5 Simple Tools You Need to Start Woodworking
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I’ve been an amateur woodworker for over a decade now and one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that you DO NOT need a bunch of fancy tools and a massive workshop to start creating. For years I was building custom tables for people with just a handful of power tools, a folding table for a workbench, and sunny weather for a workshop. I’ll make this post short and to the point so you can know exactly where to begin, skip the overwhelm of thinking you need all the tools, and finally start creating all those amazing ideas stuck inside your head.
Tool #1 - Saw
There are a ton of options out there, but there’s a couple that can be very budget and beginner friendly, as well as versatile for all kinds of projects. For years I only had a circular saw and I was building all kinds of tables and benches for people. With the circular saw, you can cut any width board or plywood, and you can cut at an angle (miter cuts). You will want to use some kind of straight edge with this one since it’s just your hand guiding the saw. Once you get comfortable with this one, you can do all kinds of cuts and angles so this one’s a very valuable tool to have. Here’s the link to one I’d recommend.
Another great option to start with is a chop saw, or miter saw. This will give you perfectly clean cuts every time, especially if you’re doing angled cuts (like a 45 degree cut). Despite the intimidating name, chop saw, I’d say this one is a great option for beginners because there’s a big guard on the front of the blade and you don’t have to guide the saw while cutting. It’ll do all the perfect cutting for you. The only drawback is that you are limited on the width board it can cut since the blade is stuck to one motion. Here’s the link to the exact one I use.
Tool #2 - Drills
You probably knew this one already, but a set of drills and drill bits is a must have for any kind of woodworking project. There’s actually two types of drill you’ll want to get. The drill let’s you drill holes and the screw gun is what you’ll use to put screws in. Here are some I’d recommend along with the necessary drill bits.
Tool #3 - Clamps
Having a handful of clamps is a total game changer. You can use them for holding boards in place while you cut, screw, glue, and so on and they really make a big difference in the final outcome. Your joints will come together much cleaner and nothing will shift while being glued. I don’t use anything fancy, actually all of my clamps are hand-me-downs from decades ago, and they still get the job done. Here are some affordable ones I’d recommend.
Tool #4 - Speed Square
I know, it’s a triangle. But it helps you get perfectly perpendicular lines and cuts. I use mine while cutting boards with my circular saw, and when I’m building tables and benches, I use it to make sure the legs are perfectly square and nothing is angled wrong. You can draw your cuts with it and also use it as a straight edge to run your saw against. I know this isn’t a fancy tool, but this is another one of those tools that really helps your projects come together cleanly. Here’s the link to one I’d recommend.
Tool #5 - Sander
A power sander is definitely worth investing in especially if you’ll be building furniture. No one wants to sit down at a table that will give them splinters. I’ve been using the same orbital sander for over a decade now and it still works amazing. And pro-tip: don’t buy your sanding pads at the hardware store unless you really love over paying. I buy my sanding pads in bulk on Amazon and you get waaaay more than you would at the store.
So there you have it! Some other essential tools include a tape measure, a pencil for marking cuts, a fairly level floor or table for assembling, and maybe a good playlist to help you get into the creative flow. Now go make some cool stuff!
