Each profession needs to have a set of tools that is specific to the profession. Sometimes, there are plenty of tools that are common to a number of professions. However, our focus in this article is on the tools of a cabinetmaker, which is currently a profession in demand. A cabinetmaker would have to use certain specific tools to do the job right. As we told you, some of the other professionals may also use the same tools. Nevertheless, a cabinetmaker should necessarily have them. If you want to be a cabinetmaker, you should probably be aware of the tools of a cabinetmaker. Even if not, you may sometimes have an interest. So, just go through this article and you will get to know a lot about the tools of a cabinetmaker.
What do Cabinetmakers do?
Before we move to the tools of a cabinetmaker, it would be necessary to know what cabinetmakers do. Cabinetmakers construct wooden cabinets, furniture, and fixtures, as well as install and repair them. Cabinetmakers can work for furniture firms, construction companies, or independently. However, there is undoubtedly a far larger process at work. Cabinetmakers should have the essential abilities to work with the tools and machinery that they have to use. Descriptively, cabinetmakers would have to assemble the wooden parts, trim them, sand them, and do a lot more. So, while it may appear that this is a simple task, you actually have a lot of work ahead of you. For all that, having a good idea of the tools of a cabinetmaker is essential.
How is Cabinetmaking different from Carpentry?
Both of these occupations appear to be similar at first glance. You could believe that cabinetmaking is only a subset of the carpentry trade. Carpenters and cabinetmakers are both specialists that deal with wood. Cabinetmakers, concentrate on the finer points of what wood can do, especially making furniture. But woodworkers or carpenters, on the other hand, cover a wide scope of work. They involve in large structural projects in which cabinetmakers do not involve. Hence, there is clearly a distinction between these two types of professions.
Tools of a Cabinetmaker
So, this is the section that you need to concentrate on at great length. What are the tools that a cabinetmaker has to use? Here is a list of the tools of a cabinetmaker.
- Saws
- Clamps
- Hinge placement tool
- Hammer and mallet
- Drilling jig
- Drill set
- Combination square
- Scribe
- Magnetic drawer slide mounting tool
No doubt, you would like to know more about each of these tools. It is time for that. Keep on reading this article on the tools of a cabinetmaker.
1. Saws
Of course, to start our list of tools of a cabinetmaker is saws. With respect to saws, you would prominently need table saws and miter saws. Of course, having high-quality saw blades is indeed necessary as well.
1. Table saws
The table saw is the one instrument that every cabinetmaker should have. Table saws come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here are the most common types of table saws used in cabinetmaking. There are cabinetmaking table saws, contractor table saws, and benchtop table saws.
Cabinetmaking table saws, as the name implies, are the focal point of a cabinet business. They are woodworking machines that fit between table extensions and are hefty and rigid. Table saws for cabinetmaking accommodate blade widths ranging from 7.5 to 12 inches and can handle big materials such as 4-foot by 8-foot plywood sheets.
In terms of contractor table saws, many cabinetmakers utilize this medium-duty equipment on a regular basis. Contractor saws are mobile, whereas cabinetmaking table saws are stationary. Contractor table saws of good quality create precise cuts and can handle blades up to 12 inches in diameter.
Although benchtop table saws are tiny and compact, they are highly useful for cabinetmaking. They are tiny, portable instruments that come in handy for cutting small materials on job sites. The blades on most benchtop table saws are 7.5-inch or 10-inch in diameter.
This is about table saws. But let us not forget that cabinetmakers also need another type of saw. And that is miter saws.
DEWALT Table Saw for Jobsite, Compact, 8-1/4-Inch (DWE7485)
Here is a suggestion for a table saw from us for a cabinetmaker to use. This compact-size table saw allows you to carry this from place to place easily. Also, it makes its storage easy as well. Fence adjustments of this table saw are quick, smooth, and precise with the use of rack and pinion telescoping fence rails. When not in use, onboard storage allows for quick access to the site pro guarding components and push stick. Further, this table saw has a metal roll cage. So, you would not have to worry about the durability of this table saw which makes it a good choice for you.
2. Miter saws
Miter saws, like table saws, are essential cabinetmaking equipment. They bring the blade to the material, whereas table saws rest firmly and need to be put woodwork into the blade. Miter saws, on the other hand, are not to rip the material. They work by lowering a spinning blade onto stationary objects. There are several miter saw models that can handle blades up to 12 inches in diameter. And they are standard miter saws, compound miter saws, and sliding compound miter saws.
