Woodworking

From Grand River Makerspace Wiki

Woodworking Area

⚠️ SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES IN THIS AREA ⚠️


Desired Tools

Tools and equipment we would like to acquire for this area. Additional recommendations from Woodworking for Mere Mortals Tools List

Power Tools - Stationary

(Some of these we have already, this is just an AI generated framework of tools that it thought would be useful. Please edit.)

  • Table Saw - The workhorse of any wood shop
  • Bandsaw - Curved cuts and resawing
  • Miter Saw / Chop Saw - Crosscuts and angled cuts
  • Drill Press - Precise, repeatable holes
  • Jointer - Flattening and edge jointing
  • Planer / Thicknesser - Dimensioning lumber
  • Router Table - Edge profiles and joinery
  • Scroll Saw - Intricate curved cuts
  • Lathe - Turning bowls, spindles, pens
  • Spindle Sander - Smoothing curved edges
  • Belt/Disc Sander - General sanding and shaping

Power Tools - Handheld

  • Circular Saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Random Orbital Sander
  • Palm Sander
  • Router - Handheld with various bits
  • Cordless Drill/Driver
  • Impact Driver
  • Biscuit Joiner
  • Pocket Hole Jig (Kreg or similar)
  • Oscillating Multi-Tool
  • Brad Nailer / Finish Nailer
  • Track Saw with >48in and >96in track segments

Hand Tools

  • Hand Planes - Block plane, jack plane, smoothing plane
  • Chisels - Set of bench chisels in various sizes
  • Hand Saws - Crosscut, rip, dovetail, coping
  • Mallet - Wooden or rubber
  • Hammers - Claw hammer, dead blow
  • Screwdrivers - Various sizes and types
  • Clamps - Bar clamps, pipe clamps, F-clamps, spring clamps
  • Files and Rasps
  • Card Scraper
  • Spokeshave

Layout & Measuring

  • Tape Measures - Multiple lengths
  • Combination Square
  • Speed Square
  • Framing Square
  • Marking Gauge
  • Calipers - Digital or dial
  • Levels - Various sizes
  • Straightedge
  • Pencils and Marking Knives
  • Bevel Gauge

Workholding

  • Workbenches - Sturdy with vises
  • Bench Vise
  • Bar Clamps - Various lengths
  • Pipe Clamps
  • Quick-Grip Clamps
  • C-Clamps
  • Spring Clamps
  • Bench Dogs and Holdfasts

Safety Equipment

  • Dust Collection System - Central or shop vac with separator
  • Air Filtration Unit - For fine dust particles
  • Hearing Protection - Earmuffs and earplugs
  • Safety Glasses and Face Shields
  • Respirators and Dust Masks - N95 minimum
  • Push Sticks and Push Blocks
  • Featherboards
  • First Aid Kit
  • Fire Extinguisher (Class ABC)

Finishing Supplies

  • Sandpaper - Various grits (80-400)
  • Wood Stains
  • Polyurethane and Lacquer
  • Wood Oils (Tung, Danish, mineral)
  • Wood Glue (PVA, Titebond)
  • Epoxy
  • Brushes and Applicators
  • Tack Cloths
  • Rags and Shop Towels

Sharpening

  • Bench Grinder - With appropriate wheels
  • Sharpening Stones - Waterstones or oilstones
  • Honing Guide
  • Strop and Compound
  • Diamond Plates

Nice to Have

  • CNC Router - For precision cuts and carving
  • Laser Cutter/Engraver - For detailed work
  • Doweling Jig
  • Dovetail Jig
  • Mortising Machine
  • Wood Storage Rack - For lumber organization
  • Panel Saw - For breaking down sheet goods

Dust Collection

  • Central Dust Collection System
  • Air Filtration Unit (mfarver-I have a little overhead filter, it may not be large enough)

Tools We Own

Power Tools - Stationary

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Table Saw SawStop PCS175 1.75HP, 52" fence, flesh-sensing Yes - Mandatory Link
Example: Bandsaw Grizzly G0555LX 14", 1HP, 12" resaw capacity Yes Link

Power Tools - Handheld

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Cordless Drill DeWalt DCD771 20V, 1/2" chuck No Link

Hand Tools

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Bench Chisel Set Narex Premium 1/4" to 1-1/2", 6-piece No N/A

Dust Collection

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Dust Collector Oneida Super Dust Deputy 2HP, cyclone separator Yes Link

Workholding

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Workbench Custom Built 4'x8', maple top, front and end vise No N/A

Safety & Usage Information

General Safety Rules

  • Safety glasses are MANDATORY at all times
  • Hearing protection required when operating power tools
  • No loose clothing, jewelry, or long untied hair near machinery
  • Always use dust collection when available
  • Never leave running machinery unattended

Power Tool Safety

  • Receive training before using any power tool for the first time
  • Check that all guards and safety devices are in place before operation
  • Use push sticks and push blocks when appropriate
  • Never reach over or behind a running blade
  • Wait for blade/bit to stop completely before adjusting
  • Disconnect power before changing blades or bits

Table Saw Safety

  • Always use riving knife and blade guard when possible
  • Stand to the side of the blade, never directly behind
  • Use featherboards for rip cuts
  • Never cut freehand - always use fence or miter gauge
  • Do not remove small cutoffs while blade is spinning

Dust & Respiratory Safety

  • Use dust collection for all operations
  • Wear N95 or better respirator for sanding and exotic woods
  • Some woods are toxic/allergenic - check before cutting
  • Clean up sawdust regularly - fire hazard

Material Safety

  • Inspect lumber for nails, screws, and foreign objects
  • Do not cut pressure-treated, painted, or unknown materials without approval
  • Check for loose knots and defects that could kick back

Emergency Procedures

  • Fire extinguisher location: [TO BE FILLED IN]
  • First aid kit location: [TO BE FILLED IN]
  • Emergency contact: [TO BE FILLED IN]
  • In case of severe injury, call 911 immediately