Woodworking is a good skill to have, whether it’s a weekend hobby or your livelihood. If you’re just getting started, a visit to your local hardware store is essential to get all the tools you’re going to need. Learn about the most common items every beginner must have so you can set up shop with the help of Montgomery’s Building Supplies in Warsaw, NY.

A Hardware Store Shopping List for Woodworkers

1. Work Bench

A good work bench is level, sturdy, and the right height. Since you will want to clamp your materials to the bench while you complete projects, get one with a solid top at least three inches thick. The base legs should be sturdy, and there should be at least two vises.

2. Jack Hand Plane

A jack hand plane is the most popular and versatile bench plane out there. It’s used for dressing timber down to the right size for edge jointing or truing. Get one with a sharp, low angle to start with.

3. Hand Saws

Hand saws, or panel saws, are useful in rough dimensioning lumber. Buy two of these: one with a rip cut to go along the grain with and one with a cross cut to go across it. When you’re standing in the store, hold them by the handle to ensure they fit comfortably in your hand.

4. Back Saws

Back saws are for the more intricate work of accurate dimensioning. There are three back saws every woodworker should have. A dovetail saw has fine teeth for cutting joints along the grain. A carcass model cuts across the grain, and a tenon one cuts deeply along the grain.

5. Chisels

Start with a set of five to seven bench chisels. If you invest in a quality set, you can expect it to last a lifetime. Look for a set that has wooden handles and steel tips. Once you get more experienced, you may want to get some specialty chisels as well, but a good bench set is all you need to get started.

6. Coping Saw

Coping saws are relatively cheap. Get some replacement blades at the same time, since you can expect to use them. This tool is good for cutting shapes into your lumber, especially when working with dovetail joints.

Montgomery’s Building Supplies has provided quality building materials and tools to the area for more than 100 years. They carry everything from paint to power tools. Visit their hardware store or call them at (585) 786-2510 with any questions. They sell only top-quality products and offer exceptional customer service to help you find what you need.