The swingarm of standard miter saws is fixed and adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees. This includes turns to the left and right for any angle on the work surface. Compound saws can cut at any angle between 90 and 45 degrees, as well as any angle in between. However, a compound miter saw can produce cross angles on the job, giving each cut several geometric angles. Also, sliding compound miter saws are essential for a wide range of cut angles and job sizes. Their moving arms allow them to cut through far more material than fixed arm saws can. Sliding miter saws can cut material up to a foot wide with a 12-inch blade.
DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS779)
And here is a suggestion for a miter saw from us. This is a sliding miter saw among the types of miter saws that we previously discussed. This has used stainless steel and therefore, makes this product durable. Further, for precision and durability, dual horizontal steel rails with a unique clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings are in this miter saw. This also has a dust collection system. It ensures that it captures over 75 percent of the dust. Considering all these, it is clear to us that this is a fine choice for a cabinetmaker.
2. Clamps
The second in our list of tools of a cabinetmaker is clamps. Clamps are one of the most useful cabinetmaking tools. Clamps can even take the place of your hands in some instances. A good clamp collection is like having store employees. They keep your materials in position while you measure, cut, connect, and attach your project.
In fact, there are different types of clamps. For instance, we can mention c-clamps, pipe clamps, bar clamps, band clamps, and specialized clamps.
In c-clamps, there is a simple steel frame with an open throat. And there is a screw jar to control it. They come in a wide range of sizes and throat depths. Pipe clamps have a fixed jaw and an adjustable clamp face. The size range can particularly be short or long. Meanwhile, bar clamps use a metal bar frame instead of a pipe. If you are putting together creations like cabinet boxes, band clamps make wrapping and securing your work a breeze. Band clamps include ratcheting clamp settings and flexible fabric straps that allow you to squeeze components gently. Cabinetmaking frequently necessitates the use of specialized clamps. The 3-way face clamp and the flush-and-flat face clamp are two popular and indispensable specialty clamps. Both make difficult joints less difficult.
So, this is pretty much about clamps. Do not forget. Clamps are an important item in the list of tools of a cabinetmaker.
KENDO 3-Pieces Heavy Duty Locking C-Clamp Set, Chrome Vanadium Nickel Plated C-Pliers Set Consists of 6” Regular + 6” Swivel + 11” Swivel Tips, Roll-up Storage Pouch Included
Among the types of clamps that we discussed, this is a set of c-clamps on Amazon that we think would be ideal for you. 1 x 6” fixed pad, 1 x 6” swivel pad, and 1 x 11” swivel pad are in this set of imperial c-clamps with precision screw adjustable locks and trigger releases in the handiest sizes. The manufacturers have used drop-forged chrome vanadium steel with a nickel-plated finish to withstand long-term corrosion and to ensure endurance. Particularly, this product has a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty for any defect from the manufacturer’s end. So, this should possibly be a good product to purchase for a cabinetmaker.
3. Hinge placement tool
Alright. Now, it is about the hinge placement tool in terms of the tools of a cabinetmaker. If you want a perfect fit and finish on the cabinet doors, you would need to be very exact while installing hinges. Using a jig or a commercial scribe, precisely transfer hinge points and attachment holes. However, those processes are slow and not always accurate.
So, the must-have tool for quick and precise hinge insertion is the hinge placement tool. A high-speed hinge placement tool is a must-have if you desire speed and accuracy. It is indeed very effective with common hinges. Some even come with three spring-loaded punches that you tap to transfer your drill points, making this a breeze.
Ryobi A99HT3 Door Hinge Installation Kit/Mortiser Template
This hinge installation kit is a product that you can consider in terms of hinge placement tools. You can use this hinge installation kit either for rounded or squared hinges. Its removable plastic insert has made it possible. And this basically works for any thickness of length as well. In general, this product has received positive reviews and ratings. Many people have admired factors such as ease of installation, value for money, sturdiness, and ease to use of this product.
4. Hammer and mallet
Hammers and millets are also essential tools for a cabinetmaker. You might think why some harch tools like hammers and mallets are necessary for a smooth process like cabinetmaking. But in actual fact, it is the harsh tools that make the smooth and fine designs. So, you would need to have hammers and mallets in your toolbox if you are a cabinetmaker.
