Woodworking machinery is a necessity for most companies that work with wood. Although hand tools still work best for some jobs, the vast majority of woodworking is usually done with general woodworking machinery, like electrical saws, drills and other important power tools. These machines are often computer operated, allowing you to program in the design and let the computer controlled woodworking machine take over.

You can generally get woodworking machinery basics at tool shops specializing in woodworking machinery sales, or woodworking machinery auctions. Some places will sell used woodworking machinery for a fraction of the cost you'd pay for new.

1. Most drill presses will need their drill bits replaced every now and then. Like all woodworking machinery, how often you must replace the parts depends on how often you use the machine and the quality of the parts.

2. When buying panel saws, check to make sure that the model can handle the size of wood you want to cut.

3. Always make sure replacement parts and blades are available for any woodworking machinery you buy. This can be difficult if the manufacturing company goes out of business or retires the model.

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Choose a selection of saws when selecting basic woodworking equipment

Basic woodworking machinery generally includes several different types of saws. These include ripsaws and panel saws, which are special types of saws used to cut wood. Ripsaws have coarse teeth designed to cut in the same direction as the wood's grain. Panel saws allow you to cut large flat sheets of wood quickly and easily. These tools are essential for almost any woodwork, and can often be purchased cheaply from places that sell surplus woodworking machinery, or an online woodworking machinery auction.

I recommend: Purchase a panel saw from Safety Speed Cut, or learn more about how to use a rip saw from NC State University's Ripsaw Guide.

Use a drill press in addition to your general woodworking machinery

A drill press is used to drill holes in wood at almost any angle, and can also function as a spindle sander, pocket hole machine or mortise machine. Drill presses are one of the most basic woodworking tools. They come in floor or bench-top models and with various horsepower. Generally speaking, the more speeds a drill press comes with, the more control you'll have over the size of hole it creates. You'll also want a model with a tilting table for better control.

I recommend: Find out more about how to use a drill press from MIT's Drill Press Guide, or buy one from MSC Industrial Supply.

Buy industrial woodworking machinery for high-volume production

If your company needs to produce a large volume of product in the shortest possible time, then your company needs commercial woodworking machinery. Commercial woodworking machinery is often computer-operated, but also has the ability to cut, carve and shape wood more quickly than general woodworking equipment. This cuts down production time, making it easier for your to manufacture high volume orders. Industrial woodworking machinery tends to be more expensive than general woodworking machines, mainly because of the speed they provide.

I recommend: Get commercial woodworking machinery from Thermwood, or CMS Industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take all necessary safety precautions when working with woodworking equipment. This includes wearing gloves and safety goggles when appropriate, as well as keeping your hands clear of all moving parts when operating power tools. Failure to follow safety guidelines during woodworking can result in eye, hand and face injuries.

Having the right kind of woodworking machinery for the job you need to accomplish is crucial to success in the woodworking business. There are several options available and they don’t all have to break your company budget.

Consider used woodworking machinery, for example, as a way to save on woodworking equipment. You can find used equipment in both industrial woodworking machinery and general woodworking machinery.

Here are some ideas to consider when choosing woodworking equipment:

1. A computer controlled woodworking machine is more expensive, but provides time-saving benefits. Enter into the computer the type of design cut you want in your woodworking projects, and the woodworking machine takes over. Cut all kinds of carvings effortlessly.

2. Industrial woodworking machinery requires more electrical amperage to operate, of course, thus making it more expensive on your overall operating business budget. Taking on heavy-duty woodworking projects will require the extra expense.

3. General woodworking machinery that you often have for home remodeling projects can often suffice for business woodworking contract jobs. Less expensive to operate, this type of woodworking machinery can save you money overall.

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Create complex carving designs on computer woodworking machinery

If you're willing and able to spend a bit more on equipment, a computer controlled woodworking machine may be for you.

I recommend: Sign up for the free Inside Woodworking Newsletter and receive a free router guide. Watch a video to see a demonstration of a computer controlled carving machine. The machine carves, rips, miters and cross cuts, just for starter ideas.

Help your budget with used woodworking machinery

Think about the money you can save when you buy used equipment at auctions. Another budget-helping idea is to sell any used woodworking machinery you may have to buy better upgrades when needed.

I recommend: Get live help on selling your used woodworking machinery at MLS Machinery.. They handle buying and selling of industrial and commercial woodworking machinery, too. View and participate in an online woodworking machinery auction.

Get great versatility and variety with general woodworking machinery

General types of woodworking machinery can broaden your business horizons by allowing you to do many different jobs. Specialty equipment, such as a hinge boring machine, can be bought with other types of woodworking machinery in a package deal.

I recommend: Register to buy and sell woodworking machinery direct, with no middleman involved. Email to get package pricing when you order more than one piece of equipment. Woodworking machinery such as planers, molders, drill presses and edgebanders are available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't overextend your operating budget, but at the same time, have enough variety of woodworking equipment to give you maximum opportunities in the woodworking business.

Working with woodworking machinery takes practice and training to do safely and effectively. While certain types of tools, like a hinge boring machine, may require separate training and education, many types of woodworking machines share similar operation techniques and safety procedures, making the trade easier to learn.

Woodworking machinery education and training is often given on-the-job, in the form of classes or an apprenticeship. Some people even teach themselves, using resources available on the web and their own equipment. Depending on what job you'll be using woodworking machinery for, the type and application method of your training may vary. If you're looking for information on woodworking machinery education and training, consider the following:

1. Mastering woodworking machinery basics is essential. Learn how to operate standard equipment like a drill press, jig saw and planar to succeed in the industry.
2. Continue your education with woodworking workshops, trade shows and conferences.
3. Learn safety guidelines and procedures for any machinery you plan to use.
   

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Learn more about general woodworking machinery

Knowing woodworking machinery basics is an important part of any woodworking job, whether you're a finisher or a cabinet maker. You can learn how to use the most common types of commercial woodworking machinery by taking a woodworking class, receiving on-the-job training, or becoming an apprentice. The best way to become proficient in industrial woodworking machinery, like a computer controlled woodworking machine, is to work with one under the eye of a supervising professional.

I recommend: Take a woodworking course offered by Woodcraft, or check out the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking.

Attend woodworking equipment conferences, trade shows and workshops

Conferences, trade shows and workshops are great places to advance your woodworking machinery knowledge. These types of events are a great way to discuss problems and learn from experienced woodworking professionals. In addition, conferences and workshops can help you enhance and hone your woodworking machinery skills, while trade shows help educate you about new and exciting advances in woodworking machinery. Trade shows can also be a great place to learn how to use old woodworking machinery or purchase used woodworking machinery.

I recommend: Go to the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair or check the events section of the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America website.

Find information on safety procedures and guidelines for woodworking machinery

When working with woodworking machinery it's important to follow all safety precautions to protect yourself and those around you. Woodworking machinery often contains blades or other sharp objects that can move at high speeds, making it especially important to operate machinery properly and responsibly. Remember to always keep your hands away from moving parts and wear safety goggles when appropriate.

I recommend: Check out the safety booklet produced by the American Society of Safety Engineers, or use this machinery safety checklist provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're looking for more woodworking equipment training, try checking online for more information on specific machine types or models, like door machinery. This can provide relevant information like maintenance and part replacement information, as well as setting and blade recommendations.