# Essential Tools and Supplies? **URL:** \ **Category:** Tips and Tricks\ **Created:** [September 26, 2018, 6:40am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135 "2018-09-26T06:40:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dustin1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f0a364/32.png) [@Dustin1](https://community.inventables.com/u/Dustin1)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 6:40am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/1 "2018-09-26T06:40:04Z")
I just purchased my XCarve. I have a little experience with CNC, 3D printing, and laser engraving… but I have absolutely 0 experience with woodworking. I understand this question has a lot to do with which projects I decide to take on… but are there any tools and other supplies you guys find yourself using all the time, no matter the project? Sand paper, obviously… 🙂 What else should I order and get on the way? Thanks for any suggestions. **Suggestions So Far:** Dust Collection Eye and Ear Protection Fire Extinguisher Tape Measure Square Blue Painters Tape CA Glue Belt Sander Oscillating Spindle Sander Orbital Sander Sandpaper Band saw Surface Planer Drill press Stainless Steel or Brass Brush Flashlight Digital Caliper Digital Micrometers Double Sided Tape Table Saw Digital Fish Scale 600mm Steel Ruler ---
**Author:** ![SteveMoloney](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/stevemoloney/32/84542_2.png) [@SteveMoloney](https://community.inventables.com/u/SteveMoloney)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 8:54am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/2 "2018-09-26T08:54:04Z")
Dust collection of some sort is #1, I have found I use nearly every tool in my wood shop to get me from one point to the next but with that being said it depends on what you want to do. ---
**Author:** ![MartinW.Mcclary](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/martinw.mcclary/32/63385_2.png) [@MartinW.Mcclary](https://community.inventables.com/u/MartinW.Mcclary)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 10:21am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/3 "2018-09-26T10:21:01Z")
A shop vac or dust collector for the Xcarve and surrounding area. I’d say a belt sander and occilating spindle sander could be useful even if you don’t plan on doing anything other than working with sheet goods. An orbital sander. A bandsaw and surface planer could be handy if you wanted to reduce the thickness of your wood without wasting it. A drill press for holes and other devices. It really depends on what direction you are going in. ---
**Author:** ![cg49me](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/cg49me/32/67745_2.png) [@cg49me](https://community.inventables.com/u/cg49me)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 10:35am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/4 "2018-09-26T10:35:07Z")
Tape measure and square(s). 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Nox\_Ferocia](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/nox_ferocia/32/55899_2.png) [@Nox\_Ferocia](https://community.inventables.com/u/Nox_Ferocia)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 11:08am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/5 "2018-09-26T11:08:07Z")
cheap blue painters tape and CA glue… ---
**Author:** ![AlAmantea](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/alamantea/32/76710_2.png) [@AlAmantea](https://community.inventables.com/u/AlAmantea)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 12:54pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/6 "2018-09-26T12:54:15Z")
No matter how you get your stock to final size and shape, Dust collection is something used on every single project. A simple shop vac, when used with a good quality dust boot (I use the inventables dust collection accessory), is paramount to not only keeping the shop clean, but helps to prevent bit burning and jamming from chips. Expanding on that, a random orbit sander is another tool you will use to help clean up the project after the carve, and probably use on every project. Good quality layout and measuring tools are essential to getting good results as well. ---
**Author:** ![GrantDavis](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/grantdavis/32/44286_2.png) [@GrantDavis](https://community.inventables.com/u/GrantDavis)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 2:14pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/7 "2018-09-26T14:14:33Z")
A fine stainless steel or brass brush to clean up any shavings that will undoubtedly be inside of the areas you carve. ---
**Author:** ![Dustin1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f0a364/32.png) [@Dustin1](https://community.inventables.com/u/Dustin1)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/8 "2018-09-26T15:28:53Z")
Thanks everyone! I won’t lie… I didn’t even stop to think about the simple stuff like tape measure. I’m setting up my shop from scratch, so I do even need the simple stuff like this. I’ll start getting this stuff on the way. If anyone thinks of anything else, I’m all ears 😄 ---
**Author:** ![StuartPearson](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/stuartpearson/32/67991_2.png) [@StuartPearson](https://community.inventables.com/u/StuartPearson)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2018, 3:47pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/9 "2018-09-26T15:47:01Z")
If you are all ears then perhaps some ear protection. Also eye protection and fine dust extraction to help your eyes and lungs. ---
**Author:** ![cg49me](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/cg49me/32/67745_2.png) [@cg49me](https://community.inventables.com/u/cg49me)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 12:52am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/10 "2018-09-27T00:52:59Z")
> [@StuartPearson](#): > > If you are all ears then perhaps some ear protection. Also eye protection… This, very very very much this. > [@Dustin1](#): > > I do even need the simple stuff like this. I keep a flashlight (a small battery-powered work light, actually) handy as well. I usually use an engraving bit to set the zero position to the center of my work piece, and being able to shine a light between the bit and my center mark helps me line things up as well as I can. ---