With regard to hammers, cabinetmakers can use various types of hammers like the conventional claw hammer and the cross-peen hammer. No matter, how much advancement there is in technology, a conventional claw hammer is still pretty useful for a cabinetmaker. Quite frequently, you would have to drive and pull nails with this tool, as well as gently tapping metal pieces into position. For cabinetmaking, traditional claw hammers with head weights ranging from 8 to 16 ounces are ideal. Cross peen hammers have a straight, solid wedge on one end instead of a curved, two-pronged fork like a traditional claw hammer. Cross peen hammers are finely balanced persuaders used to fit metal components, such as plane blades.
And when it comes to mallets, there are rubber mallets and wooden mallets. Of course, rubber is a perfect material to interact with wood. So, rubber mallets are so useful for a cabinetmaker. In fact, wooden mallets are useful as well. When it comes to pushing chisels or hammering unexposed surfaces together, nothing beats a wooden mallet.
No doubt, you would now be having a pretty good idea about hammers and mallets by now. So, let us move forward.
C&T 2-Piece Hammer Set, Black Rubber Mallet Hammer–16oz And Double-Faced Soft Hammer-35mm With Fiberglass Handle, Rubber Mallet Set
You can surely consider adding this hammer and mallet to your toolbox. This, perhaps, is a fine product. This is of high-quality, environmentally friendly oil-resistant rubber that is wear-resistant, sturdy, and durable. Even after plenty of use, it will keep its original look. The curved handle form and textured surface, made of soft and non-slip TPR material with jacketed fiberglass, give outstanding comfort and firm grip. Meanwhile, the high-strength fiberglass structure absorbs vibrations and minimizes strain. By feature, many customers of this product have admires factors such as ease to use, sturdiness, and endurance.
5. Drilling jig
Drilling jigs are essential, must-have tools that help you produce consistent, precise, and repeatable holes in your woodwork. They operate as both clamps and guides, ensuring that you drill holes in the precise right position and at the correct angle.
There are plenty of pre-made drilling jigs are available at tool supply stores. Many are customizable, allowing you to tailor your drilling to your individual demands rather than an impossible pre-set standard. Drilling jigs are available in plastic, metal, and wood. They are also available in configurations that work with cabinetry hardware like hinges, slides, and pulls.
Although this is a pretty simple tool, there surely is a mighty use of this tool for a cabinetmaker for sure. So, anyone in the industry must probably have a drilling jig.
Cabinet Hardware Jig Tool – Adjustable Punch Locator Drill Template Guide, Wood Drilling Dowelling Guide for Installation of Handles Knobs on Doors and Drawer, Black
This is a good drilling jig on Amazon that we can recommend. This is simple and easy to use. Without any doubt, this template jig lets you measure out perfect hole positions for cabinet handles, pulls, and knobs. This is wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and sturdy. And this works on shaker doors and recessed drawer fronts, as well as most other cabinet door stiles and rails. All construction workers, experts, and cabinetmakers surely need this. “I got the cabinet hardware jig tool and love how easy it makes it to find the right spot to drill the hardware! It even came with a little case to keep the parts together. Would totally buy again!” This is how a happy customer of this product has reviewed it on Amazon.
6. Drill set
Drill sets are a must-have in any cabinetmaker’s toolbox. The key is to have the proper type and quality of drill bit sets. This is not the place to cut corners with your money. You will have to pay a little extra for decent drill bits, but they are well worth it.
By no means are all drill bits the same. In cabinetry, you’ll need a variety of drill bits. The most frequent three drill sets that you would have to use in cabinetmaking is twist drills, Forstner bits, and center bits.
Twist drills are the most flexible general-purpose bits available. Twist drills come in sizes ranging from one-sixteenth of an inch to one inch.
Forstner drill bit sets are essential for any cabinetmaker as well. They let you produce holes of various sizes without piercing the cloth. Forstner bits also provide a nice finish on the bottom.
Center bits have centering guides at their tips. They allow precise centering on a punch mark before beginning the penetration of your bigger bit. Center bits are available in a variety of sizes and are required for precise drilling.
Yes, so, this is about drill sets. Of course, having super-quality drills bits is an important aspect for a profession like cabinetry.
