Author J. D. Lawrence, writing in Furniture Making From The Inside Out, published the following list of tools and aids that are essential for any workshop.
1. A good workbench to secure the wood as you work on it.
2. General-purpose chisels. (Start with a minimum of a set of four.)
3. Marking squares.
4. Bevel square.
5. Marking gauge.
6. Dovetail saw.
7. Backsaw.
8. Rulers and or tape measures.
9. Straight edge for marking.
10. Mallet (wooden or metal).
11. Block plane.
12. Smooth or jack plane.
13. Hammer.
14. Screwdrivers. (Make sure to use a screwdriver that fits the screw slot, to reduce the risk of deforming the screw.)
15. Clamps.
16. A storage area for tools.
The common home shop is equipped with a table saw and a router. These two machines are the busiest machines in most shops. The table saw is the most versatile workshop machine. It is crucial that you select a good one. Make sure the top is flat and made of cast iron, and that the motor and arbor carrier are strong and heavy. The heavier the better to reduce vibration that may make the cut rough. It is best to use a belt-driven machine because the motor causes some vibration and the belt lessons the vibration before it travels to the blade.
The router should have at least 1-1/2 HP and have the capacity for 1/4 and 1/2" shank bits. A dust collector is a good investment because it controls dust buildup in the shop. Buy one that is rated at least 1 horsepower and 600 CFM (cubic feet {of air} per minute). A dust collector of this size is usually on casters and can be moved around the shop as needed. You can make a permanent dust collector installation by installing airflow ducts as required. Be sure to use metal duct material and ground it to eliminate static charge buildup caused by the airflow. A static spark could ignite the dust.
Whether you use a personal computer or pencil and paper, always prepare a complete set of drawings before you make your first cut. This will give you a chance to ensure that all design factors are considered.
