Gift Ideas for a Woodwork Beginner

You don’t need to spend a fortune if you’re thinking of buying some hand tools for someone who is just starting out as a woodworker. A few basic essentials will help get them started. Here is a shopping list of tools that should be enough to make most simple woodworking projects that beginner craftsmen like to start out on.

Hand tools are much cheaper and safer than the power tools so start with these before moving on. You are far less likely to lose a finger with a hand tool. If your beginner is a child, you don’t need to worry about them using power cords and fast-moving parts. There is also far less vibration and dust which are also health concerns for woodworkers of all ages.

Chisels

Every woodworker needs a set of chisels. There is a broad price range to choose from with chisels, but you don’t want to go too cheap. A mid-range priced set will be easier to use and last you a long time. Buy a set of cabinet chisels with ranges ranging from 6mm to 26mm made from high-quality products. This beginner’s set is is forged from highly alloyed chrome manganese steel and has been hardened using heat treatment. The beech handles are ergonomic to use and designed not to roll off your bench.

Saws

If you are thinking of cutting your wood by hand, you will need a saw. A Western dovetail saw, or a Japanese Dozuki will do the job. The Dozuki saws are popular because they are versatile and can be used as a tenon, backsaw or dovetail. The spine gives the saw its strength so its blade can be kept very thin with a kerf of only 0.3mm. Their cutting efficiency means they are easy to control and cut on the pull stroke, so there is less buckling, binding and breaking of the blade.

Clamps

Most projects will need some clamps, mainly if you are going to be glueing two pieces of wood together. There are so many clamps on the market that you need to start out with a few versatile ones and grow your clamp collection as you need them for different projects. Start off with F-style clamps and bar clamps.

Sharpening Stones

One of the first skills woodworkers need to learn is how to sharpen their tools. To get good at sharpening takes practice. Buy a set of sharpening stones either oil stone or waterstone and keep sharpening your chisels. Take the back of the chisel back to dead flat, and the bevel should be square and flat. With time you will get a feel for when the edge is dull and needs to be re-sharpened. Being able to sharpen quick and effective is one of the best skills you can learn. It’s a technique you will need with every project.

Storage for Tools

If you like the idea of a cabinet to hold their tools, you could help out by giving them the materials they need to make this as one of their early projects. If you think they would prefer to do other projects, organise a peg board or storage containers to keep all of their tools tidy.

Having a set place for tools means they are easy to find at a glance and won’t get damaged rattling around in a toolbox or left on the bench. If their toolkit is limited to a few hand tools like chisels, you could choose a leather or canvas roll. They can upgrade their storage solution later as their toolbox grows.

Woodworking Safety Equipment

Don’t forget to invest in some safety equipment (even if you aren’t mum!). Woodworkers all need a pair of safety glasses and a spare, some earplugs for using power tools and a dust mask, so you aren’t breathing in all the fine shavings. Having a first aid kit on hand won’t hurt either as you always need a band-aid nearby in the early days.

If you are looking for the perfect woodwork tool gift ideas, check out the range of quality tools that will last many years without spending a fortune.