Must-Have Tools for Cabinetmaking

An accomplished construction and aviation management executive, Joseph Alesia is an airport manager with the City of Chicago Department of Aviation and the owner of a design-build firm. In his free time, Joseph Alesia enjoys hobbies such as cabinetmaking.

The hobby of woodworking has seen a surge of popularity in recent years. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cabinetmaker, having the correct tools is essential to producing quality work. Here are three basic tools to keep in the shop:

– Table saw. Perhaps the most important tool for any cabinetmaker, the table saw is used in virtually all stages of cabinet construction. In addition to making short work of precise cuts for cabinet pieces, most table saws are connected to dust collectors for easy cleanup. However, table saws can be dangerous, so consider models that have protective features, such as automatic shutoff.

– Clamps. Essential in the cabinetmaker’s toolkit, clamps provide stability for cutting wood and holding pieces in place.

– Scribe. As you might expect from the name, a scribe helps cabinetmakers “write” designs and patterns on wood.

Trends in Commercial Construction

The owner and founder of Joseph R. Alesia Design/Build, Joseph Alesia has been working in high-profile commercial construction for over two decades. Joseph Alesia expanded his business from a one-man operation to a national presence with over 140 employees that has completed hundreds of big-box retail construction projects.

Big-box retail, like many other retail sectors, are experiencing the squeeze of online competitors in full force as more “smart” buildings are being designed and commissioned. These are meant to adapt stores to the needs of consumers increasingly used to online shopping. This trend has a lot of potential to revitalize brick and mortar stores, returning them to something resembling their former popularity.

The green movement hasn’t forgotten construction either, as the demand for green buildings is also on the rise. Things such as LEED certification are practically mandatory in today’s construction environment for ground-up builds.

Moreover, new construction projects are slowing down. While not all firms are interested in them, retrofitting existing buildings and other renovation projects are becoming a significant part of the market as more and more stores are left empty, waiting for their next user.

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