Are you someone with a passion for woodwork? Are you planning on starting a woodshop of your own? Or, perhaps, you’re just looking for some tools for your domestic DIY projects.
Tools are quite expensive, so it’s not possible to buy everything all at once on the first day. What’s more, there’s a huge selection to choose from, which can be frustrating when your budget is limited. So, how do you know where to start and what the essentials are?
Well, this article is here to give you an easy solution. Every woodworker needs to start with a basic arsenal of tools. And if you keep reading, you’ll get a clearer picture of what it should contain.
#1. Circular Saw
One of the first tools you need for your arsenal is a circular saw. This power tool is ideal for cutting those big bulky pieces of wood that are difficult to move around.
It’s also really good for rough dimensioning and cross-cutting. The circular saw not only lets you make precise cuts, but it’s also super fun, affordable, and easy to use.
#2. Electric Drill
Electric drills are a good investment early on. Their primary function is to drill holes into surfaces and drive fasteners through the woodwork. However, their utility doesn’t just stop there.
Electric drills can, in fact, be one of the most versatile woodworking tools. With the option to add different attachments to the drill, you can use it as a screwdriver or even as a paint mixer.
#3. Jigsaw
The jigsaw is not as frequently needed as the other tools on this list, but it’s certainly a staple in every woodworker’s toolbox. With a jigsaw, cutting wood in circles, curves, and basically any nonlinear pattern becomes a lot easier.
They’re quite easy to move and have excellent speed control, which is why they’re perfect for complicated woodwork designs.
#4. Random Orbital Sander
If you’re a woodworker in the making, I’m sure you know how difficult and time consuming it is to do the sanding by hand. This is why it’s wise to get a random orbital sander as soon as possible.
This tool is a total game-changer that will make your work much more efficient and beautiful. Because of its random sanding motion, this tool won’t leave any marks on the wood and will give your work a smoother finish.
#5. Table Saw
The table saw is a bigger purchase, but once you start using one of these babies, you’ll definitely feel like an accomplished woodworker.
Investing in a table saw will give you more productive returns, with precise and clean cuts. You’ll be able to take up bigger projects that involve tasks like board cutting, crown molding and straightening curved boards, that are not so easy with the usual tools.
#6. Router
Routers can be pretty handy and versatile tools for beginners. They’re ideal for hollowing out areas from all surfaces – whether wood, aluminum, or plastic.
Routers help to make precise cuts and are the go to tool for routing edges, making molding profiles and joining pieces of wood when designing. However, to truly make the most of your router and use it for various purposes, you’ll need to get the best quality router bits.
#7. Squares
Squares are the ultimate measuring tools for woodwork. They help ensure that all surfaces are straight and aligned, and cut at accurate angles.
While there are various types of squares with different functions, a standard square will be just fine to start off your kit. Later on, you can upgrade to framing squares and machinist squares.
#8. Chisels
Chisels are an underrated but incredibly useful tool. However, when you get your first chisels, make sure they’re good quality right off the bat. These tools come in handy for all sorts of woodworking jobs like gluing joints, reshaping wood, cleaning mortises and so much more.
When purchasing your chisels, try to get ones made of really hard material. This will reduce the need for frequent sharpening.
#9. Clamps
Any woodworking space would be incomplete without clamps. They can be used for a number of jobs, but their main function is to hold things down tightly in place.
This may sound like a simple task, but without clamps in your arsenal, your woodwork will be 10 times more difficult than it needs to be.
#10. Power Jointer
If you’re someone who does a lot of furniture or home renovation work, a power jointer would be a useful purchase. Its main function is to flatten and straighten twisted or curved pieces of wood.
So, if you have pieces of wood that you want to reuse, this will help a lot.
#11. Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws can be quite valuable for DIY home projects, but they’re an absolute necessity for more serious woodworkers, too. They can cut through crown molding, door frames and window casing quickly and with a lot of ease.
Compound miter saws are especially useful because they allow you to cut at different angles.
#12. Sawhorses
Sawhorses are a much needed addition for any woodworking space. They’re plain surfaced, table-like structures that provide support for long and heavy pieces of wood.
Using sawhorses gives you more balance and control over the object you’re working on. They’re especially useful for people who like working outdoors.
Final Thoughts
The quality of your woodwork depends greatly on the type of tools you choose. When you’re a beginner in this field, you’re most likely under a budget crunch. But that doesn’t mean your work has to suffer.
There are a lot of affordable, simple and basic tools that will get you by for the first few years. For now, start off with these efficient versatile tools in the list above.
Use the resources you have to build your skills and gain experience. And in the journey of mastering the art of woodworking with these basics, you’ll gradually find yourself levelling up your toolkit.