5 Tools That Give Wooden Projects a Beautiful Finish

Woodwork is a very in-depth profession, and you can learn a lot of things about even the most specific of tasks or methods in working your wood. Depending on what type of project you’re working on, certain needs will call for certain tools, and sometimes it’s difficult to finish the project without said tools. Even if you do, you’ll end up with work that seems unpolished or unfinished. To prevent that, here are five tools that you’ll definitely want to have to ensure your projects start and finish smoothly.

MUST-HAVE TOOLS AND MATERIALS FOR WOODWORKING

Digital caliper

A digital caliper may not be used for finishing projects per se, but they’re great for ensuring things stay accurate from beginning to end. Every woodworker worth their weight knows that proper and accurate measurements are key to a good final product, and making even the slightest of mistakes can prove to be devastating. You may end up with a huge error due to a single mistake when measuring the wood during your first steps.

To ensure that not a single error occurs, you’ll have to rely on more than just your sight. With digital tools such as digital calipers, you can rely on technology instead. While it may feel like it takes away some of the skill expression that comes with experience in woodworking, it’ll help both novices and veterans alike make more accurate measurements in the long run.

Sandpaper

Sandpaper is something that you use in many projects, but some newer woodworkers take it for granted. Sure, you can sand the wood to make it smoother, but is that all there is to it? Of course not — you can use sandpaper for far more than just the finishing touches, and sanding can be helpful during many phases throughout your project. Knowing when to use sandpaper and when it can be beneficial to your project separates novice woodworkers from the pros.

Varnish

Varnish isn’t a tool, but it’s something that can definitely add a layer of finish to many wooden projects. It’s simple to use and coats wood in this nice glossy layer that also helps make the wood more durable in the long run. Varnish isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, however. In some scenarios, it may be ideal to not use varnish and instead implement other methods to add a finish to your work. Again, it all boils down to knowing when to use what tool or what material.

Wood Jointer

Wood jointers are very useful when working on wooden projects that involve joints. They flatten wooden boards and prepare them for you, giving you the ideal surface for carrying out your projects. Wood jointers are comparatively expensive, and while they’re a nice addition to have for any woodworker, they’re a sizable investment.

If you do think that a wood jointer would help with your current workload, then be sure to carefully pick the right one for your needs. Some wood jointers support larger boards whereas others are sought after for their affordable price range. Knowing your budget and your specific needs will help you narrow down your choices quickly and easily.

Paint

Finally, there’s paint. Paint is a simple way to finish wooden projects, and you really can’t go wrong with it. There are many ways to paint and many types of paint to choose from, so feel free to experiment with your prototypes so you can figure out which one suits your preferences more.