the like need support to amply
sustain the working operations. The horse or trestle is one example of holding tool.
2. Retaining
Under this category, there are several kinds of holding tools regarded as rigid and
strong enough in pressing tightly the materials together. Example of which are the
clamp and the vise.
Miter Clamp
(source: en.wikipedia.org)
Deep Throat Clamp
(source: harborfreight.com)
Iron Jaw Clamp
(source: amazon.com)
Square C-Clamp
(kbctools.com)
Steel Bar Clamp
(finewoodworking.com)
Fig. 1. Clamps
F Clamp
Bench Vise
(Irwin.com)
Quick Release Steel Bench Vise
(source: leevalley.com)
Pipe Vise
(source: mscdirect.com)
Fig. 2. Vises
2.10. Working Bench
Working bench is also an indispensable tool in carpentry operation classified as a shop tool.
It is one necessity for the preparation of various kinds of on-site or off-site job. Working bench
includes some of the following attachment.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Quick acting bench vise
Bench vise
Grinder
Anvil
(source: Alibaba.com)
REFERENCES:
Simplified Methods on Building Construction by Max B. Fajardo, Jr. 2000 edition
Different Types of Power Saws and their Uses. shakedeal.com
Wikipedia.com