Bielmeier Cordless Drill Set, 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Power Drill Cordless, Electric Drill with Variable Speed, LED and 29pcs Drill Bits (BCDK-29)
A cabinetmaker can have this as one of the tools. This cordless drill set is perfect for any professional who needs a drill. Its compact and lightweight design, along with the excellent motor, may help you work more efficiently and safely. During heavy labor, the rubber-covered handle gives a pleasant grip and reduces vibration. Also, there is an LED light on it. So, you can use this drill even when there is very little light. In general, this has received positive comments and ratings. So, we recommend you buy this product.
7. Combination square
In metalworking, woodworking, and stonemasonry, a combination square is a multi-purpose measuring and marking tool. It consists of a rule with one or more replaceable heads that may be connected to it.
Combination square rules are of steel and come in metric, imperial, or combined metric and imperial graduations. The rule has marks on both sides, resulting in four separate sets of markings. The heads are connected to the rule by sliding the rule into a groove in the head’s side. A lock bolt or lock nut interacts with a channel spanning the length of the rule, allowing the head to fasten on at any position along with the rule.
These movable gadgets allow you to measure, transfer data, compute angles, and discover levels. You can use combination squares as protractors and compasses as well. With the combination square, you can check the flatness or trueness of a cabinet surface. Dial indicators for minute measurements are available on certain combination squares.
Nevertheless, this is one of the essential tools of a cabinetmaker. So, it is pretty necessary for anyone in this field.
Swanson Tool Co S0101CB Speed Square Layout Tool with Blue Book and Combination Square Value Pack
This features a try square, miter square, saw guide, line scriber, and protractor. For a cabinetmaker, this is actually a good choice as you can make use of this pretty easily. On Amazon, many have admired factors such as ease to read, value for money, accuracy, and craftsmanship. It has got good ratings as well. So, you can surely go ahead and buy this product. It is surely worth the money you pay for it.
8. Scribe
Scribes are essential cabinetmaking hand tools that allow you to mark wood or other materials so that you may cut, drill, or do other operations with a distinct pattern. Scribes are great for copying a known design to a surface that will match it perfectly. You will frequently utilize your scribe in cabinetmaking to trace and transfer irregular forms, such as existing walls, to the new cabinet and counter joints.
The majority of scribes are made of metal, and they employ a sharp point to inscribe a design onto a new surface. To transmit erasable markings, some scribes use pencil-like tips. Complex scribes, which are comparable to geometry compasses, are also available. You may use them to scribe angles, circles, and ovals.
FastCap Accuscribe Scribing Tool
This scribing tool has an adjustable grip for standard pencils. In this set, you will be getting one scribe and a pencil. You do not have to worry about the durability of this product. This is pretty durable and of high quality. In terms of the dimensions of this scribing tool, it is 5-3/4 inches long. You would certainly be able to express your creativity by working on projects including cabinet trimmings, architectural moldings, countertop remodeling, tile design, and more.
9. Magnetic drawer slide mounting tool
If you have ever attempted attaching cabinet drawer slides to drawer and box frames without assistance, you know how difficult it is. The difficulty of having three or more hands to grip the slide frame, the screw, and your screw gun is no more when using magnetic drawer slide installation tools.
A metal jig that you fasten to your drawer or frame is a must-have mounting tool. It features a magnetic surface that attracts and keeps your metal slide in place when you screw it down. The mounting tool is then unclamped and snapped away from the magnetic slide.
So, although this seems to be a simple tool, it is one of the essential tools of a cabinetmaker that makes things pretty easy. Hence, this is probably going to be one of the important tools of a cabinetmaker for certain.
Kreg Tool Company KHI-SLIDE Drawer Slide Jig, Set of 2
To end up our list of tools of a cabinetmaker, you can consider buying this. With this, you can conveniently insert drawer slides. And this provides versatile results for cabinets, cases, and many more. Also, this is reversible to mount slides to the cabinet and drawer box as well. This product has received many positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. So, we recommend this product to you. It would be an ideal choice for a cabinetmaker.
Conclusion
Up to now, we have told you pretty much about the tools of a cabinetmaker. And we hope that you would be having a pretty good idea in this regard by now. Also, you would sometimes like to know about the tools that other professionals use. In fact, you can read about the tools of a plumber, electrician, carpenter, masonry worker, HVAC technician, ironworker, glazier, solar installer, and so on and get an idea. Happy Cabinetmaking!
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