There are some elements that are needed for a woodworker to be able to get started.
One would be skills, another is materials.
It may seem obvious, but key to any carpenter's success are the materials and tools needed for the task at hand.
While the product of woodworker's time is always a tangible asset either for a client or that can be sold, the woodworker is required to manage a complicated flow of materials and equipment.
From the basic materials to the very tools used to construct the things being made, a woodworker's supply of these things is important.
So in a general sense all these various things are actually known as woodworking supplies.
Of course wood is one component, but tools and other materials also come under this catch all term.
Though this article doesn't go into nearly as much depth as would be ideal, below covers some of the tools and supplies.
Storage is another consideration, though as a woodworker it is something you can usually solve yourself.
As a basic safety precaution it is advisable to keep your woodworking equipment away from where children could easily gain access to them and hurt themselves.
Locked storage would be advisable.
Band saw The band saw is a mainstay of carpentry and involves a thin blade that is a continuous loop of metal.
Teeth run along one edge.
The whole band of metal is run through a looping circuit, driven by two large wheels, so the cutting edge constantly moves in one direction.
Moving down it pushes the wood down onto the table.
The blade is hidden except for a small area for cutting, for added safety.
Small blades are good at cutting curves while wide blades are good at cutting straight lines.
Table saw Starting with the biggest, realising that supplies encompass table saws it starts to give you an idea of just how broad the definition of supplies is.
The table saw is a large table with a circular saw blade in the middle.
It is also a rather dangerous piece of equipment, and should be treated with the utmost respect.
Drills Electric drills are necessary to drill through wood and other substrate.
You will often need small holes for dowels, or to act as a guide for screws, or numerous other reasons.
Power drills come in two varieties, corded and cordless and both have advantages and disadvantages.
Cordless drills are convenient, but must be recharged.
Corded drills give you more power and are necessary for some tasks.
A set of tools A tool set containing simple tools will give the carpenter access to key equipment easily.
Hammers, screw drivers, chisels, mallets all might find themselves in a basic tool set, ready for general purpose uses.
A router One of the most versatile tools in your toolbox, the router lends itself well to a variety of tasks.
If you've not really used one much, these diverse uses are unlikely to be obvious to you at first.
Once you are using a router regularly such uses will make themselves apparent to you.
They are ideal for dovetails, tongue and groove joints and box joints as well as complex patterns and letterings through the numerous accessories it is possible to buy for them.
These are only a few highlights of the different types of woodworking supplies.
There are also different sorts of supplies available.
There are supplies for hobbyists, supplies for professionals, supplies for commercial woodworking industries as well as specialist woodworking areas.
Being so essential to woodworking, there are plenty of businesses ready to provide woodworkers with these supplies.
However, wood workers should exercise a degree of care when choosing a supplier.
Price is one consideration, and quality another, remember there are times that quality saves more money in the long run - although it has to be said that this isn't always true.
Sometimes cheaper tools are more economical.
This is something that can't be taught, but will be something you gain through experience - the ability to discern when to use cheap supplies and when to use expensive.
Remember, you really don't want your tools losing their edge quickly, otherwise you'll be sharpening more than you are working.
Getting supplies means that you'll have to take your time and put a little thought into all the factors you need to take into consideration such as what you want to get out of woodworking be it hobby or commercial.
Despite this, sourcing your materials and tools is as fun and enjoyable as the actual woodworking itself.