The Essential Tools for Cabinet Makers

Planes

• Planes are hand tools that flatten and smooth out wood surfaces. A plane has a thin piece of razor blade that runs perpendicular to a flat metal surface. Sliding the plane over this surface will shave off a very thin piece of wood. This gradual shaping can help fit joints. Choose a small and light plane if you have a petite frame. Choose a heavier plane if you are tall and can handle the weight.

Chisels

• Chisels can perform the same function as planes, but they are more versatile. Thus, you can use them to create designs in the wood. Use a wide variety of shapes and sizes of chisels to create intricate designs in wood cabinet doors and around the surface of the cabinet. Sharpen tools carefully. The sharper the tools are, the easier it will be to use them, and your work will be more precise.

Saws

• Saws are vital tools for a cabinet maker. They allow a person to size pieces of wood properly before working them down with a chisel or a plane. Cabinet makers use of several types of saws. Use a coping saw to make detailed or curved cuts in wood. Choose a dovetail saw to make dovetail joints for cabinet drawers. Dovetail joints are tapered slightly so they are hard to pull apart. Dovetail saws are straight, flat saws that make it easier to make a dovetail joint.

Sandpaper

• Sandpaper is an essential tool for smoothing wood to remove splinters and to prepare the wood for stains, varnishes and other finishes. Use coarse sandpaper first and follow up with medium-grit sandpaper. Finish the cabinet by using a fine-grit sandpaper until the wood is completely smooth.