If you are starting off your journey into woodworking, you need to get a few basic and essential tools. They can make all of the difference to the craft and make it all the more functional and aesthetic. Additionally, it might even save you money in the long run.
However, woodworking can be overwhelming for beginners. This is why we have put together a thorough list of the essential woodworking tools ideal for those kick-starting their woodworking hobby or career.
The 10 Best Woodworking Tools for Beginners
Woodworking projects can be quite challenging and confusing when you don’t have the right tools. However, woodworking tools can be expensive. This is why you should do your research and invest only in the essential tools required to carry out simple tasks. These tools tend to be relatively cost-effective.
With that said, here’s a beginner’s list of the must-have tools for woodworking:
1. Circular Saw
We start off this list with one of the most practical and versatile woodworking tools, the circular saw. The portable, handheld tool fashions sharp steel teeth and blades that can help cut through the most challenging material. It can be used to cut wood, concrete, plastic, ceramic, etc. The unique circular design helps to make crosscuts and rip cuts.
The small size of the saw and portability make this easy and more versatile compared to all other types of saws. It is also the reason why you can easily store and transport it.
2. Power Drill
As you dabble in woodworking, you should consider replacing your screwdriver with a power drill. This is a must-have tool for woodworking beginners and generally for anyone because of how practical and convenient it is. It allows you greater motion, torque, and precision. You can quickly drill or remove screws from metal, wood, plastic, etc. The power drill can help you carry out small but necessary tasks around the house.
3. Random Orbital Sander
When you carry out woodworking projects, you always need to add finishing touches. In most cases, they make all of the difference to the final piece. The random orbital sander helps you do that because it has a rotating sanding disc. It can be moved in such a motion that it helps smoothen the surface and remove any wooden grains. The sander is also excellent for removing stains, paint, and rust. It gives you the perfect polished look that is ideal for applying stains and paint.
4. Wood Clamps
Wood clamps are one of the smallest but most essential items you need for any kind of woodworking project. And you can never have enough of them. When you start off in woodworking, you will need wood clamps to help you with any task, whether cutting, finishing, gluing, nailing, or assembling.
You don’t need to get too many clamps; even eight would suffice. These will help you carry out your daily tasks. The exact size of the clamps varies according to the kind of projects you do.
5. Combination Square
A must-have layout tool for beginners is undoubtedly the combination square. It can help you in every kind of woodworking project you undertake. The combination square helps you mark and cut at 45 and 90-degree angles, which are both quite necessary and useful angles for such projects. The combination square is easy to use, practical and can be used for a variety of projects.
6. Marking Gauge
Along with a combination square, you will also need to get a marking gauge if you plan to carry out any joining tasks. These small items are not just highly resourceful but also easy to use. When you are learning and practicing the basics of joinery, you need to get your hands on the marking gauge. Therefore, this should be one of the first tools you buy when starting off with woodworking.
7. Compound Miter Saw
With a compound miter saw, you can create various cuts, including cross cuts, mitered, beveled, and combination cuts. This is all thanks to its precise cutting angle. It normally cuts and functions at 45 degrees, but you can also use it to make cuts at 90-degree angles as well. This versatile and practical saw can help you with cutting, molding, window casings, and so much more.
8. Jigsaw
Because of how versatile a jigsaw is, it is a necessary tool for all woodworkers, including beginners. Due to the thin blade, you can make vertical and non-curved cuts easily on any kind of surface. You can use it to cut it through metal sheets, timber, and plywood. Not only that, but due to the range of adjustability and speed settings, you can make angled cuts and bevels. Hence, you can easily make any kind of cuts you prefer with a jigsaw.
9. Router
Most of the woodworking pieces require sharp edges. You can achieve those with the use of a router. Although it can be slightly challenging to use in the beginning, once you get used to it, you can use it to tackle any kind of woodworking project. This power tool uses router bits in them to hollow out the wood. You can use the router to make round cuts, dado blades, rabbet planes, and other kinds of cuts easily.
10. Planer
As a woodworker beginner, it can be frustrating when you have wooden planks of varying thicknesses. This is why you should also invest in a planer. You can use it to create even thickness in no time. When you adjust it to your desired settings, you can easily achieve smooth and even boards.
Our Final Thoughts
As a beginner in woodworking, you don’t need a large variety of tools. You simply need a few essential ones to help you get started. Once you practice with these tools and complete various projects, you should consider investing in the more advanced ones to increase your selection.