**Author:** ![AllenMassey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/allenmassey/32/84441_2.png) [@AllenMassey](https://community.inventables.com/u/AllenMassey)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 1:47am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/11 "2018-09-27T01:47:34Z")
One of the most useful hand tools you can have for CNC woodworking is a digital caliper. It does not need to be an expensive one, even these cheap units do a great job. Never trust that 1/4 inch wood is actually 1/4 inch thick. [https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01407A-Electronic-Digital-Stainless/dp/B000GSLKIW/ref=sr\_1\_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538012437&sr=8-3&keywords=digital+caliper](https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01407A-Electronic-Digital-Stainless/dp/B000GSLKIW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538012437&sr=8-3&keywords=digital+caliper) And while you are buying measuring tools, get a digital micrometer also. Because that .125 2 flute end mill may not really be .125 diameter (especially the cheaper Chinese end mills), and it will drive you nuts when nothing fits together like it should. [https://www.amazon.com/iGaging-Digital-Electronic-Micrometer-Display/dp/B0087TMUQ8/ref=sr\_1\_5?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1538012680&sr=1-5&keywords=digital+micrometer](https://www.amazon.com/iGaging-Digital-Electronic-Micrometer-Display/dp/B0087TMUQ8/ref=sr_1_5?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1538012680&sr=1-5&keywords=digital+micrometer) I almost forgot, get a roll of this double sided tape. It works great to hold your work down. Best double sided tape I have been able to find (and I tried lots of them) [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0141L81GS/ref=oh\_aui\_search\_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0141L81GS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) ---
**Author:** ![TedMeyer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@TedMeyer](https://community.inventables.com/u/TedMeyer)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 2:01am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/12 "2018-09-27T02:01:13Z")
Table saw, digital fish scale to set belt tension and a 600 mm steel rule to calibrate steps per mm ---
**Author:** ![PhillipLunsford](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/philliplunsford/32/33614_2.png) [@PhillipLunsford](https://community.inventables.com/u/PhillipLunsford)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 2:38am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/13 "2018-09-27T02:38:19Z")
@Dustin1. If you have a harbor freight in your area you can get free tape measure and brass and stainless steel brushes. Lots of other tools are good and cheap ---
**Author:** ![Dustin1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f0a364/32.png) [@Dustin1](https://community.inventables.com/u/Dustin1)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/14 "2018-09-27T21:51:35Z")
@StuartPearson - Awesome suggestion! Hadn’t thought about that stuff yet. Will gladly get those on the way! Thanks! @AllenMassey - Adding them to my list - and made special note of the end mill size and things not fitting together 😃 @PhillipLunsford - Is this like a special sale, or just something they always have? I’ll definitely swing by and check things out either way! Thanks for the tip. List update… thanks everyone! ---
**Author:** ![PhillipLunsford](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/philliplunsford/32/33614_2.png) [@PhillipLunsford](https://community.inventables.com/u/PhillipLunsford)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/15 "2018-09-27T22:11:44Z")
There are constant coupons and mailers. Get on the mailing list. It does not cost anything. Freebies are offered in every ad as well as 20% off coupons and several times a year 25% off. Plan your purchases and you can save a lot of money at Harbor freight. ---
**Author:** ![LarryM](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/larrym/32/51450_2.png) [@LarryM](https://community.inventables.com/u/LarryM)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/16 "2018-09-27T22:44:09Z")
@Dustin1 I didn’t see anyone mention a fire extinguisher. Get one that is rated for electrical, plastics, and wood fires. ---
**Author:** ![JohnChamplain](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/johnchamplain/32/75884_2.png) [@JohnChamplain](https://community.inventables.com/u/JohnChamplain)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/17 "2018-09-27T22:45:52Z")
Get two. Safety is cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Dustin1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f0a364/32.png) [@Dustin1](https://community.inventables.com/u/Dustin1)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2018, 5:14am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/18 "2018-09-28T05:14:31Z")
Ya, damn good call 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Yerko42](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/yerko42/32/85186_2.png) [@Yerko42](https://community.inventables.com/u/Yerko42)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2018, 5:24am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/19 "2018-10-01T05:24:39Z")
> [@AllenMassey](#): > > I almost forgot, get a roll of this double sided tape. It works great to hold your work down. Best double sided tape I have been able to find (and I tried lots of them) > > [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0141L81GS/ref=oh\_aui\_search\_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0141L81GS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I almost exclusively hold material with carpet tape! Exellent suggestion. Also the first think I do is cut some 1/2" MDF and route the hole pattern of the x-carve into it. bolt it to the factory waste board. Then you cut into it you can just replace it with local off the shelf material rather than buying a whole new waste board from inventables. ---
**Author:** ![ChadMiller1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/94ad74/32.png) [@ChadMiller1](https://community.inventables.com/u/ChadMiller1)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 8:44pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135/20 "2018-10-04T20:44:29Z")
![28](https://cdck-file-uploads-canada1.s3.dualstack.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/5/9/5945412650c9004e6c80ae275b270b3af9f07ab9.png) Made by Lumberton sold at Hobby Lobby and Amazon. I have found these to be very useful in cleaning up edges and getting in tight places. For me its a must have. [Next page](https://community.inventables.com/t/essential-tools-and-supplies/61135.md?page=2)