Woodworking can be a great hobby. Watching blocks of wood turn into functional furniture can be highly rewarding. But it can take a while for you to get all the gear you need.
So, what woodworking tools should you buy first? It’s recommended that you get the following, which will allow you to take on most projects;
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw
- Power Drill
- Hand tools
- Random orbital sander
- Shop vacuum
- Lots of clamps
- Safety gear
- Track saw
- Band saw
- Router and bits
- Measuring and marking equipment
- Sandpaper
While this might seem like a long shopping list, this equipment can be used for dozens of projects. But what should you be looking for when shopping? Let’s take a closer look at this area, so you get your woodworking workshop set-up with confidence.
You would be surprised how often this question comes up. We talk a lot about random topics like this during our live workshops on Cucamonga Woodworking. You can watch our past workshops on YouTube here(Link to Cucamonga Woodworking)
What Woodworking Tools Do I Need?
There are many woodworking tools that you might want to get. First, you’ll need to get some reliable saws to cut the wood. Then, you’ll need to get a sander. You’ll also want to get the right safety equipment and a way of keeping the workshop clean.
Before you can start woodworking, you’ll need to make sure you are getting the right equipment. This includes essential gear, like measuring tools and pencils. You’ll also need to make sure that you get plenty of clamps and wood glue. Though inexpensive, these items will form the core of your woodworking toolbox.
As you take on more advanced projects, you’ll often need more equipment. For example, you’ll need to make sure that you get a power drill and a saw to cut the wood. Let’s take a closer look at some of the items that you might require.
What Types Of Saws Do I Need When Woodworking?
One of the most critical tools will be a saw, allowing you to make cuts. You might want to consider getting a miter saw, a jigsaw, a track saw, and a band saw. Each of these will be valuable in different circumstances.
The type of saw that you require will often depend on the kind of work that you plan on taking on. With so many saws available, it can be challenging for woodworkers to know which ones they should be using.
Miter saws are used primarily for cutting angles. This makes them a good option when making joints for furniture or cutting trim for the room. You can also control the stop, so you’ll be able to cut pieces to identical lengths.
In other cases, you might want to consider using a jigsaw. Because it has a thinner blade, it will give you more control, allowing you to cut shapes. Another benefit to the jigsaw is that there are dozens of blades available. If you use the right one, you’ll be able to cut through thicker materials like drywall and steel. See my article on jigsaws to see which one I like the best(Link Here)
Another popular type of drill is the track saw. This attaches to a metal track on the workbench, allowing you to cut in a straight line. These cuts are very straight and accurate. Because they are so smooth, you might not even use sandpaper to finish them off. Also, this type of saw tends to be very portable, so you’ll be able to take it from job to job.
Finally, you might want to use the band saw. This tends to be used with thicker lumber, cutting it into more manageable sizes. The tough saw might also be able to cut through thick material, like metal. You might also be able to use it cut curves into the lumber. My article on bandsaws has a lot of additional useful information. (Link Here)
What Is The Best Saw For A Beginner?
With so many saws to choose from, it can be hard to know where you should start. It’s best to choose either a circular saw or a track saw. These both tend to be portable. They also come with plenty of online support and can make a wide range of cuts.
Many beginners feel overwhelmed at the choice of saw on the market. Each one seems to do something different. Your first saw should be either a circular saw or a track saw. These tend to be very versatile, able to make a wide range of cuts. This ensures that you’ll be able to take on a wide selection of projects.
Also, these tools can be found in portable options. This ensures that they won’t take up too much space in your workshop. In most cases, they will even come with a case to store them in.
However, one of the biggest benefits is how easy these saws are to use. It will only take a few minutes for you to get acquainted with how they work. Though they will come with an instruction manual, there are plenty of online tutorials so you can see how these tools work. It will often take a few cuts before you are fully comfortable using the saw.
What Is The Most Versatile Tool?
The track saw is one of the most versatile options for you to explore. This will be able to make precise cuts. It will also be able to cut on an angle. Because of this, it will be suitable for most tasks around the workshop.
Most people will just have the budget for one or two woodworking saws. If this is the case, you might want to consider getting a track saw. It will be suitable for most types of cuts. You’ll be able to use it to cut on an angle, making it a good choice when making joints.
Another benefit is how precise this type of saw is. As we mentioned earlier, you’ll be able to use the track saw to make sure that each piece of wood is cut to the same length. Because of this, the track saw can often form the backbone of any workshop.
What Type Of Sander Should I Get?
There are a few things to look for to make sure that you get an excellent sander. First, you’ll need to think about the type of wood that it was designed to deal with. Also, consider how it will be powered.
Once you’ve cut the wood, you’ll need to sand it. This will ensure that it’s smooth and doesn’t contain anything splinters. It can also help you prepare the wood for painting. You can choose to hand sand. This can make sense for smaller pieces, as you won’t need to waste time getting the machine set up. However, if you are facing a larger project, it makes more sense to use a sander.
There are dozens of sanding devices to choose from. Often, you’ll only need one for your woodworking projects. You can change the sandpaper, depending on the type of wood that you’ll be working with. To choose the sander, consider the type of project that you’ll be taking on. Some sanders will be designed to work with tough pieces of wood. Others will have been designed with a rounded head, to make them easier for preparing bigger areas.
For most amateur woodworkers, you’ll need to get an orbital sander. This will be suitable for the vast majority of jobs. You’ll also need to consider whether you want a corded model or one that runs on a battery pack. Which one you want to use is a matter of personal preference. See my article on orbital sanders for more useful information. (Link Here)
What Safety Equipment Do I Need When Woodworking
It’s important to make sure that you are staying safe while you are woodworking. You’ll need to make sure that you have some eye protection. You might also want to consider getting a mask and some gloves. Finally make sure that you have a vacuum cleaner, to suck up all the dust.
Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider when woodworking. Working with saws and dust can often increase the chances that you will have an accident. Thankfully, there are many ways that you’ll be able to protect yourself when you are working.
First, you’ll need to use some eye protection. This will protect you from any shards of timber that fly off unexpectedly. It will also keep the dust out of your eyes, so you can focus on what you are doing. You’ll need to make sure that you are wearing these each time that you are cutting.
Depending on the type of work you are doing, you might want to consider getting some additional safety equipment. For example, if you are working with a wood that is prone to splintering, consider wearing some gloves. If you’re cutting in an enclosed area, you might want to consider wearing a mask. This will ensure that you don’t breathe in any dust particles. This is especially important if you have breathing difficulties, like asthma.
Finally, you’ll need a way to keep your workshop clean. If there’s too much dust, you risk slipping over. It can also spark breathing issues. Thankfully, this is an easy problem to solve. Simply get a vacuum. When you’re finished cutting, you’ll be able to suck up all the dust and debris. However, you’ll need to make sure that the vacuum you choose is capable of handling the tougher conditions associated with the workshop. This can mean spending a little more to get a heavy-duty model.
My article on safety gear has a lot of great additional information. (Link Here)
What Order To Buy Woodworking Tools?
It’s best to start off with a track saw and a sander. You’ll also need to get the safety equipment. This will be all you need for most basic projects. As your experience grows, you’ll be able to add more power tools to your collection.
The way that you purchase gear will depend on two factors; your budget and your experience level. Both will grow as you continue your woodworking adventure, as you’ll be able to sell some of your work for a profit.
When you’re just starting, you don’t need to get anything too advanced. Often, you’ll just need a few basic tools like marking pencils, rulers, and wood. If money is tight, it might be easier to get started with hand tools. While it will take more effort, this equipment is much more affordable than power tools.
Before you start cutting anything, make sure that you have safety equipment. This doesn’t require a lot of money to purchase. Also, if you get good equipment, it will be able to last you for a long time.
When you are ready to start buying power tools, you might want to start with a track saw. As we mentioned earlier, this is the most versatile option for you to explore. This ensures that you’ll be able to use it to take on a wide range of projects. While they are useful, they can also be a little pricier.
Next, you’ll need to make sure that you have a good sander. This will save you from sanding down everything by hand, saving you plenty of time. It’s best to choose an orbital sander, as you can use it in the widest range of circumstances.
As you start to expand your knowledge base further, you might want to start taking on more advanced projects. Often, this will mean purchasing more power tools. It’s best to get these as you need them.
It will often take a few years before you have all the equipment you need to take on any woodworking project. However, if you follow this plan, you’ll know how each of the devices work and the best circumstances in which to use them.
What Is The Best Brand Of Woodworking Tools?
There are several brands that have proven that they produce exceptional woodworking tools. These are DeWalt and Makita. If you want a more affordable manufacturer, you might want to consider Black and Decker or Ryobi.
There are dozens of tools available on the market. Trying to choose between them all can be difficult. Because of this, you might want to focus on the brand, to help you determine the type of quality that you’ll be able to achieve. It will also assure you that you’ll be able to get any issues fixed and the equipment will last for a long time.
If you’re looking for some of the best tools on the market, you might want to consider brands like DeWalt and Makita. These have been around for many years, with a long history of producing quality tools. However, this can often come with a cost. They tend to be on the higher end of the market.
If you are looking for something more affordable, you might want to think about purchasing from a company like Black and Decker or Ryobi. While these might have lower prices, they tend to maintain high quality. Also, these manufacturers tend to back their products, providing reasonable warranties. I have some of my recommendations in this article. (Link Here)
If you aren’t sure about the quality of the tools that you are considering, it’s best to read through some online reviews. This will give you a better idea of what the customers are saying about the product. If you see something that has a lot of poor reviews, move on to the next option.
You might also want to consider the type of warranty that they offer. If something goes wrong, you want the assurance that you’ll be able to get the tool fixed. The length of the warranty period should be listed in the product specifications. It should be noted that most warranties won’t apply to issues that you caused yourself. So, make sure that you take some time to read the instructions before you start using the tools.
How Much Should I Pay For Equipment?
The amount that you will need to pay for your woodworking equipment will vary. Some people might prefer to spend a little more to get the higher-end materials. These can give additional features and will last longer. If you want to save money, you might want to stick to the more basic models.
Woodworking will often require a lot of specialized equipment. Because of this, it can be a more expensive hobby. To give you a better idea of how much you should expect to pay, you can use this table. It lists the prices for the lower end base models and the higher-end models. Remember, this is only a guide and the prices can change over time.
| Tool | Lower Cost | Higher Cost |
| Track Saw | $150-$300 | $1,250-$3,000 |
| Miter Saw | $150-$300 | $500-$1,500 |
| Jig Saw | $30-$100 | $150-$250 |
| Power Drill | $80-100 | $250-$300 |
| Hand Tools (Hand Plane, Filer, Hole Punch, etc.) | $50-$100 | $150-$200 |
| Orbital Sander | $50-$125 | $250-$550 |
| Workshop Vacuum | $50-$150 | $250-$500 |
| Clamps | $20-$35 | $40-$70 |
| Safety Gear | $15-$30 | $50 |
| Band Saw | $150-$400 | $600-$800 |
| Sand Paper | $5-$10 | $15 |
| Wood Glue | $5-$10 | $15 |
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to make your own furniture or floor trim or want to sell handmade crafts for extra cash, woodworking can be a great hobby. You don’t need a lot of equipment. Often a basic track saw will be a good investment. As your confidence grows, you’ll be able to take on more advanced projects and work with more complex tools.